What is the Best Affordable White T Shirt For Men? Bronson vs. Hanes vs. Costco / Kirkland

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[@telemarktumalo6978]

Well done and thanks for doing these reviews. Appreciate your passion for what is perhaps the simplest of garments. So many ways to get it right and vice versa. My pet peeves include boxy shaped t-shirts (I prefer my shirts to taper from shoulder to waist), t-shirts that are excessively long and collars that are very tight or lose their shape with wear.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah a lot of pitfalls with t shirts and it's rare to get one that hits all of your marks

[@telemarktumalo6978]

@@almostvintagestyle I really appreciate the reviews on the Whitesville (Hinoa) and Merz B. Schwanen (direct from mother ship) t-shirts. Both have become staples for summer daily wear. The 114 Merz B. Scwanen is the most comfortable t-shirt I have ever tried. The material reminds me of a quality cycling base layer. I purchased a couple of the Bronson t-shirts last year and they don't get worn much. The material is somewhat coarse and a boxy fit that doesn't work for me.

[@lensofben]

Surprised to see no one else has mentioned the mens Uniqlo U crew neck tees. They're around a 7 oz fabric with reinforced collar for $15-$20 each, which is way better than the price of the Bronsons. Only thing is the length is a little short.

[@mattdalton1]

I agree, and find them to be great for the money. At 5’10” wearing a size large the length is fine, not too short for me, but we’re all different. Thanks for mentioning them.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'll have to look into these. A couple people have mentioned them to me

[@Monkeyman15687]

I’ve a few Bronson products and don’t have a problem with any of it. Their sizing is schizophrenic to say the least but I’ve managed so far. There are certain items I wouldn’t touch for the money because I’ve rather pay a little more for a better product. In saying that, I’m a fan of Henley’s and I’ve owned far more expensive ones than the Bronson version and the quality wasn’t that far ahead. I think at the end of the day, budget counts for a lot of folks. I’m just not as discerning as yourself.

[@RoadToHeritage]

I also only have their Henley shirts and they’ve been holding up very well. For how I quickly I go through shirts I don’t really want to spend 100$ on just one merz b. schwanen Henley. Black Friday I was able to get like 5 Bronson Henley for 100$. Can’t really beat that for a Henley

[@almostvintagestyle]

It's not just about the quality it's also about the deceptive marketing, lack of transparency, questionable ethics, etc. They're not a horrible value and I can see why people like the products themselves even if they're not my favorite

[@UranTCG]

@@almostvintagestyle I wonder how much knowing they were a more or less chinese company and that the "loopwheel tubular" tees were just tubular knit before I ever opened their site changed my impressions about their marketing. I don't think I've encountered anyone thinking they weren't a chinese company or believing that they made loophweel shirts for $30. I guess the deceptive marketing doesn't bother me so much when I already know the truth, though I would like to learn more about the labor that goes into it.

[@shotgunsteve93]

I have the Bronson Wabash shirt, and for $40 its a solid value. The construction is good, but the material is obviously sub par when compared to its other (Japanese) contemporaries. I probably won't buy any more of their garments, but I can see how they can be an entry level brand on some garments for some folks.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah like I said the regular t shirt was decent, I was much more annoyed at the supposed repro

[@Bluerig-qf2xc]

Appreciate you pointing out the deceptive marketing practices that Bronson uses

[@almostvintagestyle]

Glad you appreciated that! A lot of people get defensive about Bronson for some odd reason

[@DMorgan77]

This was great, Jake. I don’t own any Bronson products, but I found your assessment of them to be reasonable. I also really appreciate you providing alternatives, that basically for the same price, are objectively better.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thank you! Yeah I used to think they were a bargain price, but the more I look into it snd think about it, the more I realize that they're not

[@DMorgan77]

@@almostvintagestyle your work is appreciated. I was close to purchasing a tee from them recently, but will hold out for a “better” one.

[@josephbubash1662]

Bronson has been hit or miss for me. I have gotten really great items, but also ones that have a very poor pattern for what they try to emulate.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah they have had big misses, but some stuff is ok. I just don't love how much they try to hide that they're made in China

[@SidW-l4z]

Companies should take pride in their products and where they’re made. I love Grant stone boots and their craftsmanship. My Dune Longwings are exceptional as are my 2 pairs of boots in Badalassi and Horween cxl.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I agree. Grant Stone takes pride in their products. Many other brands do as well, but there are some thay I feel don't do that

[@SidW-l4z]

The shirts were worn tight because they were originally UNDER shirts.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yup and I like that look. I have plenty of photos of them being worn tightly still as outerwear back in the 40s - 60s

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Certain made in China heritage themed products get a pass. Why not Bronson? The price is about right when you factor in sizing, quality, marketing and availability.

[@almostvintagestyle]

It's the dishonesty that bothers me most. Also, lack of knowing if the cotton comes from Xinjiang or not. For boots, that's obviously not a worry.

[@stevenkoppelkam643]

Side seems don't tend to bother me, especially if done well like on wonderlooper tshirts

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's fair. That's a fairly subjective thing

[@t4rbrah899]

Pro club or shaka wear isn't too bad and it's pretty heavy weight.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'll look into them thanks!

[@derrickmartin9717]

when are the Whitesville tees ever in stock at Hinoya? I never see them in stock when I go looking.

[@almostvintagestyle]

They were actually in stock a month or 2 ago. You just have to check very consistently

[@rtdonnel]

I agree with all your points on the Bronson Ts and their (mis)representation of their products. I second your pushing the Whitesville Ts; they are incredible and not much more if you get them directly from Japan. Lady White Co is a decent option as well. One thing that is a factor with the Whitesville or Lady White Co Ts is the wait for them to be in stock, which many that are looking for T shirts in this category may not be willing to do. I would definitely be interested in the video you mentioned at the end on finding high quality Japanese, heritage, and vintage from the cost effective avenues.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! Glad to hear it. Yes a lot of the good t shirts that are solid value like lady white and whitesville sell out a lot, but then again Bronson sells out of a lot of sizes too.

[@Sithhunter]

Thanks for your insight especially regarding Bronson. I have ordered a couple items from them and they are very hit or miss regarding quality (on some items they provide great value). As someone else mentioned their sizing is awful and not consistent at all. Additionally, I bought a chambray shirt that I have washed at least four times and cannot get the damn smelly fishy stank to come off it. Thanks again for your reviews which are very helpful and entertaining. Cheers! 🍻

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah I don't like their inconsistency

[@brunonjezic6208]

Interesting. It totally doesn't fit my experience. 2 Bronson shirts i own hold up great over a year with no pilling or loose colors and i enjoy them more than most of my shirts. Merz is nicer but i don't feel comfortable to ware it so freely due to the price and i didn't find any other heavy weight shirts like that. Also customer service explained me difference between they're loopweeled and tubilar heavy tshirts with mention tube is mode on traditional machine. That looped one has crazy slanted pocket design that i absolutely love (that is the older ine that didn't have sleeve pocket as the current one does). I feel your hate to it is coming from the idea they are outsourced and too expensive for that with addition of not saying that. I guess in case they are domestic Chinese brand "higher prices" would be a good thing considering the hope for change of stigma of china stuff being cheep and bad. I just didn't understand did they not answer about them being domestic or outsourced or you didn't qsk them that?

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'm glad you like yours. I'm not a fan of mine, especially the supposed repro one.

[@gablevancleave8139]

Before Marlon Brando in a streetcar named desire changed the game on t shirts, they were considered an undergarment. That makes a lot more sense to me as to why they were tight fitting

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah and I personally like that type of fit

[@bignicktex]

I like my Costco tshirts. I thought the taping on the collar was great for the price.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Glad to hear it

[@JasonCheeeseball]

Dieworkwear has written thst many made in usa garments are unethical too. I buy lady white which is pricey made in usa so i dont think it falls into the category however. Although i am more into other types of menswear, one of the cool tailoring brands i know always gets shit on every time by normal customers when they mention they are made in china so at some point they just hide it instead of being proud of it since the transparency approach doesnt work when people's minds are warped

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yes and I have mentioned that in videos as well that not all made in USA products are ethical. I just don't like Bronson's marketing and I don't think they're actually very good value

[@madbrainmakesnosense8229]

Interesting view on the bronson shirt. I just ordered my first bronson products, I have to say i am pretty satisfied. (never washed tho) . I agree, the t shirts are pretty expensive for what they are. Bought a wabash workshirt and an A-3 cap, both are better priced than the t-shirts. Sizing was weird (needed to buy xl instead of m when buying european made shirts) , but they offered me good assistance with my order. I thought Bronson is a 100% chinese company. But I agree, not much information to find.

[@stevenkoppelkam643]

I got a couple Bronson shirts, found them kinda scratchy. Never got better with multiple washes either

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah I dislike how little information they give. And yes some other products are better value. The shirt you mentioned is a much better deal than the t shirts are

[@ery2928]

I believe bronson is based in hong kong

[@almostvintagestyle]

Ah ok thats interesting. Thanks

[@chrisdiaz7615]

Want the best for the best deal that you can get not cheap just good deals that would be sweet love the video Btw Thank You

[@almostvintagestyle]

In my opinion that would be Whitesville

[@chrisdiaz7615]

@@almostvintagestyle Thank you I'll check them out immediately

[@almostvintagestyle]

You're welcome !

[@alanward4671]

I've never tried any Bronson products because of the lack of transparency, but in fairness that's a problem which goes way beyond just Bronson. Xinjiang province produces (I think) about 80% of China's cotton and some of it is made as purely and traditionally as you could want, and much of it is made on the back of forced labour in internment camps. I can't know which so I look elsewhere, although I still have to do much, much, much better when it comes to buying ethically, particularly because I'm really only buying for myself. On a far lighter note, and on the subject of shoddy necklines, how about LVC's 1950s sportswear tee? I believe the RRP is now about £80 here in the UK for the worst neckline you'll find anywhere, even on the cheapest tees. And I get grief for spending less on brands like Samurai and Merz B.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yes I agree its a problem with many companies within the industry sadly. The Xinjiang cotton issue is extremely disturbing

[@danielchen1813]

🎉🎉🎉

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks!

[@sonitty]

I’ve got a lot of expensive T-shirt’s… iron heart, ues, 3sixteen, lady white, flathead and the Bronson guesset tubular is def one of my favorites. They have terrible customer service, horrible shipping partners and if your order ever has a problem then good luck. It’s obvious the cs reps speak very poor English. For this reason I would not buy again but everything I have froom them Is A+ for the price but I am no longer a customer.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Wow thats pretty bad customer service. Good to know your thoughts thanks!

[@natureins4644]

Good review as always. With regards to Costco shoppers, they earn on average 125K a year. ( 3-year old data so most likely more now). They buy Kirkland products like t-shirts that you reviewed thinking that they got good products for excellent price. They don't understand that they are in reality buying a mediocre t-shirt for excellent price manufactured likely in some environment polluting sweatshop. And yes folks need to become a bit more socially conscious.

[@angel2-93]

Then what do you recommend buying instead?

[@natureins4644]

​@@angel2-93 My philosophy is to buy better quality and wear it more often bringing the price per wear down so called cost per wear (CPW). Almost Vintage made plenty of good recommendations including American Giant, which ranges in price from $12.98 at Walmart (large logo is annoying though) to $40 or Merz B Schwanen.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah the Costco t shirts are definitely still problematic snd they're not great, but I can't deny that they're good value from a buyer perspective

[@RSN1748]

I swear by kirkland tshirts.

[@almostvintagestyle]

They're quite popular

[@janoschfoerster2921]

You were talking about white field (?) Tshirts made in Japan. Could you elaborate on those, where to find them and what makes them superior? Thank you!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Whitesville t shirts. They come in 2 packs, are shrink to fit, 100% cotton tube knit and are great value for money

[@mikecon7634]

Do you know anything about the True Classic brand t-shirts?

[@taiteyard3567]

Overpriced polyester garbage. You can buy those tees for around $5 a piece from other places that use the exact same manufacturer. That being said, they do fit great like advertised. I’d rather buy a shirt made from natural fabrics like cotton, merino wool, etc. They lasted me around 3-4 years, but they eventually started to stink even after a wash, especially in the pit area. I suspect all of that is due to the high polyester content. They also started to pill.

[@mikecon7634]

Tks

[@almostvintagestyle]

No I will have to check them out

[@sausage_fingers666]

I hate everything that Bronson mfg makes. Everything looks cheap and wrong. 😂

[@almostvintagestyle]

They're faking being a heritage brand

[@RLSteffler]

Sometimes people say "I really wanted to like it but..." This is the opposite.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I wouldn't say opposite

[@Watchesnwardrobe]

Should have titled this video “Bronson mfg is B.S.”

[@almostvintagestyle]

Well I did tall about other brands as well...

[@Watchesnwardrobe]

@@almostvintagestyle oh yeah I know, and that was great, don’t get me wrong the Bronson systematic destruction was my favorite part, I love when people have strong opinions and aren’t scared to voice them 🫡👏

[@almostvintagestyle]

Glad to hear that! Some people really dislike the fact that I have opinions.

[@RLSteffler]

It's honestly hilarious how much you fixate on certain things. I've worn and washed my Bronson way more than you and the collar is fine. Naked & Famous is my favourite brand in the world and their Canadian made T shirts don't come anywhere near Bronson's. The "loopwheel" and then the US cotton 9 oz are both worth getting multiple colours.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I don't think I fixated on any one thing. I pointed out the many flaws of Bronson products and talked about the pros and cons of other products.