9 Heavy Tees That Are as Comfy as a Weighted Blanket
Add a bit of heft and durability to your T-shirts
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Heavy and T-shirt aren’t two words you usually associate together. The idea is to keep it light and cool, right?
But given the current weather, we don’t necessarily want something flimsy for a 40 degree day. Even headed into spring, it’s better to have a hefty, rugged tee that’s gonna stave of some of that seasonal chill, no?
Heavy tees provide a bit of extra warmth, and they’re great for layering! Throw a bomber or hoodie over one of these and you’ll be fine through most spring extremes, while having a bit more movement and freedom than if you were wearing something long-sleeved. (And when it does get a little sweaty out? While not moisture wicking or “technical” in any way, they’re good at discreetly absorbing — or hiding — sweat. Yes, TMI.)
From my experience, the “heavier” shirts — defined loosely as shirts that weigh 6 oz or more, or about 2 oz and change above a regular tee — have more structure and last longer. I’ve had the same American Giant shirts for about six years, and only just now am I considering a refresh.
Plus, these heavy tees are no more or less comfortable to wear than an average T-shirt. But can they also provide a sort of mental comfort? Richer Poorer just debuted a weighted tee that purposely aims to be the “equivalent of a weighted blanket.” We tested it out, and it’s one of the examples of a heavy tee we recommend below.
Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Vintage Surplus Heavy Tee
Cut from heavy, Army surplus-inspired cotton, this soft but hefty shirt is about three times heavier than your average tee.
Richer Poorer Weighted Tee
Available in five colors, these 180 gsm organic cotton shirts are an aesthetic step above the average heavyweight. They feel strong and tight but not oppressively heavy. One tip: The slim fit is no lie. You’ll want to size up.
Dickies Short Sleeve Heavyweight Crew Neck T-Shirt
It doesn’t get much more classically sturdy than Dickies. The heritage workwear brand’s rendition of the heavyweight tee is perfect as an undershirt or layer on a crisp (or fridgid) day.
Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee
As we noted in a review a few years back, this standout (which you’ll want to size up) is “made using both upcycled and recycled yarns — a process which uses no water, as opposed to the 1,200 gallons a shirt would normally use — which combine to produce a beefy fabric that’ll last you at least twice as long as the typical T-shirt.”
Everlane Premium-Weight Crew
These get softer the longer you wear ‘em, and they arrive with a 365-day guarantee.
Mott & Bow Heavyweight Pocket Tee Carlton
Leave it to a denim brand to craft a very heavy (8.3 oz) minimalist tee. But like their jeans, it’s deceptively comfy while it feels durable.
3sixteen Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt
Search for heavy tees online and this made-in-the-USA shirt will pop up repeatedly. Note: Arrives in a two-pack. And it’ll shrink a bit on first wash.
Camber 301 Max-Weight Heavyweight T-Shirt
“Built like a tank” is a good selling point for this monochromatic 8 oz tee, made in America and available in 11 colors.
Los Angeles Apparel Garment Dye Crew Neck
If you miss the old American Apparel — made in the USA, fair wages, great prices, questionable marketing — Dov Charney’s follow-up brand is pretty much the same thing. Higher neck line, slightly more generous fit and a little more colorful with a “lived in” vibe.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself of for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
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