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Someone in NEOCOCO's signature hand embroidered tee.
13 Nov
Someone in NEOCOCO's signature hand embroidered tee.

12 More Sustainable (Not So) Basic T-Shirts We Love

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Let’s come right out and say it—whether paired with jeans, shorts, or a skirt, a basic t-shirt is the go-to for anyone who just wants to go simple, and never ever go wrong.

However, you may feel like that styling is a little too basic. We’ve all been there.

Even though adding jewellery or a scarf is certainly an option to give a personal touch to this look, that means losing the ease of a tee-and-denim combo. But don’t give up entirely on this classic ensemble: there is a solution, and it’s our list of not-so-basic more sustainable t-shirts!

We’ve picked some of our favourite t-shirts with a twist, all from brands that are committed to sustainable environmental policies, workers rights, and respect for animals. Music to our ears, and more sustainable t-shirts to your doorstep.

Plant Faced Clothing

Rated: Good
pink delete meat t-shirt by plant faced clothing

Delete Meat Candy Pink T-Shirt – Ships internationally from the US

Is there a better way to add personality to a basic t-shirt than with a slogan? Probably not, especially if that slogan is spreading awareness on the plant-based movement and the tee is ethically made, crafted from 100% organic cotton, and printed with lower-impact water based inks like the ones by Plant Faced Clothing!

Find the tee in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Plant Faced.

337 BRAND

Rated: Good
woman wearing white 337 brand tshirt

Circularity T-Shirt – Ships internationally from the US

Looks like the most basic of t-shirts, but hides a secret: 337 BRAND’s Circularity T-Shirt is made circular, with recycled cotton and recycled polyester. A relaxed fit, crew neck t-shirt that’s soft and comfortable with slouchy shoulders. Your new favorite basic (but not too basic!) for now and forever.

Find the range in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop 337 BRAND.

Neococo

Rated: Good
person laughing in t-shirt and close up of artwork by Neococo

Formation Tee – Ships internationally from the US

Going beyond celebrating women, the Formation Tee by NEOCOCO features unique hand embroidered artwork aimed at sparking conversation around its female crafters and inspire hope. With each piece helping to support refugee women by providing community and equitable job opportunities, you can do good while staying cool.

Offered in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop NEOCOCO.

Mother of Pearl

Rated: Good
woman wearing sustainable grey tshirt with pearls from mother of pearl

Mintie Grey Shirt – Ships internationally from the UK

Bling bling. Hands up if you love tiny shiny things! Now, keep your hands up if you’re passionate about sustainable fashion—alright, you’re going to love Mother of Pearl’s Mintie Shirt, a not-so basic tee with shiny little details on the sleeves, designed to be longer than a usual t-shirt and perfect for layering. A true celebration of individuality and authenticity.

Find most products in UK sizes 6-16.

See the rating.

Shop Mother of Pearl.

Shop Mother of Pearl @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop Mother of Pearl Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

LOVETRUST

Rated: Good
Someone in organic cotton ruffle sleeved tee by LOVETRUST.

Ella Ruffle Sleeve Tee – Ships within the US

If you’re looking for a decorative touch to your staple crewnecks, LOVETRUST has got one for you. Elevating a classic cut, this tee brings a playful and wearable take on a embellished sleeve. Cut from organic cotton and more ethically crafted, it looks as good with a tailored trouser as it does with jeans.

Find it in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop LOVETRUST.

WAWWA

Rated: Good
someone in Rise t-shirt by WAWWA

Rise T-shirt – Ships internationally from the UK

With a vibrant sky blue water based graphic, ‘Good’ brand WAWWA’s Rise tee features a moving message reflecting how our world is undergoing radical changes due to human-caused climate change. It’s also made of organic cotton and produced locally, in case you needed more reasons to get on board with it!

Offered in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop WAWWA.

Afends

Rated: Good
man and woman wearing black tshirt with flower logo from afends

Legacy Retro Fit Tee – Ships internationally from Australia

If you’re a woman and have never stolen a tee from your boyfriend, brother, dad, or mate’s closet… you’re probably lying! The so-called (but also, literally speaking) “boyfriend tee” is the perfect piece to wear for an easy look that is not so basic thanks to the boxy design and streetwear feeling. Afends has you covered with its Legacy t-shirt, a unisex garment that makes everybody happy as it can easily move from your boyfriend’s closet to yours. And vice-versa, if he’s lucky.

Find most of the range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

The Classic T-Shirt Company

Rated: Good
dark green ethical t-shirt by the classic t-shirt company

Womens Short Sleeve V Neck – Ships internationally from the US

When thinking about basic t-shirts, most people’s minds go to crew neck tees. The Classic T-Shirt Company offers a range of crewnecks for both men and women, all crafted from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton—but if you like to give your look a twist (without really daring too much), go for a v-neck in plain green instead. A not so basic t-shirt that suits every body shape.

Find the shirt in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop The Classic T-Shirt Company.

Shop The Classic T-Shirt Company @ Urbankissed.

The R Collective

Rated: Great
woman wearing sustainable navy tshirt by the r collective

ORDO TEE – Ships internationally from Hong Kong

The Ordo Tee by The R-Collective showcases their zero waste design principle perfectly. The relaxed silhouette and raglan sleeve make it an absolute go-to for a casual put-together look. This 100% upcycled cotton tee is the living proof that rescued excess materials can turn into gorgeous pieces!

Find most items in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop The R Collective.

Shop The R Collective @ ourCommonplace.

Kowtow

Rated: Good
woman wearing light pink v neck t-shirt by kowtow

Rose V Neck Tee – Ships internationally from New Zealand

A short sleeve tee made from lightweight organic cotton jersey with a relaxed fit and a low, scooped neckline for those days when you feel like showing a little more skin. Kowtow is the go-to responsible brand for elegant, timeless womenswear—the perfect place if you’re looking for a not so basic more sustainable t-shirt like this one.

Offered in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Kowtow.

Mila.Vert

Rated: Great
woman wearing basic white t-shirt by mila vert

Short-Sleeved Top – Ships internationally from Slovenia

Offers

Someone wearing a cream midi dress, and coats, by Mila.Vert.

Mila.Vert – Pre-Order

Mila.Vert's pre-order system helps reduce waste by ensuring that no excess garments are created. Save 30% when pre-ordering. (Ends: 26 APR)

Shop now

Mila.Vert offers timeless, minimal, and chic clothing, adding sophisticated details that give the garments a modern feel. The Slovenia-based brand wants to make desirable clothing, avoiding the ethical and environmental issues that the fashion industry represents. For those who love clean, minimalistic esthetics but still want to look different: this casually elegant basic t-shirt has got short sleeves that are not-so-short, and is ethically crafted from premium 100% organic cotton jersey in the EU.

Find the top in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Mila.Vert.

RÆBURN

Rated: Good
woman wearing white and yellow tshirt from raeburn

Air Brake Cuff Tee White – Ships internationally from the UK

RÆBURN definitely puts its unique signature on basic t-shirts, and your outfit can benefit from that. Add a line of highlighter to the sleeves: this tee’s sleeve cuffs have been bordered with off-cuts from Air Brake’s parachutes—making it a not so basic t-shirt, as well as zero waste and just damn cool.

Offered in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop RÆBURN @ Farfetch.

Editor's note

Feature image via Neococo, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. Use our Directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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