Work T-shirts: Types, materials, brands, and how to choose the best one. Updated 2025

Work T-Shirts are also suitable for leisure activities

Work t-shirts are designed to provide maximum comfort, functionality, and durability even in tough conditions. They are popular in industries such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, and healthcare, but thanks to their quality, they have also found a place in leisure wardrobes. They are often made from durable materials like thicker cotton or blends with elastane, polyester, or functional fibers, ensuring breathability and long-lasting performance.

The advantage of work t-shirts is their wide variability – there are classic models for everyday wear, t-shirts with reflective elements for better visibility, ESD t-shirts for the electronics industry, or antibacterial t-shirts for healthcare. In addition to protection and comfort, they offer the possibility of company branding through printing or embroidery of logos, enhancing the professional image of the company.

How do we categorize work t-shirts?

Work t-shirts are not all the same – they differ in materials, functional properties, cuts, and color options. The choice of the right t-shirt depends on the specific profession and the requirements for comfort, safety, and a professional appearance. Let’s take a look at the main categories that will help you choose the ideal work t-shirt.

Work t-shirts by design and category

When choosing a work t-shirt, it’s important to consider not only the material but also its specific design. The most common are short-sleeve t-shirts, which are versatile and suitable for warm weather or as an underlayer for workwear. On the other hand, long-sleeve t-shirts offer better protection for the arms against cold, sunlight, or mechanical damage. For women, there are women's work t-shirts with an adjusted fit to ensure a better fit and comfort.

In addition to the classic options, there are also special categories such as functional and technical t-shirts made from breathable and quick-drying materials, ideal for demanding physical work. When working with electronic components, antistatic ESD t-shirts are essential to prevent electrostatic discharge. For occupations where visibility is important, there are reflective t-shirts with special elements to enhance safety. In cold conditions, you will appreciate thermal t-shirts, which help maintain body heat. For better adjustment and comfort, t-shirts with elastane are ideal, as the stretchy material allows for better movement and a better fit on the body.

Choose work t-shirts by color

Work t-shirts are available in various colors, which can be matched with company uniforms or meet safety requirements. Some industries prefer dark colors due to lower visibility of dirt, while reflective and bright shades enhance workplace safety.

What to consider when choosing the right work t-shirt?

Choosing the right work t-shirt depends on several factors such as material, fabric weight, fit, and special features. Each t-shirt should meet the requirements for comfort, durability, and functionality in the specific work environment. Let’s take a look at the most important parameters to consider when buying.

T-shirt material: Cotton is the foundation, elastane blend is a great benefit

The choice of material affects the comfort, durability, and functional properties of the work t-shirt. The most commonly used materials include:

• Cotton – soft to the touch, breathable, and good at absorbing sweat. Ideal for all-day wear at work
• Polyester – enhances the t-shirt's durability, speeds up drying, and provides better elasticity. Often mixed with cotton
• Polyamide – used in technical t-shirts for its high abrasion resistance and better breathability
• Elastane – added in small amounts (2-5%) to give the t-shirt more stretch and better fit
• Blended materials – combine the benefits of multiple fibers, such as cotton and polyester, to ensure longer life and comfort

Each material has its advantages and is suitable for different work environments. Cotton t-shirts are ideal for everyday wear, while polyester and polyamide variants offer better resistance to mechanical stress and moisture.

Fabric weight determines t-shirt density

The fabric weight determines the thickness and density of a work t-shirt. A lower fabric weight means a lighter and more breathable t-shirt, while a higher fabric weight ensures greater durability and thermal insulation. Work t-shirts typically range from 140 – 230 g/m²:

• 140 – 160 g/m² – thin, lightweight t-shirts suitable for warm environments or as an underlayer for work clothing
• 170 – 190 g/m² – standard weight for work t-shirts, providing a good balance between comfort and durability
• 200 – 230 g/m² – thicker and more durable t-shirts suitable for colder conditions or more demanding physical work

A higher grammage means not only greater resistance to wear but also a better ability to maintain shape even after multiple washes.

With or without a collar?

Work t-shirts come with various neckline finishes that affect not only aesthetics but also comfort during wear. The classic round neckline (crew neck) is the most common and versatile, providing good coverage and comfort. The V-neck is popular for a more elegant look or if someone prefers a looser feeling around the neck. A less common but still used variant is the Henley neckline, which has a short button placket and offers a combination of sporty and work style. The choice of neckline depends primarily on personal preference and the work environment.

Reflective t-shirts increase visibility

Reflective t-shirts are specially designed to increase the visibility of workers in hazardous or poor lighting conditions. They are made from highly visible colors such as yellow, orange, or green, and often feature reflective stripes that reflect light. These t-shirts are essential for workers on the road, in construction, or in industry, where it is important to be highly visible even in low light conditions.

ESD t-shirts are a must for electronics manufacturing

ESD t-shirts (Electrostatic Discharge) are specially designed for protection against electrostatic discharge that could damage sensitive electronic components. They are made from materials with conductive fibers that dissipate static charge and prevent its buildup on the body surface. This type of clothing is mandatory in the electronics industry, semiconductor manufacturing, laboratories, or environments with strict anti-static requirements. ESD properties are ensured by combining special materials and manufacturing processes that meet strict standards, such as EN 61340-5-1.

ESD t-shirts not only protect electronics from damage but also reduce the risk of sparks, which is important in areas where flammable substances are handled.

Logo printing or embroidery: Boost your prestige with promotional textiles

Corporate clothing with logo prints or embroidery significantly contributes to the company's professional image. Work t-shirts with logos not only increase the credibility of employees but also act as effective advertising – wherever your workers appear, they represent your brand. The first impression is key, and a uniform work outfit with corporate branding helps create a positive image in the eyes of customers.

When choosing the right print, it is important to consider not only the aesthetics but also durability. Workwear is exposed to frequent washing, mechanical strain, and various weather conditions, so high-quality printing is essential.

Most common methods of promotional t-shirt printing

• Screen printing – one of the most durable and commonly used techniques. The color is applied directly to the fabric through a special stencil, creating a resistant and rich print. Ideal for large quantities
• Heat transfer print – used for small batches. The design is first printed onto special paper and then transferred to the fabric using heat
• Sublimation print – ideal for polyester t-shirts. In this technique, the color penetrates the fabric, making the print extremely resistant to washing and abrasion
• Flex and flock film – used for simple logos and text. The print is cut from special film and pressed onto the t-shirt. Flex is smooth and glossy, while flock has a slightly velvety texture
• Embroidery – the most luxurious and durable form of branding. It is ideal for high-quality work t-shirts where representativeness and long-lasting durability are important

Top-selling work t-shirts? These are the current bestsellers

When choosing a work t-shirt, customers often base their decision on the quality of the material, comfort, and durability. Some models have become bestsellers due to their reliability, popular cut, or good price. Take a look at the top-selling work t-shirts that customers most frequently choose.

Discover work polo shirts: A combination of elegance and functionality

Work polo shirts are a great alternative to regular t-shirts, especially if you want to combine comfort with a more professional look. Unlike a classic t-shirt, a polo shirt features a collar and button fastening, giving it a more elegant and representative appearance. Despite this stylish detail, it still retains all the benefits of a work t-shirt – it is comfortable, breathable, and available in various materials, fabric weights, and color options.

Just like t-shirts, work polo shirts are made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of both, with fabric weights ranging from lighter to thicker and more durable models. They are the perfect choice for those who want to look professional while feeling comfortable throughout the workday.