This is a comparison of several slim-fit t-shirts, providing an unbiased look at measurements, fit, and quality.
2026 UPDATE: TST has brought back the OG! Also, added Charm Empires Trailblazer Slim tee to the mix.
Background: I am 5' 10", 150lb. Long arms, wide shoulders, somewhat muscular. But thin, which makes finding a good fitting T-shirt a challenge, particular finding one that doesn't feel or look like I'm wearing a table cloth. I own mostly TALLslimTees (TST), both long and short sleeve. Small size. Made of 50/50 cotton/polyester blend. Minimal shrinkage with 100% dryer use. They are (or were) my favorite fitting T-shirts; not perfect but close enough. They last more than 5 years if taken care of. Some I've owned for probably 7 or 8 years now, but the fabric is finally starting to pile and while they are still fully intact, they are looking worn. When I bought them they cost between $16 and $24 depending on how far back I go and whether they were on sale. A few years ago Tall Slim Tees stopped offering those blended shirts and went to all polyester fabric. Terrible choice, in my opinion, because polyester traps body odor and I can literally walk out into the sun for 10 minutes and smell like a gym bag when I walk back inside.
0. BASELINE: Original Tall Slim Tee short sleeve crew neck, Small
Material: 50/50 cotton blend, on the heavier side but not overly suffocating in heat.
Torso: Perfect fit around the belly for us skinny wearers (will show beer belly for those that have them)
Length: About 1-2" longer than I'd like, falls to about the bottom of the zipper of my shorts/pants.
Sleeves: Slightly longer than half way down the bicep, tight but not stretched against muscle for someone that does daily curls
Shoulders: Slightly narrower than I'd like
Collar: A little on the tight side, especially if working out and focused on neck/shoulders. No curling.
Consistency: Perfect. Never received a bad fitting Tee
Tag: Printed on material, back of neck
Cost: No longer available
1. Next Level Men's Baby Rib Collar Premium T-Shirt, Turquoise, Medium
Material: 60/40 cotton blend, not overly thin but perhaps just slightly thinner than TST.
Torso: 1"+ wider than TST, but still usable. Definitely does not have the tablecloth appearance as with most T-shirts
Length: Same as TST
Sleeves: Maybe 1/2" shorter than TST, looser around the bicep
Shoulders: 1/2" wider than TST
Collar: Similar size as TST. Doesn't appear to want to curl yet, but I suspect it will eventually based on the stitching.
Consistency: Only ordered 1 so far, so TBD
Tag: Stitched, back of neck
Cost: $8, as of 2025
2. H2H Men Cotton Blend Crew Neck Classic & Stylish Typical Type T-Shirts DARKBLUE, Medium
Material: 60/40 cotton blend, thinner than TST. I suspect it's shrinking as well.
Torso: Same as TST
Length: Same as TST
Sleeves: About 1/2-1" shorter than TST, looser around the bicep
Shoulders: Same as TST
Collar: Similar fit as TST. Looks good and reinforced with an off-color, hidden fabric strip
Consistency: Only ordered 1 so far, so TBD
Tag: Printed on material, back of neck
Cost: $16, as of 2025
After one year the H2H shirt is showing signs of wear-and-tear.
3. Charm Empire Trailblazers Slim Fit, Black, Large
Material: 60/40 cotton blend, similar weight as TST.
Torso: Same as TST
Length: Same as TST
Sleeves: Nearly the same as TST, perhaps 1/2" shorter than TST but much tighter around the bicep
Shoulders: Same as TST
Collar: Similar fit as TST.
Consistency: Ordered 3-pack, all three fit identically
Tag: Printed on material, back of neck
Cost: $10, as of 2026 ($30 for 3-pack)
Summary
After one year of evaluation of H2H and Next Level I have dropped the H2H due to it's inability to hold up.
I still wear the next level shirt but prefer the TST more. The new Charm Empire would be a strong contender, especially if they offered more colors, but the problem is the sleeves are just too tight. It feels like a body wrap, even the large size.
I will update as I review more brands. If you have a recommendation, or are a designer and would like me to add your shirt to my comparison, please reach out via the Contact form.