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 they are looking worn and needing replaced. When I bought them they cost between $16 and $24 depending on how far back I go and whether they were on sale. For a few years, TST stopped offering cotton blend shirts and went to all polyester (which literally stink due to body odor entrapment), but as of the summer of 2026, it's been brought back and is called the "original crew neck 2.0", with a $30 cost. Given how long these shirts last, that's a fair price.
Even with TST bringing back the OG, I will continue evaluating new shirts. In fact, I've added a new shirt to the list: Charm Empires Trailblazer Slim Fit. Read on to learn more about how these shirts stack up.
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 and 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 looks to be a strong contender, and if they offer more colors, this will end up being a great alternative to the TST original crew neck 2.0 tee, for 1/3 of the price.
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.