T-shirts
Men's t-shirts
Men's t-shirts at Hackett London earn their place in the weekly rotation through cut, weight and a quiet attention to detail that outlasts a season. The range covers everything from lightweight jersey layers to heavier, structured builds for cooler months.
Fabric and construction
Most men's t-shirts in the range are built from 100% combed cotton at around 180-200 g/m², heavy enough to hold its shape through repeated washing without turning limp. Combed cotton removes the shorter fibres before spinning, which is why the surface feels smoother and pills less than standard jersey. The ribbed crew neck is finished with twin-needle stitching at the hem and cuff, a construction detail that stops the fabric curling after a few washes — a small thing that separates a t-shirt built to last from one that doesn't.
Since Hackett London opened on King's Road in 1983, the house has kept its cotton basics deliberately understated: no loud branding, no logo across the chest, just clean lines that work under a jacket or on their own. The slim fit sits close through the body for a cleaner silhouette; the regular fit gives more room through the chest and shoulders for anyone who prefers a looser drape or plans to layer.
How to choose the right fit
A slim-fit men's t-shirt works best under a blazer, where excess fabric only adds bulk. The regular cut earns its keep at the weekend, worn alone with chinos or shorts. Sleeve length matters more than most men realise: a sleeve that stops mid-bicep reads as considered, while one that reaches the elbow reads as borrowed.
Two ways to wear the same piece, from desk to evening:
A navy crew neck under an unstructured cotton blazer, with chinos and suede loafers — the right kind of quiet for a Friday that starts formal and doesn't stay that way.
The same t-shirt with washed denim and white trainers, sleeves left plain, for a Saturday spent between Chelsea and Pall Mall.
Caring for cotton t-shirts
Combed cotton holds its colour better at 30°C than at higher temperatures, and turning the t-shirt inside out before washing protects any printed or embroidered detail from friction. Tumble drying on low is fine for everyday pieces, but air drying on a hanger keeps the ribbed collar from stretching out of shape over time.
What's the difference between slim fit and regular fit t-shirts?
Slim fit is cut close through the chest and arms for a tailored silhouette, while regular fit is roomier through the body and shoulders for comfort or layering. Both use the same cotton quality; only the pattern changes. Choosing between them usually comes down to whether the t-shirt is worn alone or under something else.
Do Hackett London t-shirts shrink after washing?
Pre-shrunk combed cotton loses very little shape after a 30°C wash, typically well under 3%, which is accounted for in the original cut. Washing in cold water and avoiding high heat in the tumble dryer keeps shrinkage to a minimum. Cotton with any elastane content shrinks even less, since the added stretch helps the fabric recover its original dimensions.
Can a plain t-shirt be worn under a blazer?
A slim-fit crew neck in a mid-weight cotton sits flat enough under tailoring to avoid bulk at the collar and cuffs. Darker tones — navy, charcoal, black — read as more deliberate in this pairing than lighter colours. A round neck works better than a v-neck under an open-collar jacket, since it sits closer to the base of the throat.