The UNIQLO Supima Cotton T-Shirt has a bit of a reputation in the menswear community. In fact, any discussion of best t-shirts for men is sure to include the highly regarded Uniqlo supima tee.
So when it comes to classic garments, there’s no denying that the basic tee has long endured as a style staple in any well dressed man’s closet. It’s no wonder that every clothing brand under the sun offers their own version.
Now, when it comes to Uniqlo’s supima shirts, some men swear by them, while others just don’t get all the hype. I bought 4 pairs of Uniqlo’s supima tees and so it’s clear which camp I belong in. Even with all the high praise, nothing’s perfect though.
UNIQLO Supima Cotton T-Shirt Review [Best Value Tees for Men?]
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In this Uniqlo supima cotton t-shirt review, I’m going to cover the style & fit, shirt quality, comfort & durability, how well they’ve held up over the years, pros & cons, and answer some frequently asked questions around the topic of Supima cotton.
Let’s get started.
UNIQLO Supima Cotton T-Shirt Review
I currently own 4 Uniqlo supima cotton tees, a white and heather gray crewneck and a navy and dark gray v-neck. For reference, I’ve had the white and navy shirts for 5+ years now and the two gray shirts for over 3 years.
First before we talk about Uniqlo’s t-shirts, let’s answer what is supima cotton, exactly?
What Is Supima Cotton?
First off, Supima cotton is a brand of cotton that’s used by premier brands across fashion, accessories and home markets. Secondly, Supima cotton is grown on US soil, representing less than 1% of cotton grown in the world.
It’s a unique sort of cotton due to its extra-long fibers that contribute to its premium properties of strength, softness and color retention. In fact, supima cotton is actually lighter, yet 45% stronger than regular cotton, providing superior breathability, durability and softness.
» Related: You might like this in-depth Summer Fabrics Guide.
Shirt Style
Uniqlo’s supima cotton tees are as clean and minimal a t-shirt is going to get. There’s no branding, no logos, except for the printed tag on the inside of the shirt.
They come in all the basic neutrals of white, grey, navy and black. All in all you’ll find 14 different colorways with wide-ranging shades from olive green and yellow to red and cobalt blue. There’s no shortage of options to choose from.
Fun fact:Legend has it that Uniqlo was going to shelve their supima cotton tees, but backlash was heard far and wide, prompting Uniqlo to stock even more colorways of the popular t-shirt.
Uniqlo’s Supima Shirts
How Does It Fit?
In terms of the fit, I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it again and again, that Uniqlo’s supima tees are some of the best fitting t-shirts I’ve ever owned.They are fitted without being skin tight and have an overall clean drape.
The body length is spot on, hitting around mid-fly and the sleeve length is also perfect, landing around mid-bicep. And the sleeves hug my biceps just the right amount without being restricting. Additionally, the collar is comfortably fitted around my neck, not too loose nor tight.
I can’t say it enough, but Uniqlo’s supima tees were the first t-shirt to actually fit me perfectly. Before discovering them, I remember wearing super cheap $5 H&M t-shirts that didn’t quite fit right.
The sleeves were way too short, riding up my arms and revealing my armpit hair. Additionally the fabric quality wasn’t good as the shirts became strangely warped after a couple of washes.
Related: You might enjoy this Uniqlo Comfort Jacket review.
Shirt Quality & Details
Sizes: XXS-3XL (I’m a XS for reference)
Uniqlo supima cotton tees are well made, especially at a $24.90 price point. While it’s not quite the value it once was at $9.90, you’d be hard pressed to find a better value when it comes to a basic t-shirt. If you do, please let me know!
Product Detail:
- 100% Supima® cotton material, with a glossy sheen and a premium feel.
- Made with low-nap Supima® cotton, for a smoother texture.
- Slimmer cut around the shoulders and armholes, for a fit that won’t bunch up.
- In a basic, narrow stripe print.
- Colors won’t transfer when worn as an inner layer.
The product details mention a glossy sheen which is something that’s unnoticeable at least to my eyes. There’s no visible glossiness or shine to these t-shirts at all.
Materials & Care:
- 100% Cotton
- Machine wash cold
- Made in Cambodia or Vietnam
Uniqlo’s Supima Shirts
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Shirt Comfort
Uniqlo supima cotton tees are soft. They’re a nice mid-weight cotton and so it’s not see through by any means, but not thick either. Other t-shirts I own from Banana Republic and Asket have a more substantial weight to them, while the tees from Express or Everlane and even the is a little more sheer.
In terms of wear, these shirts have been through dozens upon dozens of wears and are as comfortable now as they were the first day I put ’em on. The supima cotton has actually gotten softer over time.
This goes to show that even though it’s a sub-$25 shirt that Uniqlo’s supima cotton is made with a long lasting material that can withstand wash after wash and actually get better with age.
Durability (How They’ve Held Up)
I’ve had these shirts for years and put them through many wash and dry cycles. There are no holes in the fabric which is a common problem with other t-shirt brands I’ve owned over the years.
Additionally, they haven’t shrunk or become weirdly misshapen like cheap clothing tends to do. I find that the t-shirts still have a clean drape and a fitted aesthetic. Furthermore there are no dreaded armpit stains on the white shirt.
Unfortunately the colored shirts have visibly faded a bit, particularly the navy. It’s no long as saturated as it was when I first purchased it. This knocks the shirts down a rung.
All in all though, the Uniqlo supima cotton t-shirts have proven to be immensely durable over the past several years.
Quick note: If you’re enjoying this Uniqlo t-shirt review, then you’ll probably like this article on the Best Undershirts for Men too.
Where You Can Buy Them
Uniqlo supima cotton tees can be purchased online through their website or in their brick and mortar locations all across the United States.
Uniqlo’s Supima Shirts
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Still a best bang for your buck even at $24.90 a shirt
- Crafted with long lasting, high-quality supima cotton
- One of the best fitting t-shirts I own
- Classic crewneck and v-necks in a myriad of colorways
- Can conveniently shop online or in-store
Cons
- Not the best fit for tall men (no long sizes)
- Colored shirts fade quite a bit over time
- May be too sheer for some
Related Content:
UNIQLO Winter Try-On Haul 2024 (Review) | Men’s Cold Weather Style Inspiration
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What Is Uniqlo Supima?
Uniqlo supima is the name of their basic t-shirts, signifying that they’re made out of supima cotton.
How Do You Wash A Supima Cotton Shirt?
You can wash Uniqlo’s supima cotton t-shirts normally on a gentle wash cycle and dry on a low heat setting to avoid shrinkage and add to its longevity.
Does Uniqlo Supima Cotton Shrink?
In my experience wearing and washing the Uniqlo supima tees and even drying them many times, they have maintained their shape and size. If anything the shirts may have shortened a centimeter or so, but nothing that’s noticeable.
Is Supima Cotton Better Than Egyptian Cotton?
This isn’t the right question to ask. I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other simply because Egyptian cotton is a reference to the country of origin and is not indicative of the fabric quality. And both supima cotton and egyptian cotton are extra-long staple (ELS) fibers.
Is Supima Cotton Breathable?
Yes, supima cotton is an extra-long staple (ELS) fiber that is not only soft and durable, but also more breathable than other kinds of cotton.
Are Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirts Made In USA?
No, the shirts that I own are either made in Vietnam or Cambodia. It’s odd that the cotton is grown in the USA, but the shirts are imported from another country.
Uniqlo’s Supima Shirts
Conclusion
In this review I’ve answered what is supima cotton, some FAQs around the topic of supima cotton, and detailed the Uniqlo supima tee shirt style, durability, comfort, quality and fit.
In the end, while it’s no longer the value it once was (inflation is real) Uniqlo supima tees have a reputation for a reason. When it comes down to it, a t-shirt under $25 that’s as high quality and long lasting as Uniqlo’s is hard to ignore.
I hope this was helpful to you if you’re in the market for some new t-shirts. I recommend Uniqlo’s supima cotton t-shirts highly.
Onto you, have you tried Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirts?
Let’s continue the discussion over in theGentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.
Looking forward to seeing you in there.
