In a sea of t-shirts promising softness, performance, or sustainability, what really makes one tee better than another?

The answer starts with fabric, but doesn’t end there. We break down what makes a premium tee truly worth it, from the fibers used to the finish applied.

Whether you're deciding between Pima, Supima, cotton blends, or Merino wool, here’s your checklist for quality, comfort, and timeless style.

Why Fabric Quality in T-Shirts Matters More Than Ever

Since the pandemic, men’s shopping habits have shifted noticeably. According to a 2022 NielsenIQ study, 78% of global consumers now prioritise quality over quantity, a trend echoed by McKinsey’s State of Fashion report. Men are buying fewer items but investing in better, longer-lasting pieces.

Google Trends data confirms this shift. Searches for phrases like “premium basics”, “Merino wool t-shirt”, and “best plain t-shirts for men” have seen steady growth, while hype-driven or logo-heavy fashion has declined in popularity.

What Makes a Premium T-Shirt Fabric?

Three main factors separate a premium fabric from the rest:

• Staple length: Longer cotton fibers make for smoother, stronger fabric.

• Fiber quality: Pure, natural fibers breathe better, feel better, and last longer.

• Fabric integrity: The way a fabric is woven and finished affects how it moves, holds its shape, and feels over time.

These aren’t abstract technicalities, they’re the difference between a tee that pills and loses its shape after three washes, and one that becomes a go-to favourite.

Credit: ScienceDirect

Cotton Showdown: Pima, Supima, and Standard Cotton

• Pima Cotton: An extra-long staple cotton, known for its softness and durability.

• Supima Cotton: A trademarked American-grown subset of Pima, accounting for less than 1% of the world’s cotton supply.

• Standard Cotton: Shorter fibers, lower cost, but more prone to fading, shrinking, and pilling.

Premium cottons like Pima and Supima cost more to produce, but not because of hype. They’re stronger, smoother, and absorb dye more evenly, meaning your t-shirt looks better and lasts longer.

Blended Fabrics: Pros, Cons, and What to Watch Out For

• Cotton-Polyester Blends: More affordable and wrinkle-resistant, but can feel synthetic and age poorly.

• Cotton-Elastane: Adds stretch, but often loses shape over time.

• Natural Alternatives (Modal, Tencel, Bamboo): Sustainable and soft, but not always as durable or shape-retaining.

We avoid synthetics because they compromise breathability, feel, and longevity. A great tee doesn’t need plastic to perform.

Merino Wool: The Natural Performance Fabric

Merino isn’t just for base layers anymore. This natural wool is breathable, temperature-regulating, and odour-resistant.

• Soft on skin thanks to ultra-fine fibres.

• Thermoregulating, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Odour resistant, making it ideal for travel or everyday wear.

REDA confirms that Merino naturally repels odour and adapts to your body temperature. It’s performance wear without the plastic.

See our MW100 Merino tee

Fit and Finish Matter as Much as Fabric

Even the best fabric can’t save a poorly made t-shirt. Key construction elements include:

• A neckline that retains shape

• Shoulder seams that sit naturally

• A hem that hangs straight

• Dyes and washes that age with grace

Credit: @WellBuiltStyle

Why Premium Fabrics Make Our Process Work

At MIDAundici, we don’t use premium fabrics like Pima cotton because it sounds fancy, we use it because we have to.

Our finishing process - developed over decades by our founder Francesco Michelacci - involves garment dyeing, washing, and treatments that simply destroy low-quality fabric. Cheap cotton pills, warps, and fades. Long-staple cotton doesn’t just survive our process—it shines through it.

In fact, it’s more cost-effective for us to use premium cotton because it reduces waste and creates a better product from the start.

“We didn’t choose Pima to sound premium. We chose it because it works.”

 

The Smart Man’s Checklist for a Quality T-Shirt

 ✔️ Long-staple natural fabric (like Pima, Supima, or Merino)

 ✔️ No plastic blends or heavy logos

 ✔️ Structured fit with clean lines

 ✔️ Breathable and soft without feeling thin

 ✔️ Finishes that age well (garment-dye, enzyme wash, etc.)

Conclusion: Better Fabric, Better Feel, Better Value

A premium t-shirt isn't about being fancy—it's about quality you can see and feel every time you wear it. The right fabric, fit, and finish transforms a basic tee into a wardrobe foundation. One that works harder, lasts longer, and makes you look better with less effort.

And when it’s done right, you won’t even miss the logo.