Texture and shade define these t-shirts. We use slub cotton fabric that is more textured than the cotton in our USA T-Shirt. It has horizontal grain and subtle cross hatching that provides a worn look. The garment dying process softens the fabric up wonderfully and creates some amazing highs and lows. The right fabric weight is key -- too heavy and it’s a less versatile, too light and it may not be sturdy enough for hard wear. Five ounces is the sweet spot. This jersey has enough heft and strength to stand alone, but is also breathable and thin enough to be a great layering piece. Finally, picking the right shade is a must. We keep it classic with a crisp white and jet black. Pair these with a pair of raws or a khaki chino and you’re set for the day.

Fit is much more important on a t-shirt than you might think. We set out to strike the right balance between a tailored fit and an easy to wear piece. The shoulders are fitted, which keeps the overall look clean. The sleeves hit at just the right point on the arm and are tight enough to prevent them from winging out. The body is slightly tapered, but easy enough to not be mistaken as an undershirt. The length hits just right so it falls below the waist line, but does not cover your entire backside.

Construction details are classic and sturdy. We start with double stitch binging around the neck. The shoulders are taped, which adds effort to construction, but provides an extra touch of structure to the garment. Double needle hems finish the sleeves and bottom and a slightly narrower gauge is used to lend a small element of refinement. This is the right way to make a t-shirt, without cutting any corners.

Quality t-shirts made in the USA with domestic materials are typically priced over $35 each. The Gustin model allows us to offer you a radically better value.