An essential part of any warm-weather wardrobe, the pocket tee finds its roots in the athletic-wear of the 20th century. It used to feature hearty fabric and durable construction, but the staple garment became ubiquitous and watered-down as brands opted for cheap labor and materials from overseas manufacturers.

Today, a crop of boutique brands have looked back to mid-century pocket tees, recreating their appeal with top-tier fabric and quality manufacturing. The prices are probably more than you’d traditionally spend on an average t-shirt, but who want to settle for average?

3sixteen Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt

Cut from a custom knit nine-ounce jersey, this tee has a triple-needle, cover-stitched collar. It’s made in the USA and will shrink slightly in the wash, so size up when buying.

Mollusk Hemp Pocket Tee

This American-made shirt features a soft hemp-cotton blend. The color is a sun-faded indigo and the fabric is breathable for hot days.

General Admission Basic Pocket Tee

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Featuring a custom-made lightweight peach twill, this shirt is soft, comfortable and durable. The silhouette has a timeless drape and the shirt fits true to size.

Outerknown Sojour Pocket Tee

Made from organic Peruvian Pima cotton, the fabric in this tee is sourced from over 390 farmers across Peru. It features a relaxed neckline, a classic fit and a washed-out colorway.

Lady White Co. Clark Pocket Tee

Made in Los Angeles, this shirt is cut from six-ounce sanforized tubular knit unbleached cotton. The fabric has a subtle slub and fits true to size.

Velva Sheen Pigment Dyed Pocket Tee

This vintage-inspired tee is cut from over-dyed cotton. Made in America, it runs one size small, so size up for the best fit.

Sugar Cane Whitesville Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt

Japanese brand Toyo (which owns Sugar Cane) bought the liscense to Whitesville, a Montgomery Ward brand that produced sportswear in the late ’50s. Made in Japan, this tee is cut from long staple combed cotton and features a single-needle stiched chest pocket.

Jungmaven 100% Hemp Pocket Tee

Made from 6.8-ounce hemp jersey, this shirt is breathable, textured and features a nice drape. Design features include a classic fit, a relaxed neckline and a casual garment dye.

National Athletic Goods V Pocket Tee

Made in Canada, this tee is sewn from exclusive Japanese-marled fabric. The design features a ribbed crew neck with a V-stitch detail. Fits true to size.

Studio D’Artisan Suvin Gold Loop-Wheeled T-Shirt

This shirt is made from some of the most expensive cotton in the world (Suving Gold Cotton Yarns). It features a heavy-weight loopwheeled fabric that won’t shrink much, and it comes in a special Studio D’Artisan Suvin Gold box.