LOOKING TO upgrade beyond your basic T-shirt? A henley takes your typical tee up a notch with its signature buttons that add an element of detail while offering comfortable, effortless style. Henleys typically have 2-5 buttons, can come in both long-sleeve and short-sleeve styles, and are collarless. Today, there's such great variety of henley shirts that offer comfort with great function with sweat-wicking and stretch technology. You can even purchase a sun-washed option for a lived-in look, without having to hunt down a vintage henley in your local consignment shop.
What makes a Henley that unique go-to shirt is the way the buttons make for a flattering element that's built-in. You've worked-out hard and a Henley is the perfect shirt to show some chest and arms all in one. For a henley to have the best fit, find one that skims close to the body, but doesn’t cling to your mid-section. The fabric will hug your shoulders, arms, and pecs, but will be a bit more forgiving on your stomach area after a cheat-day meal.
Available in a variety of fabrics, from lightweight for warmer weather days to heavyweight options for the cooler months. No matter the season, these 17 henley shirts will seamlessly work themselves into your wardrobe, whether you layer them under your favorite jacket or just wear them on their own.
Broken-in slub cotton sets this henley apart and make it appear as if you’ve lived in this shirt for years. You can get the henley in black and white, but the unique colorways are just as flattering for all types of wear.
Crafted from 100% jersey cotton, Todd Snyder's short sleeve henley is perfect for around-the-clock wear. Go with the white color; it will serve as a clutch base layer in cool weather and as a solid standalone tee when it's warm out.
You don't always have to have the most buttery smooth fabrics to be comfortable. Take for instance the classic Carhartt henley, the shirt's cotton breaks in wonderfully over time and the silhouette is just baggy enough to give you space while still looking good.
Mack Weldon is hands-down one of the best Henley brands. This waffle option with insulating Thermolite technology assures you’ll stay warm when the temperatures chill. The brand’s attention use of innovative fabric technology for comfort and function, paired with flattering simplicity in design, creates a winning combo for any guy to sport.
Henley's will forever have utilitarian roots, which is why we like Schott for this practical piece. A toasty wool material is woven into a classic waffle texture to create this garment. Here's a versatile henley that's going to last you for years to come—and look dang good through all the wear.
Garment-dyed and soft-washed for comfort, this faded henley hits all the right notes for a flattering vintage-inspired shirt that’s easy to wear anywhere.
The snug stretch fit of this Henley is great for guys to work into their stylish leisure game. It’s without-doubt equally flattering for those looking to wear it on its own to show off their well worked-out days at the gym.
Long sleeve tees aren't just for colder seasons. This one from L.L Bean is ultra lightweight, which means you can wear it on its own during the summer, plus it has a UPF 50+ fabric to fight sunburn.
There's plenty to love about this fall-ready tee. Made with a soft cotton/poly blend that has a lived-in feel and cut just below the hip, this henley is perfect for both date nights and apple picking.
This henley is made from a breathable merino wool that's naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. Can you wear it for 72-hours straight without getting disgusting? Perhaps so. If there's any henley built for the task it's this one.
The elongated curved hem on this Henley is great for guys that are looking for a relaxed look. Pairs well with sweats or jeans; Cuts high stretch fabric allows for optimum comfort. The seriously soft fabric and wrinkle-free technology are built-in added bonuses.
If you’re looking for a shirt with a uniquely-crafted design and fabric, Rag & Bone’s Peruvian cotton henley has you covered. The fit is flattering for varying body types, trim cut but not tight, and the slubbed fabric hangs well on the wearer. The tapped trim placket and black metal buttons—a signature for the brand—adds a level of ruggedness that’s equally flattering.
This waffle cotton Henley offers the right mix of texture and comfort. O.N.S specializes in classic pieces with just the right amount of lived-in quality and ease.
Here's a durable heavyweight knit cotton Henley with built-in comfort. The taped neck and shoulder seams assure lasting wear. Attention to detail with a tagless back are also beneficial to prevent chaffing and irritation during a full day of wear.
Bonobos strikes that fine balance of modern design and comfort-driven fit. Case in point, this green henley with stretchy pima cotton and Drytex blend. We think it wears great when worn with a pair of dark jeans.
Opt for this sunwashed option for a lived-in look that’s as comfortable as a vintage option from the first day you put it on. The fit of the Henley is trim while still having a relaxed feel.
This five-pack of jersey Henleys will replace all your ratty tees in one fell swoop this summer. The subtle shades of color, paired with the durable knit fabric, are the perfect complement for your new summer tan.
How We Selected
For the past two years, Men's Health fashion editors and writers have been trying and testing hundreds of men's henley shirts. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated henleys based on their durability, comfort, and style. We also considered henley shirts that had at least 100 five-star ratings on e-commerce sites we trust.
As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.