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Ask Chris Black: Who Makes Your Favorite Under-$50 T-shirt?

Photo: Cobey Arner

Chris Black has returned to the Strategist with a monthly column to answer all of your burning questions — from super-specific style predicaments and workout and tennis recs to foolproof host-gift ideas that will get you invited back to the beach house.

Who makes your favorite under $50 blank T-shirt?

One of the most explored topics on this website and the internet at large is finding the perfect T-shirt. I don’t really play the game because I wear primarily vintage T-shirts, and the fits (and prices) are all over the place. That being said, I like that you gave me a price range. We all know that a vocal majority of the readers of this column are, well, cheap.

This is my go-to for a new T-shirt (they are a client). It comes in various flavors, but I stick with the white or navy. It was first introduced in 2004 and is still twice garment dyed and washed to give it a slightly lived-in look.

People love these T-shirts. They are substantial (heavyweight 100 percent cotton jersey) and have a big-boy vintage military-inspired collar so you don’t get the dreaded “bacon neck.” The price is also right.

We love a two-pack. The J90 from Montreal’s own Justin Saunders are inspired by ’80/’90s tour merchandise, which you can definitely see in the neckline and single stitch details.

Stockholm’s Asket is a sleeper hit. Everything is super well-made and many styles come in three different lengths: tall, regular, and short, which makes finding the perfect fit a bit easier. The colors are nice and simple, and if you want something other than white, black, or navy, I’d go with the dusty green.

Affordable suits?

A classic quandary. Suits, especially great made-to-measure ones, are pricey. But there are plenty of cool options that will keep your accountant happy and you from looking zhlubby.

Nitty Gritty’s in-house line is right up my alley, and this washed Japanese twill suit is no exception. It can really be dressed up or down and the three-button closure is a nice detail. The lapels and three patch pockets make it timeless.

[Editor’s note: Nitty Gritty lists prices in euros, so the prices shown above are approximate conversions to U.S. dollars.]

As classic as it gets. Navy blue, two-button closure, wide lapel, and most importantly a soft shoulder, which for my money is always cooler and more flattering.

Atlanta’s king of tailoring, Sid Mashburn’s Kincaid No. 2 suit comes in at under $1,000. It’s made from a wool plainweave in classic navy blue and features spalla camicia shirtsleeve construction at the shoulder for a purposeful hand-done feel. Can’t beat it.

I wear this suit all the time. It’s a classic fit, mercifully not too skinny. Made from 100 percent Loro Piana wool, the fully lined jacket features notch lapels and two-button closure.

Under-eye cream that won’t break the bank.

The eyes can be an age giveaway. We want to avoid fine lines and bags as much as possible as we get older. I am not sure why, but I have been wearing eye cream since I was in my early 20s. It’s easy to add to even the most basic skin-care routine.

This is my go-to. I keep one in my medicine cabinet and one in my Dopp kit for travel. The smell is excellent, and the consistency is just thick enough. It contains plenty of vitamins C and E, perfect for sensitive skin around the eyes.

A few months back, I got a facial from Raquel Medina-Cleghorn at her charming studio in Tribeca. I left feeling refreshed and hopefully looking younger. I also purchased this eye serum from Verso. It is a retinol-based eye serum that helps smooth out fine lines around the eyes.

I love F. Miller, personally and professionally, and her eye oil is something I always keep stocked. It applies with a stainless steel rollerball, which is a little cooling and keeps the hands clean. It’s also chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins A, E and K, and anti-inflammatory botanicals.

Unfortunately, this one will break the bank. I was feeling spendy at the Blue Mercury on Larchmont, and the helpful salesperson walked me through several options before we settled on this eye cream from skin-care legend Dr. Barbra Sturm. It is simply an effective eye cream and worth every penny. It immediately tightens wrinkles and removes dark circles. What more could you ask for?

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Ask Chris Black: Who Makes Your Favorite Under-$50 T-shirt?