For all the good traits I got from my father, I did not get his appreciation for simplicity. He is the plain vanilla cone to my chocolate twist with sprinkles, and while I don’t always nail his birthday presents, this year, I think I did.
Stopping at the Connecticut Bass Pro Shop on my drive from Philly to Boston, I hoped to find something my dad would pick out for himself. He is a middle-aged man from New England who likes to ski and go to the farmer’s market. I am a non-binary artist in Philadelphia with stick-and-poke tattoos. The classic workwear brand, Carhartt, is our beautiful unifier.
While the brand’s iconic pocket tee is a HuffPost bestseller and timeless classic, I wanted something a touch dressier and more fall- and winter-friendly. I was delighted to find their loose-fitting henley in a selection of neutral hues.
Like the brand’s T-shirt, the long-sleeved henley is made from 100% heavy-weight cotton with a left chest pocket. With a 4.7 rating on Amazon and over 22,000 reviews, it’s a beloved shirt that can be worn in the mountains, on the farm or out to a casual dinner.
The rib-knit collar and cuffs give the shirt a little something-something, while the straightforward shape makes it a perfect option for minimalists (like my father).
As the name states, the shirt is indeed loose-fitting through the shoulder and body — and many reviews say they ordered a size or even two down. Yet, others like the roomy feel, saying the shirt is comfortable when working or moving around a lot. You can snag it in 10 colors and in men’s sizes S-4XL on Amazon. I, of course, am eyeing the neon orange, though it’s sold out in my size.
If you’re looking for a universal dad gift that’s high-quality and from a trusted brand without breaking the bank, I recommend the long-sleeved Carhartt henley. And if you like a cozy, soft and thick henley, grab one for yourself while you’re at it.
Check out more promising reviews below:
“My husband loves these shirts, They are heavy and tough, yet comfy. I buy them for all the men in my life, (husband, brother, and Dad) they all love them!” —Alisaanne
“I bought it for a woman (myself) because I couldn’t find the same kind of shirt in a woman’s size. I like it a lot.” —Patsygail W Calhoun”
Bought as a gift for my dad, he wears it all the time, then my brother in law has been asking for one since he saw my dad wearing it, so that will be his Christmas gift!” — Kiersten Snyder
“I bought this for my boyfriend but I’m keeping it for myself! Super comfy, material is nice.” —Courtney
“I bought them for work, but I wear one pretty much every day. Work or not. Comfortable and sturdy.” —O’Shlanker
“I’m extremely picky when it comes to my clothing and how it fits and feels and this is a top tier shirt it fits perfectly and I have bought it in multiple colors once again carhartt delivers the best quality” — Corey
Looking to snag some beloved T-shirts in bulk? Here are a few of our other favorite basics.
A set of five slim-fit 100% cotton crewnecks
These midweight crewneck T-shirts are made with a European cut for a slimmer feel. They have an extra-secure inner collar band to ensure the neck stays taut, and they come in a great selection of solid colors for all sorts of styles.
Promising review: "Best quality T-shirts I have ever bought for my Husband. Really good selection of colours and a good fit too. The banding around the neck stops it from getting stretched and loose, unlike cheap T-shirts, brilliant idea." — Mrs. Pamela A. Lowth
A six-pack of Hanes pocket tees
Ah, the pocket tee: a timeless piece that looks great on its own or with layers. This set comes with six cotton/poly blend shirts and is available in two color combos. Find them in sizes S-3XL.
Promising review: "I recently purchased these T shirts, and I absolutely love them. They fit GREAT and are so comfortable that I had to check to make sure that I had a shirt on." — Tony Walker
A set of four Hanes shirts available in a ton of colors
The definition of versatility, these soft cotton Hanes shirts can be worn alone or as a base layer throughout the day. The double-needle stitching and shoulder-to-shoulder taping make the shirts feel a little extra high-end, but the crewneck and relaxed fit keep it casual and easy.
Promising review: "I only buy these Tshirts because I love the Cotton feel and the thickness. I am a bigger person so I buy the xx sizes. I have never been unhappy with Hanes. Love it and I will continue to buy these shirts. Cotton feels better rather than the stretchy stuff especially when you live in a hot, humid climate like I do." — Denise KS