Quality T-shirt: what a French brand must guarantee you

A €12 t-shirt and a €55 t-shirt look similar in a photo. The difference shows at the third wash. That is what we look at before putting a t-shirt on sale — and what you can check for yourself before buying a designer men's t-shirt.

GSM (weight): the first number to ask about

GSM (grams per square meter) is the weight of the fabric per square meter. Below 150g, a cotton t-shirt is thin: it lets your skin show through on white versions and loses its shape quickly. Anything higher and you're entering the realm of the heavyweight t-shirt: it hangs straight, doesn't cling, and keeps its shape. If a brand doesn't display its GSM, ask them. A brand that doesn't answer usually has a reason.

100% cotton, yes. But what kind of cotton?

“100% cotton t-shirt” says nothing about the quality. What matters is: fiber length (the longer it is, the less it pills), jersey density, and treatments. A label like OEKO-TEX guarantees at least the absence of harmful substances.

The seams and the collar

Turn the t-shirt inside out. Look for a neck tape inside the collar, even seams, and a ribbed collar dense enough to snap back into place when you pull it. A collar that ripples after two washes is a t-shirt that needs replacing. Ours feature: 1x1 ribbed collar, set-in sleeves, and reinforced finishes. Non-negotiable.

The cut: straight, boxy, or oversize

A serious t-shirt brand embraces a specific cut. Ours is boxy: slightly dropped shoulders, a loose body, and controlled length. We explain this in detail in our boxy t-shirt: understanding the cut guide.

The white t-shirt, the true test

A quality men's white t-shirt shouldn't be transparent, nor should it yellow under the arms in six months. It’s the simplest and most unforgiving garment. Hold it up to a window: if you can see your hand through it, keep looking.

Our basics: the white t-shirt test, passed

Men's white boxy basic

Men's cream boxy basic

Men's black boxy basic

Women's white boxy basic

Women's black boxy basic

Men's basics → · Women's basics →

Why a French brand

Beauséjour is a French brand born from a simple idea: wear your travel memories rather than tucking them away in a drawer. Each collection tells the story of a city. But a print is worthless on a t-shirt that doesn't last — hence our obsession with fabric. That is also why our basics are permanent: same price all year round, never on sale.

How much does a long-lasting t-shirt cost?

A well-made designer t-shirt generally costs between €40 and €70. Divide that by the number of years you actually wear it. The math is simple: a €15 t-shirt you throw away after one summer is more expensive than a €55 t-shirt you wear for four years.

Making it last

• Wash at 30°C (86°F), inside out.
• No tumble dryer: that’s what causes shrinking.
• Dry flat or on a hanger; keep out of the sun for whites.

And when it has reached the end of its life, donate or recycle it: Refashion lists collection points near you.

Read also: The Italian art of living, or how a t-shirt can tell the story of a summer.