There's a reason Hanes is a household name. For decades, it's been the unspoken hero of our closets, delivering comfortable, reliable, no-fuss basics like t-shirts, underwear, and socks that just work. It's the brand you can count on for affordability and quality without having to think twice.
But when you're looking to branch out while staying true to that comfy-casual vibe, there are plenty of other brands that hit the same sweet spot. Whether you want something with sustainable fabrics, a slightly more modern fit, or new colors to play with, here are 30 brands like Hanes that are perfect for stocking up on your everyday essentials.
As one of Hanes' main contemporaries, Fruit of the Loom delivers on all the core promises: ultra-affordable and dependable basics. They specialize in underwear, tees, and socks that are renowned for their cotton-rich blends, focusing heavily on softness and breathability. While both are budget-friendly, Fruit of the Loom often offers more playful color options, making it a great choice for stocking up your family’s drawers.
Shop now at www.fotl.com
You’ve probably worn a Gildan shirt without even realizing it. Famous in the bulk-buy and custom-print world, Gildan makes surprisingly durable and comfortable basics, especially their heavyweight t-shirts and hoodies. Priced similarly to Hanes (around $4-$20), their pieces are workhorses designed for durability. If you need simple, sturdy, no-frills tees and sweatshirts that hold up wash after wash, Gildan is a solid bet.
Shop now at www.gildan.com
Uniqlo is where Japanese innovation meets everyday simplicity. They take basics to the next level with performance-driven fabrics like their famously soft Supima cotton tees and breathable AIRism underwear. While slightly more expensive than Hanes, typically in the $15-$40 range, you get a more modern, minimalist aesthetic and high-tech comfort that feels far more premium than its price tag suggests.
Shop now at www.uniqlo.com
Jockey offers a slightly more premium approach to underwear, undershirts, and loungewear, focusing on superior fit and fabric technology. Known for moisture-wicking materials and smooth, comfortable constructions, Jockey is like the polished older sibling to Hanes. Their pieces, usually between $10 and $30, are designed for long-lasting wear and a more refined feel, perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their essentials drawer.
Shop now at www.jockey.com
For those who want their essentials with a side of trendiness, H&M's basics collection is the perfect destination. They offer a huge variety of tees, tanks, underwear, and socks in modern fits and seasonal colors, all within the Hanes-friendly price range of $5-$20. It's the ideal spot to grab affordable basics that align with current styles without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Shop now at www.hm.com
Just like Hanes, Old Navy is a go-to for affordable essentials for the entire family. Their basics are known for being relaxed, accessible, and often available in fun colors and prints. You’ll find soft tees, cozy activewear, and everyday underwear from $5-$20. It's a fantastic alternative if you want reliable staples with a bit more personality and inclusive sizing options.
Shop now at oldnavy.gap.com
If you're willing to invest a little more for sustainability and quality, Everlane is a great step up. Priced from $15-$40, their basics focus on transparent sourcing and minimalist design using premium materials like organic cotton. Compared to Hanes' straightforward approach, Everlane offers a sleeker, more modern aesthetic for eco-conscious shoppers who value quality craftsmanship in their everyday staples.
Shop now at www.everlane.com
American Eagle excels at super-soft, cozy essentials targeted at a youthful audience. Their range of tees, loungewear, and famously comfortable underwear sits in the $10-$30 price bracket. While Hanes focuses on classic cuts, AE offers more contemporary fits and lived-in fabrics that feel comfortable right off the rack, perfect for a relaxed, casual style.
Shop now at www.ae.com
Calvin Klein takes everyday basics and injects them with a dose of designer style. A global icon for underwear, their sleek, minimalist pieces are a major style elevation from classic Hanes. While the price is higher ($15-$50), the quality, fit, and iconic logo waistband make Calvin Klein a desirable choice for those who want their essentials to feel a bit more luxurious and fashion-forward.
Shop now at www.calvinklein.us
Target nails affordable men's basics with its in-house brand, Goodfellow & Co. Offering underwear, tees, and socks typically under $15, this line combines comfort, style, and value perfectly. The focus is on easy-to-wear pieces with great fits and inclusive sizing, making it a direct competitor to Hanes in terms of practicality and accessibility.
Shop now at www.target.com
While known primarily for hosiery, Berkshire delivers the same focus on comfort and affordability that Hanes fans appreciate, especially in their selection of socks. You can find soft, reliable styles that are perfect for everyday wear, often priced accessibly between $5 and $15. If a great pair of long-lasting socks is what you're after, Berkshire is a brand that specializes in getting it right.
Shop now at berkshirehosiery.com
For basics built to stand the test of time, look no further than L.L.Bean. Their t-shirts and undergarments emphasize durability and classic, rugged style, using high-quality natural fibers. Priced a bit higher than Hanes at around $15-$35, these are investment basics designed for longevity, appealing to anyone who values a timeless aesthetic and buy-it-for-life quality.
Shop now at www.llbean.com
J.Crew Mercantile (now J.Crew Factory) offers elevated basics with a preppy, polished twist. Find super-soft tees, patterned socks, and boxers crafted from quality materials that feel more refined than standard pack-of-three essentials. At $15-$35, they bridge the gap between pure utility and casual style, making them great for lounging or as a base for a put-together outfit.
Shop now at www.jcrewfactory.com
Patagonia brings its commitment to sustainability and outdoor performance to its line of everyday basics. Their t-shirts and underwear are made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics. While pricier ($20-$50), they offer technical features such as moisture-wicking and odor control, making them a fantastic and durable choice for active or environmentally-conscious shoppers.
Shop now at www.patagonia.com
Aerie focuses on body positivity and unreal comfort, making it a popular choice for underwear, bralettes, and loungewear. While their branding is more youthful and trendy than Hanes, their commitment to soft fabrics and inclusive sizing delivers the same level of everyday comfort. Pieces range from $8-$30, offering a more modern alternative for cozy basics.
Shop now at www.ae.com/aerie
Similar to L.L.Bean, Lands' End delivers timeless, quality-driven basics that are made to last. They offer t-shirts, turtlenecks, and undergarments that focus on traditional craftsmanship, great fits, and durable fabrics. Priced from $10-$30, they're for the shopper who prioritizes proven quality and classic style over fleeting trends.
Shop now at www.landsend.com
Known for its rugged denim roots, Wrangler also produces a line of durable and casual basics. Their tees and underwear often have a tougher, more workwear-inspired feel, built for people with an active, outdoor lifestyle. For a similar price to Hanes ($10-$30), you get reliable basics with a distinctively rugged, Western-style edge.
Shop now at www.wrangler.com
Coming in at a much higher price point (basics start around $50), Nudie Jeans is an ethical investment. This brand applies its deep commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship - famous from their denim - to basics like tees and underwear. Everything is made from 100% organic cotton, offering a luxurious-feeling alternative for the eco-conscious basic-lover.
Shop now at www.nudiejeans.com
Created for kids, Macy's First Impressions line embodies the same principles as adult basic brands like Hanes: affordability, comfort, and reliability. This private label provides great value on everyday essentials like tees, bodysuits, and leggings for babies and toddlers, making it a smart choice for parents shopping for their little ones.
Shop now at www.macys.com
This iconic Australian brand is beloved for its incredibly comfortable and slightly cheeky take on everyday basics. From their famous stretchy briefs to cozy "wonder-suits," Bonds uses soft, high-quality fabrics that make their basics feel fun and premium. They are similar in function to Hanes but with a much more fashion-forward and colorful attitude.
Shop now at www.bonds.com.au
Uniqlo U is the brand's elevated, fashion-forward sub-line designed by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire. This collection reimagines basics through a lens of minimalist, architectural design and innovative materials. Priced from $15-$40, the pieces offer a sophisticated color palette and modern silhouettes that appeal to anyone wanting basics that feel thoughtfully designed.
Shop now at www.uniqlo.com
For a true luxury pivot, Hugo Boss offers sleek basics designed with impeccable German engineering. Their underwear, tees, and loungewear feature premium materials, flawless fits, and a sophisticated aesthetic. While significantly more expensive (starting around $30+), they are the go-to for someone who views even their most basic layers as an expression of personal style.
Shop now at www.hugoboss.com
Famed for its iconic polo, Lacoste applies the same preppy, sporty elegance to its entire range of basics. Their pima cotton tees, structured sweatshirts, and high-quality underwear carry an air of effortless cool. Though priced higher, typically $30-$70, their reputation for quality and that signature croc logo make their essentials feel like a sporty upgrade.
Shop now at www.lacoste.com
A Swiss brand dedicated to sustainability and comfort, Calida creates premium undergarments and loungewear using natural fibers like cotton and modal. Their focus on high-quality craftsmanship results in basics that are exceptionally soft, breathable, and long-lasting. It’s a refined alternative to Hanes for those who appreciate eco-conscious practices and a luxurious feel.
Shop now at www.calida.com
Perfect for adventurers, Eddie Bauer’s basics are designed with an outdoor-first mindset. Their tees often feature technical fabrics with properties like sun protection or moisture-wicking and are built with durability in mind. Sharing a price point of $15-$40, they are the practical Hanes alternative for those who need their comfortable staples to withstand the elements.
Shop now at www.eddiebauer.com
This brand is all about the power of bamboo. Their specialty is turning this sustainable resource into ultra-soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic underwear and basics. If you love the simple concept of Hanes but are seeking upgraded comfort and an eco-friendly fabric story, Bamboo Basics is the perfect match, with prices generally around $15 to $40.
Shop now at www.bamboobasics.com
Available at Kohl's, Apt. 9 provides modern, uncomplicated basics at an accessible price point, often under $15. Their styles generally have a slightly more trend-aware touch than traditional basics, offering varied necklines, colors, and cuts. It’s a great pit stop for anyone who likes the Hanes price point but wants a contemporary style update.
Shop now at www.kohls.com
Leaning into its athletic heritage, Everlast offers performance-oriented basics ideal for an active lifestyle. Expect functional materials like moisture-wicking fabrics in tees, underwear, and athleisure wear. It delivers Hanes-level comfort but with a sporty, gym-ready spin, perfect for workouts or just a more athletic casual look.
Shop now at www.everlast.com
Not officially in the brief but as a strong contender: Amazon's in-house line, Amazon Essentials, is built entirely on the concept of providing affordable, reliable basics delivered right to your door. From multi-packs of tees and socks to simple shorts and pants, the line mirrors Hanes in its mission: to provide dependable, no-frills wardrobe staples in a vast array of sizes and colors at an unbeatable value.
Shop now at amazon.com/amazonessentials
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