Buck Mason Slub vs. Pima Reddit: What's the difference?

The Buck Mason Slub Curv Hem Crew and the Pima Classic Tee are two of the brand's cornerstone products, but they cater to very different preferences. The key difference lies in the fabric: the Slub tee features a textured, slightly uneven weave for a vintage, lived-in feel, while the Pima tee is made from exceptionally smooth, soft Pima cotton for a clean, refined look.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Buck Mason T-shirt for your wardrobe.

Buck Mason Slub T-Shirts

The Slub T-shirt is Buck Mason’s take on the perfect vintage-inspired tee. It’s designed to look and feel like a well-loved favorite from the very first wear, characterized by its unique texture and relaxed aesthetic that adds depth and character to a simple silhouette.

• What it is: A casual, everyday T-shirt made from slubbed cotton fabric, designed for a relaxed, textured look.
• Key features: Unique textured surface with subtle irregularities, garment-dyed for a soft, broken-in feel, signature curved hem available on some models.
• Price: Around $50 - $60
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from high-quality slubbed cotton, which gives the fabric its distinctive texture and character.
• Sizing/Fit: A comfortable, slightly relaxed fit that isn't boxy or sloppy. It runs true to size with an emphasis on easy wearability.
• Pros: Unique texture masks wrinkles and adds visual interest. Has a ready-to-wear, broken-in feel. Excellent for casual and rugged styles. Durable construction.
• Cons: The textured look isn't as easily dressed up as a smooth tee. Some may prefer a more uniform fabric. Can feel slightly heavier than the Pima tee.

This shirt is for someone who appreciates a laid-back, vintage aesthetic and wants a comfortable, casual tee with more character than a standard Pima tee.

Shop this product: www.buckmason.com/collections/mens-slub-tees

Buck Mason Pima T-Shirts

The Buck Mason Pima T-shirt is a testament to timeless simplicity and premium comfort. Made from American-grown Pima cotton, it has a famously soft, smooth feel and a clean drape that makes it a versatile wardrobe essential that looks as good as it feels.

• What it is: A premium, smooth-finish T-shirt made from extra-long staple Pima cotton, known for its softness and durability. Discerning online communities like Reddit’s /r/malefashionadvice often recommend Pima for its feel and longevity.
• Key features: Luxuriously soft and smooth texture, excellent color retention, classic tailored fit, and superior durability compared to standard cotton.
• Price: Around $50 - $60
• Materials/Construction: Made from 100% Pima cotton, which has extra-long fibers that create a stronger, softer, and more resilient fabric.
• Sizing/Fit: A classic, slightly tailored fit that is intended to flatter most body types without being too tight. It’s a clean silhouette that holds its shape well.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin. Extremely versatile for dressing up or down. Durable and known to get even softer with time. A timeless, minimalist look.
• Cons: The smooth fabric can show wrinkles more easily than the Slub. The minimalist style might feel too plain for those who prefer more texture.

Perfect for those who prioritize a premium feel and want a versatile, understated T-shirt that works for nearly any occasion, from casual weekends to layering under a jacket.

Shop this product: www.buckmason.com/collections/mens-pima-tees

Buck Mason Slub vs. Pima T-Shirt Comparison

Quality & Materials

The most immediate difference between these two T-shirts is the material. The Slub T-shirt is defined by its textured fabric, created by weaving cotton yarns with purposeful inconsistencies. This results in a slightly irregular surface that feels substantial and has a distinctively vintage appearance.

In contrast, the Pima T-shirt is made from extra-long staple Pima cotton. These longer fibers produce a yarn that is smoother, stronger, and silkier than standard cotton. The result is an incredibly soft, lightweight fabric with a slight sheen and a clean finish that feels luxurious against the skin and holds its shape exceptionally well over time.

Style & Aesthetic

Their aesthetics cater to different style preferences. The Slub T-shirt has a rugged, casual, and lived-in charm. Its textured appearance is perfect for a relaxed wardrobe, pairing effortlessly with denim, chinos, and work jackets. It’s the shirt you reach for when you want effortless, understated cool.

The Pima T-shirt offers a more polished and refined look. Its smooth finish makes it a clean canvas that can be dressed up with a blazer or worn on its own for a sharp, minimalist statement. While still rooted in casualwear, its elevated feel makes it far more versatile for transitioning between different settings.

Fit & Sizing

Both T-shirts generally run true to size, but their fits are slightly different to match their styles. The Slub T-shirt often has a more relaxed, easygoing cut, providing comfort and freedom of movement without being baggy. Some styles, like the Curv Hem Crew, offer a slightly more modern, longer silhouette.

The Pima Classic Tee features a more traditional, tailored fit. It's designed to skim the body without clinging, providing a clean silhouette that works well for layering or as a standalone piece. It isn't slim-fit, but it's noticeably more structured and classic in its cut compared to the relaxed Slub.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are excellent products made with care, your choice depends entirely on the look and feel you're aiming for.

Choose the Buck Mason Slub T-Shirt if:

• You prefer textures and a vintage-inspired aesthetic.
• Your personal style is more rugged, casual, and relaxed.
• You want a sturdy, comfortable shirt that looks great without any effort.
• You value a lived-in feel and don't like to worry about wrinkles.

Choose the Buck Mason Pima T-Shirt if:

• You prioritize supreme softness and a smooth, luxurious feel against your skin.
• You want a highly versatile piece that you can easily dress up or down.
• Your style is clean, classic, and minimalist.
• You're looking for a durable, high-quality basic that gets softer with every wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Buck Mason Slub and Pima tees?

The main difference is the fabric texture and the resulting aesthetic. The Slub tee has a textured, irregular surface for a casual, vintage look. The Pima tee has a smooth, soft finish for a cleaner, more refined style.

Which Buck Mason T-shirt is softer?

The Pima t-shirt is widely considered softer due to the extra-long staple Pima cotton fibers, which create a smoother, silkier fabric. However, the Slub tee's soft, broken-in feel is also very comfortable, just in a more textured way.

Do Buck Mason t-shirts shrink?

Buck Mason t-shirts are designed for durability and tend to have minimal shrinkage if cared for properly. It is always recommended to wash their tees in cold water and tumble dry on a low setting to preserve their size and shape.

Are Buck Mason t-shirts true to size?

Yes, they generally fit true to size. The Pima tee has a classic, slightly tailored fit, while the Slub tee offers a more relaxed fit. We recommend checking the brand's size guide for the specific style you're interested in.

Which t-shirt is better for daily wear?

Both are excellent for daily wear. The choice comes down to personal style. The Pima tee is more versatile and can adapt to more situations, while the Slub tee is the perfect choice for a consistently casual and relaxed look.

Is Buck Mason worth the price?

For those who value high-quality materials, careful construction, and timeless design, Buck Mason is considered well worth the premium price. Their T-shirts are an investment in durable basics that are meant to be worn for years, not just a single season.

Can you dress up a Buck Mason Pima T-shirt?

Absolutely. The clean-cut and smooth fabric of the Pima t-shirt make it an ideal layering piece under a blazer, sport coat, or open button-down shirt for a smart-casual look.

Why do people on Reddit like Pima cotton?

Online communities like Reddit's fashion forums appreciate Pima cotton for its superior qualities. They often recommend it because it’s softer, more durable, and retains color better than normal cotton tees, providing better long-term value despite a higher price point, making it a smart investment for quality-conscious shoppers.