Anything but basic: 15+ t-shirts we’re loving this season

19 October 2026
By Natalia Didovich

Whether you favour a crisp white crew or a bold graphic, these T-shirts prove the everyday essential is anything but ordinary.

Paris HC F26 street style.

Few wardrobe staples have quite the same staying power as the humble T-shirt. Equal parts practical and versatile, it’s the kind of piece we reach for without a second thought, yet this season’s offering makes a compelling case for giving it a little more consideration.

While a perfectly cut white crew neck will always have its place, designers are reimagining the everyday essential with playful proportions, unexpected details and a healthy dose of personality. From nostalgic ringer tees and statement graphics to Rhoda Nunn’s off-cut bikini design and Aje’s asymmetric, off-the-shoulder silhouette, there’s plenty to pique our interest.

Hansen & Gretel Resort 26.
Paris HC F26 street style.

As for styling? Contrast is key. Pair a relaxed graphic tee with impeccably tailored trousers, or offset a silk skirt with something oversized and understated. It’s this effortless balance of high and low that makes the T-shirt such an enduring wardrobe favourite.

Below, we’ve rounded up the styles currently catching the FQ editors’ eyes, from elevated basics to conversation-starting designs.

Shop the t-shirt edit:

twenty-seven names ‘In Search Of’ tee, $260.
Rhoda Nunn 'Off-Cut' tee, $120.
Guest In Residence ‘Airy Ringer’ cashmere T-shirt, $519, from Net-a-Porter.
Conner Ives ‘Protect the Dolls’ t-shirt, $176.
Kowtow ‘Scene’ tee, $129.
Assembly Label ‘Max’ oversized tee, $70.
The Frankie Shop ‘TFS Saint-Claude’ T-shirt, $156.
Aje ‘Narces’ oversized tee, $189.
Scanlan Theodore ‘Mercerised Sportif’ tee, $264.
Leset ’The Margo’ T-shirt, $164, from Net-a-Porter.
Mode Mischief ‘Up to Mischief’ tee, $134.
Ganni crab t-shirt, $335.
NZFW X AS Colour ‘Take Me To A Fashion Show’ tee, $26.
Beare Park V-neck regular fit T-shirt, $173.
Harris Tapper ‘Gibson’ T-shirt, $199.
Sir 'Yes Sir.' fitted tee, $151.

This article originally appeared in the Spring ’26 issue of Fashion Quarterly

Runway and street style imagery: Launchmetrics/Spotlight.

Share:

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover
Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Don’t miss a thing. Sign up to FQ’s weekly newsletter.

*Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more at fq.co.nz/fq-newsletter.