The humble T-shirt has been the continuous hard-working foundation of a wardrobe since its inception almost 100 years ago, and the best ones are the perfect blank canvas upon which to build a strong look.

Brands and retailers often include info on a T-shirt’s weight by ounces, which refers to the weight of a square section of fabric used on the tee. To provide you with the freedom of choice when it comes to staple tees, we’ve scoured the world wide web to bring you the best of the best, ranked by weight to fit your preference and given activity.

Good heavyweight tees will look great on their own, hold their neck and shoulder shape, and stay thick even after many washes. The only downside is that things might get a little sweaty if you’re going any quicker than a brisk walking pace.

This is a nice middle ground when it comes to T-shirt weight. People tend to go for these due to their balance when it comes to both look and comfort. Mid-weight tees are not thick enough to cause a sweat, but they’re not light enough to lose that quality shape, either.

Ok, so you’re a Rick Owens stan that wants that near-nipple neckline look? Or maybe you just need a feather-like T-shirt for running in? Either way, the realm of the under 5oz T-shirt is a mix of quick-drying, barely-there cotton pieces that act as a breathable second skin. An essential item for your summer wardrobe.

This curation originally appears in The Highsnobiety Summer Style Guide, a handy resource ensuring that lightweight pieces still result in heavyweight looks.