I absolutely love this video. Everything you said is exactly how I feel. Both of these companies seemed to me to be completely trashy. And I hate buying from companies and then having them badger me afterwards. Great video.
Thank god someone FINALLY did a real review / comparison of these two brands. A little surprised this isn't one of the first video that shows up when anyone searches YT for these brands, but that's the all powerful algorithm I suppose. Thank you for putting this out here, it's information a lot of us are looking for.
I was given some True Classic for free. My brother gave them to me because he was disappointed. But they fit me so well, and feel so comfortable. I could understand negativity. But I’m happy with them 👍
Love your channel and your reviews. Fresh Clean Threads in Medium works well for me. At 5’7” and 165 lbs, their t-shirts and polos fit me spot on and don’t’ break the bank. I have a few garments from American Giant and while the quality is excellent, I find their fit a little too long for me.
Fair enough! It’s feedback like this which will help others, so thank you for sharing your thoughts. All bodies are different and there no one size fits all solution!
Chest sizes for Whitesville T's only go to 46.9" as a XXL and American Giant is 48-50" XXL. Not good enough for us big boys. I agree with everything Carl ranted about in the beginning but at least both companies make clothes to fit BIG guys. I own both and True classics don't hold up well to repeated washing (texture diminished, small shrinking and started pilling 5-ish washes in) while all my Fresh Cleans have been great.
You have! Some coworker turned me on to your channel 3-4 years back and you've taught us there's more out there than just Carhartt and Bulwark FR... Filson, LL Bean, Duluth, Pendelton and Patagonia all make clothes to fit these big country corn fed boys I work with. It's a running joke at the plant when we find recommended clothing from channels like yours and the biggest thing, they make is a European/Asian sized 2XL's@@CarlMurawski
I do like my Fresh Clean Tees shirts, but as you say there is nothing special about them. Just a loose fitting, comfortable shirt to wear on a typical day. I actually like them quite a bit as workout/gym shirts, so as they wear out they get a second life there.
I had True Classic in 2022. I had them for 2 years. I just love them and the material. I had so many many a different brands, I only wear them True. Just simple crew neck style. I honestly go the gym in them, around the house everyday and plus im going out in them. I even sleep in them, im not even kidding. Im daddy good decent shape body. Only ABS missing, but they are still under that belly. And true classic covers that small belly. It definitely does the job. For my body type. If you are fit with belly only hanging, thats the way to go. But 3 colors only are the best black, gray and green. On white one u can see my nips. So I use most of the tine white for sleeping. We all know we all have different bodies and faces different, not going to look good on everyone maybe. But this is just for me #1. You can buy and return if you don’t like it simple as that
I have tried both of these as well and I always find myself migrating to the fresh clean tees shirts, got them before they were threads, I’m in the Florida heat all year and they even feel thinner and lighter(in a good way, not a cheap way) than the true classic which I find more stuffy, but good in cold weather
I don't know if it's still true, but the fresh classic tees were Next Level (6410 I believe) I had purchased some years back and could see the grey tag was cut off but not well enough as I could still see it. There is also a video someone else made confirming this.
What I usually get is some classic crewneck tees by Gildan in Micheals. They goes for ~$4 each and fit my body so well, even better than basic tees from Uniqlo or H&M. I haven’t try Kirkland yet, but I’ll definitely get some in the future
Thanks for this. Investigating these as a possible gift for my hubby and I think I'll pass. Your rant at the beginning about all the "reviews" that basically just read the band's website to you exactly describes what it's like to shop for a mattress online 😂
What's even worse than their incessant marketing is the fact that you also get on the list for every other t-shirt company - never knew there were so many revolutionary tshirts being discovered. I but the Fresh Clean, but only because they come in tall sizes - which almost no one else carries, and that extra 2 inches in the body keeps them tucked in. They used to make the shirts with a curved hem - the last ones I ordered didn't have that - but that really helped keeping them tucked in.
Anyone recommend a t-shirt brand with the variety of true classic but has quality? I own true classics. A bunch actually. No severe issues.... though.... they're t-shirts afterall. So.... the collar will eventually waiver some and they do slightly shrink. I just can't find a clothing company that sells t-shirts with an array of color options for quality 🤷♂️ Past a designer brand or something. I'm not needing the designer brand.... i just want some solid options that aren't heavy duty, iron worker t-shirts..... Or walmart brand that fall apart in 2 washes
I have been on the verge of buying a 6 pack of true classic crewnecks for a while now. The only thing stopping me is being unsure how the fit will be and buying so many. I also live in europe so the shipping cost is substantial with regards to an eventual return. The total price for me is 120$ for 6 shirts(with what they claim is 50% discount). I cant decide if that is worth taking the chance. I am 174cm and 72kg. Slim athletic build with relatively wide shoulders. I usually wear M, but sometimes they can be a little tight around the chest/shoulders. But Large often gets too long. Any idea how a medium would fit me in the true classic tee?
The second I see a company advertise on a podcast, I immediately have them mentally blacklisted. Instead of quality, their capital is spent on marketing and instead of giving you a decent price for bad to mediocre quality, they have to make enough per item to recoup their stupid marketing budgets. I looked up minimalist wallets and found Ekster. Knew Ridge was the big company, had never heard of Ekster at the time. Watched enough positive reviews, got tricked by them, and bought 1. As I already ordered the product I was taken to their main page and I happened to scroll down and saw massively famous people have an advertisement block on the page. One of them was Lionel Messi. Knew right then and there I was going to get something nowhere near the quality of the price they're charging as they need to recoup the costs of paying people, especially insanely famous people like Messi, to promote their product. Was right, their wallets suck both in quality and functionality.
My biggest gripe with True Classic is the material feels great out of the bag but after a few washes starts to turn quick. Mind you I was washing with air drying too
LMFAO 😂......the rant was fucking amazing. 🤣....it's worse than your loafer rants. I want to buy some, but just for the fit, I heard they shrink so bad. Thanks, for alternative but seen your alternative is not made for tall people like me who are 6'6, that shitty. Amazing video carl!!!! 👌👌👌
Great review! I've been buying fresh clean threads for a little while now and while I don't love them, being 6'4" and on the slimmer side, I have major difficulties finding companies that have tall sizes whose cuts are actually somewhat flattering. The gap brand makes tall T-shirts but that are low quality, LL Bean's are overly large and fit like a tent, Eddie Bauer are boxy, American tall's quality is poor, etc. I even tried the custom route with son of a tailor but their shirts are super thin and also not particularly flattering so alas, it would seem I'm stuck with fresh clean threads for the time being. Too bad American Giant doesn't make clothes for real American giants cause I'd love to give them a shot.
The Next Level 6410 is the same shirt but at wholesale price. Around $8 and the threading around the sleeves can be clipped pretty easily to make them less tight.
Thank you for that advise, seriously! :) I just ordered two of them for like 15€ total. It is said they are also 60% cutton and 40% polyester like the ones I have from true classic. When they are really fitting like the true classics, I found a nice alternative - which was why I made this youtube search in the first place.
So I'll be honest I'm only 2 minutes in but true classic tees are just rebranded Next Level Tee's with the tags removed so instead of just paying 20 or 25 dollars you can hop on shirt space and snag them for 5 dollars a shirt and do the same for like 95% of manufacturers... I picked up over 20 of different next level shirts I wear for work as a millwright just because it's cheap and affordable and they at least fit and look nice compared to just spending 30 dollars on cathartic work shirts anymore
@mireals1 yeah I saw a thing about it awhile ago then stumbled Up on shirt space you can buy all kinds of shirts from there wholesale at like 2 or 3 dollars a shirt so as far as I'm concerned it's where i get mine because it's the exact same shirt with out the mark up and they have every color in stock
@CarlMurawski I see it as blank shirts have zero reason to be as expensive as they are I'm blue collar guy working in the trades at a foundry i don't need to waste my money on clothing especially blank shirts... we can all afford to save money on mark ups I wish I would have known this stuff sooner and save so much wasted money but it's better late then never especially with how much inflation has jacked up prices for everything nowadays
Just another honest, fun and informative review. Good stuff, Carl, thank you! How do you rate your merchandise 100% cotton T-shirts compared to the ones you've mentioned here, including Costo?
Well I'm kinda limited, but I always max out the option for the tee they use in the merchandise. Quality-wise the're on par with Costco but not as good as Whitesville or AG.
I'll just stick with my Duluth Long Tail Tees. American Giant doesn't make my size (kinda rude to call yourself American Giant and not make fat man sizes if you ask me).
Great review! Big fan of the rant at the beginning. Happy to see the channel grow and still stick to it's roots (we don't need another Wr*nglest*r ) . The raw/unfiltered transparency you have with your viewers is the reason you're my #1 channel for all of menswear + accessories. Keep it up Carl! Looking forward to a good/better/best Hat edition.
Thank you bro! I know, its a shame how nutty Wranglerstar has become. I used to love his axe handle or forestry videos, but it really seems like his cheese has slid right off his cracker.
@@justicebinder6544 His videos have switched from homesteading tips/vlogging/reviews to be more like "here is how to protect yourself when the UN comes to take over" militia BS. Rolling Stone has an article about him that explains it.
I came across your channel because of carhartt and now look for your videos before making clothes purchases. You seem to be a real honest guy with great content. I justed to share my appreciation for what your doing.
I would also rather spend a little bit more with American Giant, as well. They are nice shirts. My new favorite is merino wool tees after, since they don't stink if you hang them to air out - even after multiple wears. They are expensive though and if you wear a backpack, they pill up on your back (which I hate).
The better quality brands barely pill at all; smartwool and icebreaker are usually solid. You gotta wash them on a hotter wash every so often, "woolwash" temps just don't shift the build up of grease that you get after a few wears.
I remember that Classic Tee ad and being like "Just sit up straight my dude." The other two guys are ramrod straight and the guy that got slapped is slouched in his chair like someone just told him his dog died. FWIW, I've been exploring merino wool t-shirts for their durability and anti-odor properties while traveling and Ridge Merino is my current favorite. Everything I've gotten from them has been high quality.
I have tried both Fresh Clean Threads the best. and if you join their membership for 20 dollars for the year and u, get a buddle 5 pack you can. get for 70 bucks basically 14 bucks a shirt his other recommendations are not worth it in my opinion, also if you have issue with the shirt, they will send you a. replacement. one out no questions. asked.
I own both American Giant tees and true classic and although the AG is obviously higher quality, the TC fits me SO much better. The AG tee fits me like a cardboard box.
I fell into the hype as well, and these things suck, they're cheep and short in length, the tall sizes look like a dress, I'm with Carl, all my American made stuff I still have
One of the best and honest rants I have ever seen in a review, great video, exactly the kind of content I want and a great commentary on the viral advertising we all get when just trying to find a coat or hat. Please run for President! #noloafersparty2024
I agree with your outrage, Carl! I'm sick and tired of these here today gone tomorrow companies who rebrand the bargain basement garbage clothing as the latest and greatest product ever invented. There's nothing "new" about 60/40 poly/cotton. It used to be the cheap alternative if you couldn't afford 100% cotton. I will stick with my oversized Gilden 6.3 oz heavyweight 100% cotton crewneck tees. Are they flattering to my look? Absolutely not. Are they comfortable? HELL YES!!! Especially in the summer when they soak up sweat like a sponge, and the evaporation cools you off. And yes...I still wear that cool, golden color American Giant Tee you sent me. Thanks Carl!!!
I have owned many True Classic T-shirts. I have to say that the quality is not there. The prices are reasonable and attractive. After one or three washes, the fabric stretches out too long, and the shirt begins to feel rough and worn already. I would not recommend the True Classic brand to anyone because it would be a waste of their money and time.
All the special sauce is in the marketing. The target shirts are just as nice if not nicer. I'm 5'9" and 135lbs and I'm tired of being told I need to hide my gut and accentuate my arms and chest 🤣 damn those ads!
YES! The rant right at the start! Thank you for being, well... You! 🤣 I wear exclusively American Giant and I've been thinking about getting some of the slub tees. I'm wondering if they're on the thinner or thicker side. Like if I were to get a white one, would it be see through?
I clicked on this video and literally had an add for one of these brands. Can’t script it better than that. I own some of the Fresh Clean Tees. They are fine but not a world changer at all. Thanks, Carl.
if i got these as a gift or something i would like them. im not spending my own money on them though because target makes good tshirts for less money and there isnt a shortage on well made shirts up for grabs on ebay or something like that. i got a pima cotton nautica shirt thats actually pretty thick for like $5
This video just saved me from wasting money on true classic. I heard you mention them in line with mvmt in the brunt video, and my ears perked up immediately. I'm a dude who carries some extra weight, and i've been getting hammered by their ads. Now I will say, I don't usually fall into heavily marketed products since im a watch enthusiast who's seen the wave of the shit-tier newcomer brands come and go on social media; but true classic almost got me. Thank you, Carl!
i agree with the recommendation on American Giant. recently tried to jump on their mineral wash tees and they sold out of every size before i could grab one. also got hit with the commercial for one of these two brands, annoying but the irony.
Hey Carl, a T-shirt that you should really check out is the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail shirt. It has an excellent fit for a stalkier build and is quality. I recommend going for the “Trail” over the “Daily”. Price is $45 each, but it’s worth it.
I’m 6’4” 185lb and I can wear a MT or a L in Fresh Clean Treads depending how I want my shirt to look. Although the marketing is a bit much, it did get me to try them. These work better for me than any expensive brand, fit and durability wise. Their collars stay flat, and they are cheap enough that I just throw them in the dryer. I will continue to buy these until they inevitably change them up and charge more.
Hey thanks for the vid! Great info. I may be stubborn but $30 for a tshirt is insane to me! There was a Reddit forum years ago that outed Fresh Clean Tee’s business model. They were buying blank tees used for screen printing, stamping their own logo and re-shipping to customers at a huge markup. Nothing special, nothing new, just plain, slightly fitted t-shirts. This was back when graphic tees and pocket tees were all the rage so they could get away with selling plain T-shirts as something new and fresh. The owners of the startup got on there, and tried to defend their business and just made it worse. They do now have the shirts manufactured for them, but this was years after starting by just reselling T-shirts. I think they paid off the original RU-vidr that discovered this to remove the video or had him banned or something nuts. You better watch your back from the scummy SEO marketing companies or you may be silenced too ha!
I mostly hate when companies are like “buy this product it’s so great”, then when you don’t buy something, but they already have your info, “I see you didn’t buy our product, would you like 50% off?” That makes me so mad lol. Like, why didn’t you offer me that in the first place?? And if it’s so good, why are you willing to sell it for that much less??!
OMG! Right at the end of your video....honestly...a True Classic Tee shirt commercial. The one that starts with "Johnson you're fired!!" It's casual Friday and his tee shirt looks like shit. Bwahahahaha BTW, I've bought their shirts. After a few washings and dryings...meh....and pricey for what they are. Screw the over the top marketing. And YES! The follow-up emails! I had to declare them as Spam to make it stop!
Big fan of the rant at the beginning 😆 god I hate those ads. Ugh. I kinda do think the cut of these shirts are designed for guys built like you though. Stocky, sure, but you’re carrying more muscle than someone sitting behind a desk all day like me. I think you may just need one size up in these shirts?
@@CarlMurawski yes the fabric is a thinner weight. If you look at the tags in the waist of the paints the newest ones are black and along the waist line instead of the normal tag that hangs down. The newer b01s are a thinner and less durable cotton duck. I have a pair of old b01s that has lasted from college. They are white now but they started as brown. But my newest pair of b01s doesn't even last 6 months before I've worm through the double layer patch. I work in a lumber warehouse for a level of wear comparison.
Excellent video, I bought both of these before and the True Classics suck... the collar stretched out so quickly, which is a huge deal breaker for me. I won't buy anything from them again. Terrible on my opinion
