This is your $15–$25 range. Think mall brands, fast-fashion outlets, and random online finds. What you get: a standard cotton blend, decent print, and a cut that's usually regular fit. It's fine. It does the job.

If you're a minimalist, this tier works if you treat tees as replaceable. You'll wash them, they'll fade, and you'll buy another. That's okay. Not everything needs to be heirloom-quality.

What to look for: check the fabric weight. Anything under 150 GSM feels flimsy—avoid. Look for 100% cotton if you can; blends with polyester pill less but breathe worse. And check the seams. Double-stitched hems last longer.