Most men’s wardrobes have too many tops that don’t quite earn their drawer space. The ones bought on impulse, the ones that seemed like a good idea at the time, the ones that sit folded and overlooked because they don’t quite go with anything. We’ve been thinking about what actually gets reached for on a Tuesday morning or a Saturday afternoon, and the answer is nearly always something that fits well, sits right in the wash, and works with more than one other thing already owned. Not complicated criteria, but harder to meet than it sounds. We’ve looked at everything from considered basics to pieces with a bit more character, with particular attention to fabric quality and how the cut holds up after a few months of actual wear. A good top does quiet work. It doesn’t ask for much attention but it makes whatever you’ve built around it look more considered. These are the ones that pull their weight.