The Top Tried-and-True Basics for Kids and Teens

Are you looking for the best value? Or the best overall? Or perhaps, your child has a specific request (i.e. a not–too–hot undershirt). These basics, including underwear and undershirts, are tried, true, and recommended.

We haven’t really covered this topic on Between Carpools. Except for a mention of a couple of the picks included below in our Big Sister: Teen Edition post, we’ve all been left to try different basics, like some, dislike plenty, and discover our favorites at some point along the way.

There’s something about discovering great basics that you can rely on, that feel comfortable, hold up, and that your kids like. 

And, so, finally, we compiled the tried-and-true basics we can safely recommend. While this is definitely not the “ultimate” best (is there such a thing? After all, comfort is subjective and there’s so many options out there), it’s definitely a solid roundup of options in every price range that are tested, tried, and true. 

Below are great, reliable picks for children and teens of all ages.

Runner-Up Best Value

H&M 5 Pack Girls Boxer Briefs

These are the cutest for little girls. They have a comfortable waistband and no tight thigh elastics. Even though we like them a lot, they’re the runner up because they’re less reliably available (sizes do sell out in many color options), though they do restock from season to season.

Best from Amazon

Innersy Girls Cotton Underwear

Sizes 8-16. These were first recommended in our Big Sister: Teen Edition post. Cotton, comfortable, and a great value. They’re also available here in ladies sizes for teens and women.

Best Premium Pick

Dott Child Underwear & Undershirts

If you want simply the best basics, hands down, with the best fit and best long-lasting quality (these seem to grow with your child), it’s Dott. They’ll stay fresh and new-looking forever and never pimple. The fit is snug, not baggy, yet they’re super cozy and soft.

Best Offline Pick

Memoi Printed Girls Briefs

If you’re shopping locally, we recommend the 3-pack made by Memoi. They wash and fit beautifully. Size availability online is limited.

Most Comfortable for Teens/Ladies

Quince Modal Basics

Once she needs ladies’ sizes, but still wants super softness and super comfort, the Quince basics, made from a modal fabric, are great. Available in lots of sizes.

Best Value for Little Boys

H&M 10-Pack Boxer Briefs

They’re the cutest and most comfy boxer briefs, perfect for ages 2-8. Even though we’re always fans of H&M basics, not all colorways are always available and sizes are limited.

Best Premium for Little Boys

Dott Child Undies and Boxers

The best overall in quality, fit, and cuteness factor. Like mentioned above with our girls picks, if you want something that looks fresh and new and fits great, Dott is the runaway pick.

Boys Favorite for All Ages

Abercrombie Boxer Briefs

These are another reliable boys favorite. There’s cute prints in some packs for little boys and good solid colors for older boys. They’re pricier than H&M (sometimes there’s coupon codes), but sizes are more reliably available. Note that they will pimple after a while.

Teenage Boys Favorite

Under Armour Boys Boxerjock

An all around great pick for boys ages 14-18.

Reliable Quality for Teens

Soft Cotton Boxer Briefs

Once he needs mens sizes, these highly rated boxer briefs are soft, comfortable, and rival designer brands in quality.

“Coolest” Boys Undershirts

H&M Cotton Tank Tops

Does he tend to get hot? We recommend H&M undershirts, which our reviewers say feature a cotton that’s not too thick and “shvitzy” but still nice and soft.

Runner-Up “Coolest” Undershirts

Children’s Place Boys Tank Top

Another great, reliable pick for those boys that complain that they’re hot. They’re comfortable, have a great stretchy fit, and not–too–thick material.

Between Carpools

Between Carpools is a collaboration between five talented friends who like to get a lot of stuff done “between carpools.” Since 2016, we’ve been sharing home and organizing tips, parenting insights, activities, how-to’s and DIYs, and of course, entertaining ideas, recipes, and inspiring reads both on the site and app.

8 responses to “The Top Tried-and-True Basics for Kids and Teens”

  1. Pearl Avatar
    Pearl

    Hanes and fruit of the loom are still winners!

  2. Chanie Avatar
    Chanie

    My girls have always only worn Fruit of the Loom briefs and they’re great. Go up to size 16. cute patterns, wash and last super well. Well priced also. For young teens who need a little something but not yet a bra, we really like the Old Navy cami bra, the ones that are smooth in front (not gathered). Great price, always a coupon, wash and wear amazing.

  3. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    Primark is the best! Though it’s not available online.
    I found the memoi crotch to be very narrow the kids complained about it.

    1. Sara Avatar
      Sara

      Feathers is good quality and just lasts through the wash.

  4. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    anyone know where to get teens tanks from?

  5. M Avatar
    M

    Do the quince modal basic teen and ladies underwear have a white gusset? I’m really hoping not!
    Thanks in advance

  6. Devorah T Avatar
    Devorah T

    My solution for children of the same gender close in age is to purchase different brands. One in Fruit of the loom, next in cat and jack etc. I learned the hard way that matching underwear is not cute!

  7. Tami P. Avatar
    Tami P.

    When I buy h&m I’m the best mom ever. Where else will I find high quality hello kitty panties lol

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