REI Co-op vs Kotn: which t-shirt wins?
Both land in the mid tier — the REI Co-op REI Co-op Active Pursuits Tee at $30, the Kotn The Essential Crew Tee at $35, just $5 apart. Here's how they stack up, head to head.
| REI Co-op | Kotn | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $35 |
| Material | Moisture-wicking poly blends, organic cotton, or merino depending on the style, with recycled content on many. | 100% traceable Egyptian cotton, ~5oz fine jersey. |
| Fit | A regular, slightly relaxed cut with a clean crew neck and active proportions. | Clean modern regular fit, true to size; a touch of relaxation through the body. |
| Quality | Solid construction and functional fabrics, backed by REI's satisfaction guarantee. | Solid — smooth, fine cotton that resists pilling, though the lighter weight can thin in pale colours. |
| Best for | Hiking, travel, and everyday outdoor wear. | Ethically-minded shoppers wanting a soft, traceable-cotton everyday tee. |
| Care | Machine wash cold and hang or tumble dry low; follow merino care for wool styles. | Cold wash inside-out and hang dry to protect the fine jersey and the fit. |
Which should you buy?
They sit in the same tier and are within $5 of each other, so it comes down to what you want out of a t-shirt. Lean REI Co-op for hiking, travel, and everyday outdoor wear; pick Kotn for ethically-minded shoppers wanting a soft, traceable-cotton everyday tee.
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