Finding a genuinely soft T-shirt can be harder than it looks because “soft” is not always cut from the same cloth. Some shirts feel smooth on the hanger but turn rough after one wash, while others are so stiff they seem to have a serious cotton attitude. Fabric blends, thread counts, and finishes can make the difference between a shirt that feels like a hug and one that rubs you the wrong way. Prices also vary widely, so your perfect tee can quickly become a costly conversation. To help you keep your wardrobe—and your wallet—on the right sleeve, here are 10 Columbus, Georgia, shops worth checking out.

*Prices below are approximate averages for basic soft T-shirts, based on typical in-store and online pricing before sales, tax, or special collaborations. Inventory can change, so it is wise to check each store’s website before making a shirt trip.*

1. **[Target](https://www.target.com/)** — Target usually offers soft cotton, modal, and cotton-blend T-shirts from brands such as Goodfellow & Co., A New Day, and Universal Thread. Expect to pay about **$12–;$20, with an average near $16**. It is a target-rich environment for affordable tees, especially if you are already shopping for everything but the kitchen sink—and maybe a shirt for the kitchen sink too.
2. **[Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/)** — Walmart’s clothing aisles often include inexpensive cotton and jersey-knit T-shirts, with many basic styles landing around **$7–;$15 and averaging about $10**. The softness can vary by brand, so give the fabric a feel before you commit to the deal. It is a good place to make a low-cost fashion statement without making your budget wave the white tee.
3. **[Old Navy](https://oldnavy.gap.com/)** — Old Navy is a strong bet for soft everyday tees, including vintage-style washes, ribbed shirts, and cotton-modal blends. Most options cost roughly **$12–;$25, averaging around $18**, although sales can bring prices down considerably. With plenty of cuts and colors, this store proves that a basic tee does not have to be basic in spirit—or leave you feeling old and navy-blue.
4. **[Kohl’s](https://www.kohls.com/)** — Kohl’s carries soft T-shirts from brands such as Sonoma Goods for Life, Croft & Barrow, and Apt. 9, with typical prices around **$12–;$25 and an average near $17**. Discounts and Kohl’s Cash can make the final price even friendlier. The selection is worth a look because these shirts may be easy on the skin and easy on the Kohl’s account balance.
5. **[JCPenney](https://www.jcpenney.com/)** — JCPenney’s St. John’s Bay, Arizona, and Worthington lines commonly include comfortable cotton or blended tees for about **$12–;$25, averaging approximately $18**. Seasonal promotions can make the price even more appealing. It is a classic place to shop for a shirt that keeps your style in check without putting your wardrobe on a permanent payment plan.
6. **[Belk](https://www.belk.com/)** — Belk offers soft T-shirts from department-store and contemporary brands, with many basic styles priced around **$18–;$35 and averaging close to $27**. Sales and clearance racks can make premium-feeling fabrics more approachable. Belk may help you find a tee that feels like a little luxury without turning your shopping trip into a department of unnecessary expenses.
7. **[Dillard’s](https://www.dillards.com/)** — Dillard’s is a good option for higher-end cotton, pima cotton, and designer-label T-shirts, which commonly run **$20–;$45 and average about $30**. The store’s selection tends to lean polished, so it is ideal if you want softness with a touch of sophistication. These shirts may cost more, but they can be well worth the extra thread.
8. **[Ross Dress for Less](https://www.rossstores.com/)** — Ross frequently carries discounted branded T-shirts, including soft cotton and performance-blend options, generally for **$8–;$18 with an average near $12**. Because inventory changes quickly, you may need to hunt a little—but that is part of the retail ro-ss adventure. If you find the right shirt, you can walk away feeling like you scored a designer deal without dressing up the price.
9. **[T.J. Maxx](https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/)** — T.J. Maxx often has name-brand and boutique-style tees made from cotton, rayon, modal, or blended fabrics, with prices usually around **$10–;$25 and averaging about $15**. Its rotating inventory rewards shoppers who enjoy a little treasure hunting. The best finds can be sew satisfying that you will want to tell everyone—though perhaps not while wearing the same shirt every day.
10. **[Academy Sports + Outdoors](https://www.academy.com/)** — Academy is a useful stop for soft athletic, lifestyle, and performance T-shirts from brands such as Magellan Outdoors, Columbia, and Nike. Expect basic options to cost about **$12–;$35, averaging roughly $20**. These shirts are built for movement, so they can help your wardrobe go the distance instead of getting stuck in a fashion traffic jam.

For the best combination of low price and everyday softness, start with Walmart, Target, Ross, T.J. Maxx, or Old Navy. For upgraded fabrics and brand-name options, try Belk, Dillard’s, or Academy. Whichever store you choose, check the fabric label, feel the shirt in person when possible, and wash it according to the care instructions—because the right tee should be a long-term relationship, not a one-wash fling.