Hanes Unveils 'MOKU,' the Ultimate Gray Tee and the Third Installment in THE BEST OF T-SHIRTS Series, Following 'SHIRO' and 'KURO'

Many of you have likely come across the iconic three-pack of T-shirts featuring the distinctive Hanes logo and T-shirt pictogram. As a beloved American brand well-known in Japan, Hanes has been a staple for many people for years.

In 2023, as part of a Japan-exclusive project, Hanes released "SHIRO," a T-shirt designed in pursuit of the "ultimate white tee," meticulously crafted with attention to details like color and texture. Its exceptional quality and meticulous design quickly gained popularity, leading to the launch of "KURO" in 2025.

Now, in February 2026, the brand has released "MOKU" (officially named the "Hanes T-SHIRTS MOKU Crew Neck T-shirt"), dubbed "THE BEST OF GRAY-T" and hailed as the ultimate gray T-shirt. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the specific details that make MOKU so special.

The History of Hanes: A Leader in the American Market

While Hanes is a household name, let's take a moment to revisit the key milestones in the brand's long history.

In 1901, amidst the sprawling cotton fields of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, brothers Pleasant Henderson Hanes and John Wesley Hanes founded the P. H. Hanes Knitting Company. Operating out of a sewing factory converted from a tobacco plant, they began manufacturing men's underwear, marking the start of Hanes' long history.

In 1913, the brand's "Union Suit," a one-piece undergarment, became a massive hit, catapulting Hanes to nationwide popularity. An improved version followed in 1920, further solidifying its devoted following.

In 1924, the iconic logo featuring white text on a red background, known as the "Red Label," was introduced. This logo was subsequently used on all products, becoming a symbol of the brand and boosting its recognition through extensive advertising campaigns.

Through these efforts, Hanes established a strong identity and became an iconic presence in the American underwear market.

The Two Classic Models That Started It All for Pack Tees

While Hanes offers a wide variety of pack T-shirts, the "3P Pack T-Shirt" (Three-Pack T-Shirt) and the "BEEFY-T®" are arguably the most well-known.

The SHIRO, KURO, and MOKU series we're highlighting today can be seen as descendants of these classic designs. Let's take a closer look at these two foundational models.

In 1947, the multi-pack T-shirt was introduced, born from the desire to help people live comfortably every day in Hanes underwear by offering multiple shirts at an affordable price. It went on to become a staple item, synonymous with the brand itself.

Then, in 1975, the BEEFY-T® was launched as the perfect canvas for printed T-shirts. Named for its thick, tough fabric—likened to the strength of a beefy bull—this model boasts exceptional durability. Its collar resists stretching, and the shirt holds its shape even after countless washes.

It gained popularity not just as an undershirt but as an outer T-shirt as well, and it remains a beloved favorite for many to this day.

The Story Behind the "SHIRO" and "KURO" T-Shirts in THE BEST OF T-SHIRTS Series

In 2023, Hanes released the Japan-exclusive "Hanes T-SHIRTS SHIRO," a product born from the pursuit of the "ultimate white tee." Every detail, from the fabric and color to the feel and fit, was meticulously perfected. This was followed in 2025 by its sequel, "Hanes T-SHIRTS KURO," which aimed to be the "ultimate black tee."

Both models instantly created a buzz and have since become some of Hanes' most popular and representative items.

“THE BEST OF GRAY-T”: Introducing the Hanes T-SHIRTS MOKU

Following the “best white T” and “best black T” comes the third installment in the series: the Hanes T-SHIRTS MOKU. Let's dive into the meticulous details packed into this shirt, one by one.

The first thing to note is the dedication to crafting the yarn. It utilizes a completely original material, which Hanes developed by twisting two different types of proprietary, yarn-dyed gray threads to create the perfect heather gray.

Developing a heather gray color right from the yarn stage is an exceptionally rare process. This unique method results in a meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind heather gray hue. The result is a 7.0-ounce fabric that perfectly balances a soft texture, a moderate weight, and a supple feel.

Another key feature is its resistance to visible sweat stains, even in the summer. A special treatment is applied to some of the yarn-dyed threads. This process helps diffuse moisture across the fabric's surface and slows the absorption rate. The result? You get the natural absorbency of 100% cotton, but with a clever system that makes sweat stains far less noticeable.

The silhouette and crew neck shape have also been thoughtfully designed. It features a relaxed American-style silhouette with plenty of room in the body and sleeves. Thanks to its seamless, tubular-knit construction, it delivers incredible comfort.

The rounded crew neck is another standout feature, engineered to sit naturally and create a flattering balance that frames the neck and face.

Many people also find neck tags irritating against their skin. The Hanes T-SHIRTS MOKU solves this with a tagless design, printing the label directly onto the fabric in a matching color to eliminate irritation and maximize comfort.

Over time, Hanes has earned its title as “THE KING OF PACK T-SHIRTS.”

The Hanes T-SHIRTS MOKU, born from this legacy and a relentless pursuit of perfection, is a shirt that embodies the brand's accumulated technology and philosophy—all dedicated to supporting a comfortable lifestyle.

We invite you to experience the comfort for yourself.