You want the straight answer: where does Mark Zuckerberg get his T‑shirts-and can you buy the same thing in Ireland? Short version: he hasn’t publicly confirmed the exact brand, but credible fashion press has long pointed to Brunello Cucinelli. He’s also been linked to premium basics like James Perse. If you’re shopping in Ireland, you can get the look-from luxury to budget-at places you actually know: Brown Thomas (including Dundrum), Kildare Village, Arnotts, COS, ARKET, and solid Irish labels like Grown and Fresh Cuts. Here’s the evidence, the copycats, and the buying plan.
- TL;DR for Ireland: Zuckerberg’s grey crew-necks are widely reported as Brunello Cucinelli; he hasn’t confirmed. Buy the exact brand at Brown Thomas or Kildare Village, or get near-identical tees from James Perse, Sunspel, COS, ARKET, and Irish brands.
- Core details: mid-heather grey, classic crew neck, straight fit, soft drape, premium cotton jersey. Own 3-7 of the same tee, rotate, and wash cold.
- Price tiers (2025 Ireland): €15-€35 (COS/ARKET/Fresh Cuts), €50-€120 (Sunspel/James Perse), €250-€375 (Brunello Cucinelli).
- Evidence: 2014 Facebook Q&A (why he wears the same tee), a 2016 closet photo on his profile, and reporting from GQ/Esquire/Business Insider linking him to Cucinelli.
- Irish angle: stockists include Brown Thomas (Cucinelli, James Perse/Sunspel often seasonal), Arnotts (basics), Kildare Village (Cucinelli outlet), Dublin city centre options (COS, ARKET), Irish brands online and in local shops.
What we know (and don’t) about the T‑shirts-and where to get them in Ireland
First, the facts. In a 2014 Facebook Q&A, Mark Zuckerberg explained he wears the same thing to reduce daily decisions. In 2016 he posted a photo of his wardrobe: rails of grey tees and hoodies. He didn’t name the brand in either case, and he hasn’t since.
So where does the brand link come from? Fashion editors dug in years ago. GQ, Esquire, and Business Insider each reported that the grey tee is likely Brunello Cucinelli-an Italian luxury label known for ultra-soft, subtly heathered cotton jersey and eye-watering prices. It fits the look: the colour, the drape, the low-key crew neck. These reports have stuck because nothing else consistently matches the appearance and the tech-world taste for quiet luxury.
But he’s also been spotted in other premium basics over the years, and stylists routinely suggest James Perse and Sunspel as lookalikes: clean crew necks, breathable cotton, no flashy logos. That matters if you want the vibe without paying luxury prices.
Can you buy the exact thing in Ireland? Yes-Brunello Cucinelli is stocked at Brown Thomas (Grafton Street and Dundrum) and shows up at Kildare Village’s outlet. James Perse and Sunspel rotate in and out of Irish department stores; if they’re not on the floor, you’ll usually find them online with fast shipping to Ireland. And if you just want the look done right, COS on Wicklow Street and ARKET on Grafton Street carry great heather-grey tees that nail the fit for a fraction of the price.
One caveat: the tee in question is almost always a mid-heather grey (marl), not solid charcoal or pale marl. Getting that exact tone and a soft hand-feel is half the trick. If the colour reads flat or the fabric is too stiff, it won’t look like the one you have in mind.
Step-by-step: replicate the Zuckerberg grey tee in Ireland
Here’s a practical plan that works whether you’re shopping on Grafton Street, in Dundrum, or online to your door in Galway.
Pick your budget band.
- €15-€35: COS, ARKET, Fresh Cuts (Irish), Grown (Irish, organic).
- €50-€120: Sunspel Classic Crew, James Perse Short Sleeve Crew.
- €250-€375: Brunello Cucinelli cotton jersey crew-Brown Thomas or Kildare Village outlet when lucky.
Choose the right grey.
- Ask staff for “mid-heather grey” or “marl grey”. Avoid near-black charcoal; avoid very pale greys that show sweat halos quickly in Irish humidity.
- Side-by-side test: hold the tee under natural light (shop window) and check that the marl has subtle speckling, not harsh contrast.
Dial in the fabric weight and feel.
- Target 160-200 gsm cotton jersey for a soft drape like the tech-uniform look. Ultra-heavy tees feel boxy; ultra-light can look flimsy.
- Supima cotton and long-staple cottons keep the surface smooth after several Dublin bus commutes and a few cycles through the wash.
Get the fit right.
- Classic straight fit, not painted-on slim and not oversized. Shoulder seams should sit right on your shoulder bones; sleeves should hit mid-bicep.
- Length: long enough to meet your jeans comfortably, short enough to wear untucked without bunching under a hoodie.
Buy multiples and rotate.
- Pick one brand/size and buy 3-7 identical tees. This is the whole point of the uniform: fewer decisions, consistent look.
- Stash a spare in the car or desk for surprise rain or coffee mishaps. Irish weather doesn’t play nice with cotton.
Care to keep the drape.
- Wash cold, 30°C max, low spin. Use a gentle liquid detergent. Turn tees inside-out.
- Line-dry indoors or on an airer; tumble-drying wrecks surface smoothness and shrinks hems. If you must, use low heat and remove slightly damp.
If you’re layering for Irish spring or autumn, throw on a lightweight overshirt or a simple zip hoodie. The grey tee works under everything-from a waxed jacket on a rainy walk in Howth to a blazer for casual Fridays in Sandyford.

Price tiers, fabrics, and Irish stockists (with examples)
Here’s a practical snapshot of what’s available in the Irish market in 2025, how it feels, and where you’re likely to find it. Prices include typical VAT and reflect what you’ll actually see in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and online deliveries.
Brand/Option | Fabric & Weight | Typical Price (Ireland, 2025) | Where to Buy in/for Ireland | Why it fits the brief |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brunello Cucinelli (likely original) | Long-staple cotton jersey, soft marl; ~170-190 gsm feel | €250-€375 per tee | Brown Thomas (Grafton St & Dundrum), Kildare Village outlet (seasonal), select luxury e-comm shipping to IE | Colour, drape, and minimalism match the look most closely |
James Perse | Garment-dyed Supima cotton; soft hand; ~160-180 gsm | €80-€120 | Often at Brown Thomas (seasonal), premium e-comm with EU/IE shipping | Clean crew, premium feel, subtle heather greys available |
Sunspel Classic Crew | Long-staple cotton; smooth jersey; ~160-170 gsm | €85-€95 | Occasional Irish stockists; direct from UK site ships quickly to Ireland | Quiet luxury look without the mega price; consistent sizing |
COS Regular/Relaxed Crew | Organic cotton jersey; ~180-200 gsm | €19-€35 | COS Dublin (Wicklow St), online to IE | Reliable heather greys, good drape, easy to replace |
ARKET Heavyweight Tee | Organic cotton; ~200 gsm | €15-€25 | ARKET Dublin (Grafton St), online IE | Simple, minimal, consistent marl options; great value uniform |
Fresh Cuts (Irish) | Organic cotton; ~160-180 gsm | €25-€35 | Dublin store and online IE | Local, sustainable basics with solid greys |
Grown (Irish) | Organic cotton; ~170-180 gsm | €35-€45 | Online IE; select Irish retailers | Irish brand, soft hand-feel, simple cuts |
Uniqlo (online to IE) | Cotton/Blends; 160-200 gsm depending line | €14-€25 + shipping | Online only to Ireland (as of 2025) | Consistent basics, solid mid-grey options if you’re ordering in |
On fabrics, here’s a useful rule of thumb for that tech-uniform look: aim for soft, medium-weight cotton jersey that falls straight when you pinch the hem. If it tents away from your body or shows rigid folds, it’s too stiff; if it clings and shows every layer, it’s too light. A mid-heather grey hides wrinkles, plays well with navy jeans and black runners, and reads “considered” without trying too hard.
As for Irish fit nuances: Dubliners often size up one for a relaxed drape under a hoodie, while staying true to size if the tee is the only layer. If you’re between sizes at COS or ARKET, bring the jeans you actually wear and check the hem length-their cuts can run a touch long on shorter frames.
Why the rumours stuck: Brunello Cucinelli is a Silicon Valley favourite for founders who want luxury without loud logos. The brand’s grey marl is distinct-matte, with a plush surface-and the price reflects the fabric and finishing. That said, if you handed most people a Sunspel or James Perse in the right grey, they’d call it the same shirt at a glance.
For anyone commuting from Bray or hopping the train from Maynooth, availability matters. Brown Thomas in Dundrum often has the best mix of basics on the floor, and Kildare Village is your best shot at luxury tees without paying full freight. For the rest, ordering online to Ireland is smooth in 2025-just watch return windows and who covers return shipping.
Checklist, pro tips, and mini‑FAQ for Irish shoppers
Quick checklist to copy the look with Irish practicality:
- Colour: mid-heather grey (marl), not charcoal and not pale grey.
- Fabric: 160-200 gsm cotton jersey; Supima or long-staple cotton if possible.
- Fit: classic crew neck, straight cut, shoulder seams aligned, sleeves mid-bicep.
- Quantity: buy 3-7 identical tees; rotate daily.
- Care: 30°C wash, low spin, no tumble when you can avoid it.
- Where in Ireland: Brown Thomas for luxury, Kildare Village for outlet finds, COS/ARKET for budget, Fresh Cuts/Grown for Irish labels; Sunspel/James Perse online if not in-store.
Pro tips I’ve learned shopping around Dublin:
- Weather reality: If you run cold on Irish mornings, wear a lightweight merino base tee under the grey tee from October to April. It won’t change the look, and you’ll be happier on a windy walk along the Liffey.
- Colour fastness: Heather grey hides wear better than solid dyes. If you’re set on the exact tone, buy two now; dye lots shift season to season.
- Office lighting test: Fluorescent lights make cheap greys look flat. Step near a window in the shop before you commit.
- Seams & rib: Check the neck ribbing. If it’s thin and wavy on the hanger, it’ll bag out after a few washes.
- Returns: Keep labels on until you’ve washed one tee. If it torques or shrinks oddly, return the rest and change brand.
Examples that work in Ireland:
- Daily uniform for tech or creative work: mid-grey COS tee, raw hem navy jeans, black Veja or Nike runners, black zip hoodie. Bike to Grand Canal Dock, no fuss.
- Weekend in Dingle: ARKET grey tee, olive overshirt, rain shell in the bag, quick-dry chinos. Pub, walk, done.
- Smart casual in Dublin 2: Sunspel grey tee under a navy unstructured blazer, dark denim, white leather trainers. Reads polished without effort.
Mini‑FAQ
- Has Zuckerberg ever confirmed the brand? No. He’s explained why he wears the same tee (Facebook Q&A, 2014) and showed his wardrobe (2016 photo), but didn’t name the label.
- Is it definitely Brunello Cucinelli? It’s the most widely reported match by fashion media (GQ, Esquire, Business Insider). The fabric look and tech-world brand preference support it. It’s still not official.
- Does James Perse look the same? Close enough for most eyes, especially in the right heather grey. Fit is similar; fabric feel is luxe.
- What about Sunspel? A great alternative. Smooth jersey, discreet branding, consistent sizing, easy shipping to Ireland.
- What size should I buy? True to size for a classic look. If you’re broad in the shoulders, size up once to keep the drape straight.
- Can I find this at Arnotts? You’ll find good basics and occasional premium drops. For Cucinelli, Brown Thomas is a safer bet.
- Is a heavy tee better for Irish weather? Not necessarily. Heavier tees can feel boxy under layers. Stick to mid-weight and add a light overshirt or hoodie.
Next steps and troubleshooting
- If you want the exact rumoured brand in Ireland: Check Brown Thomas (Grafton Street or Dundrum) and Kildare Village. Ask for Brunello Cucinelli crew necks in heather grey. Try multiple sizes for shoulder fit.
- If you want the closest feel without luxury pricing: Start with Sunspel’s Classic Crew or James Perse’s basic crew in grey marl. If they’re not in Brown Thomas, order online to Ireland-delivery is quick in 2025.
- If you’re building a uniform on a budget: Go to COS or ARKET in Dublin. Buy 3-5 of the same heather grey tee in one go so dye lots match.
- For Irish brands: Try Fresh Cuts for easy city access and Grown for organic options. If you love one, buy two-it saves the hunt later.
- Fit looks off after washing: Wash cold, low spin, reshape while damp, and dry flat or on a hanger. If twisting persists, the fabric wasn’t balanced-switch brands.
- Grey shows sweat marks in summer: Choose mid rather than pale grey, wear a breathable undershirt on hot, humid days, and carry a spare tee in your bag. Irish summers can still surprise you.
Final note on proof: The best public clues are Zuckerberg’s own posts (2014 Q&A; 2016 wardrobe photo) and long-standing reporting by GQ, Esquire, and Business Insider that point to Brunello Cucinelli. Until he says it outright, treat any brand claim as informed-but unconfirmed. If your goal is the effect, not the exact label, the Irish market has you covered from €15 to €300.
And if you’re building your own uniform in Dublin: aim for consistency. A drawer of the same mid-grey tee simplifies mornings, travels well across Irish seasons, and looks sharp from a coffee in Ranelagh to a late meeting in the Docklands. That’s the real trick behind Mark Zuckerberg T-shirts-not the label, but the system.
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