For commuting, the wicking tees are fine. I use them alone or as layers. They're good for a lot of things besides cycling, I have about 10 at this point.

I wear jerseys for longer rides, road and mountain. They have zippers in front for better ventilation, pockets in back to carry stuff. They're longer in back, no plumbers crack. More form fitting so they don't flap around in the wind or catch branches. They're purpose built for high performance cycling I have about 10 of these too.

edit - wool is best, I have collected a lot of poly shirts/jerseys over the years, I'll only buy wool now. Superior in every way, but 'spenive.....