You'll likely want to choose the piece of clothing that buffs the stats you need most, and then add the highest Ballistic Weave you can create. Notably, you cannot add Ballistic Weave to the Vault Suit. From 30 each of damage and energy resistance with no ranks in Armorer, to 110 of each with Armorer IV. At this point, you can use an armor workbench to add a huge amount of damage resistance to clothing and outfits.

Later in the game, if you acquire the ability to add Ballistic Weave to clothing, the situation changes completely. However, it includes some good inherent damage resistance, +2 to Strength, and a great 20% bonus to melee damage. This is technically an outfit, as it doesn't allow you to wear a chest piece. Another good melee option is the Grognak Costume. I often use these when I'm inside and not worried about radiation.ДЇor Melee users, you might want to add to your Strength, perhaps with Army Fatigues, which add +1 to Strength and Agility.

Another option would be the Military Fatigues, which offer both +2 to Agility and 5 Energy Resistance. Some of the items in the Outfits table will allow armor as well, but not all the pieces.ДЇor gun users, the Minuteman Outfit is good, as it offers Perception and Agility. Any of the items listed in Nukapedia's Clothing table will allow you to put on your armor without restriction. This will depend on your character build and the stats that matter to you.

If you're unconcerned with radiation, then you might pick another piece of clothing based on the buffs to your SPECIAL stats. Both of these things can be upgraded at an armor workbench. This is primarily for the radiation resistance, but it also has good energy resistance.

Fallout 4 armor under power armor mod