- The fabric is lightweight but not sheer
- Made from soft organic cotton
- Great price for a well-made basic
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In a world where fashion trends come and go faster than a celebrity scandal, one timeless item has managed to maintain its status as a wardrobe essential: the classic white t-shirt. Think of it as the chameleon of clothing, seamlessly adapting to any style or occasion with a versatility that rivals your favorite pair of jeans. Whether you're going for a quiet luxury vibe or dressing for a weekend coffee run, the perfect white tee is a closet staple.
The only problem? Finding a white t-shirt that’s right for you can be challenging. Not all tees are created equally, and when it comes to discovering your short-sleeved soulmate, tiny details can seem monumental. From the cut of the fabric to the neckline, each design element plays a critical role in defining the ideal sartorial blank canvas.
With a range of silhouettes, styles, and price points in mind, I’ve rounded up the best white t-shirts for every occasion. Join me down the rabbit hole as I embrace the simplicity of white tees while obsessing over the nuances that set each one apart.
Forget the fast fashion fix you’ve got in your online cart and pick up a wardrobe staple instead. This V-neck t-shirt by COS (H&M’s older, more sophisticated sister brand), is a testament to simple, enduring style. Made from pure organic cotton, the lightweight tee seamlessly transitions from casual outings to work events (picture it under a chic blazer). Take your usual size for a relaxed silhouette or size down for a more fitted look.
If you’re a fan of V-necks and relaxed silhouettes, this is an affordable, high quality option you’ll reach for again and again.
Get it here: COS V-Neck T-Shirt
Fresh out of the box (or shopping bag), this t-shirt from The Great feels like an old favorite—like a vintage tee you’ve had in your drawer forever and have washed a million times, making it the softest thing you own. Designed by Emily Current and Meritt Elliott (the duo behind cult brand CURRENT/ELLIOTT), it’s a perfectly cut, boxy t-shirt imbued with serious fashion cred.
I love the feel of vintage t-shirts, but white tees are tricky to buy second hand—consider this the perfect alternative.
Get it here: The Great The Boxy Crew
No discussion of essential t-shirts would be complete without mentioning Uniqlo, the Japanese retailer known for its affordable, elevated basics. While there are a number of Uniqlo tees that have become cult favorites among the fashion crowd—don’t forget to shop the men’s section, too—this easy-to-wear crewneck t-shirt wins the prize for versatility. Use it as a layering piece under sweaters and shirts, or as the main event when the occasion calls for a fitted silhouette.
An easy, versatile capsule wardrobe essential—and at this price, you might as well buy multiples.
Get it here: Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-Shirt
The Margo by LESET is a perennial fashion favorite and the brand’s best-selling t-shirt for good reason. The classic tee effortlessly combines relaxed elegance with a hint of crisp tailoring. It’s a top that will take you from weekend brunch to a work Zoom with ease. The fabric drapes beautifully, creating a silhouette that’s slightly loose but not oversized.
This a well-made, stylish option for those who are willing to spend a bit more on their wardrobe basics.
Get it here: LESET The Margo
Those of us who lived through the ubiquitous “baby tee” craze of the 90s might now prefer t-shirts that cover every inch of our abdomens. Luckily, the 2024 version of the cropped t-shirt is boxy, not skin tight, and doesn’t actually bare any flesh, unless maybe you’re hailing a taxi or reaching for something on a high shelf. Cue a collective sigh of relief from elder millennials everywhere.
If you’re going to opt for cropped, make it modern. This version checks all the right boxes.
Get it here: Cotton Citizen The Tokyo Crop Tee
Look, we can argue all day about whether or not designer items are worth the exorbitantly high prices, or we can simply stop and admire a beautifully made t-shirt from the twin sisters who brought you classic movies like New York Minute and When In Rome. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s ultra-luxe (and ultra-successful) fashion brand, The Row, is known for making the best minimalist pieces on the market, and this classic white t-shirt is no exception. The Row also has some of the best white sneakers, like the Veja V-12.
The Row’s white t-shirt is stealth luxury at its finest.
Get it here: The Row Wesler T-Shirt
If you love the look of big, baggy t-shirts but cringe at the thought of sharing sweat stains with your significant other, have I got a tee for you! The SKIMS boyfriend t-shirt has all of the borrowed-from-the-boys details—including a high crew neck and long, oversized fit—and none of the pitfalls of having to borrow clothes from an actual boy. Shopping tip: If you’re looking for something to wear underneath that t-shirt, SKIMS has it. The brand made our lists for the best t-shirt bras, best shapewear, and the best bras.
I can’t help you find a good boyfriend, but I’ve got you covered on the boyfriend t-shirt front.
Get it here: SKIMS Boyfriend T-Shirt
When it comes to luxurious minimalist fashion, there are a few brands that get it right every single time, and Swedish label Toteme is high on that list. Their organic cotton t-shirt drapes loosely, but not sloppily, against the body creating an elegant and relaxed silhouette.
For a basic t-shirt, it’s a bit of a splurge, but for a luxury staple with excellent Cost Per Wear, it’s a steal.
Get it here: Toteme Espera Organic Cotton T-Shirt
For less than the cost of an oat milk matcha latte (including tip), you could be the proud owner of a wardrobe staple that has stood the test of time: the humble yet chic Hanes white t-shirt. Made from durable, pre-shrunk cotton, this crewneck tee is a closet essential that won’t break the bank. The price fluctuates continually on Amazon, so stock up when it gets low.
At this price and this classic style, you really can’t go wrong.
Get it here: Hanes Women’s Perfect-T
If you worship at the altar of 90s supermodels and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, this is the t-shirt for you. A slightly shrunken silhouette capped off with cap sleeves and a crew neck that’s not too high, not too low, this tee looks great with everything from casual pants to high-waisted jeans to a minimalist maxi skirt.
This 90s-inspired, hip-length cotton t-shirt is a must-have in any minimalist’s wardrobe.
As a fashion editor and shopping expert with many years of experience under my Khaite belt, it’s my job to source exceptional wardrobe staples in a variety of styles. I also relied on customer reviews and my personal knowledge of clothing brands to compile this shopping guide.
When presented with a veritable sea of white tees, how can you even distinguish one from another, let alone determine the tee that’s right for you? It comes down to a few key factors.
When it comes to classic white t-shirts, cotton—organic or otherwise—reigns supreme thanks to its breathability, versatility, and durability. Cotton blends have their place, too. The addition of modal will add a silky touch, while a hint of spandex will boost stretch and comfort. The ventilation factor is an important one when choosing a white t-shirt (especially one you’ll be wearing in the summertime), but you should also take into account the drape of the materials, how the fabric feels against your skin, and whether or not it elevates your overall look.
The fit of a white t-shirt is the key to transforming a simple garment into a standout piece that’ll become your wardrobe MVP. Looking for a classic white tee? Follow the Goldilocks principle: not too tight, not too loose, just right. Need to give your outfit a casual, relaxed vibe? An oversized boyfriend t-shirt should be your go-to. Want to show a little skin without resorting to an ultra-tight top? Try a boxy cropped tee. Keep in mind that the right fit goes beyond the size on the label. It's more about finding a t-shirt that complements your style while creating the desired silhouette.
Even in its simplest form, a t-shirt’s neckline is a deliberate design detail that creates a major impact. The crew neck is a timeless classic and the most versatile of all the necklines—it can be elegant or sporty, depending on the tee. A V-neck can offer subtle allure, creating an effortless balance between casual and sensual. Scoop neck and boat neck t-shirts are handy for those balletcore moments, but they do tend to dance in and out of fashion. Not sure which neckline is right for you? Try on a variety of styles and choose the one that makes you feel like the most put-together version of yourself, regardless of the trend cycle.
Just like the perfect white t-shirt, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Determining the best brands is a highly subjective process that should take into account one’s budget and personal style, as well as the brand’s quality, fit, availability, and sustainability.
The simple answer for a simple white t-shirt is cotton, but if you’re looking for something a little more luxe—but equally breathable and even more durable—try Supima cotton, which has extra-long fibers that are stronger, softer, and more resistant to pilling than regular cotton.
If all the t-shirts in the world went to prom (stay with me here), the classic crewneck would be crowned prom queen year after year. Its timeless neckline makes it the most versatile option of all the t-shirt styles. Consider it a wardrobe staple for fashion icons and trend-shunners alike.
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