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By Julie Tong and Laura Jackson
L-R: Tong wearing Leset; Lindley wearing Buck Mason; Sussman wearing Re/Done; Fass wearing SoldOut.NYC; Bennett Parker wearing Éterne; Fanning Andrews wearing Splits59.
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How do you find the best white T-shirt for women? It might seem like a simple question, but tracking one down that checks all the boxes—from fit to comfort—is quite a feat. After all, the more minimal a clothing item is, the more its flaws become glaringly clear. No one likes the feeling of slipping on a boxy, ill-fitted white tee that is as stiff as cardboard against their skin. Finally, however, the search is over.
Throughout the history of pop culture, from Marlon Brando to Kendall Jenner, the white T-shirt has been ingrained in both our lives and our wardrobes. “Everybody needs it. Every culture and subculture has used the white T-shirt. That’s where the genius is,” says Karla Welch, a stylist who committed herself to developing the perfect white tee.
For us at Vogue, the shirt has become a unifying style staple. To prove this point, we had our editors wear their favorite white tees to the office for a shoot, showcasing the many stylistic opportunities of the closet classic. Shop their styles, below.
Furthermore, as we commute to-and-from the office, travel, and make social plans, there’s something comforting about wearing a crisp, classic white T-shirt in the morning—fresh and dewy-faced. Perhaps we’ll add a touch of jewelry, whether that’s a pair of gold hoops or a minimalist chain necklace. But the best white tees can be paired with just about everything, from comfortable at-home yoga pants to dressy skirts for the office and beyond. And what’s more iconic and representative of our daily lives than a white T-shirt and a classic pair of blue jeans?
Below, 42 Vogue editors share the best white T-shirts for women and men to wear now and forever.
The Petit Bateau Iconic T-shirt is just that. It is simple and elegant, and looks just as good with a long evening skirt as it does a loose pair of worn-in denim. Bonus points: The brand makes them for kids too.
The Leset tee has the perfect boxy fit that pairs seamlessly with a midiskirt or a minimalist trouser. It hugs your figure without feeling too tight, it’s supremely comfortable to wear, and is cropped just at the right length for my petite frame. A classic Hanes white tee is hard to go wrong. It’s easy to throw on and wear straight out the door. Even more, you can stay guilt-free for an inevitable spillage (ahem, red wine) because the price point makes it an easy no-fuss purchase to restock when needed.
women’s perfect short sleeve T-shirt
I also can’t resist Éterne’s soft, plush, vintage-like feel tees. The perfect white T-shirt did not exist...until now. Don’t walk, run to get this Éterne tee. I also consistently have their thermals in rotation during the colder months as both a layering hack and to wear with a simple pair of jeans and ankle boots.
I have searched high and low for a white T-shirt that is both flattering and practical. Enter this Everlane tee—thick enough to wear on its own, a little boxy for easy movement, and cropped just right so it hits the top of whatever high-waist item I pulled on that day. I love the pocket detail for added interest, but it’s also available without a pocket if that’s more your style.
organic cotton box cut tee
I’m a sucker for anything ’90s fashion related, so naturally, I’m drawn to this boxy cropped T-shirt by Re/Done. I imagine pairing it with a baggy jean or a long maxi skirt á la Gwyneth Paltrow in Great Expectations. I was recently introduced to the brand Flore Flore and I’m obsessed with all of their tanks and tees, but especially this classic crewneck. Other white tees in my closet include Joseph’s oversized style and Re/Done’s Drew tee.
I'm a huge fan of Leset's classic Margo tee and its long-sleeve version is just as good, if not better during the cold-weather months. For a sheerer option, Massimo Dutti's white long-sleeve tee is perfect layered underneath a classic winter coat or worn all on its own as a going-out top. As with any closet classic, the styling opportunities are endless.
I hate to admit it, but Skims has become my wardrobe essentials secret weapon. The white T-shirts are super soft (almost feels like I'm not wearing anything at all), and I love that these have a slightly sheer finish that makes the closet basic feel seductively cool. I love staples with an alluring twist. Éterne’s body-hugging tee offers a subtle sultry twist that elevates the wardrobe basic.
Whether long-sleeve or short, Éterne continues to be my go-to brand for wardrobe essentials. The ribbed knits are especially perfect for layering during colder months.
In an attempt to build a capsule wardrobe, I’ve been on the hunt for essential tees that can be dressed up, down, layered, and more. This cotton crewneck T-shirt from Vince is a great addition to my closet. Paired with some loose-fitting jeans, sneakers, and a blazer, it’s an easy yet chic outfit for any occasion.
The Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt has quickly become the hero item of my closet. It is the perfect everyday tee, and the stretch-cotton material makes it a comfortable, lightweight shirt.
Chic fashion tees are such a thing; case in point, Isabel Marant’s asymmetric Sebani T-shirt. It’s the perfect finishing touch to an all-white, fall-in-the-city outfit.
When it comes to feel-good essentials, look no further than Kotn. An ethically sustainability-focused brand at its core, Kotn products are made with biodegradable fibers that are buttery soft. I fell in love with its classic white tee, which perfectly shapes my torso and is, best of all, 100% Egyptian cotton.
Did you know The Row launched with the mission of creating the perfect white tee? Well they’ve accomplished that (among other things!) and I have to say the Wesler is pretty superb.
I love the mock-neck and structure of this Cos white T-shirt—looks loose in the front but slim in the back. It’s perfect for the booked and busy women out there. I can wear it to work, then seamlessly transition to a nice dinner out with friends.
The design of this cotton top makes it less of a “plain white tee” and more of a cute shirt that happens to be white. The lingerie-like details (pinhole stripes, scalloped sleeves) remind me of vintage pajamas. It feels very sweet and sexy at the same time.
I’d love to have this Raey T-shirt in all colors hanging in my closet, but if I had to choose one, it would be a classic white. The proportions are hard to get right on a short-sleeve tee, but this one is perfect.
I’ve been really into t-shirts that have a more structured or oversized fit to them when it comes to dressing for the office or a night out. I was introduced to Soldout.NYC this spring and have been wearing its white tees and tanks on repeat! When it comes to weekends and off-duty wear, there’s nothing better than the feel of a super worn-in T-shirt, and Mother’s Rowdy tee masters that vintage feel, without ever having been worn before.
The Iconically Soft Perfect Tee
When it comes to winter basics, these long sleeve white tees are worn on repeat. I look to Bite Studios for when I want to play with layering, its ribbed texture and extra long sleeves are fun to expose. Cos's crewneck top feels more like a great base layer, plus it has thumb holes!
I’m always looking for the next best white T-shirt to add to my wardrobe. Lately I’ve been loving Cou Cou’s sweet baby tee, which has the most darling pointelle detailing. A simpler style for everyday is Ninety Percent’s cotton-jersey tee, which I want to get in grey next. As for layering, Buck Mason has a super-soft Pima cotton long-sleeve that’s a little sheer and works great underneath sweaters and button-downs.
I plan to live in Everlane's Supima long-sleeve when the occasion calls for a crisp, white tee. It's stretchy, form-fitting, just the right thickness, and boasts a flattering scooped neckline; what's not to love? To lounge, or for a creamier hue, this Skim's top is the best hands down. Anyone whose tested it knows how comfortable it is!
the Supima Form ballet neck T-shirt
I love the vintage slub feeling and boxy shape of this “The Great T” and the “washed white” is a perfect not-too-white shade.
This white tee from Loewe may be a bit of a splurge but it is worth every cent! Made from a soft cotton-jersey with the house’s ‘Anagram’ logo embroidered discreetly on the chest. In my opinion, this is the perfect white tee to throw on with a pair of jeans and sneakers to feel laid back yet chic.
Not only is this my favorite white T-shirt, but it’s also possibly my favorite T-shirt altogether (there are so many colors)! Fit and price are key, which is why I love this crewneck from Uniqlo.
There are two things I consistently look for in a white tee (or any tee for that matter): 100% cotton and an oversized fit. I have a long torso and require length. I also love a boxy cut and a drop-shoulder seam. This tee from Totême fits the bill nicely.
I have broad shoulders and love how they look in a muscle tank. This one is absolutely perfect. The sleeves hit right at the edge of my shoulders in a way that’s surprisingly delicate, and the cotton is fine and soft. Paired with wide-leg trousers, it gives me the Phoebe Philo-esque look I’ve been trying to achieve my whole life!
My favorite white tee is the Hanes x Re/Done crew because I like my tees to have weight, especially if they are white. White tees can veer unflattering, but this one retains a good structure.
This is the perfect T-shirt to wear with little silk skirts in the summer, the same way I used to do as a teen in the ’90s except a little bit more sophisticated. Everything about the fit is perfect, the sleeves, the width, the right-at-the-top-of-the-hip crop. Bought a couple just in case they don’t make them again for a while.
100% Organic Cotton Vintage Crewneck T-Shirt
As boring as it sounds, my main specification for a perfect white T-shirt is that it has to survive multiple washes unscathed. You’d be surprised how few brands pass the test–so many start to wrinkle at the neckline and generally look a little worse for wear after just one cycle. Uniqlo U’s menswear tee is one of the exceptions, thanks to its heavy-duty cotton and sturdy neckline. It’s also the perfect boxy fit–I’m a UK 10 and buy an XS.
U Crew neck short-sleeve T-shirt
I’ve scoured high and low for the ‘perfect T-shirt’, and the best styles I’ve found are in the menswear section, where there’s often a broad selection of oversized, boxy tees. These heavyweight styles from Arket and Sunspel are classic and flattering, and will last you a long time if you care for them well. My advice? I only ever wash my basics on a gentle, low-temperature cycle, and ensure to tackle any stains immediately.
Some would say Re/done’s T-shirt has a shrunken fit, but I would say it’s the perfect fit if you are a shorter woman! It feels perfectly worn in, and I don’t have to tuck multiple inches of it into my jeans.
Pullover Hoodies I recently asked myself, what’s the hype surrounding the Skims T-shirt craze? Do I actually want to buy a $40 T-shirt? One Black Friday purchase later, and much to my surprise, I am now a firm believer in the pricey but worth-it tee. If you’re like me and have a bit more of a pear-shaped physique, you’ll love the superior fit and comfort of this figure-flattering top.