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By Julie Tong and Laura Jackson Cotton Boxers For Men
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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, 39 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.
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
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.
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.
A simple everyday option that looks great on its own or under a blazer. What more needs to be said?
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.
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
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.
I’m a bit picky with my white tees because it’s important to me that they strike the perfect balance between structured and off-duty ease. Made from Supima cotton and featuring a slim-fit, vintage-looking silhouette, this Mother T-shirt checks off all the boxes.
I love all the Buck Mason basics. These tees are so soft and fit perfectly for any occasion you need a perfect white top.
I love The Big Favorite because of what it stands for and its approach to sustainable and circular fashion, but more than anything, because their pieces are so soft and the fit is just right. I wear their relaxed crew white tee all the time, it’s one of my preferred basics. It just feels good against my skin, and wears well throughout the day. I have one true to my size that I wear as a basic, and another one size up to wear as a chill outer layer.
I pack a silky soft Calvin Klein men’s crewneck for every trip to layer under a $20 black FP brami tank—iconic costume designer Mona May (responsible for the character wardrobes of Clueless, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, The Wedding Singer, and Never Been Kissed, off the top of my head…) taught me the eternal combo. It works under and over everything from vintage eBay Chanel suits to Spanx Power shorts. I’ve also realized that the only staples I end up reaching for are the soft, soft, buttery softest things in my closet. I like an activewear brand as my first layer, and I like a ribbed knit for a white tee, and this Louise top by Splits59 is a silky bouncy version of both. Also, it doesn't wrinkle much, so easier to get out the door.
Louise rib short sleeve T-shirt
Everlane makes consistently reliable basics and this tee is no exception. From their softer baby tee to their perfectly structured crew, they just won’t fail you when you need a crisp white to balance out your outfit or to layer under dresses or shirts.
I wrote about this no-fuss Hanes white tee in my WFH outfits post, and I’ll take another opportunity to sing its praises. I love the fit because it layers really well under sweaters and tucks easily into pants and skirts. And if you’re the kind of person who, like me, can’t keep your whites white forever, the price point here is quite forgiving when you need to restock.
I was very anti white T-shirts for a long time, but Uniqlo has totally changed my mind. I love the Supima crew neck with everything from jeans and sneakers to a skirt and loafers.
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 love staples with an alluring twist. Éterne’s body-hugging tee offers a subtle sultry twist that elevates the wardrobe basic.
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.
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.
I absolutely love everything from Éterne, especially the white baby T-shirt. The fit is slightly cropped, which allows it to look effortless with a pair of trousers or higher-waist jeans. The quality is also incredible - I've worn mine countless times and it looks just as good as the day I got it.
If you have a bit of time and patience and are looking to shop sustainably, head to @shopcountryof or follow them on IG to keep tabs on their frequently refreshed stock of vintage white tees (think: paper-thin Hanes). If you need to fill the perfect-white-T-shirt-hole ASAP but still want to stick to slow fashion, Pretties makes the baby tee to end all baby tees locally in Downtown LA.
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’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
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’ve been wearing Cos’s oversized white tees lately. I love the slouchy fit and that the cotton is slightly thicker than your standard tee. I can wear one with black trousers and it still looks dressy.
I love this Peter Do tee because it's the softest t-shirt I’ve ever worn. It’s thin and slinky but doesn't cling to my body. It’s breathable and easy to layer, and it fits nicely around my body while having an interesting proportion. Do knows how to reinvent a good basic, and this is no exception.
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.
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 love the vintage slub feeling and boxy shape of this “The Great T” and the “washed white” is a perfect not-too-white shade.
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
For any of your non-formal white tee needs, it doesn’t really get better than the classic Hanes white tee; if you can buy them in a three—or five!—pack, all the better. Here’s the twist: I only buy the boy’s tees, which have a great boxy fit and just fit better, both in the neckline and the sleeve, than the Men’s or Women’s versions. I am quite petite and can just make the M (10-12) work, but the L (12-14) is surprisingly roomy.
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.
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.
You can never go wrong with a white, cotton-jersey T-shirt by Ralph Lauren Polo. Soft and well made, this basic stands the test of time. It is thick enough to wear solo and thin enough to layer.
J.Crew has the best basics, from tank tops, tees, and jeans. This is the one white tee that I find doesn't stretch out after a few washes in the laundry and has a long enough length so that I'm not showing too much skin when wearing my mid-rise boyfriend jeans from J.Crew as well.
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.
T-Shirts Femme The Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt has quickly become the hero item of my