When it comes to wardrobe staples, there are few pieces of clothing quite as essential as the white T-shirt. Finding the perfect short-sleeve white tee might seem like a simple enough task, but as anyone who has ever embarked on the search for that elusive topper will tell you, sometimes it’s easier said than done. After all, the white tee has a whole lot of work to do, considering how many style situations this minimalist shirt needs to be equipped to handle.
The classic white tee is quite possibly one of the most versatile items in any closet—yes, it’s a casual ensemble go-to, but you can do so much more with a good white T-shirt than a laid-back look comprised of jeans and sneakers—though of course, it does excel there. But when you find the perfect white T-shirt—the one with the right lines, drape, length and fit—the humble white tee becomes a sartorial powerhouse.
The best white T-shirts are flattering and dependable. You shouldn’t have to fidget and mess around with the shirt too much once you put it on, as the best white tees and also the most reliable ones—no excessive zhuzhing necessary. While there are different white T-shirts for different occasions, the ones that really stand out are those that work overtime, pairing just as well with your favorite pair of jeans or leggings as with a silky skirt or tailored trouser.
The plain white T-shirt is also the gold standard when it comes to layering, whether you wear it under a cardigan sweater, blazer or lightweight jacket. In that vein, it’s a key component of any worthy travel wardrobe.
The precise criteria for what makes a perfect fit for a white tee depends on one’s personal taste and needs, of course, including the fit, silhouette and fabric. Once you find the right classic tee, you’ll realize just how big a multitasker it is, whether you’re heading to the office, going to dinner or hanging out at home. Below, see the most stylish, reliable and flattering white T-shirts you’ll wear time and time again.
The Best White T-Shirts for Women
Mott and Bow Boxy Semi-Crop Noble
Monrow Super Fine Jersey Fitted Crew Neck Tee
Splendid Everly Slub V-Neck Tee
James Perse Vintage Boy Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Mott and Bow Cropped Fitted Crew Marcy Tee
Aerie Distressed Basic Boyfriend T-Shirt
Re/Done x Hanes Heritage Cotton 1950s Boxy Tee in Vintage White
Cozy Earth Women’s Fine Ribbed Tee
J. Crew Vintage Jersey Classic Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
Madewell Northside Vintage Tee
Everlane The Air Scoop-Neck Tee
Mott and Bow Boxy Semi-Crop Noble
While you might see the word “boxy” next to “semi-crop” and take a hard pass, just trust me on this one. You’ll change your mind upon trying out this top, which is one of the most flattering white tees I’ve ever come across. It is more of a loose fit, but with a slight crop that hits at such a flattering angle. This short-sleeve T-shirt an A+ silhouette that is sure to be a mainstay in your wardrobe, with a bit of structure and enough weight that it’s not see-through.
Mott and Bow.
Mott and Bow.
Monrow Super Fine Jersey Fitted Crew Neck Tee
Monrow is a go-to brand for elevated basics, and their beloved crew neck tee is perfect when you want a more fitted topper. This short-sleeve tee is a lightweight style looks great tucked into jeans or skirts.
Monrow.
Monrow.
Mother Lil Goodie Goodie Tee
Mother already has a dedicated fanbase thanks to the brand’s comfortable and cool jeans, but don’t sleep on the designer’s other wardrobe staples, too. This buttery soft crewneck, made of 100 percent Supima cotton, is the perfect match for denim.
Mother.
Mother
Splendid Everly Slub V-Neck Tee
If you want a deep v-neck T-shirt, look no further than this oversized fit Splendid top. It’s half Supima cotton and half micro modal, for an ultra-soft feel.
Splendid.
Splendid
James Perse Vintage Boy Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
James Perse’s simple and soft crewneck T-shirt has a relaxed fit for an effortlessly cool, vintage tee-inspired look.
James Perse.
James Perse
Naadam The Boxy Tee
If you prefer a bit more substance to your white T-shirt, Naadam’s boxy-style tee should fit the bill. While this isn’t heavy by any means, it’s solidly midweight—it’s not flimsy nor see-through, but it’s also not stifling. While it’s definitely still wearable in the summer, it’s also one of the best tees for cooler temps, thanks to the softer white shade and thicker material. Crafted from 100 percent organic Tanguis cotton, it’s oversized, with a looser fit.
Naadam.
Naadam
Mott and Bow Cropped Fitted Crew Marcy Tee
After years of (warranted!) raving about the Mott and Bow boxy crop at the very top of this list, it was time to try the brand’s new t-shirt offerings. The cropped, fitted Marcy tee did not disappoint—it has more of a shrunken, close-fitting shape, with an über-lightweight feel thanks to the combination of Pima cotton and modal jersey. It’s a sleeker look and feel, and while it’ll reveal a touch of torso if you wear anything lower than a mid-rise, it’s perfect for mid- and high-rise pants, or even a high-waisted skirt.
Mott and Bow.
Mott and Bow
Cos Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt
Cos is another brand known for high-quality, well-priced basics, of which this white T-shirt is a prime example. Made of a heavyweight organic-cotton jersey fabric, it has just enough shape that you won’t feel like you’re swimming in the material.
Cos.
Cos
Michael Stars Lexy Tee
Michael Stars has you covered when it comes to a wearable baby tee. This slim-fitting white T-shirt has a high crew neckline and feminine cap sleeves.
Michael Stars.
Michael Stars
Loft Everyday V-Neck Tee
V-neck enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered. This 100 percent cotton tee, avail in sizes XXS to XXL, is soft and breathable, with just enough weight to it that ensures it’s not too sheer.
Loft.
Loft
Perfect White Tee Harley
The brand name says it all—this 100 percent cotton crewneck just might be your new perfect white T-shirt, with its ultra-soft material and relaxed fit, with a subtly cropped hem.
Perfect White Tee.
L’Agence Ressi Crewneck Tee
This classic crewneck is an instant wardrobe essential, with a slim fit and buttery soft, high-quality fabrication that feels extra luxe.
L’agence.
Kotn Essential Crew
Kotn uses 100 percent Egyptian cotton for their tees, like this this midweight crew-neck. It holds structure quite well, so there’s no need to worry about it stretching out and looking sloppy.
Kotn.
Kotn
Aerie Distressed Basic Boyfriend T-Shirt
This cotton T-shirt is slightly distressed for a lived-in, more casual aesthetic, with an oversized—but not baggy—fit.
Aerie.
Aerie
Re/Done x Hanes Heritage Cotton 1950s Boxy Tee in Vintage White
You can’t go wrong with this timeless boxy crop silhouette, from the celeb-approved Re/Done x Hanes collab line.
Hanes x Re/Done.
Hanes x Re/Done.
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
skims might be best known for stretchy shapewear, but the Kim Kardashian-led brand also has great staple pieces, like this fitted crewneck T-shirt. It’s more of a baby tee silhouette (at least depending on what size you purchase), and we love that it’s meant for all body types, and comes in a size range from XXS to 4X. If you’re an immediate fan, you’ll be thrilled to discover this one also comes in a long-sleeve style.
Skims.
Skims.
Cozy Earth Women’s Fine Ribbed Tee
You might know Cozy Earth for their comfy sheets, but the brand also designs some lovely wardrobe basics, including this fine-ribbed, high crewneck white T-shirt. Made from a blend of combed cotton, modal and just a touch of spandex for the right amount of stretch, this fitted tee is a classic that’s ideal for when you want a more form-fitting silhouette that isn’t *too* tight.
Cozy Earth.
Cozy Earth
J. Crew Vintage Jersey Classic Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
J.Crew makes great basics, and the retailer recently debuted a new version of its classic vintage tee, made of 100 percent cotton. This is the quintessential traditional white tee, with a straight fit and crew neckline, in a crisp yet lived-in colorway.
J. Crew.
J Crew
Madewell Northside Vintage Tee
Inspired by the shrunken vintage tee, Madewell’s slim-fitting crewneck is has that snug silhouette, but nothing too tight. It hurts just at the hip, so it’s still tuckable into a high-waisted pant.
Madewell.
Madewell
Everlane The Air Scoop-Neck Tee
Prefer a scoop neck? Check out Everlane’s simple white version, which has a loose fit and a super lightweight fabrication that’s perfect for warmer weather.
Everlane.
Everlane
