The 14 Best White T-Shirts To Style With Everything in 2023
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The Skims stretch cotton T-shirt truly lives up to its hype.
Joy Kim
The plain white tee will never go out of style. But that doesn't mean it won't evolve and improve over the years. Nowadays, a plethora of factors need to be taken into consideration for this staple: length, fit, neck cuts, fabric weight, and so much more. Whether you're looking for a shirt that'll hold up its color and shape for years to come, something made from sustainable fabric, or both, we did the hard work for you to find the best of the best.
The Skims Stretch Cotton T-shirt earned the best overall spot for its wide size range, affordable price, and comfortable fit. But keep on reading for more picks from InStyle favorite brands, like Madewell, Everlane, Uniqlo, and more.
Skims Stretch Cotton T-shirt
Best Overall
What We Love: This tee has an ultra-flattering, curve-hugging cut and fit.
What We Don’t Love: We wish they offered a pure white version.
The size range impressed us with this T-shirt from Kim Kardashian’s brand Skims. Going up to 4X, nearly everyone will be able to find their perfect fit with this extra-stretchy, curve-hugging tee that’s flattering across all body types. Designed with a thicker material, this shirt offers ample coverage — for how tight it is, you never want to see anything underneath — unlike other Skims favorites that might be a touch more sheer. We only wish it came in a pure white color, too, as this is more of a creamy, ivory tone.
Price at time of publish: $48
Fabric: Cotton, spandex | Fit: Fitted | Size Range: XS - 4XL
Kule The Modern
Best Splurge
What We Love: The Portuguese cotton feels extra soft and sturdy.
What We Don’t Love: The logo at the bottom makes this not an all-white shirt.
Turn to this shirt if you, like us, are fed up with holes, see-through fabric, or quickly worn out tees that only last a season or two. Constructed with Portuguese cotton, this tee feels soft and light, while still hefty enough to hold its shape and stay durable. While we appreciate the added visual element of the Kule logo stitched at the hem because it visually sets the shirt apart from the rest, we understand that might be a distraction for others. Otherwise, the straight cut, relaxed neck, and fitted shoulders gives this a genderless appeal with ample amounts of comfort. Whether you’re spending the day in or out of the house, you’ll look and feel well put together.
Price at time of publish: $68
Fabric: Portuguese cotton | Fit: Relaxed, standard | Size Range: XS - XXL
Uniqlo Crew Neck Short Sleeve
Best Budget
What We Love: The 100 percent cotton fabric feels soft and sturdy.
What We Don’t Love: The neckline lacks some stretch to it, making it difficult to pull over your head.
With Uniqlo, you never have to compromise quality for budget, which is why InStyle writer Bianca Kratky calls this her go-to for basic white tees. She recently purchased the men’s version of this shirt (for an oversized fit) and finds the soft 100 percent cotton fabric to be extremely soft and comfortable. It’s neither too stiff nor too flimsy, like many lower priced items are, which makes it easy to live in. Instead, the material has just the right amount of thickness to it, and when combined with the sturdy neckline, the shirt becomes a well-structured white tee. Dress it up under a blazer or keep it casual with sweats at home. Some have complained that said neckline lacks a bit of stretch, making it somewhat difficult to pull over your head, but we think this could just be a testament to its quality.
Price at time of publish: $15
Fabric: Cotton | Fit: Standard | Size Range: XXS - XXL
Joy Kim
Universal Standard Tee Rex Shirt
Best Plus
What We Love: There are crew neck, v-neck, and petite options all within the same extended size range.
What We Don’t Love: You cannot put this shirt in the dryer.
Made from Peruvian cotton, this tee not only gets softer with every wash, but also the fabric is wrinkle-resistant and built to hold up over years to come, which, considering the price, makes it a pretty worthwhile piece to invest in. It requires a bit more TLC to keep it looking fresh, though — you can’t place it in the dryer, so it must be laid flat to dry. But that extra effort allows it to hold its shape after each wash, so we think it’s worth it. Sizes range from 4XS to 4XL, allowing everyone to find their perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $50
Fabric: Cotton | Fit: Relaxed fitted | Size Range: 4XS - 4X
Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew
Most Soft
What We Love: The material is impossibly soft.
What We Don’t Love: It’s slightly see-through.
Kratky and senior commerce editor Chloe Anello rave about the Buck Mason white T-shirts for one simple reason: they are so soft. Buck Mason (who kindly sent us this shirt) configured this piece with extra soft cotton in a slub texture that loosely fits around you in a standard cut. The breathable tee looks put together without being form-fitting and feels great across the skin. With a cut that ends right at the waist line, the T-shirt offers a more versatile fit as well — it is long enough to leave untucked without being so long that the ample extra fabric bunches too much when tucked inside a pair of pants. Just be aware it’s also faintly see-through, but wearing a nude bra underneath solves the problem easily.
Price at time of publish: $38
Fabric: Cotton | Fit: Standard, loose | Size Range: XS - 2XL
Joy Kim
Madewell Northside Vintage T
Best Crew Neck
What We Love: This tee is modeled to look like vintage tees, pre-shrunk for the perfect lasting fit.
What We Don’t Love: It runs slightly large, so take a look at the size chart before ordering.
Modeled after vintage tees, this shirt offers you a timeless look with a cut that falls just at the waist and a crew neck that hits your collar bones in the perfect spot — it will never feel constricting or too open, which is exactly what we look for in our crew necks. It features a pre-shrunken fit, saving you from the heartache of your favorite tee accidentally shrinking as soon as you wash it. But with that said, make sure you order the correct size — this runs a bit large, FYI — because it won’t change. Speaking of washing, though, customers even say the texture stays exactly the same through multiple washes with no pilling or fading detected. Throw it on day after day with your favorite pair of jeans and loafers for an effortless look.
Price at time of publish: $19
Fabric: Cotton | Fit: Standard, loose | Size Range: XXS- 3XL
Marine Layer Classic Scoop Neck T
Best Scoop Neck
What We Love: This tee is made with an eco-friendly fabric blend.
What We Don’t Love: Although not labeled as a cropped tee, this does have a shorter fit.
Thanks to a blend of half cotton and half tencel micromodal fabric (which is made of recycled beechwood), you can expect this sustainable, eco-friendly shirt to feel naturally soft. The barely-there material will keep you cool in the summer, while the open scoop neck feels particularly breezy, too. We appreciate that the neck doesn’t scoop too much, as well — it shows off your collarbone in a delicate way, but at the same time, it still looks put together. Some reviewers felt it was cut a bit short, even though it’s not listed as a crop top, so keep that in mind if you happen to have a longer torso.
Price at time of publish: $35
Fabric: Supima cotton, tencel micro modal | Fit: Standard, relaxed | Size Range: XS-XL
Everlane Organic Cotton Slouchy V-Neck
Best V-neck
What We Love: The organic cotton doesn’t come with a hiked up price.
What We Don’t Love: Some find it a bit too short.
This slouchy V-neck T-shirt made of 100 percent organic cotton gives you that model-off-duty look thanks to its dropped shoulders, elongated short sleeves, and a slightly oversized cut. It effortlessly drapes over your body, but the hem cuts off right around your hips to keep the shirt from looking too oversized — and you can still easily tuck it into a pair of high-waisted jeans. Some reviewers with longer torsos complain that it’s a bit too short, so keep that in mind before you purchase.
Aside from the fit, Everlane always moves with sustainability at the forefront, which is why the cotton used here is made with better soil, water usage, and working conditions for the farmers. It still has the same soft and breathable properties as regular cotton, but the price remains fair, despite the higher investment Everlane puts in to source their materials.
Price at time of publish: $30
Fabric: Organic cotton | Fit: Slouchy | Size Range: XXS - XL
Joy Kim
Outdoor Voices Everyday Shortsleeve
Best For Workouts
What We Love: This shirt is true to size and cut right at the waist.
What We Don’t Love: Colored sports bras will show through.
They say when you find something you love, buy it in every color. And that's exactly what you can do with this t-shirt that comes in 13 different colorways, including a crisp white. With sizes up to 3XL, this T-shirt fits true-to-size, working for a variety of body types. It has a slight crop to it with the intention of falling midway down the waistband of your high-waisted leggings. The organic cotton jersey will keep you breezy during a workout, and even if you get a little sweaty, the lightweight material won’t cling to your body. But the material also has a downside: because of how thin it is, any colored sports bra will show through. Luckily, that’s less of a problem during a workout.
Price at time of publish: $35
Fabric: Organic cotton | Fit: Classic | Size Range: XS - 3XL
ReOna Signature T-shirt
Best Form Fitting
What We Love: It’s double layered and therefore won’t be see-through.
What We Don’t Love: The brand recommends sizing up as their products run small.
Just like all of ReOna’s pieces that bring an elegant touch to closet staples, this near seamless top takes the signature white tee and turns it into an elevated garment, suitable for even formal attire. Made with a double layer of extra stretchy and soft fabrics, it clings to your body to be sure, yet the thicker material ensures no undergarments show through the fabric. The hem crops just below your belly, making it fit perfectly with high-waisted pants, without looking too cropped. Just take heed of the suggestion ReOna lists on their site – this shirt runs small so it might help to size up. Fashion blogger Maddy Gutierrez likes to pair a fitted shirt “with wide leg trousers, white sneakers, and a moto jacket for an ‘I’m breezy but still tried’ outfit.” The investment is well worth it, as the snug and comfy fit will remain a necessity in your closet for many years to come.
Price at time of publish: $69
Fabric: Modal, elastane | Fit: Form-fitting | Size Range: XS - XL
Los Angeles Apparel Short Sleeve T-shirt Bodysuit
Best Bodysuit
What We Love: The snap closure on the bottom makes visits to the bathroom easy.
What We Don’t Love: If you have a long torso, it might be difficult to find the right size.
When it comes to bodysuits, Kratky always turns to Los Angeles Apparel. Every single one that she owns from the brand (about four) has the most flattering fit. Although she does find that having a long torso makes the sizing a bit difficult to get right — the small looks the most fitting on top but causes a bit of a strain around the bottom. That’s not to say it isn’t stretchy, though, — the cotton and elastane makeup gives it the flexibility that’s required in bodysuits, so you’re sure to find the right fit for you. Thankfully, the snap closure on the bottom allows you to avoid any awkward semi-nude moments in the bathroom as well (not to mention, it’s a breeze to take on and off because of it). The clean cut and matte finish makes this an easy shirt to pair with skirts, cargo pants, and pantsuits alike.
Price at time of publish: $30
Fabric: Cotton, elastane | Fit: Form-fitting | Size Range: XS - XL
Spanx Better Base Long Sleeve Crew
Best Long Sleeve
What We Love: The fabric is breathable, quick-drying, and absorbent.
What We Don’t Love: It’s slightly see-through.
The Spanx crewneck long sleeve shirt is not just beautiful on its own, but it’s also an excellent layering piece. The breathable and quick-drying fabric will wick away moisture and keep things odorless, while the recycled tencel modal allows for generous stretch, ideal for a base layer. On its own, the long hem, crewneck, and long sleeves that end in slits look flattering when dressed up or down. However, shoppers have complained that it can be a little see-through. We recommend wearing a nude bra underneath for a more discreet look.
Price at time of publish: $78
Fabric: Recycled tencel modal | Fit: Form-fitting | Size Range: XS - 3XL
Cotton-On Micro Crop Tee
Best Cropped
What We Love: The fabric is very stretchy, according to the reviews.
What We Don’t Love: Some people pointed out that it can be a bit see-through.
Cropped tees come in handy when wearing high-waisted bottoms. And this option from Cotton-on is even shorter than your typical crop; it ends right around your rib cage, making the “micro” description in its name hold true. The material (a blend of cotton and elastane) feels super stretchy, though, covering everything you need it to. You’ll never have to worry about a slight breeze moving the teeny T-shirt around either because it naturally hugs your body. And while some commenters truly appreciate the well-made fabric, others have pointed out that it’s a bit see-through, especially when stretched out. It might therefore help to size up to avoid stretching it too much.
Price at time of publish: $15
Fabric: Cotton, elastane | Fit: Form-fitting | Size Range: XS - XL
Lululemon All Yours Cotton Tshirt
Best Oversized
What We Love: While the body of the shirt is 100 percent pima cotton, the rib contains some elastane for an easy slip on and off.
What We Don’t Love: For an exaggerated oversized look, it might be better to size up.
For a more relaxed and less polished look, go for an oversized white tee. Marginally dropped shoulders, loose hanging fabric, and a long hem help bring this appeal to life, and Athleta, who primarily makes athletic wear, made sure to create this T-shirt in a naturally breathable fabric, namely pima cotton for additional comfort. The rib however contains two percent elastane in it, which will make it easier to slip over your head. Overall, the material should feel soft and almost airy when worn. If you want to elevate the baggy look, Gutierrez recommends doing a “classic french tuck for a more defined waist, while not taking away from the overall vibe.” While the shirt itself is cut to look large, it might not hurt to still size up if you truly want a relaxed fit.
Price at time of publish: $58
Fabric: Pima cotton | Fit: Oversized | Size Range: 0 - 20
What To Keep In Mind
Fit
As with most garments, the fit is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when picking out a T-shirt. An oversized tee offers a touch more comfort than anything more fitted. The Lululemon All Yours Cotton Tee drapes in a borrowed-from-the-boys way, making sure not to cling to any part of you, as does the Everlane V-Neck or Kule The Modern T-Shirt, which definitely gives you a slouchier fit. These tees look significantly more casual, though, than say a fitted T-shirt tucked into some high-waisted pants underneath a blazer, which is what makes some T-shirts, like Skims Stretch Cotton Tee particularly versatile. But if you still prefer something body-hugging, yet casual, try Cotton On’s Micro Crop tee, perfect for high-waisted jeans or ab-baring looks.
Weight
You shouldn’t be a stranger to the term heavyweight or lightweight when it comes to clothing, and that quality becomes especially important with T-shirts. A lightweight tee tends to be looser and better for warmer days. We’re partial to Buck Mason’s Slub Easy Crew or Outdoor Voices Everyday Shortsleeve because the airy material hangs delicately on the body without clinging. But sometimes the lighter shirts wind up being see-through, so for something heavy, look for a thicker cotton material that appears opaque. The Uniqlo U Crew Neck tee will certainly feel thick enough to hide any undergarments and add a more structured feel to your outfit.
Color
Yes, we know this is a roundup of all-white shirts. But not all white shirts are exactly, well, white. We left a little room for nuance here, giving you choices that satiated the pure white tee need, but we also looked for off-white, ivory, and more subdued white. For anyone looking for that pure, bright white that will pop in flash photography (if you’re that kind of person), try Uniqlo’s U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, which has that freshly bleached appeal. Skims Stretch Cotton Tee can be categorized as more of an off-white, however, while Buck Mason’s Slub Easy Crew looks more subdued (keep in mind, this might be due to the thinner, more wispy material, which differs from Uniqlo’s thick, sturdy cotton).
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best fabric for a white T-shirt?
According to Zuajeiliy Romero, the VP of Styling at Wishi, the best material and fabric to look for for a plain white tee is cotton. This will keep the tee looking both structured and feel light and breathable against the skin. "Modal is always a plus for softness and drape but I think a white T-shirt should be structured," says Romero. You’ll find that most of the options listed here are made of cotton, including the Skims Stretch Cotton T-shirt, Uniqlo Crew Neck Short Sleeve, and Everlane Organic Cotton Slouchy V-Neck. Those that include Modal, like the Marine Layer Classic Scoop Neck T and the ReOna Signature T-shirt, add a touch of softness and breathability.
How should you wash a white T-shirt?
Even though a lot of the T-shirts listed above say they can be machine washed, Romero advises against it. "Hand washing is best because the washer/dryer cycle can turn your whites yellow," she says. Romero recommends washing your tees with a gentle detergent, and if you have a stain, she recommends treating them with Oxiclean Stain Remover Powder.
Another tip? Hang try each piece. It'll retain its shape for longer and dry faster.
What hemline is the most flattering?
For a polished look, your white T-shirt should hit the top of your jeans so your outfit looks put together, Romero says. But of course, you can reach for whatever cut and hem you like the most and feel most comfortable in. A longer style may be best for wearing with leggings or for providing more bum coverage, whereas cropped style shows off your waistline and can be styled more casually and fun.
Why Shop With Us
Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle, with two years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Along with contributing writer Brittany Leitner, the best white t-shirts were sourced by speaking to experts (Maddy Gutierrez, Zuajeiliy Romero, and Aarica Nicole) and the team here at InStyle, and sourcing personal favorites.
Related:The 19 Best Jeans for Women That Are Actually Worth Buying in 2023
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