The Best White T-Shirts for Men, According to Fashion Designers
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Adorning the perfect white t-shirt is a finish line tantamount to discovering Atlantis or traversing El Dorado. Seemingly impossible, and yet the focus of collective obsession. The pursuit of a superlative casual look is ongoing, both because of how great everyone looks in a white t-shirt and fictional characters like The Bear’s Carmy who prove that some people look excellent.
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Think of a white t-shirt as a blank canvas, the foundation upon which one crafts a relaxed yet polished outfit. Pair a white t-shirt with jeans and a denim jacket for a 1950s heart-throb-inspired look, or rock it with wide-leg khakis for a slightly more military-inspired vibe. A simple white tee can also make even the rattiest pajama pants look sexy, or so we’d like to think.
What the Experts Say
SPY, as a publication covering menswear, is on the hunt for the flawless neutral basic alongside the rest, out of obligation and curiosity. For this story, SPY interviewed multiple experts to help us sort through the best white t-shirts for men, including fashion PR guru Michael Corrigan; Daniel Brown, owner of Dallas vintage shop Nylo Wool; former Wilhelmina model and Tone House Coach James McMillian; and Luke Linder, Madewell Men’s Head of Design.
“The white tee is as iconic a staple as there is in men’s fashion,” says Linder. “What seems like the smallest of details can make all the difference in a men’s garment, especially with something as ‘basic’ as a tee.”
“For the perfect white tee, you want a fabric that, first and foremost, feels good on your body. Comfort is king, so a shirt that is soft and has some weight to it is important. When done right, a white tee always signals an effortless cool that we can’t take our eyes off of,” says Linder.
BEST OVERALL
Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
Buy Now $55.00
There is a consensus within the menswear world that Buck Mason’s heavy tee is one of the best feeling and fitting tees available. It has a perfect weight, a flattering yet roomy cut, and is made with rugby-weight cotton that’s the right amount of sturdy. “It’s heavy enough to feel like you can wear it anywhere, light enough to not feel heavy,” says Corrigan.
It’s basic enough to fulfill all the casual duties of a white tee, but can also pass at a dressy casual dinner with the right pants and shoes. The noticeable collar and sleeves also give the timeless look a distinct flair.
BEST VALUE
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Buy Now $19.90
Why It Stands Out: This is a sleek white tee that’s budget-friendly as well. “For less than $20 each, you can afford to buy one for every day of the week,” says Corrigan.
Made For: Thrifty spenders.
ROI: This is one of the best-looking budget tees relative to its price. It’s worth it to buy multiple and switch them out every few wears to maintain freshness.
BEST LIVED-IN FEEL
Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee
Buy Now $45.00
Why It Stands Out: Taylor Stitch does elevated basics like few other brands, as is perfectly displayed in their organic cotton tee. It looks like it’s been sitting around for years collecting just the right amount of wear.
Made For: Vintage lovers who want a plain white t-shirt without any patches or tie-dye.
ROI: While spending a bit more on something that looks older might seem silly, the cost-per-use of a t-shirt that looks exactly the way you want it to is worth it. Corrigan vouches for this one, describing it as “the perfect vintage white that’s not afraid to get a little dirty, too.”
BEST FANCY TEE
3Sixteen Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt, 2-Pack
Buy Now $98.00
Why It Stands Out: The concept of a fancy white tee is contradictory, but these pocket tees from 3Sixteen are made from a hefty and custom 260 grams per square meter (GSM)-combed cotton jersey knit. That’s just a fancy way of saying that they’re really strong, great-feeling white tees that can hold their own under a blazer or leather jacket.
Made For: “Save these ones for a special occasion,” says Corrigan. “This isn’t your wear-after-the-gym shirt.”
Hot Take: A hefty pocket tee is both tremendously underrated and required in every man’s wardrobe.
BEST SPLURGE
Sunspel Classic T-Shirt
Buy Now $95.00
Why It Stands Out: Sunspel introduced the concept of a luxury tee shirt back in 1908 and remains one of the very best at making high-end options.
Made For: Those willing to spend a lot to get a lot. The extra-long staple Supima cotton looks and feels like it’s worth well over $100.
ROI: “Worth the price tag,” says Corrigan. “I’m a big cost-per-wear shopper, and this one is guaranteed to get you enough usage for the spend.”
MOST TIMELESS
Calvin Klein Classic Smooth Cotton T-Shirt
Buy Now $19.75
Why It Stands Out: “Calvin Klein t-shirts are known for their exceptional quality and timeless style,” says McMillian. “Their Classic Smooth Cotton T-Shirt is great for a casual night out in the city. Its versatility and premium craftsmanship make it an excellent addition to any wardrobe.”
Made For: Those who want quality and a name brand without having to pay designer rates.
Worth Mentioning: The collar brings this shirt together. It’s not too slouchy or too tight and looks like something James Dean would wear.
BEST FOR LAYERING
Reigning Champ 2-Pack Lightweight Jersey T-Shirt
Buy Now $55.00
Why It Stands Out: “When it comes to the best white tee, the fit is everything,” says Brown. “A slim fit “undershirt” is best when layering, this makes for no fuss and no bunching throughout the day.”
Made For: As Brown points out, this is a great shirt for layering underneath a denim or flannel shirt but also looks great solo.
ROI: These are higher-end, at $55 a piece, but the smart design features (year-round weight, rib-bound standout collar, set-in sleeves, and strong seams) make it a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions About White T-Shirts
What Should I Know Before Buying a White T-Shirt?
According to Corrigan, it’s all about quality, fit, and how you treat them. “A quality white T can truly take you anywhere. Focus on fit and don’t be afraid to splurge on the right one. Just be careful how you treat them so they don’t end up looking like yesterday’s undershirt,” he says.
Why Are White T-Shirts So Popular?
It’s hard to argue with an accessory this timeless. When paired with jeans, khakis, a denim shirt, or a jacket, a white tee evokes classic Americana. It’s a safe bet that isn’t boring.
How Does a White T-Shirt Improve One’s Physical Appearance?
White T-shirts broaden the shoulders and slim the waist, giving everyone more of a V-shaped body type which is naturally more flattering.
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