A great white t-shirt is one of those wardrobe essentials that every woman needs. But, the quality of white tees can vary widely. Below you’ll find some of the best white t-shirts that should last you for years to come.
Choose the right white tee and you’ll be able to wear with everything from a simple jeans and sneakers outfit to a more formal skirt and heels option.
How to choose the best white t-shirts?
While a white t-shirt can look fantastic with so many outfits, making it one of the hardest working items in your closet, I’m sure you’ve all had white tees in the past which are see-through once you put them on, or which shrink in the washing machine, meaning they soon become unwearable.
So, how do you make sure you are getting a quality white t-shirt when looking for that elusive perfect white tee?
Take notice of the washing instructions
For instance, cotton is a great material to choose for your t-shirt, but cotton does usually shrink a little bit, so make sure you follow any instructions and wash on the setting it says!
Cathie (above) looks great in her white outfit, accessorized with leopard print.
Get her look with this similar shirt, jeans, sandals, belt and headband.
Choose a mixed material
If you’re really worried about your new t-shirt shrinking in the wash, then look out for a material which doesn’t tend to shrink, such as spandex or polyester. While you probably won’t want an entirely man-made fabric, you could look for a blend.
Sara (above) opts for a stylish, casual look with her white tee and wide leg pants, adding a pop of orange with her shoes.
Check out this similar tee, pants and slides.
Look for a thicker material or tight weave
There’s nothing wrong with a little sheerness from time-to-time. But, if you’re looking for an everyday t-shirt, you probably don’t want to be flashing your bra. When looking for the best white t-shirts, choose those which are more generous with the material used, or which have a tighter weave so they aren’t transparent.
Patricia (above) looks casual, but perfectly put together with her white t-shirt, jeans and neutral shoes and accessories.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, jeans, sneakers, belt, bag and necklace.
15 of the best white t-shirts to choose
So, which are some of the best brands and t-shirts to look out for this season? Below are some great choices, but I’d love to hear your own favorites too. You can let me know where you get your white t-shirts from in the comments at the bottom.
Lafayette 148 scoop neck tee
The scoop neck tee (below) from Lafayette is one of the pricier options in my list, but it’s also one of the longest lasting.
It’s made from cotton which has been mercerized to prevent shrinking, along with a bit of spandex for extra comfort and shape retention.
Lafayette 148 New York scoop neck cotton tee
The Tee from rag & bone
A classic crew neck with a cap sleeve, The Tee from rag & bone has a slight curve to the sides, meaning it’s not a boxy fit. It’s good quality and can be dressed up or down.
Halogen
Halogen is one of Nordstrom‘s own brands, and is a great go-to when you’re looking for quality basics.
The Halogen short sleeve tee (below) is a good budget option and feels super soft because of the mix of soft cotton and modal.
Halogen short sleeve crewneck tee
Totême Espera
If you like to choose organic cotton, how about the Totéme Espera t-shirt (below)? This one has an oversized aesthetic which is very on-trend right now. You may like to keep the rest of your outfit slimline to create a nice balance.
Totême Espera organic cotton t-shirt
BP.
Another of the Nordstrom Made brands, the cotton and modal t-shirt from BP (below) is very wallet-friendly, so you could opt for all five colors if you want to!
Current/Elliott
A relaxed fit crewneck, the Current/Elliot t-shirt (below) is ideal for wearing day-to-day.
Current/Elliott relaxed crewneck tee
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is renowned for creating timeless clothes that you can wear season after season, and the round neck t-shirt (below) is certainly no exception. It hangs well and looks casual, yet polished.
Eileen Fisher short sleeve jersey tee
Everlane
Known for it’s basics and athleisure wear, Everlane is a good place to look for a plain, white t-shirt. Made with super-soft cotton, the scoop tee (below) is a great warm-weather option.
Everlane ‘The Air’ scoop neck tee
Boden white tee
Boden is known for its bright colors and funky prints, but it also does good block-color basics like the white tee (below) which has a flattering neckline and short, cap sleeves.
Marks & Spencer
UK-founded Marks & Spencer has long been known as a go-to brand for basics (although it has become more fashion-forward in recent years).
The straight fit tee (below) is super affordable, and has been infused with StayNew technology which is designed to keep it looking brighter for longer.
Marks & Spencer pure cotton straight fit t-shirt
GAP
Another brand that is deservedly known for its timeless essentials, the GAP vintage wash t-shirt (below) is super soft, but this one is a bit thinner than the rest, so you may want to ensure you have a white bra or a camisole.
H&M
H&M tends to be known as a “youth brand,” but there are definitely plenty of options to flatter the 40+ woman. The sleeves on the round neck t-shirt (below) have a little roll on them to add interest and the neckline is wider than a typical crew neck.
Arket
If you really want to ensure that your t-shirt isn’t see-through, then opting for a tighter, heavier weave is key. Arket’s heavyweight t-shirt (below) has a smooth, luxurious feel to it.
Lands’ End
If you prefer a v-neck rather than a traditional crewneck when it comes to your t-shirt, how about the Lands’ End relaxed fit tee (below)? It has a relaxed fit and falls to mid hip length, so is also a good choice if you prefer a slightly longer length.
Lands’ End relaxed v-neck t-shirt
Amazon
Why buy one when you can get two? If you are looking at adding a couple of white t-shirts to your closet, or white and another color, Amazon’s essentials tee (below) comes in a pack of two.
Amazon Essentials classic-fit crewneck t-shirt
What to wear with your white t-shirt
So, now that you’ve found that elusive perfect white tee – either from the list above, or perhaps you already have one in your closet – what should you wear with it?
Well, it would probably be easier to say what not to wear with it, as a white t-shirt really does go with everything.
Below are a few ideas for you.
With jeans and a blazer
Janki (above) chooses a v-neck t-shirt and elevates her look by adding a polished blazer.
Check out this similar shirt, blazer, jeans, flats and belt.
NIC+ZOE jacket – Wit & Wisdom bootcut jeans – Sam Edelman pump – Kate Spade New York leather tote – Ettika multistrand necklace
With shorts and sandals for summer
Chris (above) opts for a white t-shirt with longer sleeves and keeps her outfit to soft whites and neutrals.
Recreate her outfit with this similar t-shirt, shorts, slides, crossbody bag, cap, necklace and sunglasses.
Wit & Wisdom twill shorts – TOMS flat sandal – Sole Society satchel – The Marc Jacobs sunglasses
To wear with a more formal skirt
Jill (above) shows that a white t-shirt can be perfect for adding casual flair to a skirt.
Check out this printed skirt that you can wear with this similar shirt, sneakers and sunglasses.
Topshop metallic pleated skirt – Trotters pump – Nina crystal frame clutch – Bocar multi layer necklace
Under a slip dress or jumpsuit
Dahlia (above) wears her t-shirt under a 90s style slip dress. If you do have a spaghetti strap dress or jumpsuit you have stopped wearing because you prefer to cover your arms, this could be a great option to try.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, slip dress, sandals and hoop earrings.
Madewell denim jacket – Topshop cowl back satin slipdress – Converse platform sneaker – Ganni leather camera crossbody bag – Set & Stone hoop earrings
More white t-shirt inspiration for you
Monika (above) adds a blazer to her casual white t-shirt and shorts outfit.
Check out this similar tee, tweed jacket, shorts and sneakers.
Ashley (above) opts for a classic outfit featuring jeans, a white t-shirt and loafer-style mules. She adds a stylish “unfinished” touch with the hemline of her jeans.
Get her look with this similar tee, blazer, jeans, mules and necklace.
Petra (above) opts for a glamorous look featuring her white t-shirt and a multi-colored maxi skirt.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, blazer, skirt, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.
Larisa (above) keeps her outfit neutral and stylish with a white t-shirt and tan accessories.
Check out this similar t-shirt, cardigan, pants, sandals, bag, belt, necklace and sunglasses.
Natalie chooses to add a little messaging to her t-shirt and pairs it with a stylish fedora and midi skirt.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, skirt, sneakers, tote, hat, necklace and sunglasses.
What are the best white t-shirts you’ve ever found? How do you wear your white tee?
Continue reading:
- The Best T Shirts For Women That Are More Flattering Than Your Regular Tee
- A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
- The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
Feature image by Patricia
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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My marks and spencer one has lasted me for years.
I love all the tshirts
Sylvia I enjoy all of your articles! The Boden tee you feature is my favorite! I have it in white and navy. The neckline and the angled cut of the sleeves are flattering on me. They keep their shape after washing and I always hang to dry.