What do Cindy Crawford, Bruce Springsteen, and Diana Ross have in common? Besides being pop icons, they all recognise the power of the best white T-shirts. From Springsteen’s on the cover of Born in the U.S.A. to Ross’s take worn with a cowboy hat and jeans, a great tee is uncomplicated and timeless.
Understated and versatile, white tees are designed to be a wardrobe staple that can seamlessly integrate into any look, regardless of your personal style. The trick to finding the best white tee for you? Note the key details, namely fabric and fit. There’s a seemingly endless array of styles and designs to choose from, whether you prefer a boxy cut or more tailored silhouettes. Depending on the occasion, a breezy linen blend might be optimal, while other looks call for stiff cotton. Also, look where the sleeves hit—do you want them closer to the shoulder or do you prefer more coverage, extending to the elbows?
Whatever’s missing from your wardrobe, these 11 options will have you covered.
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Best Fashion T-Shirt
Samson T-shirt, $436, Khaite at NET-A-PORTER
Every fashion girl’s favorite, Khaite naturally makes the ideal white tee. It’s lightweight and cut to skim the body, and the sleeves hit perfectly in the middle of the upper arm, making it a worthy investment staple. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
Best Pointelle T-Shirt
The Pointelle Baby Tee, US$98, Donni
Should white not be your thing, this delicate T-shirt is available in a variety of colours, and can be worn layered under a button-up or on its own, as a sweet lounging piece. The reviews speak for themselves, with one customer raving, “It’s incredibly cute and so soft. The slight puff sleeve is the perfect detail.” —RS
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Best Size-Inclusive T-Shirt
Tee Rex In White, $73, Universal Standard
Before Universal Standard designed this T-shirt, senior designer Leeron Skurnik said it was challenging to find a version that fit well, looked great, and delivered on quality in a full-size run. But this shirt was made to check all three boxes for sizes 00–40.
“The Tee Rex looks simple but features so many intentional details to ensure the fit is exceptional across every size,” Skurnik says. “I love that the stovepipe sleeve eliminates excess fabric around the upper arm and that the hem is strategically curved to allow for versatility and comfort in wear. Plus, it’s made with premium Peruvian cotton, so the fabric actually gets softer when you wash it, meaning you don’t have to worry about replacing it after a few wears due to fabric wear. I usually wear my [it] with a boyfriend jean or under overalls, then pair with fun shoes like a platform sandal or great statement heel.”
Sizes: 4XS–4XL
What reviewers are saying: “It is the most perfect T-shirt ever. Doesn’t pull across the bust (50DD) and the fabric is soft, without being delicate. It’s ... luxury.”
Most Comfortable T-Shirt
Essential Tee In White, $93, DL1961
“DL1961 is known for their classic denim, but a true insider tip about the brand is they also make the comfiest T-shirts,” Bazaar culture editor Bianca Betancourt says. “The cuts aren’t too boxy, they hold their shape, and are soft without feeling flimsy.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Best Printed T-Shirt
Printed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt, $146, Ganni at NET-A-PORTER
Ganni knows how to make basics with a Scandi-girl twist like this tee, which features an adorable cat print. Get it if you’re looking for a graphic style that lends personality to a simple outfit. —RS
Sizes: 2XS-4XL
Best Classic Cut T-Shirt
The T-Shirt, €45, Asket
Here’s a T-shirt that’s “honestly perfect,” courtesy of Erin Allweiss, co-founder of the communications agency the No.29. “My friends were recently debating the best white tee to buy, and I directed them to this version. Everyone came back raving,” she says. “It’s the ideal weight, and isn’t fitted but also isn’t loose. Plus it’s sustainably made.”
Sizes: XXS–XXL
What reviewers are saying: “I love this T-shirt. Nice material, perfect cut! I’m going to use this until it falls apart.”
Best Celebrity-Approved White T-Shirt
Sunday Best Cropped Crew-Neck T-Shirt, US$25, Aritzia
Hailey Bieber has influenced me to buy a number of items, including New Balance sneakers, Alo Yoga biker shorts, and this cropped T-shirt by Sunday Best. It has a slim, clingy fit that feels so right with my summer skirts and denim shorts. —HL
Sizes: 2XS–2XL
What reviewers are saying: “I have the shirt in white and I love that it’s a thicker material and not as see-through as other white T-shirts. I usually wear XS-S and decided to go with an S because I didn’t want it to be too tight.”
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Best ’90s-Inspired T-Shirt
Classic Crew Tee, $57, Reformation
For a nostalgic, ’90s minimalist spin on the white tee, look no further than Reformation’s classic crewneck design. Made from organic cotton and designed to be lightweight, it’s the perfect option on hot summer days. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
Best Elevated T-Shirt
Sierra Woven T-Shirt, $182, The Frankie Shop at NET-A-PORTER
Is this a white T-shirt? A blouse? It’s both, which makes it your new fall wardrobe staple. Elegant when worn with white trousers for a tonal look, this design is still casual enough to pair with your favorite jeans. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
Best French Terry T-Shirt
French cotton-terry T-shirt, $182, James Perse at NET-A-PORTER
No one is more synonymous with tees than James Perse. Known for their quality and flattering cuts—as in this design made with French cotton—the brand’s are a perennial favourite. —RS
Sizes: 2-10
Best Coquettish T-Shirt
Weekend Vibe Rosette Tee, US$38, Free People
Obsessed with the rosette trend? This Free People tee features the delicate floral design at the collar and is made with an ultra-soft pointelle-inspired fabric. Reviewers love it. One even commented, “Did I sleep in this and wear it out? Yes.” —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
Related article: How To Style The Coquette-Core Trend
Meet The Experts
Cortne Bonilla is a fashion editor and Harper’s Bazaar contributor.
Leeron Skurnik is a senior designer at Universal Standard.
Erin Allweiss is the founder of public relations firm No.29 and host of the podcast Enough.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.