The 27 Best Tried-and-True T-Shirts to Wear with Everything

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You’re standing in front of your closet, and you can’t figure out what to wear. You turn to an old friend: the classic T-shirt. It’s one of the most versatile articles of clothing you can own—perhaps more than white sneakers or even blue jeans. As a part of the foundation of our wardrobe, the best T-shirts for women can be dressed up or down, worn with your workout clothes, favorite office outfits, and even to dinner.

One of the most important aspects of a T-shirt is its optimal use for layering. A blank canvas, the classic tee can serve as the hero of your outfit, ready for you to add your personal style. With a range of necklines and silhouettes, from crewnecks to V-necks, you’re guaranteed to find a few that suit your taste. (Make sure you’re also wearing your favorite T-shirt bra to ensure a seamless look.) When it comes time to transform your T-shirt for a nighttime ensemble, take a page from celebrity stylist Nausheen Shah, who has a foolproof (and easy) option. “Tie a knot in the front or back to re-shape it for a more slim, fitted look,” she says. It’s a simple fix that can quickly elevate and transform your outfit.

Of course, if you’re curating your seasonal wardrobe, consider having a handful of different styles. Having a variety of shapes and colors will guarantee you won’t be scrambling for the perfect tee when you get dressed. Shah opts for different styles depending on what she is wearing. “For high-waisted pants,” she shares, “I love a cropped boxy T-shirt.”

With so many T-shirts on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed. So, we rounded up our favorites (and the best) just for you. Shop them all below.

Essential Crew

A black tee screams sophistication, making it a great choice for day-to-night wear. Wear it with jeans to work, then—if you aren’t wearing them already—step into heels for an instant dinner outfit.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: 21 options

Materials: Cotton

Customer review: “Vince tees are my favorite for their quality, light weight, and comfort. The fit is true to size without hugging. Although I already had these colors, I couldn’t resist the Amazon price. Note: the material is thin, if an issue for you. I highly recommend Vince tees!”

Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tee

If you don't have a white V-neck T-shirt in your closet, here’s a reminder to buy one. This classic style is perfect for layering, the gym, and travel, and it may just be the smartest purchase you've made thus far this year.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Colors: 18 options

Materials: Cotton, modal

Customer review: “5 plus stars for this super comfy t-shirt with its super soft and silky material. I will be purchasing more of these beautifully made t-shirts. Highly recommended!

Nina Tee

The exposed seams elevate this from your average T-shirt. The blue wash also serves as a neutral. You won’t feel like you’re wearing a bright color, but you won’t feel like you’re in black or white.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 6 options

Materials: Cotton

Customer review: “This is a great everyday T-shirt. It does run big. I have it in a medium and large. It's very soft and flattering.”

Whisper Cotton Rib-Crewneck Tee

Known for its cult-favorite Whisper Cotton shirts, Madewell delivers again with this crewneck. With the great price point, I wouldn’t judge you for keeping multiples stocked in your closet.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Colors: 6 options

Materials: Cotton

Customer review: “I recently purchased this tee from Madewell, and I couldn't be happier with it! It's incredibly comfortable, light, and soft to the touch. The ribbed crewneck adds a vintage touch that I love. The regular fit and hip length make it versatile for various outfits. Plus, I appreciate that it supports Better Cotton's mission to protect the environment and cotton communities. Overall, it's a must-have in my wardrobe!”

The Organic Cotton Muscle Tee

A muscle tee has an edgy silhouette that is a nice departure from your typical T-shirt. With a relaxed fit, it is meant to be versatile and flattering.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Colors: Heather Grey, White, Bone/Black, Black

Materials: Cotton

Customer review: “The cut on this shirt is just a notch cooler than your standard T-shirt. I love wearing it. It's made of nice-quality cotton that should last through many washes and wears. I got both gray and black, and they both ran large.”

Fine-rib fitted boatneck T-shirt

J. Crew’s ribbed T-shirts are some of our favorites. We own multiple colors, thanks to the thick ribbed material that takes a basic tee from fine to fantastic. The boat neck on this one is an updated step up from my typical crewneck; suffice to say, I want it in every single color.

Sizes: XXS-3XL

Colors: Heather Grey, White, Bone/Black, Black

Materials: Cotton, rayon, elastane

Customer review: “Purchased in store—Boatneck gives it a more sophisticated t-shirt look—but fabric is a little heavier than the typical t-shirt.”

Walker Tee

If you’ve seen Anine Bing’s sweatshirts and T-shirts all over your social media, you’re not alone. The fan-favorite brand, beloved by Kate Moss and Meghan Markle, among others, has catapulted itself into closets everywhere. The leopard on this oversized tee is a subtle focal point that draws the eye in without screaming graphic tee.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Washed Black, Vintage Black, Ivory

Materials: Cotton

Pointelle Short Sleeve Tee

Pointelle is another unique way to incorporate texture into your T-shirts. This white one, with scalloped edging, gives off a feminine touch.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: White

Materials: Pointelle knit, Cotton

Pose Scoop Back T-Shirt

Any T-shirt with a built-in bra (with removable padding) is an immediate yes. Thanks to its unique fabric, which keeps out moisture, you can wear it to work out and to dinner—just...maybe not right after each other! Sign me up.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black, White Heather Grey, Dark Oregano

Materials: Modal rayon, elastane

Customer review: “Purchased this for my trip to Paris. It is lightweight, comfortable, easy to dress up or down.”

Pima Slim Crew

This is the T-shirt of all T-shirts. It checks all the boxes. I personally love the bay leaf color, since it feels like a nice change from black, white, or gray.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 7 options

Materials: Cotton

Hudson Long Sleeve Henley Tee

Everyone needs a henley in their collection. This one is in a beautiful cream color with a fine rib, which makes it feel like an elevated option compared to your standard tees.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Sugar, Soil

Materials: Cotton, spandex

Sydney Short-Sleeve Cropped Crew Neck T-Shirt

This quick-to-ship option from Amazon’s The Drop label features a fun back seam detailing, making it a tad different from your other favorite white tees.

Sizes: XXS-5XL

Material: Cotton

Customer review: “Love the neckline, fabric, fit, and how it washes and wears. I own it in black and white and wear it all the time! Highly recommend. It does run a little generous but I like that style.”

Stretch Cotton Tee

The SKIMS hype is in full swing. Whether you’re obsessed with the brand’s shapewear or are eagerly awaiting its swim line on your doorstep, the Kim Kardashian-founded label also makes really great basics. This fitted tee is as tight and soft as it gets, making it great for everyday wear.

Sizes: XXS-4XL

Material: Cotton, elastane

Customer review: “An example of a form-fitting, minimal basics collection done right...it’s just ever so compressing for me to be able to not have to wear a bra underneath the top.”

Ultra-Soft Bamboo Pullover Crew

Easily one of the most comfortable tops our editors have put on their bodies, the Cozy Earth pullover T-shirt is ideal for lounging but looks elegant enough to be worn into the office as well.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Material: Viscose from bamboo, acrylic, Spandex

Customer review: “As soft as they claim and so comfortable. If the crew is clean, I’m wearing it. It has become my go-to top! It is especially comfy for these chilly days.”

WonderKnit™ Pajama Tee

ThirdLove is known for extreme comfort, from its bras and basics down to its active sets and sleepwear. And the top-rated, WonderKnit™ Pajama Tee isn’t just for catching Z’s—the drapey fit also works as super comfy casual wear.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Material: Cotton, modal, Spandex

Customer review: “I got this shirt on a whim, I sleep really hot and I don’t like button-up/heavy sleep shirts. I was blown away by how comfy this sleep tee was! I bought the size above mine because I wanted something a bit flowy and it fit perfectly, so I recommend buying a size up!”

Loose T-Shirt Brami

Klassy Network first went viral on TikTok for the brand’s inventive tops with built-in bras. The T-shirt “Brami,” as the style is called, comes in a range of bra cup sizes and colors, and works especially well for pregnant women who don’t want to fuss with a traditional bra.

Sizes: XXS-3XL

Material: Rayon, Spandex

Customer review: “Best T-shirt purchase ever! I normally wouldn’t buy a plain T-shirt at this price, but I’m pregnant. My bras don’t fit and are super uncomfortable. This shirt feels like a dream. Material is super soft and stretchy. Perfect for growing mamas.”

U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

If you like a little weight to your basic tee, you’ve come to the right place. This Uniqlo shirt is fully opaque, so you can wear it with colored bras, bralettes, or no bra at all. The cut is tailored without becoming too form-fitting, and its budget-friendly price can’t be beat.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Material: Cotton

Customer review: “This is now my favorite white T-shirt! Top quality construction, perfect fit and fabric is a nice weight! I’ll be buying in different colors at this price!”

Cotton Seamless Fabric Crew Bodysuit

Here’s a T-shirt for the person who always keeps it tucked in. Abercrombie’s bodysuits are buttery soft and flattering for that perfectly seamless fit.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Material: Cotton, elastane

Customer review: “I love this bodysuit—it’s so soft and comfortable and goes with everything! I can wear it to work with nice pants and also to go out to dinner. I ordered my normal size and it fits like a glove.”

Annika Knitted Tee

For the ultimate day-to-night tee, opt for something beyond basic cotton. We love this knit silk-and-linen version as an elevated staple. Don’t let the sweater look fool you; this piece is extremely breathable.

Sizes: S-L

Material: Silk, European flax

Customer review: “Such an elegant shirt, with a great drape. I loved the white one so much that I bought this second one!”

Classic V-Neck Tee

This longline V-neck doesn’t dip too far down: It falls just low enough to be universally flattering and pairs well with necklaces.

Sizes: XS-5XL

Material: Supima cotton

Customer review: “I’ve now bought three because I wear them so often and haven’t found any other brand that even comes close to this tee.”

Heritage Cotton 1950s Boxy Tee

Beloved by celebs from Gigi Hadid to Cindy Crawford, Re/Done is known for its sleek takes on classic staples. This boxy tee is part of the brand’s collaboration with Hanes, and we want one in every color.

Sizes: XS-L

Material: Cotton, recycled cotton

Customer review: “It’s a pricey T-shirt, that’s for sure, but I can’t get over how good the fit is. It’s a great opinion if you want to give your looks a casual and cool kind of touch.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Tee Rex

Available in sizes 00 to 40, Universal Standard has enough T-shirt styles to dress your whole crew. We’re partial to this style, though, made of Peruvian cotton featuring an elongated cap sleeve.

Sizes: 4XS-4XL

Material: Cotton, modal, elastane

Customer review: “I love this shirt, it is so soft, holds its shape, and is perfect to dress up or down. Laundries well also.”

Ribbed Crop Top

This ribbed crop T-shirt is perfect for layering or pairing with high-waisted skirts and shorts during sunny summer months.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Material: Cotton, Spandex

Customer review: “This top is so CUTE! The ribbed material gives it a more expensive look, and the length is perfect. Not too cropped, not too long!”

Eva Padded-Shoulder Organic Cotton Tank Top

If this statement shirt looks familiar, it’s probably because every Instagram influencer has been spotted wearing it. With a padded shoulder and boxy shape, it’s a modern update to the classic white muscle tee.

Sizes: XS-L

Material: Organic cotton

Customer review: “It took me a while to get on board with this unexpected style, but after seeing enough people wearing it, I got on board. It’s soft and chic—what more could you need?”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Energy Tee

If you value comfort and utility in a workout top, look no further than Vitality’s Energy Tee, which is sweat-wicking and anti-microbial. But don’t relegate the top to spin classes alone; it looks great outside the studio, too.

Sizes: XXS-4XL

Material: Polyamide, polyester

Customer review: “This shirt is everything I could have hoped for and more. The fabric is so soft and stretchy and the length hits right at my belly button, making it the perfect when paired with high-rise leggings.”

Sadie Crew

We all need a Rachel Green-inspired, too-little tee—the one that looks perfectly shrunken and exposes a sliver of midriff when coupled with a pair of low-rise utility pants. This ribbed crewneck T-shirt from AG fits the bill.

Sizes: XS-L

Material: Cotton, Spandex, elastane

Customer review: “I wish I bought more than one of these...good quality, easy to throw on with pretty much anything. Also adds a little bit of a feminine touch and shape to my figure which I love.”

Boob Tee

I saw Kendall Jenner wearing the NFD Boob Tee, so I wore the NFD Boob Tee. This London brand is bringing its cult favorite aesthetics across the pond. Wear this easy, minimalist tee tucked into jeans like Florence Pugh, or take a page out of Kendall’s book and cut it into a perfect crop.

Sizes: One size

Material: Organic cotton

Customer review: “Not my most work-appropriate shirt, but it’s fun to wear on the weekends or throw over a swimsuit. Plus, the quality is great and it’s a cause I feel good about supporting.”

How to Shop for the Best T-shirts

There is an endless list of styles falling under the umbrella of T-shirt options, so, we also turned to Ra’el Cohen—fashion designer and Chief Creative Officer/Co-Founder of basics brand ThirdLove—to find out her favorite shopping and styling tips. “A plain T-shirt is one of my favorite staples because it’s so easy to style...I always have a few different styles in my lineup. A few boxy, slightly cropped options to wear untucked, some longer, more traditional fit tees...some muscle or wider shoulder tee without sleeves,” she offers. Specific favorites include Everlane’s Organic Box Tee, Pact’s Muscle Tee, and The Row’s Best White T-Shirt. Cohen advises you to think about what you wear the most and look for a T-shirt that will marry well into your wardrobe. For instance, if you plan on wearing it tucked or untucked and alone or layered. She adds that she likes to buy her T-shirts one or two sizes up from her typical size, and while I second this notion, keep in mind how you want your favorite tee to fit.

When it comes to styling, the best feature of the T-shirt is its versatility. With the right accessories or accompanying wardrobe pieces, you can almost make a plain tee work anywhere (almost). “I love a plain white tee tucked into worn jeans, with a blazer and a chic mule or loafer,” Cohen explains. “My favorite way to dress down a T-shirt is to pair it with jeans, Converse, and a simple belt bag.” After all, there’s something very girl-next-door about a perfect-fitting white tee and a pair of jeans. But to fit a more elevated occasion, Cohen suggests dressing up a tee “by tucking it into a satin slip skirt, adding layered necklaces, and a lug soled bootie.”

Meet the Experts

• Ra’el Cohen is the chief creative director and co-founder of Thirdlove.

• Nausheen Shah is a fashion stylist.

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