The 15 Best White T-Shirts Style Experts Wear on Repeat

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Every fashion expert I’ve met as an editor has a favorite white T-shirt. It’s a truly universal basic that can go from a designer’s runway finale bow to a casual bodega run and looks absolutely effortless in every setting. But with an infinite number of brands claiming to make the only white T-shirt anyone will ever need, I’ve found that shopping for this seemingly straightforward piece can raise questions evocative of a personal style crisis: Is my look more “classic crewneck” than “fitted baby tee”? Am I actually better suited to oversize white T-shirts? What if my heart (and my closet) want space for all three?

The search for those perfect white T-shirts to wear with jeans, workout sets, and suit sets finally ends here. I consulted style experts from fellow editors and stylists to the designers behind some of the best T-shirts to find the versions worth shopping at every style and price point. Reviews from other shoppers also informed the list, as did a few of my own T-shirt test drives. The final edit takes into consideration the neckline, fabric weight, and opacity of each shirt, along with the overall design.

I reached the following conclusion after combing through the expert recommendations and hundreds of ratings from shoppers: A well-rounded closet will include more than one type of white T-shirt. If you’re anything like the fashion insiders I spoke with, you’ll also end up shopping each style in multiples. Personal style crisis avoided.

Ahead, shop the 15 best white T-shirts for women as chosen by experts, all with infinite styling potential.

The Margo 2 Pack

“I don’t play around when it comes to T-shirts or any basics, for that matter,” says Bazaar contributor and fashion editor Cortne Bonilla. “For me, basics are the foundation of my wardrobe, and I feel lost without those essential pieces like T-shirts, modern tank tops, trousers, and jeans. Leset has some of the most comfortable, well-made basics—they hit just at the waist, are made of 100 percent cotton, and have a buttery handle to them. I have multiple sets now.”

Sizes: XS–XL

Short Sleeve Baby Tee Ivory

As the founder of Éterne, a brand entirely dedicated to elevated wardrobe essentials, Chloe Bartoli knows what makes a standout white T-shirt. While she’s made ultra-soft long-sleeves and a range of ribbed white tank tops, her absolute favorite is the first cropped T-shirt she designed.

“It’s based on a vintage little boys tee that I wore with absolutely everything, and I couldn’t find anything like it anywhere,” Bartoli says. “It sold out immediately and is still our best seller. I style it with everything, from vintage jeans and sweats to our matte jersey Soir pieces (our evening collection), to make them a little more casual but still chic.”

Sizes: XS–XL

The Organic Cotton Crew Tee

“Everlane is one of my go-tos for clothing basics, which always includes at least one of the brand’s Organic Cotton Crew tees,” Bazaar associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson says. “These shirts provide just the right amount of roominess without looking overly boxy, and are available in 10 different color options, including white. Another bonus of my borderline Cotton Crew addiction? I never have to look too hard to find a top that pairs well with my favorite skirts and jeans.”

Sizes: XXS–XL

What reviewers are saying: “Great fit, soft, but holds its shape– nice hem around neck and sleeves. Now I want it in long sleeves too!”

Heavyweight Pigmented Dyed Crew

Maile Schmidt, founder and designer of new footwear label Maile, prefers oversize T-shirts to balance out more feminine accessories: “I’ll normally buy a men’s tee or size up in a women’s.” Schmidt’s current favorite is Stussy’s unisex heavyweight T-shirt. “It is perfectly boxy and super easy to style,” the designer says.

Sizes: S–XXL

Tee Rex White

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.”

The T-Shirt

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.”

Classic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

Bazaar senior fashion editor Tara Gonzalez had heard a lot of her fashion-editor friends talk about this T-shirt—so much that she gave into the hype herself. Now, she says she completely understands the appeal.

“It’s the perfect length and cut with sleeves that hit just right. I find a lot of white T-shirts fit tight like a baby tee, but this one is just loose enough to give more room and be comfortable,” Gonzalez explains. “Also, it’s so soft! It reminds me of those baby tees you’d see in photos of Kate Moss from the ’90s. Not sure if I look as ethereal as her … but I feel like it.”

Sizes: XS–L

Essential Tee White

“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

The Supercool Tee

I collect AYR’s T-shirts like some people collect vintage bags—if only because the quality is unlike anything else I’ve tried. My obsession started with the brand’s striped tees and has since migrated to this white T-shirt with oversize sleeves. Half-tucked into jeans or layered over a slip skirt, the cut and fit have an IDGAF vibe I love.

Sizes: XS–XL

What reviewers are saying: “What can I say about this t-shirt other than you absolutely nailed the style! It is so cool! I am 5' 3/4", 38 C ,170lb. I purchased a medium. Perfect fit! Love this shirt and I will be packing this in my suitcase always!”

Rasa Stretch-Jersey T-Shirt

Want a T-shirt that feels more like an everyday luxury than a simple basic? Allweiss recommends this ribbed white T-shirt from the Row. “This is the splurge shirt, and I admit to having purchased mine very on sale at Totokaelo (RIP). That said, I love the detail of the very slight ribbing for a bit of texture, and it’s more fitted on the arms—without squeezing them—so it works well with high-waisted skirts and pants,” she says. “It’s a bit more elevated than a typical white T-shirt, but still works with jeans and a blazer.”

Sizes: XS–XL

Cropped Crew-Neck T-Shirt

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.

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.”

Mini Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Bazaar associate digital editor Chelsey Sanchez calls Uniqlo her go-to for wardrobe basics, especially T-shirts. Her top choice? This style “for my fellow petite girls who want a flattering fitted silhouette,” she says. “It’s lightweight enough to wear on those hot summer days, but not so thin that it’s totally transparent. It certainly helps that it looks great with high-rise pants and underneath a breezy oversize button-up.”

Sizes: XXS–XXL

What reviewers are saying: “The quality is superb, great for short torso or petite people. I got 3 different colors and they go with jeans, pants and casual skirt. However I need to size up to XL for best fit.”

Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, 3-Pack Set

“Is this Prada crewneck set way more than you would pay for a typical white T-shirt three-pack at CVS? Yes,” Bazaar deputy fashion news editor Alison Cohn admits. “Is it a quiet luxury vibe? Absolutely.”

Cohn’s recommendation proves why this set is worth the investment. “Prada calls the set ‘Obvious Classics #1’ for a reason: The tees have lovely considered details like a straight cut that’s just long enough to tuck in without bunching, a super soft cotton jersey fabrication, and a subtle tone-on-tone triangle logo on the back. I’ve had mine for years and never needed to replace them,” she says.

Sizes: XXS–XXXL

Short Puff Sleeve T-Shirt

I obviously love and respect the appeal of a classic crewneck T-shirt. But some days, I want a little more drama with the same solid canvas. This Simone Rocha T-shirt is a wardrobe basic put through a Sofia Coppola filter, with the most unabashedly feminine pouf sleeves and pleated ruffle details. The body of the shirt fits like my regular tees, but the proportions on top are completely unique. I only have to wear it with a circle skirt or a contrasting cargo pant to feel dressed up.

Sizes: XS–L

Slim Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

Most days during the summer, I follow an outfit formula for work: close-fitting white T-shirt, high-waist trousers, fisherman sandals, and a directional belt. This J.Crew T-shirt completes the recipe, with a slimmer fit that tucks neatly into pants and a lightweight, breathable knit that somehow isn't see-through.

Sizes: XXS–3X

What reviewers are saying: "This is a lovely tee-shirt that I bought in several colors. I'm 5'5", 150 lbs and usually wear a medium. I bought this tee in a large after reading a few reviews because I like a looser fit for the summer. It's what I would call an essential piece that you can easily layer or wear alone."

Meet the Experts

• Chloe Bartoli is a celebrity stylist and founder of the wardrobe essentials brand Éterne.

• 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 No.29, a public relations firm, and host of the podcast Enough.

• Maile Schmidt is the founder of the footwear brand MAILE.

• Bianca Betancourt, Alison Cohn, Tiffany Dodson, Tara Gonzalez, Halie LeSavage, and Chelsey Sanchez are editors at Harper's Bazaar.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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