The fashion equivalent of buttered toast, a white T-shirt is a wardrobe basic that’s tran-seasonal and timeless.
According to Lisa Bean, Senior Designer Buyer at THE ICONIC, a crisp white T-shirt will easily be the most well-worn item in any woman’s closet.
Her current favourite? The COS Full Volume T-shirt that she tells news.com.au is “casual, comfortable and looks effortlessly stylish”.
Plus, if you’re after that secret ingredient for an easy outfit, don’t skip past the oversized tee.
“I gravitate towards an oversized tee as I find it the easiest way to put together an outfit on the days when you are time poor or lacking inspiration,” she says.
On the hunt for your own perfect white tee? Here’s our roundup of the best on the market right now – including the viral Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-shirt as well as Lisa’s favourite COS Full Volume T-shirt.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of tees available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best white T-shirt we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. We also asked Lisa Bean, Senior Designer Buyer at THE ICONIC, for her expert advice and recommendation on what to look for when buying a white tee. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best white T-shirt from premium to budget to help you find the right one for your wardrobe.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
EDITOR’S PICKS
Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-shirt, $19.90 at Uniqlo
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
This has got to be one of, if not the, best T-shirt on the market. Not only is the price insanely affordable but the T-shirts themselves are simply the best quality. I’ve been wearing these tees for years and have yet to find another on the market that’s better. Crafted from a compact cotton fabric with the perfect amount of thickness, the top has a smooth surface fabric that makes it perfect to wear on its own or as a layering piece. It’s also available in 17 other colours.
COS The Full Volume T-shirt, $47.20 (down from $59) at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Recommended by one of Australia’s most stylish people, I knew I had to try this tee out for myself. While I do love a slightly oversized tee, this was probably the most oversized I have ever worn. In saying this, I did size down so it wouldn’t be too big. Baby steps.
The material itself is probably my favourite part. It’s thick enough that you don’t have to worry about it going see through but it’s also super soft and doesn’t feel hot to wear.
If you’re looking to take the plunge into oversized tees, I would definitely go for this one.
Plus, as Lisa says, the longer sleeve is “elongating” and “instantly elevates your look with minimal effort”. I’m a big fan.
Cotton On The 91 Classic Organic Tee, $24.99 at OZSALE
What You Need To Know
A stellar crew neck T-shirt option, this Cotton On tee is created with 100 per cent organic cotton. With a relaxed loose fit and straight hem, it’s ready to accompany you on any casual outing. Style with some blue jeans for that classic look or with some wide legs pants, a trench and sneakers for a trendy transeasonal fit.
Reviews on Google rave about this tee.
“This is a perfect crew neck tee. Bright white colour. Super soft and snug in right places. Functional as a layering piece or on its own,” wrote one happy customer.
Good American Baby T-shirt, $78.36 at Revolve
What You Need To Know
The baby tee era is here and there’s no better way to embrace the trend than with this super sweet tee from Khloe Kardashian’s Good American brand.
It is made from 93 per cent cotton and 7 per cent elastane to produce just the right amount of stretchiness that all good baby tees need.
It’s perfect to be worn tucked into jeans to show off your figure or as a layering piece in the cooler months too.
Five-star reviews on Google call it the “perfect fitted tee” and the “best T-shirt ever”.
“Love this T-shirt and it’s super flattering. It’s thick enough to hide some midsection flaws and ideal for wearing with just about anything,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST CREW NECK WHITE T-SHIRTS
The original T-shirt design, the crew neck T-shirt is the perfect option for everyone.
Country Road Australian Cotton Fitted T-shirt, $69.95 at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Writer
After buying and returning a ton of different options, I finally found the perfect white tee. In true Country Road style, the material is high quality and feels incredibly comfortable to wear. It’s also a little bit thicker than some other tees I’ve tried, so it isn’t see-through (hallelujah), making it ideal to wear to work. In fact, it’s such a great staple that one week after buying it, I went back and bought another one in black.
Bonds Women’s Cotton Classic Crew Tee, $31.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
When it comes to brands that completely grasp what women are looking for in a white T-shirt, Bonds is up there. This tee is created with super soft cotton that is comfortable to wear, it is close fitting without being too clingy and it is the perfect length, sitting snugly below the hips.
It’s also great for the office. “A great basic all-rounder tee- perfect dressed up for work or down for the weekends- an absolute fave!” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “Good quality material and nice fit,” says another.
Atmos&Here Organic Cotton Crew Neck Tee, $29.99 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
That perfect “fitted, but not fitted” crew neck white T-shirt, this Atmos&Here classic is made of medium weight organic cotton and also such a great price point.
It’s also one of the retailer’s bestsellers so you know it must be good. Made from 100 per cotton and featuring a slight natural stretch, this is a great option if you’re after that classic style.
2pk Pure Cotton Everyday Fit T-shirts, $33.99 at Marks and Spencer
What You Need To Know
Two tees for $33? Sign us up.
A straight cut, crew neck T-shirt is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. It’s made from pure cotton for extra breathability, this one will stay bright white for longer.
BEST V-NECK WHITE T-SHIRTS
A great option for women with bigger busts, V-necks are forever in style.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Short-Sleeve V-neck T-shirt, $29.90 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If I’m being completely transparent, I wouldn’t normally go for V-shaped neckline. But this tee has over 39,282 five-star ratings on Amazon so it would be wrong to not give it a go. On first touch, the tee is super soft and feels like great quality. It also has bit of a stretch to the material. It’s made from a lightweight cotton jersey making it super comfy to wear all day.
Plus, it also comes in a two pack and includes a black tee. A true steal.
Australian Cotton Slub V-neck T-shirt, $49.95 at Country Road
What You Need To Know
Created from breathable 100 per cent Australian cotton, this T-shirt will help you to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. It features a relaxed V-neck perfect for popping on for days when your dress code is “casual”.
Atmos & Here Organic Cotton V-neck Tee, $29.99 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
A go-to affordable V-neck T-shirt, this Atmos & Here option is stretchy and appears ever so slightly sheer under light. It’s created with 95 per cent organic cotton and features a straight hemline. It’s also a bestseller on THE ICONIC.
BEST CROPPED WHITE T-SHIRTS
Perfect to pair with high-waisted skirts and jeans, a cropped T-shirt is a great staple to add to your collection.
Cropped Short Sleeve T-shirt, $19.99 at Glassons
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
My search for the perfect plain white baby tee has officially come to an end and it’s all thanks to Glassons. Their Cropped Short Sleeve T-shirt has ticked all my boxes. Not only does it fit great but it’s incredibly soft and stretchy, not too thin and it’s the perfect length – ending right at my belly button. Super easy to throw on and pair with anything from skirts, shorts and jeans, it’s a piece that will be on high-rotation from season to season. Plus, it’s priced at $20 – you truly can’t go wrong with it!
Micro Crop Tee, $19.99 at Cotton On
What You Need To Know
A cropped T-shirt with a relaxed vibe, this Cotton On option can be thrown on with a mini skirt or paired with palazzo pants. This tee is created with 95 per cent cotton and 5 per cent elastane for a little of stretch.
BEST RELAXED FIT WHITE T-SHIRTS
If you prefer your T-shirts a little roomier or longer, a relaxed fit is the way to go.
Air Oversized Crew Tee, $40 (down from $53) at Everlane
What You Need To Know
This oversized T-shirt is perfect teamed with denim and white sneakers for a relaxed day out. Created with lightweight, drapey, 100 per cent cotton fabric, it’s easy to style with your existing wardrobe.
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT WHITE T-SHIRT FOR ME?
Despite being such a simple item, there’s nothing simple about finding the perfect white T-shirt, so what should we look for?
Lisa says to ask yourself what style do you usually gravitate towards? She says, “you want to select a style that will easily fit into your existing wardrobe.”
Similarly, Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, says there’s “no right or wrong answer, it really comes down to personal preference” but there are a few things to consider.
Choosing a cut that works with your body shape will ensure you’re always comfortable.
“Generally speaking, I suggest deeper V-necks for bigger busts, while higher crew necks tend to be more flattering on smaller builds,” Nicole tells news.com.au. “From here it’s important to know what you’re after. Do you like slim, over-size, boxy, or a standard fit? As for sleeves, are you after a fitted, boxy, capped or a rolled aesthetic. Once you know what you’re looking for it’s easier to find the right cut.”
WHAT LENGTH SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Before you add to cart, Nicole says it’s worth determining whether you prefer a cropped T-shirt or whether you’d like something longer you can French tuck into your jeans.
Lisa recommends choosing a T-shirt that is a little longer. She says that “it allows for more versatility when putting together various outfits with existing items in your wardrobe – and you can always tuck in any excess.”
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WHITE T-SHIRT?
When shopping for a new tee, you should consider investing in pieces that are made from quality materials, says Lisa.
Although, they may cost a little bit more Lisa says they are definitely worth it in the long run.
“Their durability ensures they will last for years – unlike items made with fabrics like polyester and nylon that quickly lose their shape, requiring you to repurchase them at the start of each season,” she says.
WHAT FABRIC SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A WHITE T-SHIRT?
Yes, the fabric you select will also impact how the T-shirt feels and looks. “Go for organic cotton jersey if you want that soft T-shirt feel, linen jersey for something more breathable, or for a more opaque (less sheer) option, I recommend opting for a cotton jersey fabric,” says Nicole.
Lana Wilkinson, celebrity stylist and founder of the Lana Wilkinson shoe brand, agrees that “natural fibres” are the key to a standout white T-shirt. “I tend to choose styles made with organic cotton as these are breathable but still thick enough to be worn to the office with a blazer in the cooler months,” she says.
SHOULD I LOOK IN THE MEN’S DEPARTMENT FOR WHITE T-SHIRTS?
An untapped resource of white T-shirt gold? The men’s fashion department. “Don’t be afraid to venture into the men’s department when looking for your next white T-shirt,” says Lana. “Men’s basics are usually less expensive and are cut in an effortlessly relaxed way, so they can be perfectly paired with a tailored pant, short or denim.”
HOW DO YOU STYLE A WHITE T-SHIRT?
A white T-shirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own with countless styling options available.
“I love pairing a crisp, white T-shirt with my favourite pair of blue denim jeans, which leaves you with an incredibly versatile base,” Lisa says.
“To elevate the look, I pair my tees with a straight leg jean and a pointed kitten heel, or with wide leg jeans and sneakers for a more relaxed look. It’s the easiest way for me to feel put together when I am in a rush!
“If the weather is unpredictable (like it often is in Sydney in spring!), pair a white T-shirt with a linen or cotton overshirt, or under a blazer if you’re heading into the office,” recommends Lisa.
HOW DO I KEEP MY WHITE CLOTHES FROM YELLOWING OR GREYING?
Most importantly, always make sure to wash your white separately from your coloured or dark fabrics.
Lisa’s top tip would be to skip the dryer and pop them outside in the sun which she says has a natural bleaching effect.
She also recommends adding a washing booster (like baking soda) in with your detergent to brighten your whites.
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Originally published as Best White T-shirts 2023: How to find the perfect white shirt
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