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The Best White T-Shirts, According to Fashion People

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Hanna Flanaga

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When you want to know the best kitchen knife, you ask a chef. When you want to know the best white T-shirt, you ask a fashion person. White tees are one of those things that — although incredibly simple — have endless iterations. How can anyone tell them apart?

Cut Shop tested a variety of boxy T-shirts, oversize options, cult classics, ribbed tees, and even a few white tanks to narrow down the best of the best. We also asked a few fashion-industry tastemakers — including designers, stylists, and models — what their favorite T-shirt is. It turns out everyone has opinions. We pulled some of them for this handy list, a shortcut to the best white T-shirts on the market from the people who know best.

Our Top Picks:

The Overall Best White T-Shirt

Available in sizes XS–XL.

A favorite among celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner, this best-selling T-shirt is absolutely worth the hype. It’s flattering yet thick enough to hold its shape and look seamless over my nude bras. The 100 percent cotton material and waist-length design strikes the perfect balance between casual and tailored, which makes this tee incredibly versatile — it looks just as good with jeans and sneakers as it does with a silk skirt and heels.

The Best Oversize White T-Shirt

Available in sizes XS–XXL.

Want the comfort of an oversize white T-shirt, but the polished and put-together look of a boxy one? The solution is this off-white crew neck from DISSH. It features a baggy silhouette that never looks sloppy or overly casual, thanks to the thick, 100 percent cotton material. The long length makes this tee the perfect candidate for a French tuck, or pair it with your favorite statement belt and wide-leg trousers. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

The Best Boxy White T-Shirt

Available in sizes XS-XXL.

The Still Here New York team spent months designing its version of the perfect white tee, and the result is pretty impressive. It’s breathable, lightweight, and slightly cropped, plus it fits true to size (if you want a more oversize look, size up). The boxy silhouette and slightly sheer material makes it ideal for a night out.

The Best Ribbed White T-Shirt

Available in sizes XXS–3XL.

If you want the versatility of a plain white T-shirt but prefer a more fitted silhouette, add this style from Djerf Avenue to your rotation of basics. The thick ribbed organic-cotton fabric looks so elevated, plus this tee features a compression effect that provides support and security in all the right places. The best part? I don’t even have to wear a bra with it.

More Options:

The French Girl Tee

Petit Bateau makes a tight crewneck tee that reads as super feminine. It’s favored by stylist Danielle Nachmani as well as Delvaux’s creative director Christina Zeller.
Available in sizes XXS–M.

The Best Tank Top

Fruit of the Loom Men’s A-Shirt
From $18
From $18

Vera Wang is a fan of Fruit of the Loom 3-packs. She likes the V-necks and ribbed tank tops so much she’ll sleep in them. Who knew?
Available in sizes S–5XL.

The One Meant for Boys

Designer Sandy Liang has made fleeces into a status piece. She also recommends Hanes boys tees as the best T-shirt. Since they’re meant for kids, definitely consult the size guide before buying.
Available in sizes boy’s S–XL.

The Glossy One

If you’re a Uniqlo stan, you’re in good company with Billy Porter’s stylist Sam Ratelle and designer Margherita Missoni. Their Supima cotton tee has just a little bit of a sheen and is nice and thick. And yes, Missoni also recommended the men’s.
Available in sizes XXS–XL.

The Best Classic White T-Shirt

Hanes Women’s Nano T-Shirt
From $8
From $8

Matches Fashion’s Natalie Kingham shouted out this particular classic. If you still like a women’s T-shirt instead of one made for men or boys, this is for you.
Available in sizes S–XXXL.

The Best Muscle Tee

Model Lindsay Ellingson said she loved Frame Denim’s t-shirts. Her favorite was an off-white one with Los Angeles embroidered in the corner. But if you want just a pure basic, this muscle tee is a great slouchy, Springsteen-y option.
Available in sizes XS–XL.

The Not-Actually-Vintage Tee

Photo: 17-11-20 annalund AM2 B3 chelsealahee W

Unsurprisingly, a lot of people like vintage tees. You can’t beat that perfectly broken-in feeling, but you can recreate it. The Re/Done tee, liked by decorator Kelly Wearstler, is close to the real thing.
Available in sizes XS–L.

The Straight Shot

Gap is known for classic designs. So this men’s tee, in a not-quite-baggy, not-quite-tight fit and crew neck, is as straightforward as it gets. Margherita Missoni also recommended these.
Available in sizes XS–XXXL.

The Status Brand

Author Hanya Yanagihara and lighting designer Lindsey Adelman swear by James Perse T-shirts. And although it’s pricier than a three-pack, the quality is worth it.
Available in sizes 0–4.

The Not-Too-Slouchy One

This ATM boyish tee is definitely boxy, but it hits just above the hip for a cute crop moment. Moda Operandi’s Cailtin Burke recommends ATM’s crewnecks.
Available in sizes XS–L.

The Best Investment Tee

Photo: Daniel Besikian/Daniel Besikian

None other than supermodel Claudia Schiffer loves Isabel Marant’s scoopnecks. Yes, it’s a $195 white tee, but you may as well invest in basics.
Available in sizes XS–L.

The Best White T-Shirts, According to Fashion People