A T-shirt can have different silhouettes, lengths and materials, but when it comes to this basic piece of clothing, it can unlock infinite wardrobe possibilities. For weeks, this was my mission: Test the threads, performance and durability of tees. Whether you like donning your trusted tee with pants or prefer to wear a T-shirt as part of your loungewear, the perfect tee combines a series of details and features that should be taken into consideration.
From recycled polyester, linen, organic cotton and more, the classic T-shirt can be recreated in many different ways. This iconic garment elevates your favorite denim or skirt and serves as a white canvas for many outfits.
I compiled a simple guide to find the best T-shirt while keeping in mind key features such as fit, sheerness level and material. I also tested 13 T-shirts over three weeks to measure their durability and price fairness. Scroll below for the verdict and my favorite of them all. Plus, learn shopping tips from fashion-industry professionals and a celebrity stylist.
How to find the best white T-shirt for women | Shop the best white T-shirts for women | How we chose | Meet the experts
How to find the best white T-shirt for women
One of the most important features to look for when shopping for a white T-shirt is the fit. According to designer Daniel Patrick, it’s essential to look for the type of fit you want. “For me, I prefer something a little bit boxier as that matches the aesthetic of my clothing,” he says.
The perfect white T-shirt depends on the style and aesthetic you’re going for, but the weight can also be a factor in choosing the right T-shirt style. For example, Patrick goes for lighter weight, softer tees during the summer. “For everyday wear, I go for a heavier weight with a slightly rough hand feel,” he adds.
Best white T-shirts, tested by the author
Most affordable choice: Gap Organic Cotton Vintage T-shirt
What we like
- Fairly priced
- Decent coverage
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 17 | Material: 100% organic cotton
- Fabric: While the T-shirt is made from organically grown cotton, the material doesn’t feel as soft. One thing I did notice was a small indentation on the fabric that could have been caused during storage (this sometimes happens when material stretches). The neckline is double-stitched creating the natural curvature of a crew neck.
- Fit: It has a perfect boxy fit which sits right below the hips, and the sleeves aren’t too wide or too short.
- Sheerness: The material provides decent coverage with a light sheerness, which isn’t as noticeable.
Can survive the heat: Uniqlo Crew Neck T-Shirt
What we like
- Material is sturdy
- Very white
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 10 | Material: 100% cotton
- Fabric: The material is sturdy and dries relatively quickly when wet. I wore this T-shirt on a rainy day and the fabric dried up after a few minutes. Also, the neckline has ribbed detailing.
- Fit: Even the most basic pieces need a designer-approved silhouette. The fit is perfect, runs true to size and is one of those affordable pieces that feel ultra luxe.
- Sheerness: At first touch, this T-shirt feels ultra soft and the material looks bright as milk. Basically, the white is so crisp that any dirt will be visible to the naked eye. This tee is not see-through and you can easily wear a dark bra underneath.
Cut like a box: Old Navy Vintage T-Shirt
Size: XS-4X | Colors: 13 | Material: 100% cotton
Fabric: It feels sturdy, well made and heavier than other tees. While the fabric lacks elasticity, it preserves the smoothness and quality after wash.
Fit: This tee is cut straight all around. From the hemline to the sleeves and even the sides, the boxy design is evident at first look. It pairs well with high-waisted denim but lands short if worn with low-cut bottoms. Also, it has slits on the sides for flexibility.
Sheerness: Very minimal and has enough coverage to wear bras with lace details.
Great value: Amazon Essentials Classic T-Shirt
What we like
- Sets of two
- Looks flattering
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 27 | Material: 56% cotton, 37% modal, 7% elastane
Fabric: While the price is two-for-one, the T-shirt feels more high-end than other brands. The fabric feels soft and maintains its construction after washing. I also appreciate the delicate and thin stitching on the neckline.
Fit: Unlike most of the T-shirts I tested, this one sits right below the hip and has a straight/longer design.
Sheerness: Not too sheer not too thick. The elastane component allows the T-shirt the right amount of coverage within its fiber content.
Good for lounging: Felina Slub Jersey Crew Neck T-Shirt
What we like
- Feels lightweight
- Ideal for warm days
Something to note
- Wrinkles fast
- Requires steam
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 11 | Material: 60% cotton, 40% modal
Fabric: This one feels soft and ultra lightweight, which makes it ideal for warmer days. However, be careful with stains as they are hard to remove from the fabric.
Fit: Single-stitching seems popular in many lightweight T-shirts like this one. With a relaxed fit and a curved hem, this one offers extra fabric length to be tucked in. It sits right below the hip, but the sleeves are shorter than other tees.
Sheerness: It’s very sheer compared to other T-shirts made entirely from cotton. Due to its composition, the fabric reflects different sheerness variations.
Built for business: Abercrombie Essential Easy Tee
What we like
- Not see-through
- Roomy sleeves
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Material: 100% elastane cotton
Fabric: The feel is soft but has a thicker construction than its counterparts. Due to its elastane component, the tee can be stretched and feels less breathable than other classic options.
Fit: The neckline sits high and covers most of the décolletage area. As for the sleeves, they protrude and have more of a roomy feel. Overall, the T-shirt has a boxy and relaxed fit, but I had to exchange for a smaller size as it runs big.
Sheerness: Since the material is thick, the sheerness level is light and you can feel comfortable wearing dark intimates.
The right boxy cut: Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
Something to note
- Not ideal for long torsos
Size: XXS-XXXL | Colors: 16 | Material: 100% organic cotton
Fabric: The fabric feels very similar to other tees made from 100% organic cotton. Therefore, it feels breathable and fresh.
Fit: It sits right at the hip and features a boxy cut that makes it difficult to tuck in with low-cut jeans. If you have a long torso, this tee will feel slightly cropped. The sleeves are a correct length without being overly wide.
Sheerness: This shirt is not too sheer and can be worn with black or nude bras for extra coverage.
A true classic fit: Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew
What we like
- Feels lightweight
- Neckline sits at right height
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Material: 100% supima cotton
Fabric: It’s one of the softest T-shirts I’ve tried and feels lightweight and airy.
Fit: It’s constructed in a way that feels relaxed with a slight tailoring that falls perfectly on the body. The hem has a straight line and the neckline sits right on the collarbone, allowing room to display jewelry comfortably. Also, the sleeves are cut in a straight line and measure 7 inches in length (yes, I measured).
Sheerness: It has a medium sheerness level without being see-through.
The perfect blend: Allbirds Women’s Soft Merino Tee
What we like
- Very soft
- Crisp after wash
Size: XS-XXXL | Colors: 6 | Material: 50% organic cotton, 30% merino wool, 20% Tencel lyocell
Fabric: The combination of cotton and wool fabric feels super soft and breathable. However, it’s not the classic white color you could expect from traditional T-shirts. Other details to note are the stitched logo on the left side and long tags on the inside.
Fit: With a lack of double stitching on the neckline, the construction feels seamless. It hits right at the hip and features a rounded hem.
Sheerness: This T-shirt is best suited for active days because of its light sheerness. You can easily spot a sports bra underneath.
Very sheer: J.Crew Relaxed Linen T-shirt
What we like
- Feels breathable
- Ideal for sweaty moments
Size: XXS-3X | Colors: 15 | Material: 100% linen
Fabric: At first touch, the J.Crew tee feels scratchy and not as soft. However, it’s one of the most lightweight fabrics I’ve tested. Beware during the washing process, as it can slightly shrink.
Fit: The T-shirt features straight sleeves, a neckline hitting at the collarbone and a straight hem — classic elements that are hard to surpass.
Sheerness: Linen is one of the lightest materials. Therefore, the sheerness can be quite provocative. It’s very see-through and one of the lightest T-shirts I tested to date.
Fit to fit: Spanx Fit-to-You Crew Neck Tee
What we like
- Fit to the body
- No tuck in required
Size: XS-3X | Colors: 2 | Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane
Fabric: Every corner of this T-shirt is fitted and offers a light compression that hugs your curves. Plus, the fabric is double-layered to make the look more seamless.
Fit: Due to the lack of stitches, the fit of this T-shirt is snug without feeling constricted.
Sheerness: Take a closer look and you’ll notice the thickness and sheer texture of the fabric. Also, the tee falls into the beige category as it’s not as white when compared next to other T-shirts.
A vintage feel: Nuuds Everyday T-Shirt
What we like
- Resist many washed
- Thick material
Something to note
- Rough texture
- Requires steam
Size: XS-XXXL | Colors: 10 | Material: 100% cotton
Fabric: At first try, this T-shirt feels luxe but after a few washes, the material starts feeling a bit rougher. Also, the edges and hem feature small cuts to emulate the deconstruction and vintage state of old tees.
Fit: Sits right at the hips with sleeves slightly protruding. While this T-shirt has a relaxed fit, it’s easy to pair with high-waisted bottoms and denim.
Sheerness: This T-shirt provides thick coverage and you can barely notice the undergarment when worn underneath.
Perfectly tailored: Perfect White Tee Avril
What we like
- Hugs your curves
- Very soft
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 4 | Material: 49% cotton, 49% modal, 2% spandex
Fabric: Very soft and breathable while featuring ribbed details across the design. Also, the fabric expands back to its original state and has a midweight feel.
Fit: This tee has a lower neckline than the other contenders, but the fit is perfect. It’s very form-fitting and pairs well with most bottoms. The sleeves are shorter than expected but it hugs my arms to perfection.
Sheerness: It’s slightly sheer and wearing a smooth bra underneath is recommended, as the texture of decorative lingerie shows through the fabric.
How we chose
We selected 13 T-shirts based on expert insight, size availability and inclusivity, including those with high ratings by shoppers. The author tested each T-shirt individually, measuring their fit, sheerness level and fabric quality over three weeks.
Meet the experts
- Daniel Patrick is a designer and founder of his eponymous brand, Daniel Patrick, a label focused on athletic apparel with a minimal appeal. He recently launched a collaboration with New York Red Bulls during New York Fashion Week.
- Grisel Paula is the founder of Rebdolls, a brand offering trendy plus-size clothing. Launched in 2014, this size-inclusive Latinx brand is a publicly traded company under the A.K.A brands umbrella putting sizing inclusivity at the forefront.
- Samantha Brown is a personal and celebrity stylist in New York City. Having worked over 1,000 fashion shows throughout her career, Samantha uses her industry knowledge to translate fashion trends from season to season.
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