How do you find the best white T-shirt for women? It might seem like a simple question, but tracking one down that checks all the boxes—from fit to comfort—is quite a feat. After all, the more minimal a clothing item is, the more its flaws become glaringly clear. No one likes the feeling of a boxy, ill-fitting white tee that feels as stiff as cardboard against their skin. Whether you’re layering up for winter or styling solo, a white tee is a closet essential. From crisp cotton crewnecks to baby tees and relaxed, boxy silhouettes, the best styles hold shape, resist piling, and feel as good as they look.
Throughout the history of pop culture, from Marlon Brando to Kendall Jenner, the white T-shirt has been ingrained in both our lives and our wardrobes. For us at Vogue, the shirt has become a unifying style staple—and everyday at the office is an opportunity for an editor to showcase its versatility. After all, there’s comfort in reaching for a crisp, plain white T-shirt in the morning—fresh and dewy-faced. Perhaps we’ll add a touch of jewelry, whether that’s a pair of gold hoops or a minimalist chain necklace. But the best white cotton T-shirts, be they a slub V-neck or classic fit Pima crewneck, can be paired with just about everything, from high-rise pleated trousers to dressy skirts for the office and beyond. And what’s more iconic and representative of our daily lives than a high-quality white T-shirt and a classic pair of blue jeans?
The search for the best white T-shirt for women is an ambitious pursuit—below, Vogue editors share their favorites to help you bridge the divide between you and your own platonic ideal.
Vogue Editors’ Favorite White T-Shirts for Women
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Hanes Perfect Short Sleeve
“I swear my white Hanes shirt is the unsung hero of my wardrobe—no frills, just pure, soft reliability!” – Sache Taylor, director of events
“I love a luxury T-shirt as much as the next girl, but in the spirit of being cost-conscious and honest with myself, you can’t go wrong with a classic Hanes white T-shirt. Plus, I feel a less ever-present sense of anxiety with accidental spills or the inevitable yellowing thanks to deodorant oxidation... it’s not hurting my bank account to repurchase anytime!”– Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
COS Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt
“Cos has become a staple in my closet this year and the white T-shirt was my first foray into how perfectly the brand does basics. After almost a year of wear, the neckline is still intact, its shape loose, and the thickness feels luxurious!” –Stephanie Kariuki, executive producer
“A white T-shirt has become the ultimate foundation in my daily uniform. For winter, I reach for this relaxed T-shirt from Cos. It’s made from a slightly thicker jersey to keep warm but never looks bulky, and it layers effortlessly under knits and tailoring, holding its shape all day long.” –Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
Leset Margo T-Shirt
“Not a week goes by without me wearing Leset’s Margo tee at least once. It’s my platonic ideal of a T-shirt: A perky short sleeve, a substantial collar, and a tuck-able length that splits the difference between fitted and loose. I have it in four colors and counting—the white my first, and most enduring, love.” —Talia Abbas, shopping director
“I live in this white tee from Leset, literally. In the winter, I like layering it underneath sweaters and button-ups to add just the right amount of coverage and I love how it looks peeking out ever so slightly underneath. It has the perfect round-neck silhouette, a slightly boxy fit, and the cap sleeves hit at the ideal spot below my shoulders. This is also all coming from someone who has never been into white T-shirts. Now, I can’t imagine my capsule wardrobe without my beloved Margo tee.” —Laura Jackson, contributing writer
Madeline Fass, fashion market director
Sold Out NYC The Iconically Soft Perfect Tee
“If I’m not layering a white T-shirt under blazers or sweaters, I love a boxy, longer-sleeved silhouette. With a more exaggerated fit, the white tee becomes a true top versus just an undershirt. The tee on rotation for me is from Sold Out NYC, I have it in a few different sizes to achieve those different looks.” –Madeline Fass, fashion market director
Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer
Buck Mason Field Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
“I tend to like a thicker white tee—something that feels substantial on its own but can also be layered. I’ve tried many different styles but my all-time favorite is the Buck Mason Heavy Field-Spec tee. It has just the right amount of weight and texture, has a vintage worn-in feel, and is complete with a classic crewneck neckline. It’s my new everyday go-to.” –Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer
Madewell Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee
“I love my Madewell white tee shirt because it is one of the few I’ve found that stays properly crisp all day long. It is weighty without being too heavy and is perfectly oversized. I also really like the back seam—a small detail that makes this tee feel a bit more elevated.” —Mai Morsch, fashion editor
“If you look up “perfect white tee” in the dictionary, I wouldn’t be surprised if Madewell’s Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee pops up. This breathable t-shirt is great for layering both under sweaters and over other tees (similar to how I styled it for this story) because of its slightly boxy fit, structured neckline, and body length. It’s been my go-to for layering this winter, and I’m sure I’ll still grab it as the weather gets warmer, to style it on its own.” —Taylor Lashley, manager, social media
Florence O’Connor, content manager, Vogue.com
Everlane Box Cut Tee
“Everlane is my go-to for basics, starting with its white box-cut tee. It’s the perfect T-shirt for me—the collar peaks out under a crewneck, the sleeves hit a flattering length and it holds its shape no matter how many times it goes through the laundry.” –Florence O’Connor, content manager, Vogue.com
Libby Page, executive shopping director
Citizens of Humanity Bina Tee
“I own many white T-shirts, arguably too many, so when I invested in one this year it needed to feel different; I love that this one is slightly off-white, long-sleeved (perfect for winter and peeking out the bottom of your cashmere sweater sleeves) and ribbed. The rib fit means it stays form-fitting for a while longer than a classic cotton tee and bonus points that Citizens of Humanity are sustainable. Whenever I can, I always make sure my basics are consciously crafted.” –Libby Page, executive shopping director
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Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
Another Tomorrow Luxe Seamed Short Sleeve
“I’ve been on the hunt for a white T-shirt that can be dressed up, or down, and this one from Another Tomorrow strikes the perfect balance between the two. The curved hem looks so good peeking out from beneath a cashmere cardigan, or wool crewneck sweater during the colder months. Pair it with a maxi suit skirt or pleated trousers, and you’re good to go.” –Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
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Uniqlo Crew Neck T-Shirt
“I first spotted the Uniqlo white crew T-shirt on none other than queen Nicole Phelps. I love the thick, retro collar and have them in size S and XS to wear depending on my mood and how Cher Horowitz I am feeling. Most importantly they are $15!” –Chloe Malle, head of editorial content, Vogue
“The Uniqlo white tee is my holy grail. It’s thick, durable, and 100% cotton. And, best of all, it s affordable, coming in under $15. Needless to say I own it in multiple sizes.” –Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
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Petit Beauty Iconic T-Shirt
“The Petit Bateau Iconic T-shirt is just that. It is simple, and elegant, and looks just as good with a long evening skirt as it does with a loose pair of worn-in denim. Bonus points: The brand makes them for kids too.” –Alexandra Michler Kopelman, director of fashion initiatives
Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway
The Frankie Shop Faro Boxy Tee
“For just $85 you can get the perfect white T-shirt from The Frankie Shop. It’s perfectly unisex and boxy that it looks like you just rolled out of bed and threw your boyfriend’s tee on even if you are tragically single.” –Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
J.Crew Refined Rib T-Shirt
“My hunt for the quintessential layering T-shirt finally came to an end when I discovered J.Crew’s Refined Rib option. I have a stock of different colors—both short and long-sleeve versions—and am constantly reaching for them throughout the year. The slim style and high neckline are ideal for layering underneath sweaters and blazers when you’re going for a more polished look.” – Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
Taylor Anderson, associate social media manager
Artizia Original Contour Marvel T-Shirt
“While a white T-shirt is an everyday essential for some, I surprisingly do not have many! However, Aritzia s Original Contour Marvel Crew T-Shirt has held me over for the past few years as it’s the perfect shirt to wear under a sweater but also chic enough to wear on its own.” –Taylor Anderson, associate social media manager
Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, fashion editor
Alo Yoga Alosoft Finesse Tee
“From early morning train rides to late night pilates classes and everything in between, transforming activewear into daywear and vice versa has become an essential factor in revamping my white t-shirt collection. As of late, I’ve opted for Alo s Alosoft tee for a refined, comfortable, and ready for anything look!” –Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, fashion editor
Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
EB Denim Ero Tee
“My current obsession is the Eero Tee by EB Denim. It’s that elusive unicorn: relaxed where you want it, sculpted where it counts.” –Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
Fujio Emura, creative visuals associate manager
Uniqlo Airism Cotton Oversized T-shirt
“I first got my hands on the Uniqlo Airism tee via a boy I was seeing at, the time. I was late for an appointment so I stole his; because he also had a black one. I became obsessed with the shirt immediately—it’s light, airy, boxy, and not too tight. The sleeves are the perfect length, too. A few weeks after I stole the shirt, I went to the store and bought a few more for myself. The boy never came back, but at least I got my favorite T-shirt out of it.” –Fujio Emura, contributor
Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping editor
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
“Uniqlo’s white T-shirt is perfect. Made from a heavyweight, soft 100% cotton, this feels much more expensive its $15 price tag. The crewneck fits excellently along the collarbones—peaking out just the right amount beneath a sweater—without being too snug. Even better, it holds up well after multiple washes making it a long-lasting wardrobe staple.” –Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
Sam Sussman, global director, social
Re/Done 90s Ribbed Tee
“Some would say Re/done’s T-shirt has a shrunken fit, but I would say it’s the perfect fit if you are a shorter woman! It feels perfectly worn in, and I don’t have to tuck multiple inches of it into my jeans.” –Sam Sussman, global director, social
Naomi Elizée, senior fashion editor
Toteme Straight Cotton Tee
“I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white tee and I’ve finally found the one! This Toteme tee has the perfect weight to it and it feels substantial enough to wear in your everyday wardrobe while maintaining maximum comfort in its oversized fit.” – Naomi Elizée, senior fashion editor
Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager
Unsubscribed Crewneck Tee
“I’m always on the hunt for good basics, whether it’s a trusty pair of jeans or a worn-in sweater, I can never have enough in my closet. Though, finding the perfect white tee has been quite the journey. Enter my go-to crewneck tee from Unsubscribed. I love its boxy fit and slightly sheer finish, plus it’s perfect for layering. It truly is the most essential, everyday item I own.” –Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager
Kasey Busiel, Marketing and Production Manager, Vogue Shopping
Cos Brushed Cotton T-Shirt
“When the search for the perfect white T-shirt fell short in the women’s department, I turned to menswear. A size down in Cos’s brushed-cotton tee delivers the ideal relaxed silhouette, with just enough length to tuck cleanly into tailored trousers.” –Kasey Busiel, marketing and production manager
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
CDLP T-Shirt
“For everyday layering, my go-to is an under-$10 option from either Hanes or H&M—there’s no point in spending a ton of money on something no one will be able to see—but when the t-shirt is the point, I like this mid-weight option from CDLP. It drapes well, is super soft, and has a thicker crew collar that makes it look more polished.” –Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew T-Shirt
“The white tee is a wardrobe hero, and while we all have our go-to favorites, Buck Mason does the trick for me. I love their slub crewneck—it’s lightweight and relaxed; a great layer under knits as well as on its own.” – Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
