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 10 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
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 overall white T-shirt
Average fabric score: 5 | Average fit score: 5 | Average sheerness score: 5 | Overall score: 5
- 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.
After revisiting my white T-shirt collection about six months later, Uniqlo is still at the top of my list. I’ve washed it many times and still, the fabric looks as crisp as its initial wear. I love the structure, the weight and the softness of this shirt.
More white T-shirts, tested by the author
Boxy cut:
Average fabric score: 3.5 | Average fit score: 3 | Average sheerness score: 4 | Overall score: 3.5
- 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:
Average fabric score: 3.5 | Average fit score: 3 | Average sheerness score: 3 | Overall score: 3.17
- 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:
Average fabric score: 3.5 | Average fit score: 4 | Average sheerness score: 3 | Overall score: 3.5
- 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.
Affordable pick:
Average fabric score: 3.5 | Average fit score: 4 | Average sheerness score: 3 | Overall score: 3.5
- 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.
The right boxy cut:
Average fabric score: 4 | Average fit score: 3 | Average sheerness score: 4 | Overall score: 3.67
- 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:
Average fabric score: 4 | Average fit score: 4 | Average sheerness score: 3.5 | Overall score: 3.83
- 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:
Average fabric score: 4 | Average fit score: 3.5 | Average sheerness score: 4 | Overall score: 3.83
- 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.
A vintage fee
Average fabric score: 3 | Average fit score: 3 | Average sheerness score: 4 | Overall score: 3.33
- 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:
Average fabric score: 5 | Average fit score: 5 | Average sheerness score: 3 | Overall score: 4.33
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
When it comes to material, Patrick recommends 100% cotton T-shirts because they're the most breathable. "I do enjoy the lightweight and softness of a tri-blend one also, so it’s really up to the wearer on preference in that regard," he says.
According to Patrick, the best way to wash a white tee is with white clothing only. "I use a non-scented organic washing detergent that is gentle on the fabric. Always refer to the care instructions of the specific garment though," he recommends.
As for Grisel Paula, founder of Rebdolls, a white T-shirt should be washed in cold water because it avoids the piece from getting shrunk and it helps in reducing color fades and wrinkles.
According to stylist Samantha Brown, is all about the styling and how you wear a T-shirt that will make it look flattering.
Crew necks (layered) are very “in” at the moment but they can make larger busted/larger-shouldered women look very broad up top. A lower scoop or V-neck shape is more universally flattering. For oversized styles, try a front tuck or knot to give yourself a waist.
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.
