Confession time. This post has actually been on my list to create for over 8 years now. Ever since I started writing Style Bee, waaay back in 2013, I’ve been on the hunt for “the perfect white t-shirt”.
Over the years I’ve tried many and while there are lots of great options, I’ve come to realize that the answer to a perfect white t-shirt may not be the same for everyone. Which brings us to today’s post!
In this “spotlight on” I’m covering the best of my white t-shirt library, which currently includes 7. Because, you know, one for each day of the week! I’ll be sharing why I like each one and covering the details that differentiate them including; price, shape, length, fit etc..
If you’re ready for a white t-shirt upgrade or just curious about the ones in my wardrobe, you know what to do!
This post is not sponsored or produced in partnership with any brands mentioned but does contain affiliate links. If you see something you like and decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love and think you might too. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!
QUICK LINKS TO ALL THE T-SHIRTS COVERED IN THIS POST
1 | THE PIMA MICRO-RIB CREW TEE | Everlane | My personal favourite.
2 | THE ORGANIC COTTON CREW | Everlane | Best all-around classic, great value.
3 | THE ESSENTIAL CREW | KOTN | Winner for softness and front-tuck-ability. | Discount below.
4 | THE GOOD COTTON ESSENTIAL T-SHIRT | Frank and Oak | Crisp feel, bright white and classic fit.
5 | THE FITTED CREW | Mott & Bow | Preshrunk for easy care. | Discount below.
6 | THE MAE DRAPEY TEE | ABLE | Top pick for a dressy tee that drapes like silk. | Discount below.
7 | THE COTTON SLIM TEE | JENNI KAYNE | Winner for vintage fit and feel. | Discount below.
FIRST UP
THE PIMA MICRO-RIB CREW TEE
By Everlane
{ MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE }
WHY I LIKE IT: If you’ve followed along here or on the Style Journal for long, you’ll know, the Pima Micro Rib Tee is a very frequent flyer in my outfits. In fact, it’s my #1 favourite t-shirt. There, I said it.
I love this tee for many reasons. Not least of which is the micro-rib texture. It gives it just a touch of interest and elevates it from your run of the mill white t-shirt. I also love its:
- figure hugging but not too tight
- high neckline
- back centre seam (shown below)
- slightly longer than average sleeve (shown below)
- clean white, (not warm or cool)
- ideal length (for tucking in or not)
- longevity (this one has been in rotation for years now)
It’s my go-to for wearing on its own but even more so for layering under, well, anything! It’s great under blazers, cardigans, knits, fleeces, button ups, you name it, it works.
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $34 USD
BRAND: EVERLANE
MADE IN: Lima, Peru
MADE OF: 95% Pima cotton, 5% elastane
SHEER FACTOR: Slightly, with nude undergarments you’re all set.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XXS – XL
CARE: Wash cold, hang dry
LENGTH: 23.25″ (varies across sizes)
FIT: True to size for a figure hugging fit. I wear my usual size Small in this and it’s fitted but not too tight, exactly how I like.
DESIGN DETAILS THAT ELEVATE THIS T-SHIRT
BACK CENTRE SEAM 
HIGH NECK & ELONGATED SLEEVE
NUMBER TWO
THE ORGANIC COTTON CREW
By Everlane
{ Best all around classic, great value. }
WHY I LIKE IT: The Organic Cotton Crew is another fixture in my day-to-day style. It’s also one of the t-shirts that’s been in my wardrobe the longest. If you’re looking for a quintessential cotton t-shirt, this is my top recommendation.
This has been a long-standing staple for several reasons, including, but not limited to its:
- relaxed but streamlined fit
- classic crew neckline
- smooth, cool and breathable feel
- soft drape that keeps it super comfy
- lightweight but not too sheer
- easy care
- longevity (this one has also been washed many dozens of times)
- great value for the quality
This is another great option for all your layering needs. I love wearing this under my chunky knits and any sweaters that I like to wear regularly in the winter. In fact, this t-shirt is partly how I keep my sweaters looking great for so long, more on that in this post.
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $27 USD
BRAND: EVERLANE
MADE IN: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
MADE OF: 100% organic cotton
SHEER FACTOR: Slightly, with nude undergarments you’re all set.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XXS – XL
CARE: Wash cold, tumble dry low
LENGTH: 24.75″ (varies across sizes)
FIT: True to size for a relaxed slim fit. I wear my usual size Small but you could opt to go up or down depending on your desired fit.
V-Neck version also available.
NUMBER THREE
THE ESSENTIAL CREW
By KOTN
(Canadian brand)
{ Winner for softest feel and best shape to front tuck. }
WHY I LIKE IT: You’ll probably have noticed that KOTN is one of my favourite spots to shop for great basics and The Essential Crew is no exception. I love it for:
- Supreme softness
- High opacity
- Easy front tucking (thanks to a bit of slight shaping through the hip so it falls nicely)
- A cozy feel thanks to a touch of extra weight
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $30 USD – 10% Off your first order through this link.
BRAND: KOTN (Canadian)
MADE IN: Egypt
MADE OF: 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton
SHEER FACTOR: Almost none, with nude undergarments you’re all set.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XS – XXL
CARE: Wash cold and lay flat to dry. I dry mine on a hanger to prevent creases.
LENGTH: 18″ (I believe the newest version is slightly longer, by customer request.)
FIT: True to size for a slim fit. I wear my usual size Small. From the KOTN Essential Crew page, “We suggest sizing up one size if you plan to machine dry.”
10% Off your first order with LEEV10
NUMBER FOUR
THE GOOD COTTON ESSENTIAL T-SHIRT
(Canadian brand)
{ Great choice for a crisp feel, bright white and classic fit. }
WHY I LIKE IT: This is the newest white tee in my collection and has a polished feel to it that I love. The Good Cotton Essential T-Shirt has become my go-to for:
- A true bright white
- Crisp cotton feel that holds its shape
- Classic straight cut and slightly oversize fit
- A slightly longer, looser sleeve than the others in my closet
- It also has a nice stitching detail on the sleeves (shown below)
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $34.50 USD
BRAND: FRANK AND OAK (Canadian)
MADE IN: Bangledesh
MADE OF: 100% organic cotton
SHEER FACTOR: Minimal, with nude undergarments you’re all set.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XXS – XL
CARE: Wash cold and tumble dry low.
LENGTH: 21.5″ front front neckline.
FIT: True to size for a relaxed fit. I wear my usual size Small.
SHOP THE GOOD COTTON ESSENTIAL T-SHIRT
NUMBER FIVE
THE FITTED CREW
By MOTT & BOW
{ Top pick for a feminine shape and pre-shrunk fit. }
WHY I LIKE IT: The Fitted Crew is another great staple I’ve had the pleasure of testing out from Mott & Bow. The one shown is “Vintage White”, which has sold out, but the regular white is fully stocked. This tee stands out to me for the following reasons:
- A slim fit that’s great for layering over
- Lightweight, very soft cotton
- Feminine short sleeve
- Preshrunk for fool-proof care
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $34.50 USD
BRAND: MOTT & BOW
MADE IN: Peru
MADE OF: 50% pima cotton / 50% modal
SHEER FACTOR: Somewhat sheer but a nude bra will be all that’s needed.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XS – XL
CARE: Wash cold and tumble dry low. Prewashed so it doesn’t shrink!
LENGTH: 20″ from front neckline to hem.
FIT: True to size for a frame skimming fit. I wear my usual size Small.
USE LEE10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
V-Neck version also available.
NUMBER SIX
THE MAE DRAPEY TEE
By ABLE
{ Top pick for a dressy tee that drapes like silk. }
WHY I LIKE IT: THE MAE DRAPEY TEE is indeed true to its name. I have this one in both white and black (seen most recently here) and it holds the title of the “fancy t-shirt” within my collection. Here’s why:
- It drapes and moves like a luxurious silk
- It has an elevated feel compared to a cotton tee
- Paired with jeans and a blazer, you’re set for just about anything
- The open scoop neck is feminine and great with short chain necklaces
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $40 USD – Use LEEV20 for 20% Off anytime.
BRAND: ABLE
MADE IN: India
MADE OF: Viscose/Lycra Jersey
SHEER FACTOR: Fairly opaque, a nude bra is recommended unless you want show-through.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XXS – XXL
CARE: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. I hang mine to dry and they come out great every time.
LENGTH: 18″ from front neckline to hem. 25″ from back neckline to hem.
FIT: True to size for a very relaxed fit. I wear my usual size Small and it has lots of room to drape and move.
USE LEEV20 FOR 20% OFF ANYTIME
NUMBER SEVEN
THE COTTON SLIM TEE
By JENNI KAYNE
{ Top pick for a vintage fit and feel. }
WHY I LIKE IT: I wanted to include this “cream” option in the Cotton Slim Tee from Jenni Kayne, because I’ve really enjoyed the dimension it adds to my palette. It also comes in a true white, but the reasons I like this one include:
- its worn-in vintage feel
- the easy cut through the body and slightly a-line sleeve shape
- an elevated, double stitched neckline that hits at the perfect spot on the clavicle.
- it’s relatively new to my closet as of this spring, but it feels like it’ll only get better with age.
QUICK FACTS
PRICE: $65 USD – Use LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.
BRAND: JENNI KAYNE
MADE IN: Los Angeles
MADE OF: 100% Cotton
SHEER FACTOR: Slightly sheer, with nude undergarments you’re all set.
SIZES AVAILABLE: XS – XXL
CARE: Machine wash cold, line dry.
LENGTH: 20″ from front neckline to hem.
FIT: True to size for an easy fit (not too relaxed or fitted). I wear my usual size Small and it fits “slim” as the name indicates.
USE LEE15 FOR 15% OFF ANYTIME
& there you have my current collection of favourite white t-shirts!
I hope this post helps to point you to some great options if you’ve been in the market for this timeless essential.
Before I sign off I wanted to mention a few more brands worth checking out for white t-shirts:
WEAR FRANC (Canadian)
ENCIRCLED (Canadian) – Use LEE10 for 10% Off anytime.
COLORFUL STANDARD (European) Use STYLEBEECS1 for 10% Off anytime.
If you have any favourites, please feel free to share in the comments!
You may have counted 8 t-shirts in these shots. One that I had intended to share is no longer in production so I didn’t include it.
In case you were curious
My favourite t-shirt bra, which I’m wearing throughout the post, is the LuxeLift Pullover Bra by KNIX. I’ve had this bra for years and love it. Many sizes available. I wear Nude 2 in a size S.
The jeans I’m wearing in this post are the Le Brut Eco Sexy in Denim Blue by Sézane (I think the new version of the wash is more classic than mine). They’re a personal favourite for their curve hugging fit that’s perfect with a simple tee tucked in!
I love the versatility of white T-shirts or button ups but find they don’t have the longevity I want (as another commenter mentioned – sunscreen! Makeup! Deodorant!). How do you care for your white shirts to keep them from staining?
Hi Amie, This is a great question, and it comes up a lot when I mention wearing white. I’ve been meaning to finish a post on how I care for my closet which covers dealing with stains. Generally speaking though, I wear a clear, gel-stick deodorant, I use Super Goop! sunscreen on my face, which is also a clear gel and when stains happen I use the Stain Solution from the Laundress (which has been amazing for make-up and pit stains too). If it’s a tough stain situation I’ll use the All-Purpose Bleach alternative. The “Make-messes kit” is perfect and you only need a tiny amount so it lasts a long time. I hope that helps!
I LOVE the Everlane pima tee and the Kotn Essential crew! Great picks!
Happy to hear you’re a fan of those too Emma! Thanks for reading. xo
Thank you for another lovely post that was SO interesting. I have such mixed feelings about white tees. I think they always look so nice BUT there are issues. One is getting them over my head (and even once they are touching my chest), the SPF I use is skin tinted so it ends up staining a clean fresh white tee! The other is that I do sew my own clothes but getting the right fabric to pattern for the “perfect” tee is actually much harder than you would think it should be 🙂 I did order 2 of the bras you mention and hopefully that did go through on your affiliate link! I love those bras! I’ve been wearing underwire forever (36FF) and would love to get away from them if possible and also to support a CDN company is right up my street 🙂
Thanks for sharing your reservations on white tees Kathleen, I totally appreciate that they’re more hassle than they’re worth for some. For what it’s worth, a trick I learned from a stylist friend is to put a silk handkerchief over your face/chest, post make-up, to prevent transfer onto clothing. I use this myself sometimes and it’s a great trick!
I can imagine that making your own white t-shirt is a challenge for sure. Good for you for being such an avid sewist!
I hope you find that the KNIX bras are a great fit for you. Their customer service is amazing so don’t be afraid to reach out to them if you need to make a change. They are incredibly accommodating. Thanks for using my link and for reading the post! xo
I was happy to see your shout out to Knix. The people behind Knix have nailed it – super comfortable bras, amazing customer service, and they showcase their bras on all sizes, shapes and ages. Obviously, I also love your post, and how you assess something as basic as a white t-shirt. Your advice has helped me to navigate on-line ordering many times!
Thanks for this kind note Nancy! So glad my posts have been helpful for you, that’s always my #1 goal. Isn’t KNIX a gem of a brand? I’m a huge fan too and always have something of theirs on my list. Agreed that they represent a wonderful array of bodies and people through their photography too. Nothing not to love!
I love this post, Lee! I’m a huge fan of plain white tees, so this is right up my alley. I have a couple of these but you’ve inspired me to try a couple more for some variety. I swear I think I could wear a white T-shirt everyday for a month and not miss my other shirts. It’s just so classic and simple. 🤍 Enjoy Autumn in your new place…it looks idyllic.
Whitney, I dare say we are cut from the same cotton cloth lol. I could wear one everyday too! Thanks for tuning in. xo
I usually just have one of something in my wardrobe – one black tshirt, one white tshirt, etc … not all of them the “perfect” one but there you go. I think I may have to give myself permission to have multiples, especially of things like a good white tee!
I think that’s a great approach if it works for you Sophie. Once I find a specific style that works I tend to go for multiples and it just makes getting ready that much easier. I’d say a couple of multiple staples is a good call though. Takes the pressure off needing to do laundry too haha. Thanks for reading! xo