21 best white shirts for women to look put-together this spring/summer
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When it comes to white shirts for women, you'd be forgiven for thinking there's little in the way of variation. A shirt's a shirt, right?
But considering the versatility of this most hard-working wardrobe staple we'd be wise to give it a little more consideration - with everything from silhouette to fabric, embellishment to comfort all contributing to what makes a really great white shirt.
Though they've rightfully earned a place as a building block in many a spring capsule wardrobe, they are by no means 'a boring basic,' as proven by many a recent spring/summer runway – where white shirts rightly took the opportunity to shine at some of the biggest and most-loved shows of the season.
Why is the white shirt so popular?
The catalyst for the white shirt renaissance - as is often the case - can be attributed to Saint Laurent, where Bella Hadid (along with many other models) made a case for tailoring by sporting slouchy '80s-style trouser suits complete with a tie and shirt duo. Worn with pointed-toe heels and fuss-free accessories, timeless white shirts look set to be the starting block to so many chic outfits this spring.
Women's white shirts have proven to stay relevant across the decades, with Princess Diana's go-to look in the late ‘90s and Meghan Markle’s first public appearance with Prince Harry (as his then-girlfriend) being a white shirt worn with rhinestone earrings. When it comes to how to style for spring/summer, the likes of Tove opt for layering – styling longline white shirts with a fitted blazer, while Michael Kors tucks exaggerated collar iterations into brodie anglaise embroidered midi skirts and cropped white shirts have been spotted at Peter Do.
How are celebrities wearing them?
Given the dominance of white shirts on the runways in recent seasons, it isn't surprising that it has become a permanent fixture in celebrity outfit pictures over the past year, too. Of course, the magic of wardrobe staples is that you can style them any way you like. The likes of Sofia Richie-Grainge and Dua Lipa have been wearing theirs oversized, with high-waisted, straight leg denim, but the world really is your oyster when it comes to how to style the classic.
The Bear actor Ayo Edebiri wore a white silk button-down shirt and high-waisted jeans by Bottega Veneta – a refreshing cool-girl spin on party dressing. And while one of the easiest ways to style a white shirt is tucked into a pair of jeans with ballet flats or Mary-Jane pumps, or for the office with a pair of wide-leg trousers , we also love how it looks worn loose and unbuttoned. See how Gigi Hadid has worn her slouchy oxford shirt over baggy jeans? This style – in organic cotton or linen blend – would also look so chic as a beach cover up if you're planning a summer getaway.
How are editors wearing them?
Given this is a wardrobe building block, it is worth spending some time to find a shirt that will go the distance. So keep scrolling to view the best white shirts for women we've found for 2026, from new-in styles to bestsellers.
Our pick of the best to buy for 2026 (and beyond)…
Why we love it: If you're searching high and low for the best white shirt, Ralph Lauren will have the answer. Case in point with this relaxed fit stretch cotton silhouette, with its dropped shoulders and barrel sleeves, it puts a modern edge on something otherwise simplistic.
- Sizes: XXS-XXL.
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts with these Ralph Lauren discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Whether you want to layer under sweaters and cardigans for workwear on unpredictable weather days or wear the collar shirt open on warmer days, this under-£20 hero buy from H&M can be styled so many ways. Already oversized, you may want to size up again to get that extra slouchy look that works with everything from swimwear to over T-shirts or beneath a crew neck sweater.
- Sizes: XXS-XXXXL.
- Material: 100% Cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Why Fiona loves it: “I am a true minimalist, so classic white shirts are something I value in my wardrobe – but they have to meet specific requirements to stay there. This one from The White Company does; it's opaque (I wore a black bra beneath it for the shoot, and you can't tell), the right mix between relaxed and fitted, and features a box pleat at the back which makes it look super expensive. My only qualm is the price which veers on the side of too spenny for me.”
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Material: 100% cotton.
OUR RATING: 9/10
Why Sophie loves it: “I love the look of a tucked cotton oxford shirt, but the admin of having to actually do the tucking is more hassle than it's worth for me – I always end up with one side baggier than the rest. The solution? A cropped style that provides the same look without the fuss. This one from JW Anderson's collab with Uniqlo does the job perfectly. I will be buying every colour.”
- Sizes: XXS-XXL.
- Material: 60% cotton, 40% viscose.
OUR RATING: 10/10Why Ali loves it: “White shirts are a dime-a-dozen, but high-street fave Mango has managed to put a fun twist on an absolute classic and also make it wearable for any occasion. Forget desk-to-dinner, you'll want to wear this pearl-embellished style at every given opportunity. I styled it with jeans and heeled flip flops for a cool-girl finish. Slight issue; I don't know how you'd go about washing it easily, as the tag says no washing or dry cleaning.”
- Sizes: UK 6-12.
- Material: 56% lyocell, 44% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
OUR RATING: 8.5/10Why we love it: This oversized, cropped shirt with fold-up sleeves from Reiss is giving summer style from all angles. Wear done up with midi skirts and sandals, leave open over a ribbed vest and denim shorts or try layering over a slip dress — the styling opportunities are endless with this one.
- Sizes: 4-18.
- Material: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: A cotton shirt is easy to find, but this one has raised the bar with its asymmetric buttons and ruched detail that gives a ruffle effect. So chic, right? The slim fit shirt style will give a little something extra to an otherwise simple outfit. For the office you may want to add a blazer, for night, wear with straight-leg jeans and slingback heels.
- Sizes: 32-44.
- Material: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts for women with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
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Why we love it: Tencel gives this shirt a silk-like quality, which drapes beautifully off the body. The best thing about it is the fabric is resistant to both wrinkles and creases, so it keeps its polish throughout the day. Known for its timeless long sleeve shirts, this With Nothing Underneath classic is a keeper!
- Sizes: 6 - 18.
- Material: 100% Tencel.
Why we love it: The oversized fit is ideal for hot weather. Wear with the matching shorts in summer for an effortless beach or weekend look and layer over T-shirts and cami tops with wide-leg trousers if you want to take it into evening territory on holiday.
- Sizes: 6-18.
- Material: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts for women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Known for its exquisite basics and therefore loved by minimalists worldwide, of course Toteme has an organic cotton shirt you'll want to add to your wardrobe staples. Classic, timeless and ready to be worn for so many upcoming plans, it's an investment well worth making considering you'll wear it so many times throughout the year.
- Sizes: XSS-XXL.
- Material: 100% organic cotton.
Why we love it: If you're looking for a linen shirt that'll work hard in your wardrobe each summer season, look no further than Reformation's oversized iteration. Updating the classic oxford shirt in the summer-ready material, it can be worn with everything from matching linen trousers to satin maxi or mini skirts. And yes it may wrinkle, but that's part of the joy of linen shirts that look best when you embrace the natural creases.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Material: 100% linen.
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Why we love it: Simple, fuss-free but elevated, this crisp cotton shirt has an unexpected elasticated hemline and cuffs that give it more of a lightweight jacket feel than a traditional shirt - perfect for the spring evenings that are (finally!) on their way.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Material: 100% cotton.
Why we love it: You can always trust Levi's to create year round timeless staples, and this crisp white shirt with the perfect fit is no exception. With a fitted silhouette and no pocket detailing or embellishment, it's the stripped-back white shirt that'll go with absolutely everything you own.
- Sizes: XXS - XL.
- Material: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts for women with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: For a luxe take on the classic long sleeve shirt, this satin version in ivory looks and feels softer than a white cotton style. Keeping necklines looking relaxed, it'll make any trousers or skirt look put together. This is a new arrival from Jigsaw that we'll be taking straight to the checkout!
- Sizes: 6-18.
- Material: 100% silk.
Save when you shop for the best white shirts with these Jigsaw discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: With ties being a mini trend for spring/summer this year, fitted shirts are making a return. Wear this boxy fit Mango button-down shirt tucked into a pair of wide-leg trousers with a tie and blazer to get the Saint Laurent tailoring vibe, or unbutton slightly and style with baggy blue jeans for a nod to the '90s.
- Sizes: 6-14.
- Material: 75% cotton, 20% polyamide, 5% elastane.
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Why we love it: If you're looking for a white shirt that does so much more than a simple white shirt really should, look no further. Sold as the perfect layering shirt - but also one that works perfectly solo - the intricately embroidered lace balloon sleeves really sing when paired with a contrast knitted vest.
- Sizes: 4-18.
- Material: 100% Cotton.
Why we love it: One of Charlie's all-time favourite shirts - and one she's been reaching for season after season for the last five years - this super feminine ruffled, lace blouse is the perfect way to dress up a pair of jeans. It looks particularly great paired with a contrasting oversized blazer.
- Sizes: 4-20.
- Material: 82% organic cotton, 18% textile made from organic fibres.
Why we love it: With Nothing Underneath is a fashion editor-favourite, and the ‘boyfriend’ is one of its best sellers. The slightly dropped shoulder gives it a softer, more relaxed silhouette and the longline shape makes it easy to style with everything from swimwear to skirts and tailored trousers.
- Sizes: 6 - 18.
- Material: 100% linen.
Why we love it: Some of the best white shirts are those that look effortlessly premium, with minimal styling needed – enter: Yaitte's classic cotton-poplin shirt. The slightly relaxed fit with the sharp collar is what makes this long sleeve shirt a forever buy. And how chic is that logo detail? Love, love, love!
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Material: 100% BCI certified cotton.
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Why we love it: A beautiful, Irish brand, this linen short-sleeve shirt is part of a collaboration rooted in hope that was created to mark Anti-Slavery Day in partnership with Flourish NI — a charity providing long-term support and community for survivors of human trafficking. With no two pieces the same, each is embroidered with a word chosen by Flourish's clients who were invited in to take part in a series of embroidery workshops and stitched it by hand. Featuring words like ‘Joy’, ‘Brave’, ‘Hope’, ‘Home’ and ‘Free’, each piece carries its own beautiful story resulting in a truly special, one-off shirt.
- Sizes: 6-18.
- Material: 100% Irish linen.
How I tested the best white shirts
Sure, fashion is subjective - but the experience of getting ready in the morning is generally quite universal. We're all quite exhausted. We want to feel confident. We want to limit stress and confusion. And we don't want to spend all of our savings. So, along with my own base-level knowledge of what makes a good shirt, I gathered three of my colleagues and had them physically test and style some trending styles to A) show you what they look like on people other than models (no shade!) and B) provide honest opinions about how they fared. That, alongside 18 other shirts make my ultimate guide of great white shirts that we at Glamour truly believe nail it across the board. What makes them so great? A super chic overall aesthetic, yes, but also timeless, universally flattering silhouettes, un-fussy details, a classic colour palette and every day comfort.
Read more about how we test and choose here.
Why you can trust us
With Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd, and Freelance Fashion Editors Charlie Teather and Harriet Davey all contributing to this edit of the very best white shirts for women, plus our testers Fiona, Sophie and Ali, you've got almost forty years' worth of fashion industry expertise helping guide you towards the perfect buy.
You won't be surprised to hear that we've shopped, tried-on and road-tested more than a few classic sartorial staples. It is our job, after all. But we'd be lying if we said we always kept things strictly professional. One of our key wardrobe weaknesses, there's something about the versatility and universally flattering nature of a white shirt that can make a great one very difficult to walk away from. But that's not to say there aren't some total duds… So after several decades of both professional and personal research, we can confidently say that the ones in this edit are not only worth your consideration but are also ones you'll return to time and time again, year after year, season after season.
