The best white T-shirts ever – according to our UK and US editors
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We're pretty sure if we were to ask anyone “which brand has the best white T-shirts for women?”, they would have an answer. Because, let's face it, it's one of the few fashion items everyone owns.
A white T-shirt is a classic, a staple, a cannot-live-without hero that while so simple, everyone is guaranteed to have an opinion on the perfect silhouette. Although it absolutely is a capsule wardrobe item, it's also incredibly personal – like the best jeans. Some prefer theirs heavyweight, others prefer slim fit or slouchy and so on.
With us all forever on the quest to find ‘the one’, we decided it's time for us to step in as the T-shirt matchmaker. Team Glamour has personally spent months putting each individual short sleeve T-shirt to the test in order to show you the ones that deserve to be crowned as the best white T-shirts of all time.
As the hardest working item in your wardrobe, and the starting block to any timeless/minimalist outfit (along with a great blazer and good fashion trainers, of course) we believe it deserved the time we spent wearing them all.
The humble white tee has the ability to make seasonal pieces go the extra mile; they add a relaxed twist to tailoring, make the perfect partner to wide-leg trousers and rule the loungewear/layering roost. That sort of versatility is rare. And as we all know there's nothing worse than thinking you've found the perfect white T-shirt only to discover after a few washes that it looses it's crisp colour, drops out of shape, or worse: absorbs stains and gets bobbles.
It's all about good quality white T-shirt that'll stand the test of time, and we truly believe we've found the absolute best styles – a strong statement, we know!
Top 5 white T-shirts, seen on Glamour editors
- The best organic cotton white T-shirt: The Clean Cut T-Shirt, £30, COS
- The best affordable white T-shirt: Topshop Everyday Tee, £10, ASOS
- The best slouchy white T-shirt: We The Free CC Tee, £34, Free People
- The best seamless white T-shirt: Soft Smoothing Seamless T-Shirt, £62, SKIMS
- The best ribbed white T-shirt: The Luxe Micro-Rib Crew, £46, Everlane
Why we love it: Sometimes, all it takes is a simple detail to really put a white T-shirt a step above the rest. See how this cut-out knot on the one-shoulder of this Reiss crew neck white tee elevates an otherwise simple top? So chic.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XS-L.
Why we love it: This classic white tee with Ralph Lauren logo comes highly recommended by Glamour US Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry, who says it’s her absolute favourite T-shirt because the length works well for tucking in. Plus, it's the easiest way to try out a logo style without going too in-you-face.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XXS-XXL.
- Tested by: Samantha Barry, Glamour US Editor-in-Chief.
Why we love it: It's not just any white T-shirt, it's an M&S white T-shirt – which means it's affordable, incredible quality and you can nab it online along with your weekly shop. With an oversized fit, this short sleeve T-shirt with its baggy arms and slouchy shape is one you can just throw-on-and-go any day of the week.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: UK 6-24.
Save when you shop the best white T-shirts for women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Investing in the perfect white tee for women needn't break the bank, not when the high-street is concerned. Over at ASOS, this Vera Moda Curve classic crew neck is the £12 style you won't regret getting. The size guide suggests a size small is a 14 and XXL is 22 so make sure to double check before adding to your basket.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: UK S-XXL.
Save when you shop the best white T-shirts for women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
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Why we love it: Considering we're thinking with spring/summer in mind, of course it's all about the short sleeve T-shirt and this classic crew neck at & Other Stories never fails. Layer under a cashmere jumper, throw on under a funnel-neck jacket or simple wear on its own with shorts as soon as temperatures allow it. One top, endless styling opportunities to be had.
- Material: Organic cotton.
- Size range: XS-L.
Why we love it: Not too slim fit, but not oversized, either, this is the Goldilocks of the white T-shirt world. Tucked into barrel-leg jeans, worn under a blazer or layered with your favourite cashmere knit around the shoulders, this white T-shirt from Boden shouldn't be overlooked on the high street as it's the perfect mid-weight style.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XS-XL.
Save when you shop for the best British white T-shirts for women with these Boden discounts codes at checkout.
Why we love it: This is the absolute flowiest T-shirt we’ve encountered; while the neckline is structured, the rest of the garment drapes and falls across the body with care-free abandon. And if short sleeve T-shirts aren't your vibe, this loose-fit slightly cropped T-shirt has longer sleeves to the elbows so you won't need to wear a jumper or cardigan.
- Material: Cotton.
- Size range: XS-XL.
- Tested by: Malia Griggs, Glamour US Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: There's no doubt in our minds that Uniqlo creates some of the best T-shirts on the high street. Fact. Every fashion editor and influencer owns at least one of these white T-shirts as the heavyweight, clean-cut style is just the perfect fit, feel and of course, price. A T-shirt so good, it comes in not one, not two but seven different shades!
- Material: 100% supima cotton.
- Size range: XXS-XXL.
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Why we love it: One quick look at the street style outfits spotted on fashion editors at Fashion Week confirms just how good this Reformation white T-shirt is. Not just the destination for the dreamiest wedding guest dresses and cashmere, the LA-based brand knows how to create staple basics like this crisp white T-shirt.
- Material: 100% organic cotton.
- Size range: XS-XL.
Why we love it: If you're looking for an opaque design that won't be see-through or lose its shape, this is the one – thanks to its heavyweight organic cotton material and regular fit. While you're over at COS, you may want to check out the other colours and prints it comes in as Glamour's fashion team can confirm they've already got the full set!
- Material: Organic cotton.
- Size range: XXS-XL.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour UK Senior Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for the best white T-shirts for women with these COS discounts codes at checkout.
Why we love it: In true SKIMS style, this super slim-fit white T-shirt has smoothing powers to keep you feeling snatched all day – but not in an uncomfortable way. The crew neck T-shirt has got a lot of love from fashion insiders seeing as the style is so fitted, you get all the perks of wearing a bodysuit without the annoying going to the loo part. And can we take a moment to appreciate the size inclusivity for this one? Good Work, Kim K.
- Material: Nylon and elastane.
- Size range: XXS-XXXXL.
- Tested by: Danielle Sinay, Glamour US contributor.
Why we love it: With dainty pointelle detailing, this light knit white T-shirt is ideal for those in-betweeny spring days we always get around this time of year. Slightly thicker than your average tee, it's a slightly higher price point than some styles we rate but so worth it for that extra warmth you get from the fine knit.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XS-L.
- Tested by: Channing Smith, Glamour US Junior Designer.
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Why we love it: Sometimes it’s best to go simple. Such is the case with Amazon’s in-house tees, which come in two and four-packs and look even better than you might expect. The fit is neither too tight nor too loose, and the cotton-modal-spandex blend allows for just the right stretch. And we're here for the fact you can wear one and have the other in the wash ready to be worn throughout the week – because let's face it, the humble white T-shirt gets a lot of airtime.
- Material: Cotton, modal and elastane.
- Size range: XS-XXL.
- Tested by: Ruhama Wolle, Glamour US Special Projects Editor.
Why we love it: Arket knows basics like the back of its hand, white T-shirts included. There's not a fashion editor in the industry who doesn't own this essential, and it's all because of that heavyweight cotton that makes for easy styling. We could wax lyrical about this classic crew neck, but just go and get it for yourself and you'll understand why it's so loved.
- Material: Cotton.
- Size range: XXS-L.
Save when you shop the best white T-shirts for women with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: For just £10, this Topshop baby tee can never fail. Perfect for those who like a slim fit, the shorter cap sleeves and easy to tuck in length makes it a winner all round. We've known for decades, we can always rely on Toppers!
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: UK 4-16.
Why we love it: We all fell hard for Loewe's logo vest tops last spring/summer, and we're equally as taken by the white T-shirts. A simple white tee elevated by the Spanish fashion house's iconic name? Sign us up. And yep, we know it's expensive for a white T-shirt but cost-per-wear and all that.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XS-L.
Save when you shop the best white T-shirts for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
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Why we love it: Fresh from the new H&M Studio Collection, this relaxed fit style is one of those women's T-shirts that every fashion editor is going to have in their capsule wardrobe this season. Cut to a boxy shape, the loose-fit style could easily be worn over leggings or with wide-leg trousers.
- Material: 100% cotton.
- Size range: XS-XXL.
Why we love it: One of the brand’s most trusted staples and a bestseller for good reason, this Everlane wardrobe staple hits just above the hip so it's perfect to tuck into wide-leg jeans or trousers without bunching. And the good news is, you can also get it in black, charcoal and light grey.
- Material: 96% supima cotton and 4% elastane.
- Size range: XXS-XXXL.
- Tested by: Lauren Brown, Glamour US Senior Visuals Editor.
Why we love it: If you do want to go big on logos, you'll want to see Victoria Beckham's ‘Netflix made me do it’ iteration. And if you've seen the icon's documentary, you'll get it. Yes, it’s one of the most expensive options on this list, but it'll bring a lot of joy to people (including yourself) every time you wear it – well done, VB!
- Material: 100% organic cotton.
- Size range: XS-L.
- Tested by: Caitlin Brody, Glamour Global Entertainment Director.
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How we tested
Before you start shopping, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, be mindful of fabric; look for organic cotton where possible. Through our own testing, we found that the Clean Cut T-shirt from COS ticks that box. Similarly, you could opt for something with modal (this Vero Moda style from Amazon fits the bill) which is made from spinning beech tree cellulose and is generally considered more eco-friendly than cotton.
Secondly, go for a cut that will best suit your personal style. From oversized, to boxy and cropped, there’s a whole plethora of white T-shirt cuts to choose from. If you're after a classic fit, make a beeline for Boden's Cotton T-shirt. Proof that some of the best quality white T-shirts out there come with an affordable price tag, it's cut from pure cotton in a weight that is not too thick nor too thin – the best type of crew neck T-shirt – perfect for layering beneath the best knitwear or some summer dresses. You'll have it on speed dial forever.
Meanwhile, when it comes to designer styles, the LESET Pointelle-Knit T-shirt is is perfect if you prefer a thicker white T-shirt, and if you're a sucker for logos then the Loewe Embroidered Cotton Jersey T-shirt that'll no doubt be a cult buy this season is spot on. And if a slogan T-shirt is more your vibe, you'll want to see the Victoria Beckham ‘Netflix made me do it’ T-shirt.
Why you can trust us
On our mission to find the very best white T-shirts for women (not just the ones that are always at the top of the wash pile) the Glamour team got together in the office to discuss which white tee is their forever go-to, and why. It turns out, a lot of the editors rated the same styles (COS' Clean Cut T-shirt is highly rated), some put a lesser-known high street brands into the mix and designer logo versions were high up on wish lists. Having worn these particular white T-shirts for years, some even decades, we were well versed when it came to deciding why some of these T-shirts deserved a top spot in our edit.
Between us, we've got many many years of experience in the fashion industry; we've tried and tested hundreds of brands, and when it comes to the components of a capsule wardrobe, we know how to find the best staples. To find the very best of the best white tees, we wore each style for a couple or week or months, we washed them multiple times to make sure they didn't shrink or bobble, we put them to the test with everything from lipstick to spaghetti stains and we made sure they could be styled multiple ways, across all seasons. Because as we all know, the best white T-shirts are the ones that stay looking pristine (even they get washed each and every week) they don't loose their shape and whether they're a loose-fit, a slim fit, boxy or v-neck, they suit a plethora of people.
PSA: We've also found the best T-shirts for women (in a wide variety of colours), plus oversized T-shirts for your consideration. For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd and freelance fashion editor Harriet Davey can be found @harriet.davey.
