Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
I Spent Years Testing White T-Shirts, and These 12 Come Out on Top
All for the sake of womankind.
I don’t mean to be dramatic (okay, maybe I do), but there’s nothing I love more than a truly perfect white T-shirt. My collection dates back over a decade and spans far and wide—baby tees, boyfriend cuts, cropped, sheer—you name it, I’ve tried it. So, when my editor slid this story across my desk, I knew my years of hoarding had finally paid off. While some might call this an obsession, I prefer “expertise.”
After 10 years in the making, I present to you my all-star lineup of white T-shirts. I took every factor into consideration: quality materials, comfortable proportions, reasonable price points, trending brands, and ELLE editor recommendations. I listened to dozens of opinions from friends, sifted through hundreds of customer reviews, and spent time and money to test these firsthand. My selection has been perfected to a tee, if you will. Look no further for the 12 best white T-shirts on the planet.
The best of the best. Crème de la crème. My number one. This tee takes my top spot for the best white tee. It’s boxy without being too wide or short, and it’s thick enough to wear any bra underneath without feeling too heavy. Now that I’ve found it, I’ll never let it go.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Cotton
After begging dozens of friends for their recommendations, Leset’s Margo tee was the overwhelming answer. When I finally got my hands on one and tried it out, I immediately understood the hype. It’s crisp and perfectly tailored—plus, you can buy a two-pack on Amazon.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Cotton
After seeing this one on a friend’s social media, I had to send a DM inquiring where she got it. Enter this gem from Los Angeles Apparel. Slightly cropped, it has a perfectly shrunken boyfriend fit. And with a $22 price tag? I’ll take 10.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Cotton
Anine Bing tops the list for Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor, who says she heard about this shirt from a fashion insider claiming it can be worn even with black bras. Can you imagine?!
Sizes: XXS-XL
Material: Cotton
Etèrne Short Sleeve Boyfriend T-Shirt
Tell your boyfriend you won’t be needing his shirts anymore, thanks to this pick from Etèrne. Roomy and ridiculously soft, you’ll never want to take it off.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Cotton, modal
Oh, baby! This fitted tee from Helsa is soft, stretchy, and clings to all the right places. I recommend this style if you like to wear your shirts tucked in, love bodysuits, or plan to style your new shirt with baggy pants.
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Material: Cotton, spandex
Don’t underestimate the basics. Digital director Claire Stern Milch calls these unassuming Hanes tees her go-to choice for their classic fit, quality construction, and of course, unbeatable price point.
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: Cotton
I will be a St. Agni fan until the very end. Everything I’ve tried from the brand is magic, including this slim-fit baby tee. Between the buttery cotton and sweet cap sleeves, this is one of my favorites.
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Material: Cotton
I’m always on the hunt for reimagined classics, and this ruched style checks all my boxes. It’s perfect for those days when you need to be comfortable but want to add a little pizzazz to your ensemble.
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Material: Cotton
This one is a favorite of Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor. According to her, it’s the Goldilocks of thickness. It comes with free embroidery and is size-inclusive, too.
Sizes: 2XS-3XL
Material: Cotton
Made from heavyweight organic-cotton jersey, this thick tee provides a structured silhouette while still being breathable.
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Material: Cotton
This James Perse tee is garment dyed with extra softeners, giving it a lived-in feel before you ever try it on.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: Cotton
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
What Makes The Best White Tee
- It depends on your preferences. Do you like a shirt that’s thick and structured? Are you ok with something sheer if it’s supremely soft to the touch? Your priorities—including what kind of bra-wearer you are!—really dictate which top is best for you.
- High-quality, durable cotton is a must. Lots of T-shirts are blended with modal or elastane for a bit of stretch and softness, however, the key ingredient to look for is good, old-fashioned cotton.
- Let’s talk color; there’s so much variation within “white.” I lean towards off-white hues that give my look a more worn in, vintage look. but you might prefer prefer classic, crisp white. If you’re torn between the two, opt for both. You can never have too many in your closet, and two slightly different tees can create completely different ensembles.
- Finding a T-shirt that fits your proportions is make-or-break here. Try different cuts, such as boyfriend, baby, and boxy silhouettes, to find exactly what works for you and your figure.
Shop More From ELLE Fashion
- The 11 Most Comfortable Black Flats, According to ELLE Editors
- The Best Denim Comes From These Editor-Approved Jeans Brands
- A Chic Barn Jacket Is Your Hero Piece for Fall
- 16 Pairs of Black Heels That ELLE Editors Say Are Really and Truly Comfortable
- Shop ELLE’s Fashion Director’s Favorite LBDs
This AI Stylist Makes Your Closet Way Smarter
Book a Personal Styling Session With ELLE Editors
Anna Sui Gets Her Own Barbie Doll
What Is The 7-Point Rule of Fashion?
