15 of the Best White T-Shirts for Women, Vetted by Editors, Starting at $9

Name: Comfort Colors Short Sleeve Tee
Brand: Comfort Colors
Price: 9 USD

Add these to your capsule wardrobe

By Abby Hepworth

•

Published Jun 30, 2024

Additional reporting by

Destinee Scott

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Abby Hepworth for PureWow

The white T-shirt might just be the hardest wardrobe essential to get 100 percent right. True, there isn’t all that much to the “boring” basic, but that’s why the tiniest details can suddenly become huge pain points—for instance if it’s not machine-washable, durable and easy to dress up and down, then I for one don’t have the patience for such a fiddly version of a wardrobe staple that’s supposed to be supremely versatile. That’s why, to determine the absolute best of the best white T-shirts for women, I went straight to the source and asked PureWow staffers, friends and family who will gladly wax poetic about their beloved tees. (Many even admit to buying multiples at one time.) Here, 15 plain white T-shirts for women that have earned the PureWow stamp of approval.

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The Top 5 Best White T-Shirts at a Glance

Best Overall White T-Shirt

Madewell Northside Vintage Tee

$18 at Madewell

White T-Shirt with the Greatest Size Range

Universal Standard Tee Rex

$50 at Universal Standard

Best Oversize Fit White T-Shirt

lululemon All Yours Cotton Tee

$58 at lululemon

Best Jersey White T-Shirt

JCrew Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck

From $30 at J.Crew

Best Pocket Tee White T-Shirt

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

$30 at Everlane

How I Chose the Best White T-Shirts

As noted above, I started right at the source: women who wear white T-shirts on a regular basis. I talked to PureWow staffers of all different ages and body types, as well as friends and family, to narrow down my search to only the best options. Then, I read through hundreds of reviews from shoppers like you, as well as fashion influencers, noting the pros and cons of each style to confirm our hand-picked styles truly live up to the hype. The result? A list of 15 plain white T-shirts I feel confident will fit right in with your existing wardrobe, and may even become your new favorite basic.

Madewell

Best Overall White T-Shirt

1. Madewell Northside Vintage Tee

What We Like

under $20
opaque material

What We Don’t Like

may shrink in the dryer

Madewell

Modeled after super-comfy vintage tees (but without the actual wear, tear and, um, sweat, that they usually come with) this is one of Madewell’s best-selling products…ever. Quite a few reviewers admit that they own this tee in a variety of colors and rave about the fact that it hits right at the hip, rather than draping too low or requiring a high-waist bottom. Our own Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen loves the fact that the fabric never gets clingy. Bonus: Some reviewers mention the fit is ever so slightly on the smaller side, so while most folks will likely be good to go with their usual size, anyone who prefers a looser fit might be happier going up one. Per one avid fan, “I am a pretty true to size XL in [Madewell] clothes and 5’6”. I have these in sizes XL-2X. The XL fits like how it fits the model—slightly fitted but still drapey and cropped. The XXL fits me how I would think a regular non-shrunken XL would fit—loose and hits me at about my hips. The 2X is very big, but I'm able to throw it in the dryer without worry of shrinkage and it was on mega sale so no regrets. I would say if you’re a curvier gal like me, stick to your regular size if you want that cool-girl shrunken look or size up if you just want a good basic with length.” She also advises these tees tend to shrink a bit in the dryer, so you’re probably best off air drying.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$18 at Madewell

Universal Standard

White T-Shirt with the Greatest Size Range

2. Universal Standard Tee Rex

What We Like

size inclusive
available in crew and V neck styles

What We Don't Like

higher price point

Universal Standard

This easy white tee comes in a whopping 22 different sizes—00 through 40 and then 00 P through 40P—and is also available as a V-neck tee or as a crew or V-neck long-sleeve shirt. And the soft Peruvian cotton-blend material is opaque so you don’t have to worry about your bra peeking through. Although it doesn’t come cheap, the Tee Rex purportedly holds up really well, even after months of washing (Universal Standard suggests air drying rather than using heat), making it well worth the investment, in my opinion. “This tee is just the right thickness without being too thick, hugs my body without clinging and feels softer every time I put it on,” says Executive Editor Dara Katz. “I started buying the Tee Rex a few years ago and now they are the only tees I own.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: 00 to 40 (4XS to 4XL), also Petite
Materials: 48 percent Peruvian cotton, 48 percent modal, 4 percent elastane

$50 at Universal Standard

lululemon

Best Oversize Fit White T-Shirt

3. lululemon All Yours Cotton Tee

What We Like

roomy fit
available in number sizes

What We Don't Like

higher price point
slightly sheer

lululemon

As the sweatiest person I know, I’m particularly impressed that eight months into wearing this shirt there are still no pit or collar stains to be seen. The slouchy fit of this lululemon tee is great for casual weekend wear, layers easily with a pair of trousers and cardigan for the office, tucks into a tulle midi for your cousin’s wedding and can be worn to your Saturday morning Pilates class—talk about the ultimate white T-shirt. Based on reviews, this tee runs true to size (and I agree with that assessment), but is also designed for a looser fit. So if you want something more slim fitting, you might prefer to go down a size or even two. “This tee is so comfortable and breathable,” writes one reviewer. “They run large but that’s OK by me, because they have a really relaxed and laid-back vibe.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: US 0 to 20
Materials: 100 percent Pima cotton

$58 at lululemon

J.Crew

Best Jersey White T-Shirt

4. J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck

What We Like

fits true to size
durable

What We Don't Like

may appear slightly sheer

J.Crew

Senior Editor Dana Dickey keeps this J.Crew classic on rotation in her wardrobe all year round. “Navy, white and gray…can’t live without these colors rolled in my T-shirt drawer. The weight of the shirts is great for layering under sweaters in winter—lightweight and breathable—but also for wearing with shorts in summer. And the fit isn’t so skinny that it’s going to feel restrictive.” The best-selling style is also made with 100 percent cotton, so it will wear beautifully over time and is more eco-friendly than synthetic blends. Just be sure to wash and dry with low heat setting to avoid unwanted shrinkage.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Materials: 100 percent cotton

From $30 at J.Crew

Everlane

Best Pocket Tee White T-Shirt

5. Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

What We Like

available with or without a chest pocket
made from GOTS-certified cotton

What We Don't Like

may shrink in the dryer

Everlane

With almost 1,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this Everlane staple is clearly a fan favorite. Reviewers rave about the slightly cropped length and flattering boxy cut, with multiple people saying they’ve purchased this shirt multiple times and own it in a ton of colors. Plus, the combed cotton fabric is designed to get softer with each wash, so really, it will only get better over time. “Honestly, this shirt’s practically a revelation,” says PureWow’s Affiliate Strategy Director strategist Pamela Mason. “I own three of these in white, so I’m never without one while the others are in the hamper.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXXL
Materials: 100 percent organic cotton

$30 at Everlane

bella canvas best white t shirts for women

Amazon

Best Budget Pick White T-Shirt

6. Bella + Canvas Ring-Spun Crewneck

What We Like

incredibly soft
affordable price point
fits true to size

What We Don't Like

not as durable as others on this list

Bella + Canvas

Have you ever owned a graphic tee that was just so soft and comfy, you wished you could buy the exact same T-shirt just without the print? Well, according to VP of Editorial Candace Davison, that beloved tee may very well be from Bella + Canvas. “Mid-pandemic I got really into T-shirt printing (I know) and learned that so many of the softest shirts merch makers use come from this brand. Even better, you can shop them on Amazon without having to create a wholesale account and buying in bulk.” As for the feel and cut, she says, “The combed cotton is ultra-comfy and wrinkle-resistant as an added bonus. Plus there’s just the right amount of slouch for an easy, but not slubby, fit.” Amazon reviewers agree, with almost 2,000 people giving this $9 tee a five-star review. “This is a good white T-shirt for the price, not see though but not too heavy,” reads one review. “I’ve washed mine several times and it still looks good—no pilling, maintained its shape, no loose stitching. Feminine cut but not tight. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a basic white tee.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to 3XL
Materials: 52 percent cotton, 48 percent polyester

$10 at Amazon

Kule

Most Splurge-Worthy White T-Shirt

7. Kule The Modern Tee

What We Like

made from durable Portuguese cotton
opaque material

What We Don't Like

high price point
thicker material may be too heavy for hot weather

Kule

For those on the hunt for a durable, slightly heavier cotton tee, Kule is definitely your best bet. They don’t come cheap, but the opaque material is wonderfully soft, sturdy and won’t stretch out or shrink even after multiple wears and washes. I originally fell in love with Kule’s striped tees, but now I just want them in every color, solid or patterned. They hang really nicely and feel really sturdy, like they’ll last for a long time. And they’re great for tucking into high-waist jeans. I will say, they run a little small—I’m usually between a medium and a large in tops and find the large is a much better fit across the board at Kule. At $75 a pop, this boxy tee is one of the most expensive on this list, but if you do happen to fall in love with the style, you can score 20 percent off by adding two or more, of any color, to your cart.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$75 at Kule

abercrombie and fitch best white t shirts for women

Abercrombie & Fitch

Best White Baby Tee

8. Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Baby Tee

What We Like

flattering fit
lightweight cotton
available in a 3-pack

What We Don't Like

frequently sell out

Abercrombie & Fitch

For those who prefer a slimmer, ‘90s-era fit, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz has you covered. “I live in baby tees because they honestly look good with everything—under blazers, with vintage leather jackets, you name it! So buying this A&F style was a total no brainer for me,” she admits. “And after realizing how gentle it felt on my body, I literally purchased it two more times. I’ve owned my white, gray and black tees for about a year now and wear them every week. They’ve held up so well, minus a few pit stains on the white version but c’est la vie!” Other reviewers note that despite the “baby tee” name, these fit true to size and aren’t so short as to feel like a crop top. “Most perfect tee I own,” reads one review. “Stretchy and comfortable without compromising quality. Thick and durable, soft and not cropped!” P.S. You can also buy these cuties in a three-pack for $70, saving you $5.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$25 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Splendid

Softest White T-Shirt

9. Splendid Abbie Crewneck Tee

What We Like

slightly wider crew neck
super lightweight
slimmer fit

What We Don't Like

may appear slightly sheer

Splendid

Splendid is well known for its super soft, comfy basics and this best-selling tee is no exception. “I absolutely love this T-shirt,” says Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie. “It’s so very soft. Plus, it stays white and keeps its shape after repeated washes. I also like where the sleeves fall—very flattering!” Some reviewers found the lightweight material to be a bit too sheer for their liking, but the breathability was as big plus for many more. It is designed for a slimmer fit, so if you prefer your T-shirts on the looser side, you’ll probably want to go up one or two sizes from your usual.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: 50 percent cotton, 50 percent modal

~~$48;~~ $33 at Splendid

Mavi

Best Eco-Friendly White T-Shirt

10. Mavi Crew Neck T-Shirt

What We Like

super-soft material
eco-friendly and sustainably made

What We Don't Like

runs large

Mavi

Another beloved style in my collection, this Mavi T-shirt is fully opaque yet wonderfully breathable and has maintained its shape beautifully, even after months of wears and washes. As is true for all Mavi products, this tee was made using eco-friendly materials and sustainable methods that aim to reduce the amount of water needed to wash and weave the cotton and minimize environmental impact. As for the fit, I find it runs a little large, which can be nice when I want to wear it untucked without pulling at my hips, but if you tend to tuck in your T-shirts or have a smaller bust or shoulder, you may prefer to go down one from your usual size.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$44 at Mavi

J.Crew

Best Longer Sleeve Length White T-Shirt

11. J.Crew Slim Perfect T-Shirt

What We Like

longer sleeve length
opaque fabric

What We Don't Like

some reviewers find it runs small

J.Crew

The opaque fabric guarantees your bra won’t be visible and the slight stretch gives your curves a smooth silhouette. But the real reason shoppers love this tee? The sleeves are longer than average, without veering into elbow-length territory. Many of the reviewers mention this as the top reason they keep coming back to pick up additional colors and to restock when their old ones have worn out. “I have at least six of these tees and buy more whenever they go on sale,” says one reviewer. “The fabric is soft and just thick enough. But the sleeve length is why I love these so much: longer than the girlfriend tee but not elbow length. I purchase mine larger than needed so that I can toss it in the dryer without worrying about it shrinking.” Most reviewers do say this style runs true to size, but if you also don’t want to be precious with your tees, I suggest going up one or even two sizes for a looser fit that won’t shrink up too much if you dry it on low.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$37 at J.Crew

Leset

Celebrity Approved White T-Shirt

12. LESET The Margo

What We Like

made in Los Angeles
loved by numerous celebrities
opaque fabric

What We Don't Like

high price point

Leset

Made in L.A. from 100 percent cotton, this is a celeb-approved version of a wonderfully classic little white tee (Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence and Kacey Musgraves have all been spotted wearing pieces from the brand). “Sure, this one is pricey,” admits former Fashion Editor Dena Silver, “but Leset is bound to be the next ‘it’ label for simple basics.” The brand’s mantra is “Why sacrifice comfort for style when you can have both?” and this is true for even the most basic staples in its collection.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$68 at Leset

Marine Layer

Best White T-Shirt for Wider Hips

13. Marine Layer Swing Crew Tee

What We Like

flattering, slightly flared silhouette
save on multiples by buying three for $100
fits true to size

What We Don't Like

extra material doesn’t tuck as neatly as slimmer fits

Marine Layer

I think I own maybe four or five of this T-shirt in various colors. My sister is actually the person who introduced me to these—she also swears by them. The material is just so soft and comfy, and is lightweight without being sheer. I love the swingy cut, too, which grazes over my hips and stomach in a more comfortable and flattering way than most straight-cut tees. In fact, it’s that slightly flared hem that makes this a winner with almost 900 other reviewers, too. Lynne H. writes, “This shirt is so soft that it flows across my body like a whisper. The slight swing cut gently glides over my waist and hips for a smoother overall fit. I liked it so much that I went ahead and bought three other colors!”

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 50 percent Supima cotton, 50 percent micromodal

$45 at Marine Layer

Buck Mason

Best Menswear-Inspired White T-Shirt

14. Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew

What We Like

drier safe
made the U.S.
fits true to size

What We Don't Like

may appear slightly sheer

Buck Mason

Buck Mason’s women’s line is relatively new, but after hearing from women shopping their men’s basics for years, they finally cut a tee specifically for us. And I have to say, it’s every bit as easy and wonderful as the brand’s menswear. “I don't wear a lot of basics, but when I do, these are the tees I go for,” says former Commerce Director Nicole Briese. “They fit well, hold up nicely in the wash and they're thick enough that you can't see through them (a big consideration with a white tee) but still lightweight enough to be comfy.” According to reviews, this tee runs true to size, with one shopper writing, “I'm usually between sizes, so until I'm familiar with a company's sizing, I order a medium and a large to try. This style/fit is relaxed, and the medium was perfect for me (even across the shoulders) after I washed and dried the shirt as recommended.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$45 at Buck Mason

comfort colors best white t shirts for women

Amazon

Best Men’s White T-Shirt

15. Comfort Colors Short Sleeve Tee

What We Like

affordable price point
oversize fit

What We Don't Like

not as durable as others on this list

Comfort Colors

“Many of my sorority T-shirts in college were from Comfort Colors (IYKYK), and I still love the brand's shirts,” says Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. “They're made from a thicker cotton that's neither clingy nor see-through, and because they're technically a men's cut, they're a more relaxed fit, which I prefer. Best of all, one T-shirt is less than $12—can't beat it.” Two other PureWow editors/sorority alums agree, these tees are great for more than just printing fun graphics, as do nearly 20,000 Amazon reviewers (in case you needed additional convincing). One writes, “I discovered the Comfort Colors brand almost ten years ago in a gift shop at the Santa Cruz Wharf. Since then, I've been wearing these T-shirts almost exclusively on a daily basis because how comfortable and durable they are. Even a decade later, the quality and pricing has remained consistent over the years. A solid classic.”

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to 4XL (men’s sizing)
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$9 at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Keep White T-Shirts White?

The trouble with plain white tees is that they tend not to stay white. There are, luckily, numerous things you can do to try and keep your beloved wardrobe staples looking as fresh as the day you bought them. Multiple editors, mothers and grandmothers polled credited the bleach alternative OxiClean as the holy grail of stain-fighting products. For maintaining that bright white color, simply toss a bit of OxiClean in with your regular wash. Or, to lift set-in stains, try soaking your favorite tees in warm water and a scoop of OxiClean for a few hours before washing. Switching to natural deodorant, one without aluminum, may also help prevent those underarm stains from appearing in the first place. And, of course, always separate out your white laundry to prevent bleeding from other colors.

What Color Bra Should You Wear Under a White T-Shirt?

Some folks will tell you the answer is white, others red (shocking, I know), but in my experience nothing beats a nude bra under light colors for a totally seamless look. P.S. Skims and CUUP both offer wider ranges of “nude” shades to fit more skin tones.

What Material Is Best for T-Shirts?

The “best” material really depends on a number of different factors. Cotton tees tend to be super soft and wear well over time, but are also prone to staining under the arms, take a long time to dry when wet and the fibers break down rapidly if you use a heated dryer after washing. On the flip side, many synthetic blends tend to be less eco-friendly and not as durable. Consider the factors that are most important for your specific needs, then double check the T-shirt’s fabrication before adding to your shopping cart.

How Should You Style a White T-Shirt and Jeans?

Stylist and fashion influencer Lydia Tomlinson is all about taking clean basics and elevating them with other wardrobe staples. She suggests keeping things easy with other classic styles, like a button-front cardigan or tailored blazer, in luxe materials like cashmere or wool. If you want to dress up this chill duo, she suggests adding a pair of sleek heels and a big statement earring. “Jeans and a T-shirt is relatively casual, but I love that contrast between dressier elements and more casual ones.” She’s specifically a major fan of mixing leopard and denim. “Leopard print just gives these tones a bit of a pop. I love denim and leopard print together, especially with the crisp white T-shirt. It feels fresh but it’s also quite a classic combination—leopard never goes out of style.”

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

read full bio

Destinee Scott

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
Studied Journalism at St. John's University

read full bio

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