The Timeless Appeal of the Plain White T-Shirt
Regardless of the season, one item of clothing never goes out of style: the plain white T-shirt. This iconic, gender-neutral layering piece has stood the test of time since it surged into the fashion mainstream in the 1950s, thanks to icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean, and remains as ubiquitous as ever. However, not all tees are created equal. There is an art to finding the perfect plain white tee, and we are here to help you discover the one that best suits your needs.
Expert Insights on the Perfect Tee
To uncover what makes a plain white tee exceptional, we consulted Haley Thompson, senior designer at Oner Active, along with several colleagues. Thompson emphasized that this style should be versatile and effortlessly cool—something you can simply throw on and go. Shopping for a white T-shirt is trickier than it seems, as fabric and cut can drastically alter both the look and feel. The last thing you want is to appear frumpy or dated. Thompson noted, "Even though styling a white T-shirt is relatively simple, the silhouette can make or break the aesthetic. Fit and the quality of the material are super important."
Top Picks for the Best White T-Shirts
Below, we have compiled a definitive list of the best white T-shirts for men and women, featuring options at various price points and a wide range of sizes. Find them at accessible retailers like Target and Amazon, as well as trend-forward destinations such as Shopbop, Everlane, and more.
1. Abercrombie & Fitch
This mall store tee offers a fit as precise as designer styles. The Abercrombie & Fitch tee is lightweight, soft, washes well, and is surprisingly durable. Made from 100% cotton, it is thin enough for layering in winter without bulk and ideal for wearing alone in warm months. Available in eight colors, including a striped pattern in women’s sizes XXS-XXL, it is highly rated and likely to sell out quickly. "The Essential Polished Body-Skimming Tee has answered my sartorial prayers; it’s the kind of piece that looks good on everyone," says Lourdes Avila Uribe, senior shopping writer. However, those with a larger chest or longer torso might find it hits closer to the waist.
2. Amazon
Many brands claim to make the ultimate men's T-shirt, but the internet agrees that Robert Barakett excels. These shirts combine comfort and structure, ensuring a stylish look even in casual ensembles. Known for elevating the everyday tee, they feature high-quality fabric and cut. Discovered on Reddit, where a user who spent $600 on tees ranked it among their favorites, it has garnered praise in men’s fashion communities. Promising review: "Highest quality t-shirt ever owned. Fabric is super soft yet durable. Thick but not heavy. The fit is tailored nicely for an athletic build."
3. Gap
Gap is a go-to for basics, and this perfect white T-shirt is no exception. Made with ultra-soft cotton, it offers a vintage-like silhouette and a lived-in feel, reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style. Promising review: "The comfiest shirts to wear as a bottom layer under sweaters. So soft and not at all bulky. Also great quality material to wear on its own!"
4. Amazon
With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating and thousands of glowing reviews, this Carhartt T-shirt is a staple among men. Available in sizes XS-5XL, including standard and tall silhouettes, it is known for durability and a neck that never stretches out. Emily Ruane, HuffPost shopping managing editor, notes, "For a $25 T-shirt, I can only describe the quality as astounding."
5. Old Navy
This Old Navy tee comes in regular, tall, and petite lengths for a customized fit. The heavyweight material adds heft and drape, while the relaxed silhouette and longer sleeves ensure comfort. It is flying off shelves, so act fast. Promising review: "This tee has the perfect loose fit and is a thicker high quality material."
6. Amazon
Comfort Colors tees are beloved for their breathability and softness, maintaining shape and getting softer with each wash. Available in sizes S-4XL, they are a favorite for sleepwear and work shirts. Promising review: "These t shirts are soooo soft. They make the best shirts to sleep in. The colors don’t bleed and the fabric doesn’t shrink."
7. Knix
Designed for everyday wear, this Knix tee features soft cotton with a cropped, relaxed fit that drapes beautifully. It hits the waistline, pairing well with high-waist pants or low-risers. Available in sizes XS-XXXL. Promising review: "These tees are exactly what I am constantly looking for that is nearly impossible to find. They are not too fitted or too boxy, are slightly cropped to just the right length."
8. Leset
A cult-favorite tee adored by celebrities, this Leset shirt offers a universally flattering fit. While white is the most popular, it serves as a great layering staple. Available in sizes XS-XL. Promising review: "The perfect white tee. Amazing tee. Thick, not see-through, perfect length and neckline."
9. Uniqlo
Devoted by many at HuffPost, Uniqlo’s classic white tee is versatile with a slightly longer length and weighted material for durability. It comes in women’s sizes XXS-XXL and men’s sizes XXS-3XL. Lourdes Avila Uribe says, "I love how versatile it is, the slightly longer length than a boxy tee, and how weighted and thick the material is."
10. Quince
This scoop neck tee from Quince offers a flirtatious touch with a sweet neckline, perfect for pairing with skirts or khakis. Made from wrinkle-resistant cotton-blend fabric, it is affordable and high-quality. Promising review: "I love this shirt. It keeps its shape and after washing it is still wonderful. I don't have any pilling and I will keep ordering these in all the colors."
11. Amazon
A classic Hanes cotton undershirt, this option is affordable and versatile. Available in men’s sizes S-3XL, women’s sizes S-5X, and boys’ sizes XS-XL. Noah Michelson, head of HuffPost Personal, notes, "85% of the time I am wearing a white Hanes undershirt. They are cheap, they fit really well."
12. Everlane
This organic cotton shirt from Everlane is crisp and well-fitting, with a cropped but not overly short design. Available in sizes XXS-XXL, it is perfect for layering or wearing alone. Lourdes Avila Uribe adds, "I find these to be absolutely perfect. It's crisp, fits like a dream, has just the right amount of thickness."
13. Universal Standard
Universal Standard’s Rex T-shirt is highly versatile, offering V and crew necklines, long- and short-sleeves, and petite sizing from 00 to 40. Raj Punjabi, director of HuffPost Voices, says, "I also love all Universal Standard white tees."
14. American Giant
This vintage-inspired tee features a retro pocket detail and is made with durable jersey material and an elastic neck to maintain shape. Available in sizes S-XXL, it is a great investment for longevity. Promising review: "Pocket tee has a good weight and the pocket has kept its shape through multiple washes. Good neckline and short sleeves."
15. Target
Available in standard and plus sizes, this Target tee is ideal for those who prefer longer sleeves. Greta Geiselman, HuffPost’s director of office services, notes, "Because I usually inevitably spill something on my white shirts, I buy these often. And they're nice under sweaters and cardigans."
16. Buck Mason
Buck Mason’s bestselling plain white tee has 4.3 out of 5 stars and hundreds of positive reviews. Available in short, standard, and tall sizing from XS-XXL. Promising review: "Great comfort, stylish cut, perfect fit! New favorite tee. Now I just have to replace all my other shirts!"
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
