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Best white T-shirts for women to shop in 2023
Get back to basics with these 15 white tees
Yes, there is such a thing as a best white T-shirt. In an increasingly casual world, jersey basics translate in nearly every situation; so having a few on rotation, ideally one casual and smarter iteration, is ideal. They don't call it a staple for nothing.
A simple white tee looks crisp and pulled-together while still oozing nonchalance, no matter how much thought you’ve put into your outfit. If you choose wisely, this essential will work hard in your wardrobe. The best designs are neat enough for impromptu office trips but more comfortable and less stuffy than shirting; they'll add a laid-back twist to tailoring, dress down evening attire and make seasonal pieces go the extra mile.
But, you have to get the fit just right (and once you’ve found it, stick with it). From boxy cropped styles to slimline layering heroes, here are the key T-shirt shapes you should keep on rotation – and some that are sure to liven up your basics collection, too.
What's the best white T-shirt to buy now?
Many designer labels out there drop new directional iterations of the white T-shirt every season but, when it comes to this piece, basics are best. Look to capsule wardrobe brands like Asket and Everlane for reliable go-to tees that will work with anything in your wardrobe.
How do you style a white T-shirt?
As we've said, the options are endless: you can wear a white T-shirt with suiting, leather separates, denim and joggers. The question most people are Googling, however, is how to style an oversized white T-shirt. The answer? When it's not doubling as a nightie, the key it to play with proportions: French tuck one into a pair of slim-leg jeans, wearing loose and louche over cycling shorts à la Hailey Bieber or layer up with this season's favourite knitted tank.
How do you clean a white T-shirt?
If you care about the environment, you'll have considered how frequently – or infrequently – you should be washing your clothes. “The life span of clothes is usually determined by how much they have been washed. Most clothes never get worn out – they get washed out," says Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and CEO at Steamery Stockholm.
We get it, unlike a loose-fitting dress, jersey basics are tricky because they sit close to the skin – but do try to avoid washing your white T-shirt everyday. Spot clean any stains, try airing outside to get two wears out of it or use a steamer (fashion editors swear by this Steamery one) to freshen things up.
Uniqlo's white T-shirt, spotted on several Bazaar editors, has been a brand mainstay ever since Christophe Lemaire started designing the 'U' capsule back in 2016. It's cut from a beautifully thick jersey with a sateen sheen (a sign of high quality threads), has a slim shape that won't cling and a tight crew neckline. The affordable price tag is just the cherry on top.
Boxy white T-shirts are not only comfortable, they're versatile enough to wear both casually and formally. Rise & Fall's is relaxed, but not too oversized, and has a slightly cropped hemline – perfect for teaming with leather trousers, slip skirts and cargo pants.
Isabel Marant's cropped white T-shirt is cleverly twisted to create a ruched bralette effect and topped with cap sleeves. Wear yours with ribcage-high jeans or this season's favourite denim maxi skirt.
Joseph is a go-to for quality basics like wool coats, slip dresses and of course white T-shirts. This style is cut for an oversized fit, but the lightweight (it's almost sheer: underpin yours with a tonal bra or bodysuit) cotton-jersey ensures it's easy to layer beneath blazers and jackets.
Dries Van Noten's white T-shirt is knotted at one shoulder to create a cool draped effect. Souped-up jersey basics are ideal for the office – tuck this one into tailored trousers or let it underpin suiting.
Perfect for summer, this white T-shirt is knitted entirely from linen to create the most cooling jersey with a sheer finish. We love the turn-up sleeves and curved hem, too.
Loewe's logo tank top and white T-shirts are real Instagram catnip – no wonder the brand can't keep either in stock. This embroidered cropped tee just dropped back on to Net-a-porter, so grab it while you still can.
Forget sequins, sometimes experimenting with basics such as shirting and jersey makes much more of a statement. And trust Simone Porte Jacquemus to make the white T-shirt so alluring: cutting away and ruching jersey to create a striking bralette with a corseted tie waist.
Noughties cuts can be tricky to master, but Isabel Marant has nailed it with this on-trend white T-shirt – clock the cap sleeves and alternating asymmetric hemlines. This one is the perfect companion to this season's cargo pant.
Thanks to their generous fit and wide sleeves, boxy T-shirts are not only comfortable but they elevate everyday outfits. The voluminous shape provides some much needed drama (and yet it couldn't be easier to throw on) to tailored trousers, slim-leg jeans and midi skirts.
The Frankie Shop's Eva T-shirt kick started fashion's obsession with Eighties-inspired basics and shoulder pads. It's nearing cult status, actually, since the brand was barely able to keep it in stock for the first year. Luckily, we've found it in full stock at Ssense – but we image it won't hang around.
Every woman needs a white V-neck T-shirt in her repertoire. Vince's slim-fit design is made from soft Pima cotton-jersey – the finish is slightly sheer, so make sure to underpin your with neutral underwear.
This Sacai piece is designed to look like you've layered flowing satin camisole over a white T-shirt. Not only does it save you time fussing over lingerie choices, but this clever tee makes the most basic of outfit combos look instantly dressier.
Low-rise jeans and trousers are creeping back in from their noughties graves thanks to the likes of Chanel and Alexander McQueen. If you’re planning on tackling this trend, we suggest you invest in a bodysuit asap. And if you’re not, buy one anyway. Everlane's version will create a smooth silhouette under jeans and cigarette pants.
When most brands talk about a staple wardrobe, they don't often follow through with the stock levels to match. Asket is true to its word, producing just a few key essentials every season; including one pair of go-to jeans (in a plethora of sizes and hemlines) and this trusty white T-shirt available in a UK XXS-XXXL.
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