Something I’ve always been obsessed with getting right – in terms of wardrobe basics – is the classic white t-shirt.
As I’m sure many of you have as well, I’ve really learnt the hard way when it comes to getting hold of the perfect white tee. After about 30 years of more white t-shirt purchases than hot dinners, I think I’ve finally cracked it.
I’m continuing my Capsule Wardrobe Pieces series with no.4 this week, the white tee. I’ve scoured the internet to find what I think are the best out there – and although you might be thinking “ugh it’s just a white t-shirt, Catherine…!”, believe me, when you find a perfect white t-shirt it’s like the holy grail of wardrobe essentials.
BELIEVE ME, WHEN YOU FIND A PERFECT WHITE T-SHIRT IT’S LIKE THE HOLY GRAIL OF WARDROBE ESSENTIALS.
There are very subtle differences between the ones I’ve chosen to feature in order to offer something to everyone, but it’s those subtle differences that make all the difference (and in case I haven’t said “differences” enough, there’s another one for you). The cut of the sleeve, the shape of the neck, the fit, the length… All make a massive [ahem] difference to whether it’s your perfect t-shirt – or not.
Keep scrolling for nine high-quality, classic white t-shirts to suit all shapes and sizes – and where to shop them…
I promise you that spending more on a white t-shirt is absolutely worth it: Forget £5 tees that are thin and have bad seams. Spend as much as you can afford and you will have a top that will always look classy and cool with dark wash jeans. It’ll be good enough for the office under your trouser suit.
Or you can wear it with a full, floor length evening skirt (or midi) for an edgy but polished look. A look that says you’re so cool that you didn’t have to try too hard 😉
Next week it’s a similar item – the classic white shirt. So, so hard to get right, but we shall see how I do, eh? Hope to see you there!
HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR HOLY GRAIL OF WHITE T-SHIRTS? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!
Classic white t-shirts under £50
Above: Selected Perfect T-Shirt
They say: Breathable cotton jersey | Crew neckline | Dropped shoulders | Short sleeves | Relaxed fit | Machine wash | 100% Cotton
I say: A great loose fit, the fabric doesn’t look thin and it has just the right amount of boyish feel to it.
Above: Jaeger Jersey T-Shirt
They say: Crafted from a breathable, pure cotton jersey for optimum comfort | Features short sleeves and a flattering v-neckline | Cut to a relaxed shape with textured panels for added interest | 100% cotton
I say: With a slightly sporty look, this tee has an unusual sleeve shape that echoes the v-neck. Perfect if you like the look of sleeveless t-shirts but don’t want to show off too much of the tops of your arms.
Above: Yunion T Classic Round Neck T-Shirt 100% cotton
They say: The ultimate classic round neck T-shirt, with pocket detail | The sleeve caresses the arm (rather than clings) and finishes at a flattering length | The dipped hem is a brand signature, but also has a practical use when you are bending over |High quality, soft, almost block in appearance | 98% cotton, 2% Lycra fabric
I say: I have this t-shirt, and I can honestly say without hesitation that it is THE best t-shirt I have ever owned. Yunion T (above and below) only make white t-shirts, and they’ve got them 100% spot-on. Although I was gifted the tee this post isn’t sponsored, so it’s a truly unbiased review (not that my sponsored posts are of course)!
Above: Yunion T Classic Deep V-Neck T-Shirt
They say: A stylish and versatile wardrobe essential with cross over ‘v’ detail | The sleeve caresses the arm (rather than clings) and finishes at a flattering length | The dipped hem is a brand signature, but also has a practical use when you are bending over | High quality, soft, almost block in appearance | 98% cotton, 2% Lycra fabric
I say: See above for my Yunion T t-shirt thoughts…!
Above: Diesel Classic T-Shirt
They say: Cotton jersey | Crew neck | Regular fit – true to size | Machine wash |100% Cotton
I say: A slightly more “lived-in” look if you don’t want something too neat and tidy – this tee ticks all the boxes in terms of fit, sleeve style and neckline.
Classic white t-shirts over £50
Above: Won Hundred Basic T-shirt
They say: Standard length | Regular fit | Jersey fabric 100% cotton
I say: I love the higher neck of this t-shirt – it gives the illusion of a roll neck and gives it an edgier feel. Cap sleeves save it from looking too frumpy with that neckline.
Above: Marc O’Polo Basic T-shirt
They say: Standard length | Regular fit | Jersey fabric 100% cotton
I say: A slightly lower crew neck (more of a scoop neck) than some of the other t-shirts, it’s still a flattering regular fit and has perfect not-too-long, not-too-short sleeves.
Above: Adam Lippes Round Neck T-Shirt
They say: White cotton round neck T-shirt | Item fits true to size | 100% cotton | Use code r10hff for 10% off
I say: Another beautifully plain, high quality t-shirt with perfect proportions.
Above: Acne Studios Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
They say: Crafted from a heavyweight cotton-jersey for a structured feel | Cut to an oversized boxy shape that works well tucked in or out of high-waisted counterparts | Optic-white, heavyweight cotton-jersey | Designed for a loose-fitting box shape | Those with a broader frame or fuller bust may wish to take a size larger to retain the loose-fitting style | 100% cotton
I say: This may be my favourite of them all. I love a loose boxy fit and this is almost a tunic rather than a t-shirt. You can see that fabric is super heavyweight and I’m actually a fan of those slightly longer, roomier sleeves. Great under slip dresses (as above) for that classic 90s look.
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nice!
I love the idea of putting a white tee with formal wear! Great options and recommendations as well.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Hi Catherine – so TRUE it's amazing the looks you can pull off with a good quality tshirt. I just picked up 2 Theory tees, one in black and one in white – I think they are exactly what you refer to when speaking of the perfect find.
We'll see..
Hmmmm, I can see I will be investigating your Yunion recommendations when I have a free moment. I need some fresh new white tees, and if you say they're good they must be good! Thanks for the tips! xx
You just cannot go wrong with a white tee – I think my favorite look is with the high-waisted wide leg trousers. Thanks for linking! xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
It is hard to get a good white tee, I got a great one in gap on sale too! They're great for basics like that
Lauren
livinginaboxx | bloglovin
I will be looking at Union T. Thanks for this tip Catherine. Your'e right what you say, the quality and cut makes all the difference.
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
I love to wear them on midi skirts. Also loved this summer to wear plane light pink and light Orange t shirts.
I have a hard time with this one Catherine. As much as I like a tee (and we're wearing them on the blog this week), I consider them not as unique as other items. And for the fact that they do need to be replaced often, it's hard to spend much on them.
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I seriously buy a new white tee every couple of months!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
Fridays Fashions link up
Just like the quest for the perfect jean… the hunt for the perfect white tee is, for me at least, never over. I found a great white long sleeved tee from Vince three years ago, and now of course, they don't make it anymore. So I'm on the hunt again. I really like some of your options, Katherine. Thanks. I'm off now to find out if we can get these brands in Canada:)
Can never go wrong with a classic white t-shirt.
great post!
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com