It’s a street style staple and model-off-duty must-have, but finding the perfect one is a challenge. We’re talking about the elusive white tee. While they somehow manage to look effortlessly polished and nonchalant on famous folk, finding a good white T-shirt can be tricky. Sure, you could raid your boyfriend’s closet for a still-stark undershirt but his versions usually come off too baggy. So what’s a girl to do?
We’re taking the trauma out of T-shirt shopping by giving you a guide to how to find your ideal fit. Though white tees seem pretty basic, there’s quite the variety to choose from. From crew neck to plunging, pockets to uneven hems, the devil is really in the details.
Another important component of mastering the white tee paradox is knowing what to wear underneath. While your instinct is probably to pick up a nude T-shirt bra that matches your skin tone, that’s actually the wrong way to go. Turns out, red is key to camouflaging your bra under a bright white T-shirt. Although that seems counterintuitive, there’s science to back it up. Red absorbs light in such a way that it blends seamlessly with the color of your skin under that white tee. Just make sure you stick with a true red since offshoots like pink or reds with orange undertones won’t do the trick.
Hopefully, you’re taking notes because we’ve only scratched the surface. Ahead, 12 white tees that’ll perfectly pair with everything from your fave jeans to miniskirts to cutoffs.
[ Next: Ways to Style Your Vintage T-Shirts That Aren’t Worn Out ]
White T-Shirts
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Entireworld
T Shirt Type A, Version 1, $25 at Entireworld
If you like your white T-shirts tiny, this is the tee for you. The narrow proportion in the shoulders makes for a tight fit, in the best way possible. Warning: The organic cotton tee will shrink a bit when dried so best to size up.
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Levi's
Perfect Pocket Tee, $29.50 at Levi’s
A classic crew neck from a classic brand. The best part? It’s available in XS to 2XL so everyone can rock one.
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RE/DONE
The 1950s Boxy Tee, $78 at RE/DONE
Merge your love of vintage and crop tops with this boxy tee. It’s surprisingly comfy courtesy of its crew neck and loose fit.
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COS
Round-Neck T-Shirt, $19 at COS
There’s nothing basic about this white tee. Its straight fit and clean edges make it a perfect everyday option.
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Everlane
The Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee, $16 at Everlane
A gamine box-cut tee with room to spare. The lightweight cotton tee boasts an ornamental pocket for extra pizzazz.
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Rag & Bone/JEAN
The Vee Tee, $85 at Bloomingdale’s
Looking for a relaxed tee to show off your newly acquired knack for layering necklaces? Try this 100 percent pima cotton V-neck tee with classic bias rib binding at the neck and a back railroad stitch seam so you’ll look good coming and going.
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Mott & Bow
Fitted Crew - Marcy, $30 at Mott & Bow
This short-sleeve crew is preshrunk to avoid any future fit issues. It’s also soft and silky courtesy of its half pima cotton, half modal composition.
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American Giant
Classic V-Neck T, $24.50 at American Giant
Worried your tee will wear out after a few washes? American Giant promises this durable V-neck will keep its shape.
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& Other Stories
Rib Corset T-Shirt, $39 at & Other Stories
Looking for a bit of structure? This crisp T-shirt includes a ribbed corset section under the bust down the hem for extra support.
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James Perse
Relaxed Casual T-Shirt, $60 at James Perse
Take the plunge with this deep scoop neck tee. The shirt is relatively relaxed so it’s not too clingy.
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ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo
Slub Jersey Schoolboy Crew Neck Tee, $85 at ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo
Summer calls for a featherweight fabric. This straight hem crew neck has a touch of texture that translates best paired with your fave cutoffs.
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Madewell
Whisper Cotton V Neck Pocket Tee, $19.50 at Shopbop
Perfectly draped, Madewell’s tee has a banded V neckline and a patch breast pocket. If you want to go super slouchy, opt for the next size up.
