An infuriating experience: I spend hours styling an outfit only for someone to upstage me in baggy jeans and a white T-shirt. The key to this effortlessly cool look is finding the best white T-shirt that’s opaque, looks expensive, and fits like it was tailor-made for your body. Designers, including Alexander Wang and Toteme, consistently reimagine the wardrobe staple, while Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes pair the affordable basic with triple-digit accessories.
If the best white T-shirt does exist, I knew I’d find it in SoHo, NYC’s shopping paradise. I entered 12 dressing rooms and tested 27 white T-shirts to find the perfect fit for my styling goals.
“It’s pretty straightforward—a high-quality white T-shirt comes down to three things:
- First, the fabric must be substantial enough that it’s not see-through but still soft against the skin. I always grab 100 percent cotton or a blend with just some stretch.
- Second, I check the stitching. Clean, even stitches are a must, especially around the neckline and hems.
- Finally, I look at how it washes. A good white tee should come out of the laundry looking just as good as when I bought it, keeping its shape without getting twisted or warped.
That’s really all there is to it.” —Marina Ingvarsson, New York-based stylist.
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Why We Love It: When I slipped on this T-shirt in Madewell’s beautiful new SoHo store, I knew it was the winner. The breathable cotton material is softer than bamboo pajamas, feeling heavenly against the skin. Its substantial fabric still feels lightweight, giving it enough structure to create clean, unwrinkled lines. Usually, I opt for a cropped cut, but I love how it curves below the waistline. The thoughtful design detail looks adorable when it peeks out beneath my sweater hem.
Who It’s For: If you’re building a capsule wardrobe on a budget, start with this white T-shirt. I’m impressed with its thickness and tailored fit, especially given its more palatable price. I wear it three times a week, including under sweaters, with work trousers and jeans, and sometimes even with sleep shorts to bed.
Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cotton
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Why We Love It: Entering the Uniqlo SoHo store should come with a warning for overstimulated introverts (me!). However, I persevered, and after trying Uniqlo’s five white T-shirt styles, I found the Mini T-shirt to be my favorite. The thick fabric was far less see-through than others I tried on for triple the price. Plus, it hugs my body in the right places, like around the chest and midriff, without being skintight.
Who It’s For: Between its cropped cut, close fit, and short capped sleeves, the Mini T-shirt is a great layering piece for casual wear. It might not be appropriate for work without some styling help from a high-waisted pant and blazer.
Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cotton, spandex
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Why We Love It: Although the free Perrier water Rag & Bone offers is a perk, I’ll save you the time of venturing to its SoHo store and tell you that this white T-shirt belongs in your closet. The exceptional Pima cotton slub jersey fabric feels like slipping into 1,000 thread sheets. Meanwhile, the relaxed, easy fit is forgiving without appearing sloppy. I tried the V-neck version in-store and styled the crewneck here to showcase that both versions are exceptionally tailored. They aren’t anything like the stretched-out picks I’ve worn. Styled with layered necklaces, I know I’m pulling off an “I just rolled out of bed and still look fantastic” look.
Who It’s For: It’s hard to splurge on closet staples when I could spend the money on a more fun item, like a pink bedazzled handbag. (It’s the Carrie Bradshaw in me.) However, the well-made Rag & Bone Slub Vee is a worthy investment if you often stare in the mirror and ask, “What will complete this outfit?” After all, your most worn closet piece should be of the highest quality.
Size: XXS–3XL | Material: Pima cotton slub jersey
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Why We Love It: Initially, I thought I’d choose a close-fitting, athletic top from Lululemon, but I was delighted to find that this looser-fitting T-shirt belongs in my Pilates class and at brunch afterward. It gets athleisure points for having sweat-wicking fabric, while the curved hem earns a sartorial bonus. The longer length makes my leggings look more modest, and despite the relaxed fit, I’m not swimming in fabric when I tuck it into jeans.
Who It’s For: As a proud outfit repeater with limited closet space, I appreciate this shirt’s versatility as a workout top and casual everyday white T-shirt. I don’t mind that it’s a little see-through since I typically wear a sports bra under it, but you want to wear a nude bra when you’re not at the gym.
Size: 0–20 | Material: Cotton, elastane
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Why We Love It: I promise the Banana Republic Shrunken T-shirt is as gorgeous as its SoHo store. The material is thick and buttery, hugging my frame for a sexier fit. Luckily, its medium length falls a few inches below my waistline, making it appropriate for all situations. This is mainly because the opaque fabric doesn’t show anything I wear under it.
Who It’s For: It’s hard to spend $50 on a T-shirt, but the luxurious fabric and impeccable fit make it worth the price. Plus, you get what you pay for, i.e., conscious design decisions, like having a fabric that doesn’t show my bra’s cup line.
Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Cotton, spandex
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Why We Love It: I never saw a boxy white T-shirt’s appeal until I recognized its versatility. When I saw Dakota Johnson wear one under a V-neck, black cashmere sweater, I realized not every layering piece has to be body-hugging. Since the & Other Stories crewneck shirt is well constructed and non-transparent, its relaxed fit feels appropriate half-tucked into a denim skirt or even paired with tailored pants. I like that it has a low-effort men’s feel while still having a feminine silhouette.
Who It’s For: I’d recommend the & Other Stories tee for someone who needs a shirt to throw on and go and not put much more thought into it. This lightweight T-shirt is ideal for being comfortable and put-together, particularly since it doesn’t wrinkle.
Size: XS–L | Material: Cotton
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Why We Love It: Now that I dress up more for work than I do for the bar, a cropped fit must still be modest enough to wear in an office environment. The Aritizia HomeStretch Crew hits the perfect place—right below the belly button. My midsection remains covered with a pencil skirt, but I can get a little saucier when I wear my low-rise jeans and shorts out on the weekends. The higher crewneck collar just barely reveals itself underneath sweater collars, which is exactly how I like it.
Who It’s For: Since this T-shirt has plenty of stretch without, well, stretching out, it’s a good choice for comfort and fashion. It’s not totally opaque—in the photo, you can see my tan bra underneath and the cupline—but given its price and flattering fit, I’m still a fan.
Size: 2XS–2XL | Material: Cotton, elastane
Other Options I Tried
InStyle
I couldn’t believe how high-quality this $10 shirt felt. Its heavy weight and thick material made it a strong contender. However, it still showed bra cup lines, and the jersey fabric felt a little warm, which made me worry I’d sweat right through it in warmer weather. Still, it’s worth buying for anyone who likes a form-fitting look.
Everlane The Luxe Rib Long-Sleeve Crew
The neckline, slim fit, and ribbed detailing made this long-sleeve crew almost perfect. I hesitated to buy it because its fabric is pretty transparent. I already plan on purchasing a more opaque color, like navy. However, for a white T-shirt, it’s a little too revealing.
My Testing Process
I trekked from Brooklyn to Manhattan twice to hunt down the best white T-shirt in SoHo. Pushing through tourist crowds and mission-minded shoppers, I entered nearly every store selling white T-shirts and tried on at least two everywhere. While I knew what I wanted from a white T-shirt, I consulted three expert stylists to help guide me. I evaluated each pick for fabric material, considering whether it felt high-quality or like a piece that would fall apart with a few wears. I also looked at the fit, determining if it was versatile enough for everyday wear. Finally, I took the winners out into the real world, wearing them in all situations with my workwear, athleisure, and casual attire.
What to Keep in Mind
- Fit: Whether boxy or slim-fitting, a white T-shirt should be comfortable regardless of preferred style. When I try on a tee, I do a quick pinch test at the waist—if I can grab about an inch of fabric, that’s my sweet spot for comfort,” says Ingvarsson. She prefers her T-shirt to hit around her shoulder, not drooping down the arm. “I like the sleeve to hit the mid-bicep, and the body should skim my shape without clinging,” she adds.
- Neckline: Next to comfort, you should pay attention to a T-shirt’s neckline. “The detail of all details—in my eyes—is the shirt’s collar. I find it the most influential indicator of shirt quality and level of lux,” says personal stylist Lauren Sharkey. She looks for a “thick, structured collar that nestles right up to the neck—it serves the individual who wears the shirt solo and that who uses it as a base under a more elevated top layer, such as a blazer.” Stylist Jamie Grimstad Huth agrees, adding that she typically looks for a classic crew neck. “I find a crew neck is more versatile—perfect for wearing on its own or layering under a sweater,” she adds.
- Fabric: The obvious fabric choice is cotton, according to my experts. “Pure cotton gives me that classic, structured look I love, while cotton-modal blends feel softer and drape better on the body,” says Ingvarsson. Still, you can shop blends for a more elevated style. “When I want something more luxe, I go for a cotton-silk blend—it has this subtle shine that makes the tee look more expensive.”
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean a white T-shirt?
Ingvarsson’s best tip for cleaning a white T-shirt is to turn it inside out before washing and always air-dry the piece. “I find air-drying or laying them flat to dry helps maintain their shape and longevity,” says Grimstad Huth. From there, wash your white T-shirt on a delicate cycle with other whites in cold water. If you follow these tips, you shouldn’t have to go overboard with maintenance.
What is considered a high-quality T-shirt?
A high-quality T-shirt is all about fabric, construction, and durability. “I always gravitate towards cotton with a slightly heavier weight—like Pima or organic cotton—because it feels soft but holds its shape over time,” says Grimstad Huth.
The stitching should be clean and even, and the seams should lie flat. “A great T-shirt also resists pilling and looks just as good after several washes as it did the first time,” says Grimstad Huth.
Is there a white shirt that is not see-through?
“A slightly thicker cotton, like heavyweight or jersey cotton, is ideal for avoiding see-through moments,” says Grimstad Huth, adding, “Fabrics with a denser weave naturally provide better coverage.” She typically avoids linen blends because they’re often semi-sheer and don’t have structure.
How do you style a white T-shirt?
Since Ingvarsson lives upstate New York, she styles her white T-shirts pretty lowkey. “My everyday go-to is a white tee with an open button-down shirt over it—it’s comfortable, classic, and just works for my lifestyle up here,” she says. Sometimes, Ingvarsson throws a faux-fur coat to play up an otherwise casual outfit.
Grimstad Huth suggests trying various pant styles to experiment with trends. “Recently, my favorite way to style one is with a slouchy pair of jeans and an oversized cardigan layered on top. I’ll tuck it into high-waisted trousers or denim for a more polished look and add a belt to elevate the look,” says Grimstad Huth.
Why Shop With Us
Irene Richardson is a fashion and beauty writer for InStyle. To write this article, she tried on dozens of different white T-shirts and consulted the following experts for tips on how to shop and style the pieces:
- Jamie Grimstad Huth is a Stylist & Founder of Curated by Jamie, an online destination for curated style, edits & inspiration that offers concierge styling, shopping & curation services to select private clients. Hailing from a fashion family, Jamie is known for sharing elevated daily personal style tips on her socials and through her shopping newsletter, Jamie’s List.
- Marina Ingvarsson is a New York-based stylist and digital creator.
- Lauren Sharkey is a Chicago-based personal stylist who curates wardrobes and visual identities that empower her clients. She champions the idea of making everyday outfits interesting.
