The Perfect Shirt Does Exist, and You'll Find It at H&M for Under £20

What would we do without H&M? We turn to the high-street hero for pretty much all our wardrobe basics throughout the year, from jeans to pretty throw-on dresses. Of course, we try to diversify our wardrobes as much as possible and shop from independent and vintage sellers and the odd designer investment piece where we can, but for those everyday items, H&M always seems to be there with a perfect affordable solution when we need it most. 

This was the case recently when I found myself searching for the ultimate white cotton shirt. You’d think after being a stylist with classic taste for almost 10 years I’d have a wardrobe brimming with variations on the capsule staple, and yes, I’ll admit I’ve tried many in my time. But I’d never come across the "perfect” oversized crisp cotton iteration that looks so chic simply tucked into a pair of blue jeans and works equally as well thrown over some leggings at the weekend. 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Emily wears the Oversized Cotton Shirt in white.

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(Image credit: Maxine Eggenberger)

Maxine wears the Oversized Cotton Shirt in green.

Turns out I was looking too far afield, and the dream shirt was under my nose at H&M the whole time. When I noticed recently the brand’s oversized cotton shirt was one of our all-time best sellers on Who What Wear, I had to try for myself and see what all the fuss was about. Turns out 1149 (and counting) of you weren’t wrong, and this simple piece is just what I was searching for—just in time for spring. It comes in a variety of options: with pockets and without, shorter and longer lengths, and plus-size options, too. And there are so many colours to choose from. My favourites are the classic blue, white and pinstriped. I might even consider dipping my toe into the bold brights after reading this article. Either way, it's likely there'll be one that suits all your needs.

So if you’ve also been searching for the perfect shirt to bolster your capsule spring wardrobe, let me come to the rescue. Keep scrolling to see all the different versions you can shop now.

Shop H&M's Oversized Cotton Shirts

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Up Next: I Just Tried On So Many H&M Jeans, and Honestly, I Was Blown Away

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.