We Spent Months Trying On White T-Shirts—These Are the Absolute Crème de la Crème

Victoria Beckham once quipped, "If in doubt, anything looks good with a white T-shirt."

This is a guiding principle that stylish women have followed through the ages, with the best white T-shirts serving as a blank canvas upon which to build many a strong outfit. From Jane Birkin to Alexa Chung and even Ayo Edebiri’s Sydney in The Bear, you can count on a classic white T-shirt to appear in the world’s most covetable wardrobes. There’s something so crisp and refined about a perfectly structured white tee. Whilst it’s seemingly basic—a short-sleeved finish that grazes the bicep, hip-brushing length and a wash of pale fabric across your torso—a white T-shirt adds so much value to your look with very little effort.

As clothing goes, a tee is about as simple as it gets, but surprisingly, the perfect white T-shirt is difficult to find. Fabric is crucial for longevity—we’re team cotton all the way—and you want to choose a cut that will work with all your most loved pieces. If you wear high-rise jeans on the regular, you might opt for a boxy, cropped tee to avoid awkward bunching around the waist area. If you plan on layering it under dresses and blazers, consider a slimline fit.

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of white tees on the market to pick from, and the good news is that we’ve already narrowed the options down for you. After months of trialling to uncover the best white T-shirts for women, Who What Wear UK’s editorial team has landed on the definitive 17 styles that are, indeed, top of the tops. Ahead, we’ve tried on slim cuts, oversized shapes, lightweight fabrics and stiffer crew necks to take the guesswork out of finding your perfect match.

Never again will you end up with a translucent, rigid or ill-fitting tee that will fall apart after one wash. Trust us: we put these white T-shirts through their paces, wearing them for hours, with different outfits and in varying lights, to see how they fared. We even washed them!

So, if you’re looking to invest in a fresh white tee that won't let you down, or if you're curious to know which white T-shirts fashion editors swear by, we have you covered. The one for you is just a scroll away.

The Best White T-Shirts to Buy, as Tested by Our Editors

• The Best Overall White T-Shirt: COS Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt, £30
• The Best Luxury White T-Shirt: Leset Margo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £68
• The Best Affordable White T-Shirt: H&M Cotton T-Shirt, £7
• The Best Oversized White T-Shirt: Reformation Rowan Crew Tee, £48
• The Best Slim-Fit White T-Shirt: Hush Slim Fit Crew T-Shirt, £27

1. COS Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

"One question I'm asked the most as a shopping editor is where to find the best white T-shirt," says Florrie Alexander, Who What Wear UK's shopping editor.

"My answer? COS's Clean Cut T-Shirt."

I'm not surprised that Florrie's a fan, given that when I asked around the office, numerous editors sang the praises of this classic tee.

"This white T-shirt is my go-to staple tee, with a mid-weight that feels premium and ensures that nude underwear doesn't show through. It works hard in my capsule wardrobe, and whilst it's more expensive than others you can snap up from the high street, the quality of the fabric and slight boxy fit has firmly cemented it as my favourite. Here, I'm wearing the size small."

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2. Arket Lily Lightweight T-Shirt

Despite testing clothes for a living, senior shopping editor Emily Dawes has made the timeless white T-shirt a crucial part of her everyday uniform.

"Given that my style is very classic and neutral, a white T-shirt is the cornerstone of basically every outfit I wear, so you can imagine how much time I've spent searching for the perfect one," Dawes says.

"The one I always come back to (and buy in bulk in case one is in the wash) is this Arket white t-shirt. It's a brand I regularly turn to for premium basics on the high street because it's affordable but doesn't skimp on quality—and it just gets the classics so right!

"I usually size up one size (I'm wearing a medium here) as I like a more relaxed fit, and this also allows for any shrinkage over time. I'd say it washes pretty well, but I need it to survive the odd panic tumble dry, too. It's lightweight, as the name suggests, but not in any way see-through (important!), and the crew neck makes it perfect for layering under jumpers when you want that chic little flash of white. An all-round winner in my eyes."

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3. Mango Short-Sleeved Cotton T-Shirt

"For being fairly inexpensive, I love the cut and feel of this Mango T-shirt," says social media editor Megan Storey. "It has a good weight to it (I hate a thin white tee) whilst not being too heavy to wear in summer," she adds.

"I also really like how it cuts off just at the waist, so I have the option of tucking it in or leaving it untucked. I wear this all the time, whether underneath a dress, peeking out from beneath a knit or alone with a pair of jeans. I should probably buy a backup!"

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4. M&S Cotton Rich Crew Neck T-Shirt

"I've always been a big fan of Marks and Spencer's white T-shirts and have contemplated investing in this Autograph style. Now that I finally have, I don't know how I ever got dressed without it," says deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger.

"I ordered a 12, which I consider to be my usual size. When it arrived, I was worried it looked a little boxy—I have an hourglass silhouette and always feel most confident when I dress to enhance it. But although this T-shirt has a deliberately relaxed fit, once on, it hangs so chicly from the body.

"The material is a thick, premium cotton—I wore a fairly ornate nude bra for this try-on as my trusty T-shirt bra was in the wash, and you couldn't see a hint of the lace or seamwork through the tee. There's certainly no risk of it being see-through. Because of its weight, this white T-shirt looks expensive and drapes well, whether worn out over a waistband or tucked in. I've washed it since buying it, and it looks just as pristine as the day I got it. All in all, I'm an Autograph convert."

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5. H&M Cotton T-Shirt

We adore H&M's minimalist edit, so it comes as no surprise that this anything-but-basic white T-shirt would come highly recommended from junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay.

"H&M's white T-shirts are so affordable, so I was intrigued to what the quality is like," she explains. "I was pleasantly surprised by how soft this T-shirt felt, however, the material itself was a little thin."

"I went up to a size medium to get that baggy, slightly oversized look, and I really liked the fit, so although it was a little see-through, I could probably see myself purchasing this again," Lindsay adds.

"The only thing that was a little bit annoying was that it creased quite easily (as you can probably see from the pictures), but it was nothing that a quick iron couldn't fix."

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6. American Vintage Women's T-Shirt Sonoma

Despite its name, this brand is neither American nor vintage but rather a French label that originated in Marseille. Irrespective of this, if there's one thing we've learnt about Gallic fashion over the years, it's that the best French fashion brands specialise in elevated basics.

"I love a slub jersey finish, and this one feels really substantial," explains editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi. "Not too thin and see-through but not too bulky and thick."

"Additionally, the sleeves are just the right length for me, and I like the fact that it has a back seam rather than side seams," she adds. "These small details help elevate a plain item." This is a sentiment beauty director Shannon Lawlor agrees with.

"As a true beauty director, my wardrobe is made up entirely of jeans, blazers, roll-neck jumpers and white T-shirts. Whilst I know exactly what style of jeans work for me and my blazers are all cut to perfection, my collection of white tees is vast, purely because I have never found the perfect style," Lawlor says.

"I like my white tees soft, slouchy and somewhat oversized—something that will tuck into a high-waisted jean without bulking, and, most critically, a style that cuts my arm at just the right point. I'm a longtime lover of American Vintage’s knitwear but have never actually tried any jersey from the brand. This T-shirt, however, spoke to me when I first set eyes on it.

"Upon trying it on, I knew it was a keeper. It's beautifully soft (comfort is king for me), the shorter length makes it ideal for a French tuck (I’m a millennial, sue me), and the slightly narrower arms don’t bulk under jackets. If, like me, you’re after a super-relaxed white T-shirt that can be thrown on with anything and everything, this is a great option.”

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7. Reformation Rowan Crew Tee

When it comes to boxy white tees, senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content Rebecca Rhys-Evans recommends Reformation's crew tee. "I’m all about an oversized tee," she says. "I hate anything that clings to my body, and I’d always found men’s T-shirts to be the best fit, but this Reformation one is perfect."

"Unlike men’s styles, it's slightly cropped and has a better arm length for me. It’s not the cheapest basic, but it does feel like great quality and has weight, so it will likely stand the test of time," Rhys-Evans adds.

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8. Victoria Beckham Victoria T-Shirt

As it turns out, Victoria Beckham not only dishes out styling advice for this capsule-wardrobe hallmark but produces one of the best designer white T-shirts for women.

"Truth be told, my mum gave me this Victoria Beckham T-shirt as it was a bit small for her, and I'm so glad that she did," says e-commerce analyst Sophie Cookson. "It's 100% cotton and incredibly soft, so you feel comfortable in it all day. It is more expensive than I would usually pay for a T-shirt; however, in this case, I would say it's worth it. It doesn't crease easily, and the silhouette allows it to hang nicely all day. It does look expensive, and I get compliments when I wear it."

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9. Hush Slim Fit Crew T-Shirt

"T-shirts for me are very much a basic layering item," says managing editor Poppy Nash.

"I would never wear one as the base of an outfit—instead, they shy away under a blazer, cardigan or jumper 99% of the time. However, there is something special about this Hush style. I would normally get a large (or a 14) in a tee, but in this, I went up one with a size 16, and it fits perfectly. Although this is a 'slim fit', I never want anything to feel tight, instead preferring a little room so I can tuck the tee in before pulling it out a tad."

"All in all, I’m really pleased with the overall fit of this in the largest size," Nash says.

In terms of sizing options, she recommends that for those "size 16 or above who want a looser-fitting tee, this probably isn’t the option for you. If you’re happy to have something that is indeed a slimmer fit, then go for it! When it comes to the composition, the Hush T-shirt is made out of super-soft jersey cotton, meaning it is incredibly lightweight and comfy to wear. I normally opt for a thicker cotton when it comes to my T-shirts, but actually, I loved how this felt under my other layers as it kept me warm without adding a lot of bulk."

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10. Leset The Margo

When a specific white T-shirt is worn and beloved by Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, Camille Charriere and Kendall Jenner, best believe we pay attention. The tee in question is Leset's sumptuous The Margo T-shirt, and for editorial assistant, Brittany Davy, the style was enough to convert her from a white T-shirt naysayer into a full-blown adherent.

"I had been on the hunt for that perfect white T-shirt for years before I found Leset’s The Margo. At £85, it’s priced slightly higher than your average tee, but its durability and ability to keep its high-quality structure even after about 100 washes makes it well worth the price to me."

"I also love how thick the material is as it means I can wear any bra, vest or tank top underneath without it showing through. Before I tried The Margo, I often opted for a longer silhouette, but this slightly more cropped style is perfect for jeans, skirts and tailored trousers alike."

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11. H&M Oversized T-Shirt

"There’s nothing super special about this H&M tee," starts copy editor Georgia Seago, "but I like that it contains some organic cotton (25%), and it’s a nice boxy fit with standard-length sleeves and a slightly longer body, which makes for a much more versatile basic."

"It’s soft to the touch and comfortable to wear, though like a lot of cheaper white tees, it is slightly see-through. You can get away with it with a nude bra underneath, but if you’re not a bra-wearer, it could be a little risqué in bright light. I’d recommend sizing down (I’m wearing a small)—even in an oversized cut, I’d say it runs a little big," says Seago.

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12. Asket The T-Shirt

"I was seriously impressed by Asket’s white tee," says news writer Natalie Munroe.

"In a size medium, it had a slightly roomy fit—it didn't cling to my frame and also wasn't too slouchy."

"The fabric has a slight sheerness, as most white tees do, but not to the point of being revealing. With a nude-toned T-shirt bra, it would offer just the right amount of coverage."

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13. COS 24/7 Regular T-Shirt

Now for another COS recommendation, because the brand truly does know a thing or two about white T-shirts.

"A great white T-shirt is the foundation of my wardrobe, and COS’s 24/7 Regular T-Shirt is the one I reach for every time," says junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain.

"The fabric is the perfect balance—soft yet structured—so it drapes beautifully without feeling too slouchy. I love the slightly boxy cut, which gives it an elevated, effortless feel whether I’m wearing it with jeans or layering it under a blazer."

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14. Uniqlo AIRism Cotton T-Shirt

"I first picked Uniqlo's AIRism Cotton T-shirt up on a whim, without any regard for the material, fit or sizing (I was in a rush, okay!), but after multiple wears, I would have to say this is a pretty solid white T-shirt," says SEO writer Ava Gilchrist.

"The fabric is made from 'comfort-conditioning technology' to help regulate temperature. The ultra-thin fibres also help to absorb and emit water vapour, meaning I don't have to worry about sweat patches by the end of the day."

"It also boasts two small slits on the side, which is great for styling possibilities, as I'm able to tuck a section in or leave a part exposed, depending on how I'm styling it. It stops just below the waist, so I pair it with high-rise jeans, miniskirts and tailored trousers."

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15. M&S Cotton Rich Ribbed Slim Fit T-Shirt

"As I mentioned, my neutral T-shirt bra was in the wash the day I took these pictures, and whilst you can see the outlines of my bra underneath this one, you wouldn't be able to see a thing had I worn a less ornate style," assures Eggenberger.

"The material is thicker than I anticipated when I ordered it—the premium cotton mix being both soft to the touch and comfortable to wear."

"For me, the fit is exceptional. I ordered a 12, which was roomy enough for my boobs (I'm a 32G) but the waistline tapered beautifully towards the hem. Whilst I've tucked it in out of habit, I really like how it looks untucked too—the fitted silhouette makes it look polished and creates a put-together-looking outfit.

"I also like the neckline, which has a thick placket. There's nothing I dislike more on a white T-shirt than a warped neckline, but this design detail eliminates that risk. I'm so impressed, I've already ordered another one as a backup, as well as the black, too."

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16. Uniqlo Crew Neck Short Sleeved T-Shirt

Another affordable option is Uniqlo's signature crew neck.

"It's such a great fit that is easy to tuck into whatever bottoms you're wearing, or you can wear it untucked, and it hits the right spot on the waist as it isn't too long," says Cookson.

"I also love the length of the sleeves, and the material is quite thick, so it isn't see-through. It's such a great price point; I've got multiple that I wear on repeat as well as in different colours."

Chic and Practical White T-Shirt Outfit Ideas

1. White T-Shirt + Miniskirt + Blazer

Style Notes: Tuck your slimline white T-shirt into a miniskirt and add a relaxed blazer.

2. Jeans + White T-Shirt

Style Notes: Call this the high/low effect. Pairing a white tee with staple blue jeans is an enduringly chic combination.

3. White T-Shirt + Ecru Jeans + Platform Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Here's a case for white-on-white. Style a white tee with wide-leg jeans and platform flip-flops.

4. Cropped White T-Shirt + Cargo Maxi Skirt

Style Notes: You can also wear this basic with trendy pieces. See this cool cargo skirt and cropped white tee combo.

5. White T-Shirt + Black Trousers + Trainers

Style Notes: Sometimes, simple is best, as with a white tee, black jeans and trainers.