Top Buying Advice

Yahoo Life Shopping
Why you can trust us

We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.

These are the only white t-shirts that are worth buying, according to our editors

From cropped options to boxy silhouettes and fitted styles, there's a perfect white T-shirt for just about everyone on this list.

3 models in white tees
Our editors have tested dozens of white T-shirts over the years, and these are the nine best. (Madewell, Gap)

Much like a classic LBD and a great pair of flattering jeans, a simple white T-shirt is one style staple that should be in every woman’s closet. Not only are they understated and timeless, but the versatile tops go with everything. Seriously, they will look just as good when kept casual with jeans or leggings as they would dressed up with a patterned skirt or tailored suit. Plus, you can wear them on their own, or layer them under your favorite sweaters.

Like most basics, the number of options available is overwhelming, and not every white T-shirt deserves a spot in your wardrobe. Trying on too many subpar T-shirts can be demoralizing. We want you to find the one, so instead of letting you waste time and money on options that turn out to be sheer, stiff or ill-fitting, our team of shopping experts is sharing the best choices in their fashion arsenals. From cropped styles to fitted silhouettes and affordable picks, here are the nine best white T-shirts, according to Yahoo editors.

Size range: XXS to 3XL | Materials: Cotton

Gift Guide Editor Amanda Garrity loves this Madewell bestseller. "I have a hard time finding T-shirts that aren't too loose and boxy for my petite frame, and this one has a shrunken fit that hits right at my hip, making it easy to tuck in," she said. She has owned the shirt for over a year and raves about how durable it is. "I've worn it more times than I can count and thrown it into the wash a million times, and it looks like new." Garrity gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on the opacity scale, so you don't have to worry about your bra showing through it, and she hasn't noticed any unwanted stretching or shrinking in the shirt.

Garrity loves the white T-shirt so much, she bought it in gray and navy too. And she's not the only one; over 1,300 Madewell shoppers have given the tee a perfect five-star rating, with many calling it "the perfect white T-shirt." Bonus: You can monogram the top to give it a personal touch!

Pros
  • It comes in a wide range of sizes
  • The shirt can be monogrammed
  • It is very durable and doesn't stretch or shrink
Cons
  • Not the softest T-shirt but still feels very nice
$24 at Madewell

Size range: XXS to 2XL | Materials: Cotton

Another Madewell option that made our list is the Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee. Yahoo Commerce Editor Sarah Weldon first discovered the T-shirt in a shopping Facebook group that she's a part of, and after seeing owners call it "so frickin' comfortable," she had to give it a try herself. "I've gone through hundreds of white tees in my life and have about six in rotation right now, but this is the one I always reach for as soon as the laundry is done. Even though it says 'boxy,' it's still really flattering on. I'm normally a size 6/medium in tops and dresses, but the small fits perfectly, so size down if you want a more standard fit," she says. Weldon notes that the shirt is on the sheerer side, but it passes the nude bra test. "I just wouldn't wear a black or colorful bra with it to the office," she says. "It's less cropped than the name suggests but isn't too long, so I can style it as a regular tee or a cropped one (and I have a very long torso). Sleeves are roomy and flowy which is great in the summer," she says.

Pros
  • The cropped silhouette is billowy and comfortable
  • It’s very soft and breathable
  • Sleeves offer ample airflow
Cons
  • You have to size down if you want it to be less boxy
  • Slightly sheer but passes the nude bra test
$28 at Madewell

Size range: Small to 3XL | Materials: Cotton

I've tried dozens of white T-shirts over the years but always fall back on affordable Hanes tees. While the brand does have a women's version, I honestly prefer the fit of the men's tees better. Plus, the fact that you can get three men's for almost the same price as one women's T-shirt will always have me ordering the men's multipack. The crewneck tee is fully opaque, made from 100% cotton and has a stay-flat neckline that never stretches out. It's not as buttery-soft as other T-shirts I've worn, but I honestly like how thick and structured it feels. Another selling point for me is the fact that they're tagless, because there's nothing more annoying than a scratchy tag irritating my neck. And it seems I'm not the only female fan of the men's tee. "These t-shirts are perfect for ladies to wear underneath sweaters or alone with jeans. I am 5'7" and 115 lbs and the small men's size fits perfectly even after washing and drying. The price point is great and so is the quality," raved one shopper.

Pros
  • The shirt is superstructured and durable
  • You get three men's shirts for almost the price of one women's shirt
  • Very easy to style and layer
Cons
  • It's techinally a men's T-shirt
$11 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$11 at Walmart

Size range: XS to XL | Materials: Cotton

This ultrasoft cotton jersey T-shirt from Alex Mill is made in Los Angeles and was designed to feel like "that perfect vintage tee you found while thrifting," according to the brand. Yahoo Shopping Director Jeanine Edwards recommends it because "it's very versatile and looks good with most bottoms. I've worn this tee with jeans, denim shorts, linen pants and denim skirts." While the $58 T-shirt is definitely the most expensive option on the list, Edwards says, "it is very well-made, not see through and has lasted me a few seasons, so it's worth the splurge in my opinion." She loves how soft and breathable it is but did note that "the sleeves hit a bit higher on the arm than most other short-sleeve tees I own." While Edwards doesn't mind where they hit, she says, "If you're self-conscious about your upper arms, though, this might not be the best pick for you."

Pros
  • Material is beyond soft
  • The silhouette makes it very versatile
  • The shirt isn't see-through at all
Cons
  • Most expensive option on the list
  • Cropped sleeves might not be for everyone
$58 at Alex Mill

Size range: XS to XL | Materials: Cotton

Who says a white T-shirt can't be interesting? This style from RicherPoorer has a pocket on the left chest and a cropped boxy silhouette that makes it stand out from others on this list. Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza says, "It's perfection with jeans, cargo pants or even a high-waisted skirt. It has a bit of a crop to it, so I love it with higher-waisted pants, particularly if they have flare or funky design elements." The tee is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin, and it is resistant to pilling. Randazza also tells us it doesn't wrinkle easily and is very opaque. But her favorite part is how durable it is. "It's kept its shape so well. The structure of a tee is so important to me — particularly when it's cropped. A cropped tee can't hide its wear by being stuffed into some pants, so I love that this wears and washes so well. And it has an almost silky quality to it," she says.

Pros
  • The material is hypoallergenic
  • It doesn't wrinkle easily and is opaque
  • Very durable and doesn't lose its shape
Cons
  • Pricier than most
  • Some people might not like the cropped shape
$40 at RicherPoorer

Size range: XXS to 2XL | Materials: Cotton, modal, spandex

Along with a fitted silhouette, this Gap T-shirt has longer sleeves and a longer hemline than most, which is why Commerce Manager Julia Webb is such a fan. "The sleeves are slightly long, which I love — they don't flare out or feel tight around my armpits. It hits at the hips, so it's not too short and can easily be tucked into pants. I'm almost 6 feet tall, so I appreciate the generous hemline and flattering sleeves." she tells us. The classic top is 100% opaque, washes well and barely wrinkles, but Webb also loves how versatile it is. "I'm a big jeans and tee person, so I typically toss it on with my favorite blue jeans, but it's supersoft so I like to wear it under my sweaters too. I think a little peekaboo of white under a sweater is effortlessly cool."

Pros
  • The shirt washes well and barely wrinkles
  • Great for tall people
  • Fitted silhouette looks very flattering
Cons
  • Sleeves and hem might be too long for some
$25 at Gap

Size range: XXS to 2XL | Materials: Cotton

"Thick and sturdy, yet breathable and soft," are just a few of the ways Commerce Writer Ellie Conley describes this fully opaque Uniqlo T-shirt. She says it has a relaxed fit and is supersoft "but sturdier than say 'buttery' pajamas." In addition to being machine-washable, the basic is made from 100% cotton that stretches but still keeps its shape. Conley loves the crew neckline, "which is perfect on its own or for layering under sweaters." And she says it looks just as good with classic jeans as it does with trendy leather pants or linen trousers. "This is by far the best white T-shirt I've ever bought, and I've had a lot over the years. It's the perfect material and looks much more expensive than it is," Conley adds. And there are nine other colors to choose from, so you can easily add other hues to your rotation.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Material is thick yet breathable
  • Easy to layer or wear on its own
Cons
  • It's not buttery soft
$15 at Uniqlo

Size range: XS to XL | Materials: Cotton

Yahoo Contributing Editor Libby Sentz recommends this relaxed tee from Z Supply because "it's got a vintage 1950s rocker vibe with a shorter sleeve and a hem that hits just at the top of the hip bone, where you don't need to tuck it but can. I like that it's a bit androgynous." While she typically wears the tee on its own with a variety of different bottoms, she says it does layer well under sweaters and jackets. The neckline rests across the collarbone, which is higher than Sentz is used to, but she says, "It feels good and looks chic." The tee doesn't wrinkle much, is super lightweight and breathable. It's a bit pricier than others, but Sentz says it's worth it, as the brand is her "go-to for soft, comfy clothing."

Pros
  • Tee looks vintage
  • Very soft and relaxed fit
  • Doesn't wrinkle much and is breathable and lightweight
Cons
  • Pricier than some others
  • Some people might not like the shorter length of the sleeves
$39 at Z Supply

Size range: XXS to 3XL | Materials: Cotton

If you prefer a V-neck over a crewneck, check out this top-rated option from J.Crew. Yahoo Lifestyle Senior Editor Lisa Schweitzer has been wearing this tee for over four years and loves that "the fit isn't too tight or too boxy, and the material is very soft." She's also a fan of the cotton initiative the brand uses to help make them more sustainable. According to the brand, "By buying cotton products from J.Crew, you're supporting our investment in Better Cotton's mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment." Schweitzer notes that these shirts aren't as durable as other options and says "they don't last very long," but the T-shirts are typically marked down to make the price worth it, even though you may have to replace them every couple of months.

Pros
  • V-neck shows a hint of skin but not too much cleavage
  • The fit isn't too tight or boxy
  • Sustainably made
Cons
  • Not the most durable
$30 at J.Crew

We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.