I Tried On 23 Highly Recommended White T-Shirts. These 5 Are Worth Keeping.

I was shockingly underwhelmed by the majority of the options.

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A few months ago, I bought 29 pairs of highly recommended jeans and tried them all on to find a few I actually liked. That project—while time-consuming and weirdly scary?—ended up being remarkably fun, so with input from you all, I have decided to try a similar process with a new topic: white T-shirts.

First, some context for what you’re about to read. With the jeans story, a number of folks were very angry about the price points. So right up front I want to say this story is not about the cheapest white T-shirt or a white T-shirt for every budget (two fine stories, for the record). The story is about me test-driving the T-shirts that editors, stylists, and fashion-industry contacts recommended. Some are expensive, some are not, but just wanted to reiterate where this is coming from.

Also: This is just one person’s point of view. Fashion is always subjective, and what I want in a white T-shirt might be different from what you want—and that’s okay! I’m not saying your favorite is bad; I’m just sharing the ones that met my own qualifications. Additionally, I know there are zillions of white T-shirts out there, and I couldn’t possibly try them all on. If you have one that you adore, please be kind enough to share with this lovely community by leaving a comment on this post with the brand and style you love. Bonus points for any additional info about why you love it!

And last but not least, a note on the testing. I bought shirts from a wide range of retailers and brands, and there are many fine options I didn’t include. For example: I learned that I don’t always love cotton jersey (unless it’s this striped T-shirt from La Ligne, which was not the assignment, but I’m sharing anyway because it’s wonderful), but there are some excellent options on the market. I also realized that cotton slub feels nice but isn’t for me right now. And that while I adored and dreamed about The Row’s T-shirts when the brand launched, the current cotton-jersey iteration just makes me long for the old fabrics. I learned to really read descriptions because I don’t care for an asymmetrical hem, which comes up more than I’d imagined. And that I’m not looking for a stretch T-shirt, but if you are, I like the one by Skims, but the lightest color (Marble) is seasonal. A similar vibe is available at Everlane year-round!

MY TOP PICKS

Re/Done x Hanes Classic Tee ($90)

While I have loved a sheer-T-shirt moment over the years, that’s not what I’m in the market for currently. I want something soft, semi-sturdy without being bulky, and preferably not transparent. While expensive, this shirt from Re/Done ticks all those boxes. It has a slightly boxy fit. I like the somewhat longer sleeve length and semi-shorter length, as you can tuck it into a skirt or higher-waisted jeans or trousers easily. I am wearing a size small in Vintage White.

The Re/Done x Hanes Classic Tee

Madewell Whisper Cotton Rib Crewneck Tee ($19.50, plus 20% off as of publishing date)

If you are looking for a T-shirt with a longer body, under-$20 price point, and a very slightly sheer vibe, this Madewell one might be for you. I didn’t realize that it had a slightly curved hemline until I tried it on, which is not a deal breaker for me, but something to note if you weren’t expecting it. This one is sheerer than my other picks, but it’s so soft I don’t really mind. I’m wearing a small in Optic White here.

Madewell Whisper Cotton Rib Crewneck Tee

James Perse Vintage Boy Tee ($80)

As someone who has historically shopped the heck out of the James Perse outlet on her way home from Palm Springs, I haven’t tried on something new from the brand in a minute, and I’m happy to report it’s still making excellent stuff. I don’t like feeling suffocated by my T-shirt’s neckline, so I love that this one is just a tiny bit lower. It has a lightly relaxed fit through the body, and I found the sleeve a little snugger than some of the other options, but not in a bad way. I’m wearing a size 1 in White. (More sizes and colors here!)

James Perse Vintage Boy Tee. (I know I need to steam it!)

FAVORITE HIGH

The Great The Boxy Crew Tee ($95)

Full disclosure: Though I’m a huge fan of The Great (and friends with the brilliant duo behind the brand), I didn’t want to like this shirt so much, because it’s expensive. But the second I tried it on, it reminded me why I’m trying to stick to the idea of buying fewer pieces that are higher-quality. Oh my goodness this shirt is good. It feels unfussy and luxurious at the same time, and I love how it’s drapey and relaxed. The material is a lovely thick-but-not-heavy cotton that also somehow feels pre–broken in, but in the best way possible. I’m wearing a size 1 in Washed White, which is a slightly more ivory color than the brand’s true white. And while this story is technically about white T-shirts, don’t sleep on The Great’s great gray ones. Every time I wear the Sleeveless Crew, someone literally stops me on the street about it. The Slim Tee is perfect too.

The Great The Boxy Crew Tee

FAVORITE LOW

Hanes Nano T-Shirt ($10)

As the delighted owner of a bunch of Hanes x Karla T-shirts (basically sold out, for now) and someone who really liked the Re/Done x Hanes collab, I didn’t think I’d fall for the original… but I did. The fit is excellent if you’re looking for a slightly body hugging T-shirt, and while the neckline is a smidge higher than I’d design, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to smother you or anything. There is a wide range of reviews on Amazon for the shirt (over 40,000 in total), and I’m confused why some folks think it’s see-through. This shirt is not sheer, especially if you’re wearing a skin-colored bra. Anyway, for the price, I think it’s an excellent buy. No wonder it’s one of the three top-selling white T-shirts on Who What Wear.

Hanes Nano T-Shirt

If you want more details, I'm going to show each shirt in a video on IGS (that's Instagram Stories, mom) today, so stay tuned!

As always, thank you for being here, and thank you for sticking around. If you have any questions or concerns, or want me to touch on any topics in particular, I’m all ears. Leave a comment on Hi Everyone’s Bulletin or DM me on Instagram—I’m @hillarykerr—my inbox is always open!