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Wear them on repeat.
Let's talk about the dependable, always-chic white T-shirt. Ask anyone (in the fashion world or not) which item in their closet they love and wear most, and you'll likely get the same response. It's a piece you can never own too many of and can serve as the foundation of almost any look. No matter the season, occasion, or mood, you can always count on a white tee to inspire your next outfit.
So, what is it about white T-shirts that makes them such a universal wardrobe staple? For starters: “They have endless versatility and can be styled in so many different ways,” says stylist Rachel Lipson. “With the right care, you can expect them to get better with age and feel like a second skin.”
Meet the expert
Rachel Lipson is a personal stylist, fashion expert, and television host based in Toronto, Ontario. She has appeared on Canada’s shopping channel Today’s Shopping Choice (TSC) since 2023 and has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and October’s Very Own.
Ahead, discover the white tees InStyle editors swear by, plus Lipson's styling tips and tricks.
Everlane The Air Oversized Crew Tee
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Everlane has been my go-to for elevated basics since I moved to NYC, but it took me almost 10 years to discover this gem. I prefer oversized styles in general, especially during the warmer months. This tee is truly the most breathable and lightweight top I own. It tucks perfectly into jeans and is ideal for layering. (Confession: I bought four at once so I'd never be without it!) — Samantha Brash, Director of Content Strategy
Calvin Klein Supima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
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Calvin Klein is a brand synonymous with crisp, simple wardrobe classics. I can't think of a base layer as fundamental to my wardrobe as their white cotton T-shirts. The Supima material is supple to the touch, and the no-frills design makes this T-shirt an easy go-to no matter the occasion. You can simply wear it alone or as a grounding piece for any layered look. I love to wear these underneath a long-sleeved printed shirt or an embroidered vest. — Kevin Huynh, Fashion Director
COS 24/7 T-Shirt
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This T-shirt is so good it's the only one I've been buying for almost three years. The relaxed fit is versatile enough to style with anything from basketball shorts (a tried-and-true outfit formula I love!) to wide-leg trousers for the office. Plus, the material errs on the thinner side, so it's a good one to sport on days when it's too hot to wear any clothes. — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Editor
Buck Mason Slim Crew
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While it's definitely an investment piece, this white tee's versatility is unmatched. The slim fit isn't constraining or uncomfortable like most tees with this cut. It's perfect for layering under sweaters and blazers in colder months or tucked into jeans or shorts in the Summer. The best part is that you rarely have to steam it which makes it my go-to basic to travel with. I just throw it in my bag and I'm able to get several uses out of it in one trip without any fuss. — Jenna Brillhart, Creative Director
UNIQLO Ultra Stretch AIRism Cropped T-Shirt
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I wear this shirt so often that I've had to hand wash it in my sink so it's fresh and ready. It's the perfect slim-fit crop and it pairs wonderfully with my arsenal of high-rise pants. The material is soft and stretchy—borderline activewear without feeling too utilitarian. — Kara Jillian Brown, Beauty Editor
Leset Classic Margo Tee
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I can’t even begin to tell you how often I wear this white tee. It’s the ideal hip-grazing length, features snug sleeves, and includes a high round neckline. The crisp silhouette is what white T-shirt dreams are made of; even better, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner. — Ruby McAuliffe, Associate Commerce Fashion Editor
L’Agence Ressi Fitted Tee
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At first blush, I thought this semi-transparent tee would show everything underneath, but it’s a true optical illusion. The surprisingly thick fabric feels super luxe like I’m slipping into a cashmere sweater rather than your average white T-shirt, and its slimmer fit elevates its status, too. Still, it's impossibly lightweight so I never get that stuffy, claustrophobic feeling when I layer a blazer on top or wear my overalls on top of it. Beyond that, I can tuck it into practically anything, from tight denim skirts to leather pants, and it doesn’t bunch awkwardly around the waist, which is hard to achieve for a regular-length T-shirt. — Irene Richardson, Commerce Writer
What to Keep in Mind
According to Lipson, this is what shoppers should look for when buying a classic white tee:
- Thread Weight: The higher the thread weight number, the finer, softer, and thinner it will be.Type of Fit: Slim fits are more structured and close to the body. Regular fits offer a closer fit with additional breathing room in the arms and torso, ideal for tucking into denim or trousers. Relaxed fits are oversized and unstructured, casual or boxy in nature.The Neckline: Boat necks draw the eye horizontally and can help widen the look of narrow shoulders. V-necks draw the eye upward by exposing more of the décolletage and can help petite women look taller. Crewnecks draw attention to the neck and face and accentuate the bustline.