Few pieces are as classic and versatile as a white T-shirt. They look good on everybody, can be dressed up or down countless ways, and never go out of style.
As personal stylists, we help people to take control of their wardrobe and simplify the shopping process. A big part of that is getting rid of the extra fluff in their closets and going back to basics.
Well, what could be more basic than a white Tee?
We know just what to look for when shopping for women’s white T-shirts, no matter your age or body type. If you’re looking for stylist-approved recommendations that real professionals actually use, you’ve come to the right place.
But before we share our three favorite white tees and how to style them, let’s answer a few of the most common questions we get around this closet staple.
Table of Contents
1. Should You Buy a Plain White T-shirt?
Yes, a basic white T-shirt is a must for just about any wardrobe. Why?
- It goes with everything.
Because a white T-shirt is, well, white, it’s easy to mix and match. Other bold or statement colors may not go with everything you own, but a white Tee goes with other neutrals, accent hues, and patterns. - It’s simple.
We find that a lot of people feel overwhelmed by styling themselves and with fashion in general. A plain white T-shirt keeps things simple. You can throw it on and trust that it looks good under a blazer, with jeans, or tucked into a skirt. - There’s something for everybody.
We style clients of all sizes. Often, they worry certain clothing items won’t suit their body type. The great thing about a white T-shirt is, it looks good on everybody. You can find one at any price point and any size.
2. What Should You Look For in a Women’s White T-shirt?
So we’ve established that you should have a white T-shirt in your collection. But how do you know how to choose the right one?
Here are some tips on what to look for in a women’s white T-shirt:
- Comfort.
A great white Tee should be soft and flexible. It shouldn’t feel scratchy against your skin and you should be able to feel comfortable moving around while wearing it. For this, we recommend going for a cotton or cotton blend fabric. Feel it for elasticity and breathability. - Quality.
We’ve all owned a Hanes or Fruit of the Loom Tee from one of those multi-packs. Those shirts certainly have their place, but if you’re looking for that essential white shirt you can wear for years to come, try upping the quality. Skip the fast fashion brands or cheap basics that’ll break down or look worn after a few washes. - Fit.
Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to how they want a shirt to fit. But if you ask us, a T-shirt looks best when it’s form-fitting or lightly loose. Both of these styles make it easy to tuck in and keep it from looking frumpy. (Beware of oversized Tees! You don’t want to look like you’re wearing pajamas.)
Plain White T-shirt Care Tips
The secret to having a high-quality, stylish wardrobe isn’t buying a bunch of clothes season after season.
On the other hand, we think it’s better to buy less. That way you focus on only owning items you love and truly need.
To be able to wear those few capsule wardrobe items for a long time, you have to take care of them.
So here are a few quick tips on how to keep your white T-shirt white and looking its best.
- Avoid product transfer.
One of the biggest culprits behind stains or discoloration on white shirts? The products we use on our body. Everything from lotions, to makeup, to tanners, and deodorants can transfer from you to your clothes. Our advice? Make sure products completely dry down on your body before putting on your white tee. For makeup, put your shirt on first to avoid getting foundation on your collar. Then, to prevent fallout on your shirt, drape a towel or wear a robe over your shirt. - Fine-tune your laundry routine.
Always wash your white knits in warm or cool water. Use only the amount of detergent you need–overdoing it can age your shirt faster! If you want to get an item extra clean, consider adding a whitening laundry booster or vinegar. - Spot-clean as you go.
If you spill something on your shirt or get a stain, treat it ASAP. Don’t let it set in. Dab (don’t wipe!) any excess off your shirt and then apply a stain treatment and cold water immediately. And of course, always keep a stain stick like Tide To-Go or Kiss-Off on hand.
How To Style a White T-shirt for Women
Feeling like an expert on all things women’s white shirts? Good. It’s finally time for you to check out our three top recommendations for white shirts and how to style them.
1. Try a Flattering V Neck T-shirt
Product by ATM, shop here.
Crew necks are a classic but a V-neck T-shirt adds a bit more personality and it’s flattering on all sizes.
The key is to find one with the perfect V-neck line. This one from ATM keeps you covered and avoids any dress code issues.
We love this shirt from ATM in particular because of the material. The cotton slub fabrication is super breathable and just casual enough.
Wear it under a blazer and tucked into wide-leg trousers for a business casual ensemble.
2. Sport an Athleisure Ensemble
Product by Beyond Yoga, shop here.
Looking for a more casual way to style your plain white shirt? Try this one from one of our favorite activewear brands, Beyond Yoga.
It’s buttery-soft, lightweight, and surprisingly durable thanks to the synthetic fiber fabrication.
Wear this on a casual weekend with leggings and sneakers. Or, french-tuck it into jeans and add boots and a necklace for a power casual weekday outfit.
3. Add Arm Coverage
Product by Three Dots, shop here.
Who said a white tee has to be short-sleeved? We have plenty of clients who prefer more coverage on their arms.
If that’s you but you want something you can still wear year-round, opt for a three-quarter sleeve white T-shirt.
It’s more warm weather-friendly than a long sleeve but keeps you comfortably covered where you want.
We love recommending this Three Dots option because of the material. It’s made of high-quality 100% cotton. It breathes super well so you don’t have to worry about overheating. And you still have the option to layer up in cooler seasons. And you still have the option to layer up in cooler seasons.
Find Your Perfect Plain White T-shirt
Looking for more product recommendations and advice on how to streamline your wardrobe? Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s Women’s styling services. We help professional women of all sizes and ages to discover their personal style and transform their wardrobes for good.
