What do Cindy Crawford, Bruce Springsteen, and Diana Ross have in common? Besides being pop icons, they all recognize the power of the best white T-shirts. From Springsteen’s on the cover of Born in the U.S.A. to Ross’s take worn with a cowboy hat and jeans, a great tee is uncomplicated and timeless.
Our Favorite White T-Shirts for Women in 2024
Understated and versatile, white tees are designed to be a wardrobe staple that can seamlessly integrate into any look, regardless of your personal style. The trick to finding the best white tee for you? Note the key details, namely fabric and fit. There’s a seemingly endless array of styles and designs to choose from, whether you prefer a boxy cut or more tailored silhouettes. Depending on the occasion, a breezy linen blend might be optimal, while other looks call for stiff cotton. Also, look where the sleeves hit—do you want them closer to the shoulder or do you prefer more coverage, extending to the elbows?
Whatever’s missing from your wardrobe, these 15 options will have you covered.
Every fashion girl’s favorite, Khaite naturally makes the ideal white tee. It’s lightweight and cut to skim the body, and the sleeves hit perfectly in the middle of the upper arm, making it a worthy investment staple. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
“I don’t play around when it comes to T-shirts or any basics, for that matter,” says Bazaar contributor and fashion editor Cortne Bonilla. “For me, basics are the foundation of my wardrobe, and I feel lost without those essential pieces like T-shirts, modern tank tops, trousers, and jeans. Leset has some of the most comfortable, well-made basics—they hit just at the waist, are made of 100 percent cotton, and have a buttery handle to them. I have multiple sets now.”
Sizes: XS–XL
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Should white not be your thing, this delicate T-shirt is available in a variety of colors, and can be worn layered under a button-up or on its own, as a sweet lounging piece. The reviews speak for themselves, with one customer raving, “It’s incredibly cute and so soft. The slight puff sleeve is the perfect detail.” —RS
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Best Size-Inclusive T-Shirt
Universal Standard Tee Rex White
Before Universal Standard designed this T-shirt, senior designer Leeron Skurnik said it was challenging to find a version that fit well, looked great, and delivered on quality in a full-size run. But this shirt was made to check all three boxes for sizes 00–40.
“The Tee Rex looks simple but features so many intentional details to ensure the fit is exceptional across every size,” Skurnik says. “I love that the stovepipe sleeve eliminates excess fabric around the upper arm and that the hem is strategically curved to allow for versatility and comfort in wear. Plus, it’s made with premium Peruvian cotton, so the fabric actually gets softer when you wash it, meaning you don’t have to worry about replacing it after a few wears due to fabric wear. I usually wear my [it] with a boyfriend jean or under overalls, then pair with fun shoes like a platform sandal or great statement heel.”
Sizes: 4XS–4XL
What reviewers are saying: “It is the most perfect T-shirt ever. Doesn’t pull across the bust (50DD) and the fabric is soft, without being delicate. It’s ... luxury.”
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“DL1961 is known for their classic denim, but a true insider tip about the brand is they also make the comfiest T-shirts,” Bazaar culture editor Bianca Betancourt says. “The cuts aren’t too boxy, they hold their shape, and are soft without feeling flimsy.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Ganni knows how to make basics with a Scandi-girl twist like this tee, which features an adorable cat print. Get it if you’re looking for a graphic style that lends personality to a simple outfit. —RS
Sizes: 2XS-4XL
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Made from heavyweight organic cotton and designed for that masculine-inspired slouch, this white tee from COS is the ideal affordable wardrobe staple that doesn’t sacrifice quality. —RS
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Here’s a T-shirt that’s “honestly perfect,” courtesy of Erin Allweiss, co-founder of the communications agency the No.29. “My friends were recently debating the best white tee to buy, and I directed them to this version. Everyone came back raving,” she says. “It’s the ideal weight, and isn’t fitted but also isn’t loose. Plus it’s sustainably made.”
Sizes: XXS–XXL
What reviewers are saying: “I love this T-shirt. Nice material, perfect cut! I’m going to use this until it falls apart.”
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Best Celebrity-Approved White T-Shirt
Sunday Best Cropped Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Now 10% Off
Hailey Bieber has influenced me to buy a number of items, including New Balance sneakers, Alo Yoga biker shorts, and this cropped T-shirt by Sunday Best. It has a slim, clingy fit that feels so right with my summer skirts and denim shorts. —HL
Sizes: 2XS–2XL
What reviewers are saying: “I have the shirt in white and I love that it’s a thicker material and not as see-through as other white T-shirts. I usually wear XS-S and decided to go with an S because I didn’t want it to be too tight.”
For a nostalgic, ’90s minimalist spin on the white tee, look no further than Reformation’s classic crewneck design. Made from organic cotton and designed to be lightweight, it’s the perfect option on hot summer days. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
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Most days during the summer, I follow an outfit formula for work: close-fitting white T-shirt, high-waist trousers, fisherman sandals, and a directional belt. This J.Crew T-shirt completes the recipe, with a slimmer fit that tucks neatly into pants and a lightweight, breathable knit that somehow isn't see-through. —HL
Sizes: XXS–3X
What reviewers are saying: "This is a lovely tee-shirt that I bought in several colors. I'm 5'5", 150 lbs and usually wear a medium. I bought this tee in a large after reading a few reviews because I like a looser fit for the summer. It's what I would call an essential piece that you can easily layer or wear alone."
Is this a white T-shirt? A blouse? It’s both, which makes it your new fall wardrobe staple. Elegant when worn with white trousers for a tonal look, this design is still casual enough to pair with your favorite jeans. —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
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No one is more synonymous with tees than James Perse. Known for their quality and flattering cuts—as in this design made with French cotton—the brand’s are a perennial favorite. —RS
Sizes: 2-10
Obsessed with the rosette trend? This Free People tee features the delicate floral design at the collar and is made with an ultra-soft pointelle-inspired fabric. Reviewers love it. One even commented, “Did I sleep in this and wear it out? Yes.” —RS
Sizes: XS-XL
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Should you want a snug fitting white tee to layer under blazers, this Club Monaco style will be your top pick. Made from modal, it’s tissue-thin, and the sleeves are cut short to minimize bulk. —RS
Sizes: 2Xs-XL
Meet the Experts
- Cortne Bonilla is a fashion editor and Harper’s Bazaar contributor.
- Leeron Skurnik is a senior designer at Universal Standard.
- Erin Allweiss is the founder of public relations firm No.29 and host of the podcast Enough.
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Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Halie LeSavage
Fashion Commerce Editor
Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.