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The white T-shirt has long been touted as an iconic but understated piece of menswear, thanks to the likes (and sex appeal) of James Dean, Marlon Brando and countless others after them. But despite its supposed icon status, the white T-shirt as it exists in many closets today is an afterthought, something bought out of mere necessity and then treated as such. But it’s time to start viewing it as a serious part of your wardrobe.
So let go of the old, worn and probably yellowed white tees you’ve been wearing for way too long and invest in some that can actually be worn as standalone pieces. Below are 15 white T-shirts, from sustainable to affordable to splurge options, all ideal for incorporating into your wardrobe as permanent pieces.
The Best Plain White T-Shirts
Entireworld Recycled Cotton Classic T-Shirt
It doesn’t get any more classic than this. Entireworld’s Recycled Cotton Classic T is on the slimmer side, but neither too long or too short in length.
Forty Five Supima Crew T-Shirt
If softness is one of your priorities when it comes to a T-shirt, Forty Five’s Supima Crew Tee fits the bill. The 100% USA-grown Supima cotton means softness with every wear, while the attention to detail and craftsmanship sets it apart. It’s the kind of tee you can slip on with a pair of jeans and leave you feeling like a movie star.
J.Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton No-Pocket T-Shirt
J.Crew’s slub cotton lends this t-shirt a more textured look and feel that’ll help it stand out ever-so-slightly from other white tees. And if you find yourself inclined to layer, this one will work just as well under a sweater, jacket or button-down.
The Best Affordable White T-Shirts
Uniqlo Men Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
It’s only natural that the premier purveyor of affordable basics, Uniqlo, would be included in the list. There’s really no beating a $10 t-shirt, especially one crafted out of 100% Supima Cotton. And if you find yourself prone to stains, it’s the perfect white tee for stocking up on.
Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew
Everlane includes this tee as part of their “Uniform” collection, which means you probably should, too. While $18 still might seem on the pricey side for a plain white T-shirt, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper version that’s certified organic. Besides, you can also go ahead and stock up on three of the tees for just $45 and save 17%.
Calvin Klein Underwear 2-Pack Short Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
Who doesn’t love a two-for-one, especially when it’s from a brand as iconic as Calvin Klein?
The Best White T-Shirts with Pockets
Madewell Garment-Dyed Allday Crewneck Pocket Tee
Some might think of a pocket on a t-shirt as nerdy, but some of us have sunglasses that need holding! Besides, this slouchy, slightly off-white crewneck from Madewell will make you look anything but nerdy. We’d go so far as to say it would even make you look cool.
Richer Poorer Men’s Pima Crew Pocket T-Shirt
Featuring a classic fit, durable, hypoallergenic cotton that resists pilling and an ultra-soft feel, it doesn’t get any better than Richer Poorer’s Pima Crew Pocket T-Shirt, especially in vivid, pristine white.
UO Scoop Neck Curved Hem Tee
Sometimes you want a white t-shirt that’s a little outside the box. This cream (not white) tee from Urban Outfitters features a longer, curved hem and slouchier silhouette.
Best Premium White T-Shirts
James Perse Combed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
James Perse has long been heralded as maker of the perfect white t-shirt, and for good reason. This pristine offering is cut from an ultra-soft cotton jersey so it’s not only good-looking but comfortable.
Acne Studios Logo-Appliquéd Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
You might think this is just another white t-shirt, but if you look closely you’ll notice a little icon on the chest resembling a displeased emoji. The appliquéd patch might seem random, but it’s actually Acne Studios’ official/unofficial logo. So if you want to signal to others just how cool you are, wear this and see who notices.
Sunspel Sea Island Cotton Crew Neck Tee
Okay, nearly $200 might seem like a lot for a white T-shirt, but this isn’t one of those things you purchase and wear with abandon. Rather, let this shirt from Sunspel be the one you pull out for very special occasions and brag to others about how the cotton is grown and sourced from the Carribean. Just stay away from the red sauce while you’re wearing it.
The Best Sustainable White T-Shirts
Noah Recycled Cotton Tee
Give yourself a little pat on the back when wearing this Noah tee crafted from 100% recycled cotton. Although you might be sacrificing some uniformity when it comes to the fabric, and it might not be as pristine as non-recycled options, you won’t be sacrificing any comfort or style. Besides, its imperfections are what make it worth buying.
Outerknown Sojourn T–Shirt
Sometimes it’s okay for your white tee to get a little dirty. If you can’t resist adventure, even while wearing white, opt for the Sojourn Tee from Outerknown. The 100% Organic Pima Peruvian Cotton means the tee is both light and soft, thus conducive to outdoor activities.
Vuori Clothing Tuvalu T-Shirt
We’re willing to bet you have yet to encounter a t-shirt made from organic seaweed and sustainable wood pulp, but if you’re looking to purchase one, look no further than Vuori Clothing’s Tuvalu Tee.
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