The 10 Very Best White T-shirts for Men (2024)

Weight

Fit and neckline

$45

Sizes: XS to XXL with short and tall options | Fabric: Slub cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck

Strategist-favorite brand Buck Mason’s curved-hem white tee came as close as possible to a universal T-shirt pick because everything about it is a happy medium: the price, the weight, the collar, the sleeve length, the fit. I consider it a medium-weight tee with an average-size collar. The sleeve hits at the perfect spot on the bicep without looking too oversize, but it still offers enough length for those who like to roll their sleeves. The breathable slub-cotton got softer every time I washed it, but it still maintained its weight. And it’s not quite slim-fit yet not really boxy either, so it’s comfortable while looking put together. My styling take was confirmed by Arquiste Parfumeur founder Carlos Huber, who wears his to the beach but also more formal settings, under his suit at his 2022 wedding. Huber also told me he appreciates the well-shaped neck and curved hem. Compared to other white tees, this is an elevated option at a price that isn’t too steep, which is why I gave it the top spot. You can purchase the top in a short or tall length without compromising the slub-style fit.

From $11 for 3

Sizes: S to 3XL with big and tall options | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Slim crewneck

A tried-and-true classic: the humble Hanes tee. The low price ensured I didn’t have to worry about staining them, but they by no means feel or look cheap. Like Buck Mason’s, it’s medium weight, but this feels slightly rougher, probably because it’s made out of 100 percent regular cotton instead of slub cotton. Despite the texture, I didn’t find it to be scratchy. In terms of fit, this hugs the body a bit more than the loose Buck Mason and has slightly shorter sleeves (without digging into armpits). I found them best for lounging around and layering with sweaters or cardigans. Author Alexander Chee told me he wears the tagless version as an undershirt and on its own. That versatility, given its under $4 price tag (when you break down the price per tee), made it a natural choice for this category.

$37

Sizes: XS to XXL with tall options | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Slim or loose crewneck

For something more lightweight than the above options, turn to J.Crew’s already-broken-in tee. I haven’t had the chance to test it for myself, but our menswear columnist Chris Black has called it out for being the next best thing to vintage. (Black frequently recommends the best vintage finds, so I fully trust him on that front.) Looking into the shirt more, I saw that it comes in a nice variety of fits and size options —classic (loose), slim, and tall. The fit options tipped the scale for me, and that’s why it’s my top lightweight pick.

$25

Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Supima Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck

Supima cotton is made of extra-long fibers, resulting in a durable material that doesn’t pill or lose its shape easily. Because it’s of better quality than regular cotton, it typically comes at a higher price, but Uniqlo makes an excellent affordable option. I find the lightweight and relaxed fit especially breezy during the warmer months. It has slightly longer sleeves than tees mentioned so far and hits slightly below the hem, adding to its boxier fit (without looking oversize). After multiple washes, it looks good as new; it hasn’t shrunk or lost its bright white color. And while I’ve had mine for a little less than a year, it also seems to be durable for a lightweight tee. Luxury-leather-goods designer Jeff Wan told me he’s had his as a wardrobe staple for more than three years, which I thought was an impressive amount of time for a budget pick.

$20

Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Heavyweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck

On the other side of the fabric weight spectrum are heavyweight tees. Uniqlo also makes my favorite in this category because the Uniqlo U Crew Neck is more substantial and structured than the above Supima Cotton Crew Neck without feeling too stiff. And, even though it’s a heavier shirt, I find it to be breathable during the warmer months. The downside here is that the thick fabric is a bit harder to tuck into pants or shorts and doesn’t work as well as an undershirt compared to the lightweight options above.

$25

Sizes: S to XXL | Fabric: Cotton | Weight: Heavyweight | Fit and neckline: Oversize crewneck

While some of the tees listed so far are just slightly oversized, Heavyweight Collection’s Classic Fit T-Shirt is made a full size larger. I have yet to try out a shirt from the brand, but sources I’ve spoken to say its 100 percent heavyweight cotton fabric gives it a structured look (rather than schlumpy, which I find is common with oversize tees). Another plus: The brand also sells this in a tall version.

$36

Sizes: XS to XXL | Fabric: Pima cotton | Weight: Medium weight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck

In search of sustainable, closed-loop-cycle options, I turned to the Big Favorite. The brand initially caught my eye last summer for applying the approach to underwear and also noticed that it makes clothing basics. My boyfriend — who wears tees every day and can be particular about cut — and I tested out the shirts for ourselves. We both appreciate the loose fit without being too oversize (the sleeves hit just above the elbow and hem slightly below the waist). It’s buttery soft and midweight, making it a nice staple for wearing on its own or layered. As part of the brand’s closed-loop cycle, you can send the tee back once it’s worn out through this page or by scanning the QR code on the label. Once it’s processed, you’ll get a discount on future purchases. The company also offers an undyed version that’s a pleasant off-white shade.

$65

Sizes: XS to XXL | Fabric: Linen | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Loose crewneck

Linen is much more common in the button-down world, but New York-based brand Alex Crane makes the case for having a T-shirt made out of the material. This is by far the breeziest option on the list, because the sustainably grown French linen is lightweight and loose fit offers plenty of ventilation. The fabric is thinner than the cotton options and tows the line of being see through, but I wouldn’t say it’s quite tissue thin. I think that’s because it has a slight texture to it that you don’t typically find with smooth cotton tees. All of those factors make it a more elevated shirt option, especially in the summer. What’s best is that it’s preshrunk, so you don’t have to worry about it on laundry days.

$55

Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Fabric: Supima Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit and neckline: Slim crewneck

Jungmaven’s a brand that’s been recommended to me in my reporting of wardrobe basics. Their tanks and tees have become some of my favorites because of their use of hemp, a more sustainable and more durable natural fiber than cotton. While the brand offers options with different variations of hemp-and-cotton mixtures, my favorite has been the 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton fabric, which is what this Original Tee is made of. Its weight is in between Alex Crane’s lightweight linen and the Uniqlo U’s heavyweight tee, and it has a soft lived-in feel.

$90

Material: Cotton | Weight: Lightweight | Fit: Slim

A prior version of this story ranked this Sunspel T-shirt as the best overall. Given its steep price, I couldn’t in good faith say it’s the best tee for most people. I haven’t had a chance to test it out for myself, but former Strategist writer Chloe Anello did and said that while it is very nice — soft and airy with solid craftsmanship — it feels more like an undershirt because of how thin and lightweight it was. But that’s exactly what industrial designer Marc Newson does: He layers it under other clothing, which he’s done for 30 years, buying 20 shirts at a time. As for its fit, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski has told us the sleeves are just right; They don’t need to be rolled up, but if you decide to, it doesn’t look like a muscle tee. And, his Sunspel T-shirts don’t turn yellow in the armpits the way his other white T-shirts do. It is a luxury purchase to be sure (especially to wear just as an undershirt), but if that’s what you like, I trust Newsom and Porowski’s takes.