The best plain white tees to elevate an outfit

A classic white t-shirt is an absolute wardrobe staple – find a good one and you’ll wear it time and again, with just about everything in your wardrobe. 

As good under a strappy slip dress as they are with your best blue jeans and oversized blazer, white t-shirts can be worn on their own or paired with other pieces, making them the number one must-have for creating a capsule wardrobe that works. 

Disregard them as “too plain” or “boring” and that’s your first mistake. Classic does not mean uninspired, and while they do speak to a more pared-back approach to fashion, there are plenty of ways to upstyle them (a bold red lip and slicked back hair, a statement necklace, hoop earrings with a pop of colour… you get the gist). 

Knowing this, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in search of the perfect white t-shirt – a quest that was much harder than I expected. Why are they all bloody see-through? If I wanted you to see my bra, I’d cut holes in my top like Regina George. 

Frustrating as my hunt has been, it’s ultimately been worth it and I’ve found that spending a little more (where possible) definitely pays off. Why? Investing in quality pieces means that your clothes will last longer and you won’t have to replace the basics every season… thereby saving you time and money in the long run. 

Shop our edit of the best plain white tees below. 

Wardrobe NYC Shoulder Pad Cotton-Jersey T-shirt, €210, Matches Fashion

Organic Cotton Heavyweight T-Shirt, €39, Arket

The Stefanie Shortsleeve- Cut Out Detail T-shirt, €48, Sinead Keary The Label

The Vintage V-Neck Hemp Tee, €30, Everlane

Loewe Embroidered cotton-jersey T-shirt, €320, Net-a-porter

Essential Crew, €29, Kotn

Regular Fit T-Shirt, €19, Cos

White Loose T-Shirt, €12, River Island

Cotton Baby Tee, €46.16, Good American

Pure Cotton Everyday Fit T-Shirt, €12, M&S

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