I’m not sure how spending $80.00 on a white t-shirt became a trendy to-do! Although I wholeheartedly believe the right white tee is a style staple, that price point is just not in my budget. The challenge is finding affordable options without compromising quality. By way of trial and error, I have a few fabulous options to share with you.
First, here are a few tips to consider when shopping for a white t-shirt.
White tee tips
- Always choose 100% cotton!
- Adding a few heavy weight cotton pieces to your tee/tank collection is imperative. Especially for looks that are a bit dressier, a heavier weight can look more polished. For layering, you want a lighter weight.
- Do not be afraid to size up, or opt for long or tall if you are in the market for something with a hem that meets whatever you are wearing on the bottom. A lot of times, this style can run too cropped if you stick with a standard fit.
- Choose tees/tanks that are best for your body type. For example, I can’t wear a baby tee because I have a small bust, big ribs and broad shoulders. A slouchy t-shirt is best for me, or something sleeveless. Remember, every body type is wonderfully made by God and there is nothing wrong with your body. Dressing to flatter what God gave us is a best practice!
- Finally, Look for key words such as premium, heavy cotton, organic cotton, etc. Steer clear of rayon, polyester, any more than 5% spandex or anything that is going to look clingy and shiny.
Recently, I discovered two beautiful heavy cotton t-shirts (both pictured above). The first is an Old Navy short sleeve crew tee in the color sea salt. I’m still in awe that it is this good and only $16.99. I’ve washed and dried it and all is well! Although it did shrink slightly, it did so in a beautiful way and came out so soft! For reference, I got a medium and, with the shrinkage, it is exactly the fit I was going for. More of a slightly boxy but not oversized style that hits just at the hips. The absolutely perfect tee to pair with a maxi skirt, Levi’s 501 90s, or your favorite wide leg trousers!
click the following link to shop the t – heavy weight cotton crew tee in sea salt
Next up, and noteworthy is the heavy cotton ribbed long sleeve pictured directly above. This is a cropped style, but I got a medium tall so it isn’t too cropped. This one I hang to dry bc I don’t want any shrinkage. It looks luxe, but it is a Gap gem coming in at $49.95 (on sale at the moment 50% off).
click the following link to shop the t – heavy weight ribbed cropped boatneck t shirt
The white T-Shirt Line Up
As I mentioned earlier, I recommend considering body type when choosing the best t-shirt options for you. For anyone who can pull it off, I love the look of a soft, cotton baby tee. I can not wear them, but I know Abercrombie is a good place to stock up on this style, and just about all types of white cotton t-shirts (including one of my absolute favorite styles that I will link below).
*note: I have placed an asterisk next to links for the t-shirts I own and love. Links without an asterisk are items I would purchase and believe would be nice options for their respective category.
The classic slouchy white cotton t-shirt (mens or ladies boyfriend fit)
links: * mens cotton crew neck t-shirt | essential premium polished oversized t-shirt
Heavy cotton boxy white t-shirt (or off white)
links: * heavy weight crew neck t-shirt (sea salt | organic cotton vintage heavyweight t | mens cropped heavyweight cotton t
Semi cropped white t-shirt
links: * essential premium polished relaxed t | *EveryWear crop t-shirt ( light weight; opt for tall for more length )
Ribbed long sleeve white t-shirt
links: * heavy weight ribbed crop boatneck long sleeve t shirt (opt for tall unless you want cropped) | *organic cotton micro-rib long sleeve t (excellent I just wish the sleeves where a little longer, but I have super long limbs)
Baby style white t-shirt
links: essential tuckable baby t-shirt since I can not wear this style, I can’t personally vouch for this one. It is very highly rated though.
Finding the right white t-shirt is not easy. I speak from experience! I hope this round up is a helpful tool for your personal style journey. If you have any questions, please leave your inquiry in the comment section below. Stay tuned for some white t-shirt style samples here on the blog in the near future!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain can not be hidden”. -Matthew 5:14 NAB
This post contains links to shop pieces in my wardrobe. I promise these are my favorite tried and true wardrobe staples. If you purchase from these links I will make a small commission at no cost to you.
