The 10 Best Classic White T-Shirts for Men to Wear Any Time

Before bombastic graphic tees began taking the world by storm, the simple plain white t-shirt arguably set the standard of coolness in the fashion world and did so involuntarily, given that it was originally worn as an undergarment. From Marlon Brando to Brad Pitt and every common man in between, it’s easy to assume that everyone has owned a standard white t-shirt at one point, but was it a good one? You could tell yourself it doesn’t matter, but let’s put it this way: do you prefer to wear good jeans or bad jeans?

We can go on and on about this, but it all comes down to getting what you pay for — which is why even finding the best white t-shirts possible can help make or break your outfit based on their distinct feel and cut. At first glance, no one would argue that any two white tees are different. And while it might be difficult to pin down any specifics without trying each option on in a dressing room, there are countless options that contrast one another. In an effort to help you notice these differences, we’ve scoured online stores and boutique labels to deliver you a comprehensive buyer’s guide to the 18 best white t-shirts to wear all year long.

What to look for

Material: This is ultimately up to you, but if you plan on wearing a white tee in hot weather, lightweight construction and breathable materials like cotton and polyester are best (this goes for active tees as well). If you want a layer or something for cold weather, a heavier shirt is a good choice.

Fit: Certain cuts, washes, and material compositions affect the fit of a t-shirt, so it’s important to know how you prefer your tees to feel when you’re wearing them. A slim fit will be better for layers and working out, but a loose fit may be more comfortable for you.

Weight: This is ultimately a trade-off between comfort and durability – if hot weather is in your future, then a lightweight shirt is usually ideal. But if you want a more durable shirt, then a heavyweight option is what you’re looking for.

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

The Budget Pick: If you’re familiar with UNIQLO’s U collection, then you already know why this is more than your average white tee. The world-famous Japanese clothier’s line is overseen by Christophe Lemaire, the French designer best known for his eponymous high-end label. And so, the Crew Neck Short-Sleeve tee from his assisted line is one of the best starter options around. It is crafted from carefully-selected, high-quality cotton and is perfect for any occasion.

Los Angeles Apparel Short Sleeve Garment Dye Pocket T-Shirt

The Starter Pick: This choice from Los Angeles Apparel is sewn from nothing but American-grown cotton. Most importantly, the garment-dyed top is shrink-free, so you won’t have to worry about throwing it in the laundry if a stain ever shows up — at the end of the day, it’s a plain white shirt, and accidents happen. Lastly, the worker conditions at L.A.A are excellent, which makes it a great brand worthy of your support.

Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee

Editor’s Pick: This is the product that put this L.A.-bred boutique on the map, so it only makes sense to give it the appreciation it deserves. The Slub Curved Hem Tee is as comfortable as a t-shirt can get and has plenty of famous and non-famous fans alike. It is crafted from a breathable cotton jersey fabric and features a curved hem for optimized freedom of movement and a flattering fit. Lastly, it’s finished off with a slub texture and then garment-dyed for a lived-in look.

American Giant Classic Cotton V-Neck Tee

The Best V-Neck: No matter how you feel about it, it’s hard to argue against the V-neck’s popularity. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or are seeking enhanced breathability, you can’t go wrong with American Giant’s staple option. As the brand’s name suggests, the shirt is crafted in the States using 4.8-ounce cotton for a solid midnight feel. For added stability, it has double-needle straddle stitching and a ribbed collar to maintain its shape.

Everlane The Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew

The Sustainable Pick: You’ll love this choice from Everlane’s Uniform collection if you prefer a bulkier feel. The Premium-Weight Crew is made with dense 6.2-ounce cotton that’s durable enough to take on years of wear. On that note, the shirt is backed by the brand’s Uniform 365-Day Guarantee, meaning Everlane will replace any shirt that gets a hole, shrinks, or loses its color within the first year of purchase. You’ll probably never remember what life was like without this shirt once you pick it up.

Taylor Stitch The Heavy Bag Tee

The Best Heavyweight Shirt: Taylor Stitch claims that this shirt feels like “your favorite decade-old tee” that’s undergone a boatload of upgrades. The Heavy Bag shirt is built to take on gusty winds thanks to its 8-ounce makeup and fully taped shoulder seams. Plus, like most pieces you’ll find from the NorCal-based brand, it is sustainably made using a blend of upcycled cotton and recycled polyester.

Reigning Champ Midweight Jersey T-Shirt

The Best Midweight Shirt: The athleisure label’s flagship tee might be available in a variety of colors, but Reigning Champ has said that its primary palette revolves around three shades: grey, black, and white. As a result, the latter is a great option in that category. It has a soft hand feel albeit a sturdy composition, so it’s practically the jack of all trades. The Midweight Jersey also features extended sleeves and a wide-ribbed collar to tackle extra wear and tear, so you can even work up in a sweat in this Canadian-made top.

Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Homespun Slub Pocket Tee

The Best American-Made Shirt: As we veer our heads into more premium territory, we figured Todd Snyder’s catalog was a great place to start. The popular New York brand’s L.A.-made Handspun Slub Pocket Tee is sure to give the West Coast brands that appear here a run for their money. It is crafted from premium imported cotton, then garment-dyed for a deep color and rich texture, assuring that it will age with nothing short of grace. Plus, it’s the perfect size to wear under a jacket or summer suit but could easily be worn on its own.

Velva Sheen Regular Tee

The Steve McQueen Approved Shirt: The heritage brand behind this minimalist top was allegedly a favorite of the late, great Steve McQueen, which left us no choice but to toss it in here — after all, what’s cooler than a co-sign from the King of Cool? Velva Sheen’s plain white tee is a perfect base layer for any outfit and is made in the U.S., which is merely one notable element of its refined composition. It features a standard-fitting ribbed crewneck for a timeless look.

Sunspel Classic T-Shirt

The Premium Pick: While it’s up for debate, Sunspel is often heralded as the clothier responsible for manufacturing the original white cotton tee, leaving us with no choice but to acknowledge the British heritage brand that’s been churning out a version of this top since 1860. Today’s luxe version is crafted from California-sourced Supima cotton, which results in an unrivaled level of softness and comfort. Whether you’re wearing it with a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, or even a whole Canadian tuxedo, you’ll love this shirt from the second you throw it on.

The Best Swim Trunks for your Next Summer Adventure

While white tees can go with just about anything, summer is in full swing, so you might want to check out our best swim trunks guide to grab a pair.