The White T-Shirt Guide

The picks, tips, and dirty truths

Few items hold the same universal appeal as the humble White T-shirt. It transcends trends and proves time and again that simplicity can be strikingly chic. Today we’re covering everything from pricing (yes there’s a difference between cheap and expensive white Ts), to cult favorites, styling tips & more. Let’s get into it!

What’s the difference between a cheap White T and an expensive one?

At the low end of white T-shirt production, it’s generally known that manufacturers use fake whiteners called ‘optic brighteners’. These are chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and emit visible blue light, making the fabric appear whiter and brighter than it actually is, amping up the ‘shelf appeal’ in stores. These can interact negatively with detergent, so if you’re wondering why the white T shirt you bought at Old Navy didn’t wash well, now you know. HOWEVER, I do have an Amazon favorite so keep reading…

White T-shirts everyone loves

(L to R)

1. Cos Clean Cut T ($49): Vogue employees declared it their favorite, now it has cult status.

2. The Great Boxy Crew ($95): A slouchy T with the vintage feel that only The Great has mastered.

3. Splendid Crewneck ($48): A cotton/modal blend with a great drape (and personal fave you’ll see it below)

4. Nation LA V-neck($132): V-neck done right (and worth the $)

Honorable mention (but no room in the collage):

Cotton Citizen Tokyo T $90: Delicious, iconic cotton, perfectly cropped

Hanes Boys 5 Pack $10: $2 a pop and fits like a stiff kid’s T-shirt (it is) but looks great layered under a sweater.

How to Style Them:

A full tuck: If you have a fun belt, tuck the T and show it off - Frank & Eileen T $120, Mother jeans $278, Mother sweater $425, Dehanche belt $350

A single-sided tuck:

Earlier this week when it felt like summer! Nation LA v-neck $120, Merlette shorts $360 (wearing a small), Sequin beaded necklace $188 (code ABBY20) A.Emery sandals $220 or these if you’re dupe curious

This cropped T from Amazon is $10 and it’s one of my favorites. It’s a cotton blend so it’s a little thicker than a regular cotton T. Be warned - It comes bizarrely vacuum sealed like a self inflating mattress and is truly unrecognizable upon arrival. Like the mattress, give it a few minutes to inflate. Paired with Alex Mill pants $195 and Miu Miu flats

Heading out in the Splendid T $48

And the guys?

Men’s Picks:

American Giant $65 - Beloved internet favorite, thick and sturdy - like the pickup truck of T-shirts

Buck Mason $55 A great cut and holds up well after washing

Uniqlo T $19: A great budget pick

Wash cold, Tumble Dry Low, Low Iron…

Did nobody, ever. White Ts may never look the same after you wash them, but you can keep them looking good by washing them in cold water with VERY LITTLE detergent. Tumble dry low or dry flat, and everything looks better after a quick steam. Another dirty truth? The best way to keep a beloved White T-shirt looking it’s best… is to dry clean it.

Ok! That’s enough bomb dropping for one letter. ‘Til next week my fashion friends!

xo

Abby