So a couple of weeks ago I showed you an outfit with my new white tee. The tee was under my MUST HAVE denim jacket, so you didn’t really get to see it all that much, but I promised y’all a white t-shirt review. I’ve been meaning to do one of these for awhile now, but I’ve just never made the time. WELL, I FINALLY MADE THE TIME! #fistbump
I receive lots of great e-mails from y’all, and I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve been asked for a recommendation for the perfect white tee. And my response is always, “I don’t have one.” It’s like a dang unicorn y’all! The perfect white tee is realllllly hard to find. So, I knew if I made a post about it, I could always just forward the post on when the question was asked. And it would also force me to really look for a great white tee.
I ordered 7 white tees. And I actually liked all but one of them. They were all quite different, so I thought it would be helpful to see them all side by side as well as on their own with little reviews about each. Just so there’s no confusion, “f” is the one I didn’t like. And one of 7 I ordered didn’t make the collage (oops! accident!), but you’ll find it towards the end of the post.
Also, I’m not wearing a cami in any of the below pictures because I wanted you to see how they all looked without camis. HOWEVER, on almost all of them I would recommend wearing a cami if the tee is being worn on it’s own. I know that the perfect white tee in all of our minds is thick enough where you wouldn’t have to worry about a cami, but I haven’t found one yet that I feel meets that criteria. Still, I liked a lot from my review, and I give reasons why I like each tee to help you find a good one for you!
a / b / c / d / e / f / “bonus” pictured at bottom of post
Seeing them side by side here like this will hopefully give you a good idea of overall fit and style of the tee!
In the pics today I’m wearing THESE “pajama” jeans (you won’t believe how comfy they are), THESE nude leather flats (seriously, you won’t believe how comfy they are and they are a PERFECT transition shoe and come in tons of colors), THESE hollow circle stud earrings, and THIS dainty arrow necklace. Make sure you size down 2 full sizes in the jeans (Yes. 2 FULL sizes. I promise. I’m wearing a 25, and I’m normally a 27.). And if you wear a cami with the tee, I suggest THIS one (and it’s ONLY $12!). I size up in the cami and wear a medium, and the flats are true to size. Just click on what you are interested in!
THIS tee has a little extra something going for it with the little cap sleeves, the split neck and the illusion panel under the tee’s hem. For those of you that don’t like to tuck in your shirts at all (either a full tuck or a 1/2 tuck), then this shirt is for you! The finished bottom doesn’t want to be tucked in :), and it’s not too short or too long!
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference, I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size. And this is the one tee that I don’t think that a cami is totally necessary. I would probably still wear one with it though if I wasn’t layering the tee under a jacket.
b. Caslon Slub-Knit U Neck Tee (comes in regular and petite)
THIS is the tee that I wore with my mustard pants, MUST HAVE denim jacket, and cork wedges. I’m not wearing a cami with it in this picture, and I wouldn’t necessarily wear a cami if I was wearing the tee under a denim, cardi, or military jacket. But if worn on it’s own, this tee would definitely require a cami. Still, I loved it and ended up keeping it. I actually like the way a cami looks under some tees because I like the smooth lines it creates (I can always use a little help smoothing out the tummy), and I even like seeing the outlines of the little spaghetti straps and scoop neck. I think it creates a nice look.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size. I kept this one for myself.
c. Halogen Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee (comes in regular and petite)
THIS tee is super soft and even feels a little bit silky. I’m not wearing a cami in this picture, but I probably would if I wasn’t layering the tee under a jacket or cardi. I liked the v neck of this one, but my favorite part was definitely how it felt. It really was amazingly soft. this one could be tucked in or worn out very easily.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size.
d. Stem High-Low Knit Tunic Tee
THIS tee is a more relaxed fit (not fitted at all, but not baggy either) and has a wide scoop neck. The back is a little bit longer than the front, and it has subtle pleats on the back (online shows a picture of the back). It looks great just worn out, but you can also easily do a 1/2 tuck with it.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference I’m wearing a small , so I think it’s true to size. I’m thinking about keeping this one for myself as well. I like the shape and the relaxed look!
e. Socialite V Neck Pocket Tee
THIS tee has a slouchy pocket up top and is also a relaxed fit (not fitted at all). It’s definitely on the longer side, if that’s something you are looking for. I liked it just worn out, but it also looked great with a 1/2 tuck. It’s very soft as well and just felt great on. Also, even though this shirt is called “white”, when held up next to all of the other shirts, it definitely looked like more of an off white.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference I’m wearing a medium (it said a medium was equivalent to a size 4-6). So, even though I’m usually a small….the size chart said that medium was true to size for me.
THIS tee was the only tee I didn’t like. I felt like it was too tight, too thin, and too see through. Strangely, it has good reviews, but I personally didn’t like it all all.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference, I sized up and am wearing a medium. And I still thought it was too tight.
THIS tee was accidentally left off of the collage. It’s the Madewell Split Neck Tee.
If you prefer a tee that isn’t fitted, this is another good choice. The neckline is interesting, I liked the detail of the rolled sleeves, and the seam down the front and the rolled hem made it more than just a regular old tee.
Click HERE for this tee. For size reference I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size.
So, in review, here are all of the tees highlighted with their prices. And they are in the same order as they were presented above. As always, you can just click on what you are interested in.
And again, what I was wearing with each tee:
We all know that a great white tee is a wardrobe essential, so I hope this review was helpful to y’all and that you find a white tee that works for you!
Erika Slaughter says
Yes! Yes! Yes! It’s like finding a unicorn! Thanks for taking the hard work out of this for us! Now…to figure out which ones my fave…
Shay Shull says
I love a white tee! And you’re right…it is like a dang unicorn. So glad you did this round up!!
Lori H says
Thank you! I was just thinking the other day, “why doesn’t someone recommend a good white T-shirt?” One question: a white cami or a nude one? I was told that you never wear white underwear with white pants, so does that apply to camisoles and white shirts?
Deborah says
I didn’t know this ? U don’t wear white?
Sheaffer says
Hi Lori and Deborah! When it comes to underwear and bras, I always wear nude under white so you can’t see them! HOWEVER, I still choose to wear a white cami! My camis often peak out, and a nude cami would mess up the look! And I actually like seeing the outline of the cami under the tee!
Deborah says
Thanks!!! ?
Narci says
Ooh!! I love this post!! Can’t wait to try these shirts!! Love the side by side!!
Melissa says
J crew has a great white tee. No cami needed!
Amy says
It seems like fabric has gotten thinner and thinner, or is it just my perception? I used to have a great white tee every year without a cami. So frustrating? Also, just curious if anyone else has problems with Madewell tees shrinking? I bought several long sleeve tees from them for fall and they all washed up wonky. I wash and hang dry, so they weren’t dried to death. Just wondering if I’m missing something with that brand be aside I really love them initially.
Sheaffer says
Hi Amy! I don’t have any of the long sleeved madewell ones,, but I don’t have a problem with them shrinking. I wash mine, dry them for like 10 minutes, and then hang to dry the rest of the time. Does anybody else have a comment on this?
Kristen says
I definitely have a problem with Madewell shirts sometimes shrinking… I bought a similar shirt to this one that you featured in black and gray about 2 years ago. I think it had a touch of linen in it but it was definitely mostly cotton. I washed and hung dry and it shrunk up a TON – way too short to even wear again! I was so sad. That being said, I have a great camo shirt from Madewell that has a similar feel to it than the shrunken shirts and it hasn’t shrunk at all. I guess it’s hit and miss with their shirts!
Jenny Null says
I have the Stem Hi Low shirt in navy and love it! It is so soft and I love the way it falls. I actually just ordered it last week in 2 more colors. I bought the Madewell cotton V-neck in white about a month ago and love it! It has a deeper v which I love.
I love the side by sides you did in all the shirts! It makes comparing them so much easier.
amy says
I love the white linen tees (I have the linen tee in multiple colors) from JCrew.
Sara says
I am surprised that a review of basic white tees didn’t include selections from the gap, banana republic, loft, or everlane. Also I totally agree that finding a good one with coverage is like finding a unicorn. In my opinion it’s not a keeper if I need a cami (I don’t like how knots wrinkle weirdly on the tummy when they are layered together) so looks like I’m still on the hunt!
Sheaffer says
Hi Sara! That’s a good question! There are several reasons why I didn’t include other retailers in this review….. I thought other girls might do what I did and order several tees to find their favorite, and I knew having several to choose from 1 retailer would make that easier. I have never had luck with GAP tees, so I would haven’t tried those…..and although I do have some LOFT tees that I do love, they tend to sell out and never re-stock. I wanted to recommend some tees that seem to be staples on the Nordstrom site so they might hopefully be available even months from now! And although I fell in love with Everlane tees a couple of years ago, they ended up stretching out weirdly on me. 🙁 Boo! Also, I tried to order a white Madewell tee, but when I did, they were out of my size. A couple of different girls have posted on facebook that they have it, love it, and that it doesn’t require a cami! I’m definitely ordering that one on their recommendation! Anyway, hope this explanation helps a bit! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kelly says
I have a white Madewell t-shirt, and I love it – it does NOT require a cami. I was surprised not to see it here because it is perfect!
Sheaffer says
It’s back in stock in small, so I ordered it today!!!! Thanks for the feedback on the tee Kelly! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Deborah says
I ordered the Madewell tee in white and it was so sheer you could see your hand under it ? maybe I got a dud?
Sara says
Thanks for your reply! I have actually had good lukc with Gap’s new(er) Modern tees, although I have to size up 2 sizes to get a non skin-tight fit. I haven’t tried their white ones, but that along with the Madewell t are now on my short list. Will you review the Madewell one when you get it?
Anna says
The madewell whisper cotton vneck tshirt is amazing! 5 stars in my book. Definitely recommend it to anyone and its only $19.50 at nordys.
Lindsey G says
I recently found the best white T ever – you should give a shot while Gap has 40% off- its the v-neck Breathe short sleeved top from GapFit. Although it’s technically a “workout” tee, I find myself reaching for these tees (both short and long sleeved) to run around and do errands. They are the softest, best fitting tees I own! Give them a try! 🙂
Amanda says
Banana republic has great white tees that you can not see through at all. In Texas you don’t want a tank and a tee when it’s 100 degrees
Emily says
Hi, Sheaffer! I completely agree with the white tee being a unicorn. My favorite is the linen tee from Target (go figure- no matter where I look, that place is always the answer!). I’m petite, and it is a bit longer than I’d like, but otherwise I love it! It comes in lots of colors, too. Check it out at:
http://www.target.com/p/v-neck-linen-poly-tee-with-pocket-mossimo/-/A-16533916#prodSlot=_1_6
Karen says
Do you find that a plain cami (without a shelf bra) and a tshirt are enough coverage?
Sheaffer says
Hi Karen! That wouldn’t be nearly enough for me. I need a lined (and supportive) bra for sure. Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kristen says
The best white tshirt is made by Everlane..I swear..the best!
Melissa says
Definitely a unicorn. Thanks! Will you please review good clothes for petite women, white dresses/tanks and summer dresses? Such a struggle to find the best ?
Pam Karkow says
Thanks for the white t-shirt review. I linked to your post in my blog, Pinterest Told Us To (http://ourlittletinies.blogspot.com/2016/03/pinterest-told-us-to.html). All three of us are long time Sheaffer fans!!!