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By Heidi Quill and Faye Fearon
The white T-shirt has been a wardrobe mainstay for everyone from James Dean to David Beckham. Shop GQ’s pick of the best white T-shirts for men you can buy
If there's one item in your wardrobe you can always count on, it's a white T-shirt. Trends come and go, but throughout history, the humble white crewneck has never run its course as a menswear staple. Chances are, you already have a few more than one stowed away.
Once a Second World War uniform regulation, the white T-shirt has an illustrious history. Starting life as an undergarment way back in the medieval period before eventually becoming a part of the British naval uniform, it wasn't until the turn of the 20th-century that brands such as Fruit Of The Loom began manufacturing white T-shirts in bulk. Picked up later by the likes of Chanel in the 1920s, it soon became a fast-fashion staple. After all, what Chanel does, others will copy.
Over time, its simplicity has been a blank canvas for portraying the age we live in. Whether a symbol of the working class (just look at the iconic photos of the workers constructing the Empire State Building) or rebellious teens (see James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause) it has long served as a men's fashion staple. The white T-shirt has been championed by everyone from Kurt Cobain to John Travolta's Danny Zuko and its staying power is second to none – Harry Styles, David Beckham and Robert Pattinson are all advocates of the humble white T-shirt. It's easy to see why – going with absolutely everything, worn under a suit or with a pair of jeans in any colour, it is fashion's safest bet.
Here, we've outlined what exactly to look for in the perfect white T-shirt, along with a selection of the very best you can buy for every budget.
You'll find all the white tees worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing:
Starting life in elevated undies, CDLP's foray into staple wardrobe additions has been a joy, and this midweight tee balances everyday breathability with a level of softness you'll never want to take off.
For £17, it's worth stocking up on several of Arket's midweight white tees. Not only do they make the perfect foundational base to a layered outfit, they can also hold their own with jeans and shorts.
Only Burberry could make us drop £490 on an essential like this, but the investment is wholly worth it given all its chic, elevated touches and ultimate softness.
Unless you're shopping for a white T-shirt to work out or play sports in (in which case, a sweat-wicking polyester is probably best), you should ideally be looking for cotton, due to its lightweight, breathability and ultra-durability. For extra softness and breathability, some brands have also delved into lyocell fabrics, which is especially popular for those more loungewear-centric styles.
A tighter fit could prove flattering for musclier men, so you might consider buying lighter-weight cotton T-shirts that cling to the body better, à la James Dean. Alternatively you can accentuate a svelte physique by going a size down in a heavier cotton. For looser fits, look for a T-shirt on which the seams fall below the shoulder. Otherwise, hit a happy menswear middle ground by coveting a seam that sits perfectly on the shoulder.
White T-shirts can be particularly prone to stains, be it a clumsy spill or discolouration under the pits (our guide to the best men's deodorants should soak some of that up, though). The important thing to remember is to keep whites separate to colours in your washes and though hot is better, stick to what the label says to avoid shrinkage. A good whites detergent, such as that of The Laundress (£15.50 for a litre. At Selfridges. selfridges.com) will do its bit to keep your white T-shirts pristine.
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One of this renowned Scandi underwear brand's first ventures into apparel came in the classic white T-shirt and it's easy to see why. CDLP is known for its exceptionally tactile, silky soft pants, made from sustainable wood-sourced lyocell fabric. That same material makes up two-thirds of its T-shirt, with premium Pima cotton accounting for the rest. The result? Exceptional breathability and next-level softness. £79. At cdlp.com
Whilst Percival Menswear might be better known for its more eye-catching designs, its all-new Auxiliary range is bringing around quite the contrarian approach. From said collection, this ‘Stolen Wheel’ tee boasts a boxy cut, heavyweight construction and Percival's traditional tongue-in-cheek embroidery. £49. percivalclo.com
Arket has several incarnations of white T-shirt and the mid-weight offering is many a GQ editor's go-to. The 170 GSM single jersey means it holds its own by itself but can still serve the purpose of base-layer in cooler months. It'll also retain its shape much longer than most and is less susceptible to pit stains and decolouration in the wash. £17. At arket.com
British brand Raey has mastered the art of long-lasting style with an ethical status. Case in point? The classic white T-shirt. Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, this crew neck style features dropped shoulder seams and is designed to fall with an oversized fit, meaning maximum comfort and maximum flattery for any type of figure. For under £100, it’s one of the more affordable ones that promises to last. £85. At matchesfashion.com
When it comes to this white tee from Abercrombie, the clue is in the product name: it is every bit as 'Essential’ as it claims to be. Cut from the label's emblematic — and extra, extra cosy — 180g ‘softAF’ fabric with an oh-so-slightly oversized silhouette, this piece promises to hold up through every scenario conceivable and keep you comfortable as it does so. £12. At abercrombie.com
If you’re conscious of communicating good production through your clothing, why not embrace its initials across a white T-shirt? Short for “Atelier of Production and Creation”, A.P.C.’s latest logo T-shirt is stamped with a flocked logo for a subtle dose of alternative texture over its cotton silhouette. Shaped to a relaxed fit, it promises to express the right kind of fashion knowledge upon wear. £81. At matchesfashion.com
Crafted from a cotton and recycled polyester blend, Uniqlo's half-sleeved white T-shirt is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly exaggerated ensemble. Designed to sit with both a wide and oversized fit, its dropped shoulder relaxes the body and accommodates all shapes thanks to its inclusive size range. Comfortable and contemporary at once, this one will see you through many seasons to come. £19.90. At uniqlo.com
Sure, a white T-shirt is a staple piece of clothing in itself, but if you want to serve an extra bit of minimalism through it, Jil Sander can help. Famed for its sharp and simple silhouettes, the brand’s logo will go a long way if incorporated into your attire, making this capsule T-shirt a timeless addition to your wardrobe. Tuck it into some wide black trousers for enduring appeal. £310. At matchesfashion.com
Designed in collaboration with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (AKA Sdgs), Pangaia’s latest offering in the T-shirt department excels in ethical design. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton which is both non-irritant and chemical-free, its off-white shade had been made using a recycled water system, and the shirt itself is printed with details of its innovative construction. An essential that looks good while also preserving water, energy and time, this one is as self-aware as wardrobe basics get. £65. pangaia.com
Just a plain white tee? Look again. Punctuated with the brand's signature initial embroidery, Carhartt WIP’s T-shirt is an essential everyday piece for those who favour a workwear-cued wardrobe. Made from a soft cotton-jersey blend, it ticks all the boxes for features most commonly associated with the design: from a ribbed crew neck to a long and hemmed finish. Simple, stylish and sold for just £40, what’s not to love? £40. At matchesfashion.com
If you’re looking for a simple white T-shirt which simultaneously communicates a touch of romanticism, this style by AMI is the one for you. Softly detailed with the French brand’s signature red 'Ami de Cœur' emblem, as embroidered on the chest, it’s shaped with slightly longer sleeves for a sharp silhouette and ticks the box for sustainability thanks to its organic cotton texture. £150. At matchesfashion.com
Never one to skip an opportunity for a good menswear staple, AllSaints’ take on the white T-shirt is punctuated by the brand’s signature ‘Ramskull’ symbol at the right of the chest. Oozing rock and roll most nonchalantly, it has been crafted from a soft cotton texture and falls with a slim fit to align with the styles of alternative music culture. Be sure to leave it untucked and pair it with your best black slim jeans in keeping with its underground mood. £32. At allsaints.com
When we talk about basics, we want three things. We want the habiliment itself to be enduring, the style to be enduring, and for it to be affordable. So who better to ensure all three than Marks & Spencer? A budget-friendly favourite for team GQ, the brand’s essential tee comes in both a slim and regular fit and incorporates a broad size range up to 2XL. For just £8, what’s not to love? £8. At marksandspencer.com
We may be deep into dreary days, but if you’re conscious of communicating a bright sense of expression via style, Casablanca has got you covered. Specifically, through this ‘Triomphe’ T-shirt. Crafted from long-lasting organic cotton, this crew neck design oozes just the right amount of pizazz through its main feature: multicoloured, hand-drawn iconography which is screen-printed across the centre of its chest. Eye-catching and opulent at once, be sure to tuck it into some high-waisted black jeans for maximum effect. £205. At matchesfashion.com
Setting out on a mission to create the perfect basic tee, Asket came through with a 15-size offering to secure a perfect fit, making the classic white T-shirt as versatile as can be. No logos, drop necks or gratuitous pockets, simply a timeless staple that can look flattering on every body type. £35. At asket.com
Few logomaniac offerings are as emblematic as that of Comme des Garçons Play. Stitched with the brand’s signature embroidered black heart motif at the side of the chest, it brings both a playful and romantic touch to the classic white tee, which, in this case, is crafted from a quality cotton-jersey blend. A favourite for the fashion-conscious, it’s well worth the price point, and is best integrated between black tailoring for an enduring style move. £65. At matchesfashion.com
Calvin Klein's signature seductive mode knows no bounds — not even the humble white T-shirt is safe. Sold in a pack of three, these taut tees are lightweight but sturdy, primed for pairing with Klein denim in a rich blue hue. £32. At amazon.co.uk
Prone to spillages? No problem. H&M's crisp-cut, pure cotton tees come in a handy three-pack, meaning no matter what you might encounter, there's always a spare on hand. £14.99. At hm.com
Never one to do anything too basic, Issey Miyake’s Homme Plissé brand was built to subvert wardrobe staples for a generation of fashion-conscious men. In the case of the white T-shirt, this is ensured through the brand’s acclaimed “garment-pleating” technique, which gives a textural edge to this ivory crew-neck design. Made in Japan from a quality jersey fabric, it’s a must if your wardrobe gravitates towards sophistication. £235. At matchesfashion.com
A fast-growing Mancunian streetwear label best known for its signature Owner's Club hoodies and all-purpose 24/7 range, Represent has also mastered the oversized look with its take on the white tee. Boxy, slouchy, comfortable and cool, this pick does it all… and pretty effortlessly at that. £90. representclo.com
Exploration runs through The North Face's brand identity, and is stitched into every seam it produces. Cut in a regular fit, this ‘Redbox Celebration’ white T-shirt from The North Face is hallmarked by a subtle logo detail at the chest and a graphic print at the rear. £35 £24.50. At thenorthface.co.uk
Tragically, a white T-shirt by David Gandy won't turn you into an international male supermodel upon wear. What it will do, however, is keep you comfortable and stylish, all the while levelling up your basics game… and we'll settle for that. £45 £24.30. At davidgandywellwear.com
Given that Reiss is a high-street go-to for smart wardrobe staples and trad tailoring, it's no surprise it can take on the white T-shirt with seamless panache. Infused with all the minimalism and elegance that the label is infamous for, the 'Cooper' tee is cut from a soft cotton blend and finished for a subtle honeycomb texture. Simple, but effective. £48. At reiss.com
Finding the plain white T-shirts a little too… plain? Printed with a no-nonsense, capitalised logo across the chest, Burberry's white tee adds some subtle dimension to everyday 'fits. £380. At matchesfashion.com
Originally designed for Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, the Sunspel Riviera T-shirt is constructed in the finest cotton from Italy. If it's good enough for Bond, it's good enough for us. £85. At sunspel.com
One white T-shirt is simply not enough. So it's just as well that this organic cotton offering from Cos comes in a pack of three, ready to be rotated on a daily basis. To bring some added dimension to your look, consider adding a necklace and layering under a cardigan. £55. At cosstores.com
Fitted T Shirts New for this season, Everlane has stepped into the weighted class with its T-shirt offering. Made from 6.2 oz cotton, this is an item that is dense and durable, getting softer with every wash. It's the sort of WFH uniform you want to be wearing on all the zoom calls: comfortable and classically stylish. £43. everlane.com