10 best white T-shirts for men 2023, including Levi’s, Uniqlo and M&S
THE best white T-shirts are timeless classics.
One of the most worn items in the world, they’re as simple as it gets, and, whether you want one as an undergarment or you intend to wear it as an outer layer, it will always deliver.
You might think you can’t really go wrong with a white tee, and for the most part, you’d be right.
But because of its simplicity, the fit is crucial if you want to get it right. Go too tight and you’ll look like a desperate Love Islander, but go too baggy and people will think you’re stuck in some kind of strange early 2000s R&B phase. In short, neither is a good look.
Get the fit right though and you’ll be channelling some of menswear’s most stylish icons: James Dean, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Ryan Gosling, David Beckham… the list goes on.
They’ve all mastered the white tee in the past, so look to them for inspiration if you want to nail it yourself. From choosing the right fabric to the best white T-shirts around right now, here’s the low down.
What to consider when buying a white T-shirt
Fit
There’s not much to the white T-shirt. It’s as basic as a garment design gets, which is why fit is key. For the most versatile cut, you’ll want to aim for a tee in between a slim fit and something more relaxed.
It should flatter the body but not cling to it, with enough room in the chest, body and shoulders for you to not feel restricted. The arms should finish around the mid of the bicep — not too long, not too short — while the neckline should be fairly close so that it doesn’t bag.
Speaking of necklines, you should stick to crew necks and avoid V-necks entirely. The latter isn’t flattering on anyone and simply doesn’t work as a casual piece of clothing.
Fabric
T-shirts are usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, so you won’t find a huge amount of variation.
Where possible, stick to pure cotton if you can, which breathes better and is softer on the skin than blended fibres. If you want to go for a more luxurious feel, look to Supima or Sea Island cotton, which are both softer and lighter than many inferior fabrics.
The best white T-shirts, at a glance
- Best classic white T-shirt – Levi’s
- Best skate-inspired white T-shirt – Vans
- Best durable white T-shirt – Admiral
- Best affordable white T-shirt – Uniqlo
- Best white T-shirt for under a tenner – Cotton Traders
1. Levi’s Original Housemark T-Shirt
- (AD) Levi’s Original Housemark T-Shirt, from £16.34 at Amazon – buy here
Levi’s is a denim brand first and foremost; its iconic 501 jeans are the original and still arguably the best pair out there.
But the San Francisco brand has branched out over its 150+ year history, with its casualwear offering a particular highlight.
Its T-shirts are no different, with this classic white take a simple, easy-to-style piece. Coming with the brand’s logo at the chest and a flattering, refined fit, it’s perhaps the only tee you need.
Style it with chinos or shorts in summer, or combine it with one of Levi’s signature jean cuts. Whether you go for the classic regular fit 501s or the slim fit 511s, you’ll look effortlessly cool.
2. Vans Men’s Mini Script T-Shirt
- (AD) Vans Men’s Mini Script T-Shirt, £19 at Amazon – buy here
Vans is, of course, a shoe brand first and foremost. The California brand invented the skate shoe in the ‘60s and has since become a global icon with its simple canvas trainers, which have been replicated numerous times by other brands.
And while you might first head to Vans for its sneakers, its clothing line shouldn’t be overlooked. You can expect a range of skate-inspired pieces, from cargo shorts to hoodies, but its tees are well worth checking out.
This simple white tee comes with the brand’s logo script at the chest for a throwback touch, while its slim fit and classic crew neck makes it incredibly easy to wear. Try yours with chino shorts and finish with a pair of Vans Authentics.
3. Admiral Aylestone T-Shirt
- Admiral Sporting Goods Co. Aylestone T-Shirt in Gyr White, £35 at Yards Store – buy here
Made from a heavy-duty 220gsm cotton jersey, this white tee from Admiral takes on a retro feel.
The set-in sleeves are designed for ultimate comfort, while the bound collar, cuffs and hems have been given the twin-needle stitching treatment for long-term durability.
4. Uniqlo U AIRism T-Shirt
- Uniqlo U AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Oversized Half Sleeved T-Shirt, £19.90 at Uniqlo – buy here
Uniqlo’s range of T-shirts is arguably the best on the high street.
This one is made with the brand’s trademark AIRism fabric, which is designed to keep you dry and draw moisture away from the body.
Comfortable against the skin, and with a relaxed, easy fit, this is a T-shirt that can be dressed up or down.
5. Asket The T-Shirt
- The T-Shirt, £35 at Asket – buy here
Asket produces a wide range of menswear classics. Designed to last and made from the finest fabrics available, it’s essentially a one-stop shop for simple, well-made clothing.
The brand’s tee is cut from a beautifully soft single-cotton jersey and comes with a comfortable, refined fit.
6. Cotton Traders Crew Neck T-Shirt
- Crew Neck T-Shirt, £9 at Cotton Traders – buy here
For quality T-shirts, it’s hard to go wrong with Cotton Traders.
This simple tee is made from 100% cotton and comes with a regular fit, making it easy to throw on without a care in the world.
Try it with shorts and trainers or dress it up with chinos and loafers for a slightly smarter feel.
7. M&S Pure Cotton Heavyweight T-Shirt
- Pure Cotton Heavyweight T-Shirt, £15 from M&S – buy here
M&S produces a wide range of tees, including this heavyweight cotton version.
Coming with an easy regular fit and a single chest pocket, it’s a classic wardrobe staple that you’ll reach for time and again.
8. Son Of A Tailor Cotton Hi-Neck T-Shirt
- Cotton Hi-Neck T-Shirt, £55 at Son Of A Tailor – buy here
For a smarter take on the humble T-shirt, try this mock neck version by Son of a Tailor.
Made to order in Portugal, the high collar and slim fit ensures it works well when dressed up. Try it with tailored trousers and a smart jacket and finish with leather boots.
9. Bronson Loopwheel Tubular Athletic T-Shirt
- Bronson Loopwheel Tubular Athletic T-Shirt, £23 (saving £5) at Olderbest – buy here
10. Pro Club 7oz Heavyweight T-Shirt
- Pro Club 7oz Heavyweight Tee, £14 at Blacksmith Store – buy here
This heavyweight tee is crafted from a 7oz white cotton and comes complete with a thick neckline and a relaxed fit.
For a laid-back, easy-to-style tee, it doesn’t come much better than this Pro Club take.
How to get stains out of white T-shirts
One of the occupational hazards of white T-shirts is the fact that, no matter how much care you take, they seem to be a magnet for coffee, red wine and every single meal you eat.
There are many at-home cupboard remedies for stains, from pouring detergent directly onto the spill, to vinegar, baking soda or rubbing alcohol.
However, the most reliable method we’ve found is a specific stain remover such as Vanish.
How to style a white T-shirt and jeans
Once you’ve donned your white T-shirt and jeans of choice, you’re already most of the way to a good outfit; you just need something to add a dash of character.
If you’re going for a casual look, we’d opt for a flannel or light jacket, depending on the weather, and maybe a cap or beanie, finished with a pair of beaten-up white trainers.
However, if you’re dressing your t-shirt and jeans up, we’d opt for a pair of leather boots; you could even add a blazer. (Just make sure your jeans are smart – you don’t want to look like a Top Gear presenter).