It might just be the biggest question in fashion. One that we’ve no doubt all pondered at length. Every menswear writer worth their salt has penned an article on the topic, and even the average man on the street tends to have his own opinions. So, what makes the perfect plain white T-shirt? And perhaps more importantly, where can we buy it?

Let’s start by saying this: style is largely subjective. The ideal white tee for one man may be wrong by another’s standards. This makes a question like this so tricky to answer with clarity. But for argument’s sake, let’s try to look at things as objectively as possible. There are certain qualities any good white T-shirt should possess, and we’ll get into those in more detail below.

Believe us when we say that we’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate white tee for a long time. While the all-around perfect one to suit every guy’s requirements has remained and likely always will remain an elusive beast, we’ve discovered many that come incredibly close. Keep scrolling to discover our favourites, along with a few pointers on what we believe makes a good one.

What Makes A Great White T-Shirt?

It’s perhaps the ultimate menswear essential, but what makes one better than another? If you ask us, it boils down to three factors, so let’s break them down right here to make it easier for you to tell a good tee from a poor one.

Fit

Everybody is different, so it’s impossible to find a single T-shirt that works perfectly for every man. That said, there are a few non-negotiables when it comes to how a T-shirt should fit. Forget oversized, slim or skinny cuts—let’s approach this in classic terms.

First, the shoulders. The seams should sit right at the hinge. Any further up, and the T-shirt will look too small and restrict arm mobility. Any lower, and it will give a slouchy appearance.

Secondly, the length. The hem should fall a couple of inches above the hips. You don’t want it creeping down over your backside, nor should it be exposing your midriff.

Lastly, the torso. It should be trim without clinging to the body. You want it slim enough not to bunch up under layers but loose enough not to feel tight.

Fabric

Sure, you can empty your bank account on cashmere or cheap out on polyester, but if you ask us, cotton will always be king when it comes to T-shirts.

Stick to something soft against the skin in a midweight, and you can’t go far wrong.

Construction

The mark of quality, as it so often does, lies in the details. From the stitching to the finishing on the sleeves and neckline, you’ll be able to spot a good tee from a bad one if you pay attention to the subtleties.

Look for things like bound collars, which have a strip of ribbed fabric folded over the neckline and stitched and taped seams in the neck and shoulders.

The Best Brands For White T-Shirts

ASKET

ASKET is a Swedish brand with a clear mission to create minimalist, high-quality essentials built to last. What sets it apart is transparency and sustainability, with detailed information on garment production and material origins.

Known for timeless basics like T-shirts, shirts and jeans, ASKET aims to reduce waste and promote mindful consumption. Speaking of T-shirts, these are some of the finest we’ve found from any brand. The best part is that they’re available in various length options to guarantee the perfect fit. There’s also a lightweight option.

Shop now at ASKET

Sunspel

Sunspel has long been one of our go-to brands for high-end basics, and T-shirts are no exception. This British heritage brand, established in 1860, is renowned for its premium essentials, often made from high-quality cotton.

Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, Sunspel prioritises comfort, durability and classic, understated style, making its silky-soft tees some of the best in the game.

Shop now at Sunspel

L’ESTRANGE

L’ESTRANGE is known for its ‘modular wardrobe’ approach. In short, its pieces are designed to work together seamlessly, offering the modern man everything he needs for a complete wardrobe in one place.

Of course, T-shirts are no exception. There are several options to choose from, ranging from heavyweight cotton to Tencel, and all are built with durability and sustainability in mind.

The Classic Tee, in particular, features a regular cut, organic cotton fabric and comes in at £45, with discounts available for buying in a bundle.

Shop now at L’ESTRANGE

ISTO.

Portuguese label ISTO. is built around radical transparency, offering premium essentials with full visibility on production costs and supply chains. It’s a refreshing approach in a market often built on markups and mystery.

The T-shirts themselves are excellent—crafted in Portugal from high-quality cotton, with a focus on clean fits and durable construction. The heavyweight option, in particular, stands out, offering structure without stiffness and a reassuring sense of quality that holds up over time.

Shop now at ISTO.

David Gandy Wellwear

David Gandy Wellwear approaches basics with a purpose-led mindset, combining clean design with a strong focus on sustainability and social impact. The brand uses organic cotton and ethical production methods, but crucially, it doesn’t let that come at the expense of quality.

Its T-shirts are cut with a relaxed, modern silhouette and finished with a soft, breathable hand feel that makes them easy to wear day in, day out. They strike a nice balance between conscious consumption and everyday practicality—something not all ‘sustainable’ brands manage to pull off.

Shop now at Gandy Wellwear

CDLP

Swedish label CDLP specialises in premium underwear and loungewear, focusing heavily on sustainability and high-end construction. The brand is dedicated to crafting essentials with a modern, understated style, including T-shirts that fit like a glove and are built to last.

The Midweight T-shirt is a solid all-rounder cut from a Lyocell blend fabric. Or, for something slightly more winter-appropriate, try the Merino blend version.

Shop now at CDLP

Luca Faloni

Italian-made clothes are renowned for their craftsmanship, and Luca Faloni is on a mission to make that quality accessible no matter where you’re based.

The brand specialises in premium men’s essentials, using high-quality materials like cashmere and linen sourced from Italy’s finest fabric mills. The Silk-Cotton tees, in particular, are very, very nice.

Shop now at Luca Faloni

Wax London

Wax London may be better known for its overshirts, but its T-shirts deserve just as much attention. The brand brings its signature blend of modern British design and laid-back styling into its basics, resulting in tees that feel considered rather than generic.

Expect soft organic cotton, slightly relaxed cuts and subtle detailing that elevates them beyond your average white tee. They’re easy to wear, versatile and sit comfortably within a contemporary wardrobe.

Shop now at Wax London

Merz B. Schwanen

If you’ve watched TV’s The Bear then you’ll know exactly what we mean when we say that this is ‘the T-shirt’. For the uninitiated, the hit show starring Jeremy Allen White whipped the menswear community into a frenzy when it came out, thanks in no small part to the immaculately fitted plain white tees sported by the series’ protagonist.

Founded in 1911, this German brand specialises in traditionally crafted basics. It uses classic loop wheel machines to create soft, durable T-shirts and sweatshirts. It is not cheap, but you will not find a better-fitting T-shirt.

Shop now at Merz B. Schwanen

Uniqlo

For those searching for affordable, functional clothing with minimalist aesthetics, Japanese label Uniqlo is impossible to beat. Known for collaborations with innovative designers and a focus on tech-driven yet wallet-friendly fabrics such as HeatTech, Uniqlo’s approach to accessible fashion staples has made it a global wardrobe staple.

As far as T-shirts go, there’s no shortage to choose from. Take a look at the brand’s best-selling Supima Cotton Crewneck tees, or for something a bit more relaxed, try the Uniqlo U range.

Shop now at Uniqlo

Armor Lux

Founded in 1938 in Brittany, Armor Lux draws on maritime heritage to create timeless clothing. The brand is well known for its Breton striped tops and nautical-inspired outerwear, but it’s not all stripes and long sleeves here.

Armor Lux has several T-shirt options, the king among them being the Callac. It’s relatively heavy with a slightly boxy fit, perfect for those who don’t like their tees too fitted.

It’s available with or without a chest pocket and comes in a range of colour options, not just white.

Shop now at END.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason has carved out a niche for modern American classics, and its T-shirts are among its strongest offerings. Drawing on vintage inspiration, the brand delivers pieces that feel broken-in from the first wear.

The curved-hem tees are a standout, offering a flattering fit that works well worn solo, while the fabrics—often slub or Pima cotton—add subtle texture and depth. They’re easy, dependable and built with everyday wear in mind.

Shop now at Buck Mason

Colourful Standard

Colourful Standard proves that sustainable basics don’t have to be an afterthought. Produced in Portugal using organic cotton and environmentally responsible processes, the brand focuses on consistency, quality and clean design.

The T-shirts are well-cut with a classic fit and a midweight fabric that strikes a reliable balance between softness and structure. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they execute the fundamentals exceptionally well—which, when it comes to white tees, is exactly what you want.

Shop now at Colourful Standard

James Perse

James Perse has built its reputation on premium basics, and its T-shirts are a masterclass in understated luxury. Made in the USA and garment-dyed for a soft, lived-in feel, they prioritise comfort above all else.

The fabric is lightweight and incredibly smooth against the skin, with a natural drape that gives them a relaxed, effortless look. They’re not cheap, but if you’re after a white tee that feels as good as it looks, few do it better.

Shop now at James Perse