Happy hump day, friends! It’s time for my annual white t-shirt review and comparison post.
A white t-shirt is a summer wardrobe essential, but finding the perfect one can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Some years, the offerings are better than others.
I’m happy to tell you that I have quite a few that I like this year. Most are ones I already own, but I did find a couple of new ones that are worth a look.
This year’s post is a bit different than the last few years. I don’t have nearly as many t-shirts for this year’s post. In fact, I wish I had a few more to show you. All that to say, you still may want to reference my 2020 White T-Shirt Reviews in addition to this one, as many of those (or something similar by those brands) are still available, but I did want to post an update for 2021.
Rather than showing the good, the bad, and the ugly; all of these are t-shirts that I own and recommend. I also tried a few different necklines this year, instead of keeping it to all v-necks, so I hope that’s helpful. Since I like all of these equally, I’m going to list them in order of price point. Let’s dive in!
2021 White T-Shirt Reviews: The Best White T-Shirts
Sizing Note: I’m 5’5″ and a 32F, and I typically wear a small in t-shirts and sweaters. I’ll do my best to give guidance on sizing, but it’s hard with t-shirts because whether or not to size up depends largely on chest size. If in doubt, I recommend ordering two sizes and returning the one that doesn’t fit.
Everlane The Organic Cotton V-Neck $18
at Everlane
This t-shirt is 100% organic cotton with a straight hem and a narrow v-neck. It’s about as basic t-shirt as you can get, and it’s a good price, but it is my least favorite of the bunch.
The sleeves are a little too long for my liking, and I prefer a wider neckline. Plus, it’s kind of stiff, even though it’s on the thinner side. That said, if you like a very traditional fit, this one is worthy of your consideration. Definitely size up, though, if ordering; I’m wearing the medium.
Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt $19
at Nordstrom
This tee is 60% cotton/40% modal and 26″ long with a straight hem. It has a gently rounded v-neck, short sleeves, and a chest pocket. It’s listed as semi-sheer, and I would agree with that, but it’s not so thin that I feel I need a layering tank underneath.
I really like the rounded neckline, and the sleeves are a flattering length. My only complaint is the chest pocket — I’m not a fan of those, but this one isn’t terribly offensive.
This makes a really nice layering tee, and I also wear it alone. For the price, you really can’t beat it. It also comes in a slew of other colors and prints, and it runs true to size; I’m wearing the small.
BR Slub Cotton-Modal V-Neck T-Shirt $24.50
This tee is also 60% cotton/40% modal, and it’s 24″ long, so a little shorter than the two above. I already have this in the scoop neck, and I wear it a lot, but mostly as a layering tee. The way it’s a little shorter and more fitted, it works really well under jackets nad cardigans.
This v-neck version is very flattering — it’s not so low as to be revealing, but I find the shape and proportions very pleasing to the eye.
While I tend to wear mine as a base layer, the seam up the back is a nice detail, and it really should be shown. My biggest issue with this tee is that it’s almost too thin to wear without an under layer — another reason I tend to wear it under jackets and cardigans.
It also runs really small; I’m wearing the medium, and it’s none too big. As you can see by the way it fits around the shoulders, especially in the back view, I might even be able to size up to a large. So yeah, all in all, a solid choice; but definitely size up one full size.
BR Slub Cotton-Modal Crew-Neck T-Shirt $24.50
This is the only tee I ordered in two different necklines, but I was curious to try the crewneck version, and I really like it. It has the same seaming detail up the back as the v-neck, shown above, and overall, I just think it has a flattering fit, and I like the slub texture.
For the price point, I feel like these BR tees are a very good value. But again, size up if ordering this tee. I’m wearing the medium.
AllSaints Emelyn Tonic Tee $40
This tee is 100% cotton and 25 1/2″ long. It has a raw-edge v-neck tee, and the fabric is more of a smooth cotton jersey. It’s on the thiner side, but not so thin that I need a layer underneath.
While it’s hard to see in these pictures, this tee isn’t quite as stark white as the others. If you like a softer off-white shade, this is a great option.
I personally love the raw edges; they give it a subtly edgy vibe that appeals to me. It also comes in grey (which I have) and black. It washes and wears well; I’ve had the grey tee for two years, and it’s still going strong. This tee runs true to size; I’m wearing the small.
Velvet By Graham & Spencer Kira Scoop-Neck Tee $62
at Velvet by Graham & Spencer // at Anthropologie
This tee is my new favorite. It’s 100% cotton and made in the USA. It’s 25 1/4″ long with cropped sleeves and a flattering scoop neck. The material is blissfully soft, and it has a great drape.
They really managed to nail that perfect weekend-ready casual cool vibe, and the quality is fantastic.
Yes, it’s spendy, but if you wear white t-shirts as much as I do, the cost per wear averages out over time. This tee runs true to size; I’m wearing the small.
ATM Schoolboy V-Neck T-Shirt $85
at ATMCollection.com // crewneck version at Nordstrom or Bloomies
This tee is 100% cotton and 23 1/2″ length with a v-neck. It has a slightly boxy, shrunken fit, and the slubbed Peruvian cotton jersey is thicker than most slub fabrics. Whenever I wear this, I get comments on it. It’s spendy, but the quality is evident.
I love the shape of the v-neck and the slightly shorter length. It makes a great stand-alone tee, but it also layers nicely under jackets and sweaters. This is the t-shirt I reach for most often, but I have a feeling the Kira Scoop-Neck (above) is soon going to give it some stiff competition.
One caveat: Definitely size up in this tee. I have a medium in my leopard crewneck from the#NSale as well as this white v-neck, so I assume the white crewneck fits much the same.
Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee $19.50
So that’s it for this year! I also ordered this popular Madewell tee, but it didn’t arrive in time to be included in this photo shoot. Here are last year’s pictures.


As far as I know, this year’s version is the same. Its’ not my favorite because of the location of the boob pocket, and the boxy fit. The v-neck is also a little low, but all in all, this is a solid choice for the price point. It’s true to size; I have the small.
I hope this post is helpful. If you have a favorite white tee, feel free to share in the comments!
Also Wearing:
Below are links for the jeans, sneakers, and bra I’m wearing in these outfits.
Save It For Later:
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photos: Alison Cornell
Since you mentioned your bra size at the beginning of this post, I was wondering if you’ve ever reviewed and posted bra recommendations. I am 5’4″, 130 lbs and typically wear a 34DD or DDD. It’s not easy finding comfortable, supportive bras in small band sizes but large cup sizes. Any suggestions?
I was thinking the same thing! I’m 32DD and would love recommendations for bras with smaller band size and larger cups. I’m especially interested in bralettes – I know I wouldn’t get the same support, but don’t want to wear underwire on the weekends, and would like a little support and coverage. It’s so hard to find bralettes that fit because they often come in S, M, and L and the M band is too big but the S cups are too small. I’d also like to pay less than $50 (to be honest, I’d prefer less than that!) if possible.
I love this one: https://shopstyle.it/l/buQGr
I have not found a bralette that gives enough support to wear anywhere except for around the house. I have this in a medium: https://shopstyle.it/l/buQGv
I have same issue. Usually settle on 34DD, but a bra retailer measured me as 32G, which they don’t even offer. A “pet peeve” is bras that are advertised as “full coverage” are not even close & you can’t go to bigger band size when what you need is depth! Can’t do 2 hook bras either; not enough support!! Any help from Jo-Lynne or followers appreciated. I am 5’2″, 125 lbs.
I was a 32G for a couple of years, until I started doing IF and I settled back into a 32F. This is my favorite: https://shopstyle.it/l/buQGr
It’s a challenge. This is the one I wear: https://shopstyle.it/l/buQGr
These are amazing ,
https://www.soma.com/store/product/vanishing+360+perfect+coverage+wireless+bra/570306114?color=379&catId=cat5969283
I’m also 32 DD and find these exceptionally comfortable and fit beautifully … lay nicely under T-shirt’s
Thanks for the white t-shirt round up. Why companies put pockets on T-shirts right over the breast is a head scratcher. What would we ever put in the pocket?!? For those of us who are well endowed in the chest area, it just highlights a part of my body that I am trying to minimize not draw attention to. Thanks for highlighting the Graham & Spencer t-shirt that was made in the USA; I am trying to be conscientious about shopping more local.
I agree, the boob pocket mystifies me. LOL!
I ordered the BR crew neck. I think I need those jeans too.
You shared some nice options with us. I recently purchased a 100% cotton white v-neck tee from Lands End that I am very happy with. Like some you shared, the quality is very good, they launder well, and last for years. Have a great day!
I second the Lands End crewneck tees. They are quite a bit thicker material than the slub cotton tees. I actually love the thinner tees in the NC summer heat but you can’t beat a Lands End tee if you want a nice business casual look of a white tee and a blazer. The extra weight just doesn’t get slouchy looking under a blazer like a thinner tee can.
Thanks for this review. I wouldn’t know where to start without this annual review.
Is the ATM tee shirt true to size?
No, size up. I should have said that, I will edit.
Cute slides! Can you give info on those? 🙂
Sure! Here they are: https://shopstyle.it/l/buQye
Love the Sam Edelman woven white slides you’re wearing in this post, thinking about ordering them. I have a slender foot, do you find them comfortable for walking and do they tend to run on the wider or narrower side? I recently ordered the Sam Edelman criss cross slides with the same thick sole and they ran a little too wide for me, had to return. Thanks as always for your input, Happy Memorial Day!
They are very comfortable, and I don’t have a problem keeping them on my narrow feet.