Hey, guys! It is FINALLY time for the white t-shirt review and comparison I’ve been teasing y’all about. I feel like I’ve been taking white t-shirt pictures for months, and I still didn’t get to try as many as I would like, but I think I have a good variety here.
At the end of the day, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no perfect white t-shirt, but I’ve found a few that I like quite a lot, and I like some better with some outfits than others. For example, a snug-fitting white tee looks best under cardigans and jackets, but I like a looser fit when I wear them alone.
First, allow me to set up my qualifications. In my perfect world, a white t-shirt will have the following:
- material that is thin enough to drape and look current, but thick enough that you can wear it without a cami or other layer underneath
- a straight hemline
- no “boob-pocket”
- a flattering v-neck or scoop neckline (crewneck t-shirts don’t flatter a well-endowed figure, but not all v-necks are flattering either)
I tried to take pictures with the t-shirts both tucked and untucked to really show you how they’re shaped and then how they work when they’re on. All t-shirts are linked BELOW the pictures, and the size I’m wearing is included there as well.
Let’s get started! I’ll start with my tried and true favorites and then move on to the new ones I tried for the purpose of this post.
White T-Shirt Review & Comparison
This Caslon tee has been in my closet for a couple of years, and it’s probably the one I wear the most often. I actually have it in 3 colors. I don’t care for the boob pocket, but otherwise it has a flattering rounded v-neckline, a slub texture which is modern and on trend, but it’s not so thin that I feel I have to wear a layer underneath.
It has the straight hemline that I prefer, and it’s 26″ long, but it does shrink if you dry it, so be aware of that. I like how it flatters my figure without being clingy, and it front-tucks easily.
Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee (size small) $25
This next tee was designed by my friend Carly of Thirty Something Fashion, and she dubbed it the Perfect White Tee. I do love it, but it’s more flattering when I’m at my thinnest, which I am not at the moment. It’s clingier than I prefer, but it is a lovely fabric, thin (in a good way) and soft.
I love the shape of the neckline, the sleeves are the perfect length, it has a straight hemline, and (hallelujah!!!) no boob pocket. I wear this tee most often under blazers, denim jackets, leather and suede jackets, and sometimes with cardigans.
I do feel the need to wear shapewear under it, though, to tame my midsection. I’m sucking it in for all it’s worth in these pictures, and you can still see a bit of a muffin top. These jeans aren’t terribly snug in the waist either, but they are low-rise. I’m actually looking forward to trying this tee with my new higher rise jeans. The quality of this tee is fantastic, and I love supporting a small woman-owned business, and it is made right here in Pennsylvania.
FYI, You can use the code Jolynne10 for 10% off your order from ThirtySomethingTees.
The Perfect Tee by ThirtySomething Tees (size medium) $48
This next tee is from Everlane, and I don’t love it. The small was too snug, so this is the medium. It has a boxy cut that I don’t find flattering, although I do like the material. It’s not quite as see-through as the two above, and it has a smoother texture but still looks modern.
The neckline is okay, but I don’t care for how it fits through the midsection. The price is great, though, at $15, and I do feel that it’s high quality, so it may be one you want to try if you don’t mind a boxy fit.
Everlane The Cotton V (size medium) $15
This is another Everlane tee. I like this better than the v-neck, and it fits quite differently. In fact, in this one, I needed the small. The u-neckline is okay; I’d like it better if it were a little wider though. On the plus side, it has a straight hemline and no pocket. This is the tee I wore under the knit cardigan on Thursday.
I wouldn’t wear it untucked, but I want you to see the length and shape.
The fabric is nice, thin but not that slub material, and not see-through. It front-tucks pretty well too. I’m keeping it and bummed that I can’t link it for you.
FRONT TUCK TIP: Tuck it slightly off-center so it looks a little less intentional. The idea behind the front tuck is for it to look a bit careless and disheveled. I know, my grandmother is rolling over in her grave…
This next tee is the Madewell brand, purchased at Nordstrom. I just added this tee to my wardrobe this spring, and it’s quickly becoming my go-to. The slub cotton material is a lot like the Caslon one (above) but it has a more traditional v-neckline and side slits.
It’s definitely on the thinner side, and you can see through it a bit. I can’t decide if I’m okay with that or not, ha! It’s fine for layering under a cardigan but I may not want to wear it alone.
I don’t always front-tuck this one, it just depends on what I’m wearing it with. It’s 25″ long, for reference.
Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee (size medium) $19.50
Yikes, I was looking rough in this next picture! I had already tried on clothes at 3 other stores by this point. Anyway, this is a J.Crew tee, and I don’t like it at all. It’s a medium and still waaaaaaay too tight. I suppose I could have tried the large, but I don’t really like the neckline either, so I didn’t bother going out and getting the other size.
On the plus side, it’s thicker than the ones above, and it has no boob pocket. Also, if you’re self conscious about your upper arms, the sleeves are a little longer, and they have a flattering fit. (Also, I was sucking in my belly for all I was worth!)
As an aside, the lighting in J.Crew dressing rooms is horrible. It’s a wonder anyone buys anything after trying it on in there! I had to adjust the shadows and brightness on these before sharing them. I guess I should have also adjusted the color.
J.Crew New Perfect Fit Tee (size medium) $29.50
This next tee is from LOFT. I was trying to get my hands on their vintage soft pocket tee, but they didn’t have any in-store, and this one doesn’t seem to be online. (If you find it, let me know!) I tried both small and medium, and I took pictures untucked and front-tucked.
This is the small, and it pulls across the chest area. The way LOFT shirts tend to shrink, I would definitely get a medium if I were to get this.
The material is nice — thin but not too thin, and a bit of a slub texture. I also love that it doesn’t have that dreaded boob pocket, and I actually like the neckline. It’s not really a crewneck, it’s a little deeper than that, and the seaming is attractive.
That said, it’s a little long for my tastes, and a little too boxy. Also, the sleeves are really short — almost cap sleeves. That doesn’t bother me, but I know some of y’all like a longer sleeve.
Here it is front-tucked. Still too snug in the chest, and it doesn’t drape quite right around the middle. The Caslon one above does a much better job with the drape.
LOFT tee (size small)
The medium is even longer, but I would expect this tee to shrink up some in the wash. I would definitely have to front-tuck it, but I don’t care for the drape.
See how it sort of sticks out and doesn’t really drape against the body? I think it’s because the material is a little thicker than the Caslon one, or maybe the length has something to do with it? At any rate, I didn’t purchase this tee.
LOFT tee (can’t find link) (size medium)
Okay, this one is Treasure&Bond, and it’s super thin and soft and oversized with a drapey slub knit. This is definitely a trendy tee. Buy this one for your college-aged granddaughters — they’ll love it!
I like the neckline, the lack of pocket, and the overall cool vibe it gives off, but I feel it’s a little young for me. That said, I can see it with jean shorts or pink cropped denim this summer. Perhaps I should go back and try it in an XS.
In fact, I just looked online and saw that it comes in a bunch of other colors and some striped versions, and I ordered a striped one and the grey one. Maybe the grey won’t be as see-through, and the XS won’t be quite as voluminous. I’ll report back!
You can see by the back view that it is verrrry thin, and I don’t care for how long it is in the back either. I know younger girls wouldn’t wear anything under it, but I feel that I probably would have to. That said, it is so loose and drapey that it may not be necessary. It really comes down to your personal comfort level.
Treasure & Bond Burnout Boyfriend Tee (size small) $25
Next up, this modal v-neck tee from Nordstrom. It’s a bit thicker than the slub cotton tees above, but the modal fabric has a really nice drape. The v-neckline is wide enough and deep enough to be flattering without sacrificing modesty, and the sleeves are a nice length and shape.
It’s long, though, so I definitely have to front-tuck it. Happily it drapes well! This is probably my new favorite for wearing alone without a layer on top. It does run big; I’m wearing the small.
Halogen V-Neck Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee (size small) $32
I finally got my hands on the Vintage Soft Pocket Tee from LOFT late yesterday, and I snapped these pictures for you. I wanted to try this because so many of you are LOFT fans, and it is one that always scores well in these types of reviews.
That said, I don’t love it, and I plan to return it. Between the curved hemline and the boob pocket, I just can’t love it. It’s thin and a tad see-through but without the cool slub texture that makes those thinner t-shirts on trend.
Also, this is a small, and it’s tight thru the bust area, so I think I’d need a medium. My experience with LOFT shirts is that they do shrink a bit in the wash.
It doesn’t drape very well when front-tucked either.
I mean, I guess it works, but because of the curved hemline, when you tuck the front, the back hangs extra low, which I think looks odd. I’ve worn these in the past in other colors and liked them okay, but there are too many others I like better to keep this one.
LOFT Vintage Soft Tee (size small) $24.50
Finally, I made my way to Talbots yesterday because their tees come highly recommended by some of you.
First, can we just take a moment to sing the praises of the lighting in the Talbots dressing rooms??? I noticed it immediately when I walked in — bright, WHITE, daylight bulbs!!! Seriously, dressing room selfies have never looked so good… if only they had cleaned their mirrors.
I tried two styles of t-shirts at Talbots. Both are made of 100% pima cotton, and they definitely have a different look and feel from the tees I tried elsewhere. It reminds me of the t-shirts I used to wear 15 years ago.
This first one is their Pima Cotton V-Neck Tee. It has a nice shape to it and follows your curves, but it can be a tad clingy. I had to keep adjusting the chest area; whenever I moved my arms, the shirt rode up and created a crease by the armpit area — and I instantly remembered how my t-shirts like this always used to do that to me and I was always tugging them down.
These tees are flattering, no doubt, but something about the height and shape of the neckline paired with the pima cotton makes it feel a little, er, mature to me. I get in trouble when I say matronly…. but that’s how I felt in these tees.
Now mind you, there is nothing wrong with being a matron… but I’m not there yet. If you are, you may really like these tees, and that’s fine. I took a pass, but I will keep them in mind. They really are flattering, and you don’t need to worry about any see-through issues, which is awesome. Plus, with no boob pocket and a straight hemline, they check almost all the boxes.
Here it is front-tucked. This is a size small, by the way.
Here’s a medium to compare. It still provides a nice shape through the midsection but it’s not as clingy. If I were to buy this tee, I’d go with the medium.
Talbots Pima Cotton V-Neck Tee (or this???) $26
I also tried this style. I think I found the right link online, but I can’t be positive because the sleeves don’t look identical. This shirt seems to have a more relaxed fit, as this is the small.
I like this one a lot; the more relaxed styling is nice. With the sleeves being a little different, it’s a nice wear-alone tee. For some reason that I can’t quite put a finger on, this one seems slightly less mature to me and a slightly more current than the v-neck above.
That said, I didn’t buy it. For some reason, I wasn’t quite feeling it, but I also have about 5 white tees in my closet so I really don’t need any more.
Talbots Everyday Tee (size small)
And that’s a wrap! I definitely could have tried more… just about every store in the mall has a white tee, I’m sure, but this gives you quite a few options. I feel like there’s something in here for almost everyone.
I wish I were clever enough to come up with some kind of rating chart where I can take each of my t-shirt qualifications and check off how they rank, but I’m not sure how to do that. I hope you can siphon through all of my ramblings and decide which ones you may want to try if you haven’t already.
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87 Responses
Thanks for trying on all of these tees for us! I’m intrigued by the Halogen tee. I like the look of it, the v neckline, sleeve, and it comes in Petites. Worth trying, for a dressier style of tee.
My perfect casual tee would be cotton, short sleeve (not cap), no longer than 25 inches, v neck that’s not too deep, not slub material. That’s a lot to ask of a t shirt – and I haven’t found it yet lol.
I’m right there with you Ellen! 👍🏻
What bra would you recommend for a white T-shirt?
Definitely a nude color, and I prefer the ones with a thin lining to avoid any embarrassing moments. 🙂 I had a nude lace one on under some of these, and I didn’t like it — I could almost see the texture thru the tee. I have and like this one a lot: https://rstyle.me/n/cvedrngthw
My favorite tees are (surprise) the ANA line from JC Penney’s. Regular and petite, lots of colors and necklines, some with hateful boob pockets, but some without. They’re my go to tees!
Good to know!
Mine too! They are inexpensive and flattering to my shoulders.
Wow. You put in lots of work. Thank you. My head is spinning. Ha. Who knew it took so much work for a white tee.
I wish you had tried their jeans. Would love your input on them.
Great job my friend! I was in a sweat just thinking about you trying on all those white tee’s. The white tee has got to be that one item of clothing that causes the most amount of grief trying to find the perfect fit. You really took one for the gal team going through all the good/bad points. For me, I’ve ended up with Land’s End white T’s. I have a heavier upper arm & am long waisted, but 5’4″. They carry a tall which has worked for me. They also have a relaxed fit, even better for camouflaging my tummy fluff. And their sleeve length is a bit longer. You’ve certainly presented some great options for everyone! Enjoy your day!
I honestly don’t understand the boob pocket! Not a fan it all, but so many tees have them, it’s hard to find one without. I just got the same Madewell one in the mail this week. It seems little more sheer than I expected it to be. Maybe I’ll try the Caslon too! Thanks for this post!
Wow, thank you Sooo much! That was a lot of work but a great review! Out of all of them I think both the Talbots tees look the most flattering on you although you look nice in all the tees you’ve featured. I think the Talbots tees look quality, have a great fit for your figure and BTW, they don’t make you look matronly at all! 😉 I’m going to Talbots and hope they look as flattering on me as the do you! Have a great weekend!
I agree! I liked the Talbots tees best. They are thick in person, though, so would be better for wearing alone, than layering.
You’re a brave woman to do this try-on sesh for us. Thank-you, Jo-Lynn. Why do you think it’s so difficult to find the perfect white tee? I wondered if it was because we all like something different? That’s sounds like a good explanation but I have the same issues you have– I want no boob pocket, no rounded hem, not see-through and not clingy. I’ve tried most of the Ts here and agree with your assessments. I have started buying from Everlane but theirs are a no for me. Too boxy and I can do boxy if it’s not too long. Talbots are too old lady for my style, even though I’m in my mid-fifties. My favorite white tee was an Eddie Bauer slub V-neck. I ordered a new white one every spring, and have it in several colors. It looks like it was discontinued and I’m heartbroken. (As much as one can be about a t-shirt, lol.) So, now I’m on the hunt for a new go-to. I’m going to try the Treasure and Bond. Happy Saturday!
Good Lord – what a huge amount of work. Thank you so much for this thorough review and assessment. This is just terrific. I actually have the Madewell in navy and it’s my favourite t-shirt right now. I’m going to pick one up in white. The Caslon is a bit of a closet staple for me. I donfind they either tend to lose their shape or end up in my daughters closet. Thanks again. Have a great weekend!
Wow! You worked extra hard on this one. Lol. Lots of choices but I have to say my favorite was the Talbots “matronly” one. 😁 But I don’t like any see thru or clingy so that works for me. 😉
And you might be surprised but Walmart’s white T-shirt’s are pretty good given the prices. I’ve had some for several years and mine have held up pretty good but I don’t wear T-shirt’s all the time so if you do and have to wash them all the time I don’t know how well they hold up. And …. given the thickness those would probably be considered matronly too. Ha.
I agree Gina. Those of us who are on a budget, Walmart has some great T’s. I would definitely suggest giving Walmart a try. The fabric, quality & price is spot on. I haven’t had any issues. Their new Tyme & Tru line, is awesome.
I agree. I ordered the everlane white cotton v neck after a different blogger had it as their clear winner. But it’s too see through and the v is too low to wear without an undershirt for my tastes. I just picked up the Time and Tru v neck tonight and the v is perfect and I think it’ll be thick enough to wear alone. Definitely the best white t-shirt I’ve tried to date and like $3.88 I think.
Interesting. Well, at least I’m not alone!
P.S. I noticed the rounded neck one is now in stock again!!! https://rstyle.me/n/c3sxqzgthw
Wow great job and yes “the struggle is real” to find the perfect white tshirt. My favorite was the Halogen Modal and the Talbots Pima. I recently got a Talbots lilac long sleeve Tee and the fabric is super soft and it didn’t stretch out thoughout the day. The problem for us girls with the healthier bust line is finding the right fit. Even if I am going to layer a white tee, I don’t want it too tight around the girls because in Texas it’s hot and eventually the layers come off. Thanks for such a great post.
Wow, thank you, thank you for this! I have been on the hunt for a white and a light grey tee, and you just made my search much easier! How did I not see the Halogen ones?? Regardless, that one is very flattering on you, and it seems to check all of my boxes as well. I thought the Talbots tees looked fantastic on you too. Thanks again for doing this, I know it had to have been a long process!
Good morning! This was a great post, Jo-Lynne! Finding that white T can be quite a journey! Next, can you tackle the white tank?? I need some extra length, and a slight A-line, but NOT too big under the arms, etc!! I will searching for that soon! HA!!
Just returned from 2 weeks in FL/Disney and missed 2 east coast storms. I completely over-packed and ended up wearing one pair of jean shorts over and over!!! So many people wear novelty Disney t-shirts and it was so much fun to “people-watch”! Have a great weekend.
Absolutely not!!! (LOL! Kidding… kinda… this was so much work!) Everyone loves this one, although I would be afraid it is too low under the arms: https://rstyle.me/n/cze3z4gthw
Also, this is not a casual tank, but it fits great, if you want something for dressier looks. I got it in the mail yesterday: https://rstyle.me/n/cze34ugthw
Wow, Jo-Lynne, thanks for these options! I really like the dressier Ann Taylor one with the thicker straps. I may need to check it out!
Ohhh, this one looks like it’s worth a try: https://rstyle.me/n/cze355gthw
The Halogen modal is by far my favorite tee. I am wearing it in my IG post this morning (@capsulelikeaboss). I have it in black, white, and grey and can’t see myself buying another brand of tee in the near future!! So soft and silky, and not sheer. 💖
I like the Hologen V-neck and the Talbots. I never think to shop Talbots. I like have several different necklines in white and black t-shirts. This post is great! Thank you JoLynne!
Awesome post! Thank you for taking the legwork out of white tee shopping!
You rock! With spring approaching I always find myself on the hunt for a new white tee. Thank you for taking some of the leg work out of it for us.
Completely off-topic of the white tee but your hair looks GORGEOUS! I love how you’ve styled it in the Halogen modal T pics. LOVE it!!
Thank you!
Love this! Any chance we can get you to do a video tutorial of the front tuck??? Whenever I try to do it, it just looks awkward! 🤷🏻♀️
Sure!
Honestly, I think the Talbots’s tee is the most flattering on you. It doesn’t look old-fashioned. While Talbots is obviously geared for an older demographic, it does have wonderfully made classic pieces that can be worn by any age. It’s about the best quality clothing I have found. I also shop at J Crew and Nordstrom because I like their styles, but the quality is not near as good as my Talbots’s clothing.
You looked great in all of them. The boob pockets are a no for me. I am older than you but I really liked the Talbot ones the best. I didn’t think they looked matronly. I used to buy their clothes all the time when I worked. You can’t beat the quality.
Thanks for this great post! I really did like the two Talbot’s t-shirts on you. Not matronly at all. I think I will go try them on. I have a similar shape as you. Thanks for all your hard work.
Jo-Lyyne,
Can you clarify something for me? The last few years, I have noticed that I get tiny holes in most if not all of my t-shirts…mostly around the waist area in the front. What is that!? Why?
I think it’s because it rubs on the snap/fastening of the jeans, like when you are up against the kitchen sink or whatnot. Also, I tend to tug on mine quite a bit in that area — to get it not to cling to my muffin top (lol) or to keep it front tucked. Thinner shirts seem to develop those holes over time.
Thank you so much for keeping it real! Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one sucking in my gut for pictures! I look forward to your posts every day and slowly i’m getting less and less frustrated with figuring out what looks good on me. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that!
This is really funny but I love the way you look in the Talbots tees. I am 60 so I guess I am matronly!
I’ve been looking forward to this post too. And I have been doing my own review. You have saved me from ordering from a few stores. Haha! I definitely agree that there is no perfect white tee! My favorite is the new Universal Thread from V-neck tee from Target. It does have a pocket and is a little boxy. The Madewell tee is my second favorite.
This is a great post – thank you. I am always looking for a white tshirt that is not see thru. How about the color bra to wear under a white tshirt. I always seem to buy the wrong nude color – any recommendations?
I recommend a nude bra such as this one: https://rstyle.me/n/cze8srgthw
Thanks for the awesome review. This is really helpful. A good white tee is hard to find. I like the last Talbots one you tried on a lot, by the way.
My favorite casual tees are the Caslon from Nordstrom. I have them in a rainbow of different colors but need a new white one….so I’m ordering it right now. I’m a big fan of Madewell lately, but after ordering two of their tees in the last month, not such a big fan of those. Too long and the arms are a weird length for me too (and I’m a tall girl so the length must be really awkward for someone shorter.) I agree that those Talbots tees look like good quality, but the neckline is cut too high, the sleeves too long, and thus makes it look “matronly” & you’re too young for that. 😘
WOW, Nice job! You covered a ton of options. Seriously, why is finding what is such a basic item such a huge hassel? My body type is just not really t-shirt friendly. I kinda think it has something to do with being short waisted. I have the Caslon tee in a dark gray. I prefer one that’s not the slub fabric, but I like the cut. As I was reading the end of this post and thinking about Talbots I remembered I use to have quite a few tee’s from Chico’s that were v-neck and a really nice weight. I haven’t shopped there in years though. I think I bought those when I was in there with my mom at some point. Thanks for all sleuthing on white tee, Jo-Lynne. Happy Weekend! XO
Thanks for taking this on! Whoever designed the hated boob pocket should be demoted. Is it a leftover from wearing men’s T’s? Who knows…it’s awful. And I agree with your observations re: the fitting rooms at J Crew and Talbots. I often take pics of myself so I can look at my back in the mirror or just review what I tried on, so when I get enthused over said item online again, I can look at it and see why it’s a NO. 🙂
As for Talbots’ pima T’s, they last forever and that one does look good on you. But I understand that they look more classic than trendy. And the slub material is cooler in summer. I’m off to try the Caslon one, boob pocket notwithstanding.
Very cool post and reviews!! Thanks for that!
I also usually always find a great T-shirt at Target and JCP, and I typically plan to get a new one every year! One of the main reasons for this is because there is pretty much always yellow stains under the arm! Now… depending on how much I loved the T-shirt, I may keep it another year and wear underneath vests, cardigans or jacket! 😊
I loved the Talbots’ ones the best. They looked great on you! I guess I’ll have to check them out.
I’m glad you said it’s hard to find a good white tshirt , I thot I was just picky! Thanks for doing all that work!!
I can’t my finger on it either, but the Talbots one do whisper “matronly!” I just bought two tees from Target’s new Universal Thread line and really like the fit which shocked me. They are slub, not too thin, no pocket, lots of colors, v-neck. White tees are like jeans, I guess– have a closet full of ’em, but tend to wear just a few over and over again 🙂 Thanks for your hard work–always so helpful to read your commentary. Thankfully, we’re not breaking the bank on buying tees every season, but jeans….that can be another story!
Ha! I left my comment and then read through the others. I left a similar comment about the Target tees. I liked them too!
Oops. I misspoke. They do have pockets!
Wow this was a great post!
Thank you for doing this.
Thanks for all of the work you put into this post, Jo-Lynne. I really like how you reviewed each t-shirt but I have to say what I enjoyed the most was how you kept it real. It is so nice to know that you struggle with the dreaded muffin top/mid section area (like the rest of us) even though you always look so great in your outfits. Your posts are like talking with a close friend = best blogger!
Great post!! I appreciate a great white T-shirt that’s for sure. Have you tried the bp brand at Nordstrom? I have a super cute twist front one you styled last summer and wondered how he basic t compares. If you are familiar, please let me know. You styled so many as it is. I love loft, but am disappointed at how boxy their t-shirts can be.
Thank you!!!
Thanks for this post Jo Lynne. I have to say, I agree with your opinions on all the shirts. I thought I liked the LOFT white one in your stories yesterday but from your photos above, not as much. I think I bought the Madewell vneck around Christmas time and didn’t love it. I’m longer waisted so it was short on me. I just didn’t love the length.
I bought a white crew neck from Target yesterday – Universal threads – $8 each, $7 for two and like it but want to see how it washes. It’s big all over but 100% cotton so I assume it will shrink all over. I sized up so I actually hope it does. Might be worth checking out! I’m going to go back and do some trying on of the Universal Threads line. It’s gotten good reviews.
Great post Jo-Lynne. Something different is always wecomed!! I get what you mean about the Talbot Ts. I see them as too “serious”. Does that make sense? Not playful enough….feels like they’re someone elses. They’re just “not you”
LOL – yeah, I think they’re just a tad too preppy/classic.
Omg what a lot of effort that was, thank you, just wondering if you have ever considered gap tee shirts , I find their fit is just right and the quality you can’t beat , my only complaint would be they ride up a little bit, have you checked out gap and if so what do you think ?
I haven’t tried them this go-round, although my favorite tee for years was from Gap.
UGH! You did soooo much work and still came to the realization that there is no perfect white T. Why can no one figure out how to “check all the boxes”???? I have basically given up on white T’s because I spend the whole time focusing on what I don’t like about it, i.e., too see-thru, too loose , too tight. So frustrating!!
Great post Jolynne! I have another for you to add– the brand is called A.N.A and it’s available at JCPenney. Their tees are the modal type, super soft and comfy but flattering at the same time. Best of all they’re usually under $20! Give them a try! Also love your hair in the pics where yer ends are curled.
Wow – Thank you for all the work you put into this post! I was anxiously awaiting this as a new white tee is on my spring shopping list! So crazy how hard Ignatius is to find a white tee that is flattering and not too see through! I don’t for the life of me understand the boob pocket … it looks awful! Lol. Maybe I will check out target and old navy to see if they have any worth trying not on? Ugh. Thank you, Jo-Lynne!
What do you recommend for a 45y.o. to wear to a night club for her husband’s birthday? Thanks!
Hey Cynthia. I can’t say I’ve ever been to a night club (lol) but I’d probably wear jeans with a fun blouse like my leopard cami with a black leather jacket and pumps? Does that sound about right?
That helps! It is an 80s themed club. Reserved a table with 20 friends to pretend we are young again;)
Sounds like fun!
Great job, Jolynne! I love your honesty…right down to the “sucking in my stomach” part. I can so relate 🙂
You keep it real and I appreciate that.
Oh and I agree 110% about the boob pocket. What exactly is the purpose of it?? Half the time they end up drooping and just look plain awful.
Just say no to tiny pockets on middle age women! So difficult to find a flattering white tee when you’re an apple shape, like us. Even though you’re slim, they acccentuate the mid-section. Some great picks, for sure. Thanks for all the tips, you’re an inspiration and godsend to all us apples!
This is a fantastic post! Thanks for all of your hard work. I like the quality of Talbots’ tees.
Have you tried any of the Lands End Layering Tees? Those are my absolute favorites. I like the scoopneck version. Also, they just have a U jersey tee that they came out with that I LOVE. they only have ivory right now but I’m betting white will follow https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-jersey-u-neck-t-shirt/id_314764?sku_0=::BOP It’s possible I have bought five of these in the past few weeks.
That link doesn’t work for me. Is this it? https://rstyle.me/n/czhqmbgthw That could be cute… not sure I’d love the fabric, but the cut looks nice. I went to order but they charge shipping on orders under $50, so even if I order both sizes, I end up paying shipping so I’ll pass for now but if I order any swimwear from them this spring (I usually do) I will add this to my cart so I can try it out!
That’s the link to the layering tees. The fabric is thin but SO SOFT. I buy 5 of those every fall and wear them under my sweaters all winter. The U jersey ones are thicker https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-jersey-u-neck-t-shirt/id_314764?sku_0=::BOP Hopefully that one works. The cut is more flowing than the layering tees. The layering tees are so soft that I actually sleep in them year round.
Oh okay, that is cute too, although I generally don’t like the rounded hemline… but sometimes they work okay. I’ll try it!
Wow – I cannot even imagine how much work this post was, but THANK YOU for doing it! I am a no boob pocket and not see-through white shirt gal. I ended up getting one with a small almost not noticeable gold flecks on the front from Dress Barn last year and wear it all the time!
I’m going to agree with a bunch of other folks on here and say the Talbots Ts look great on you (and I don’t usually love their clothes). I see the appeal of the shearer fabric, but those necklines are particularly flattering (both the V and the scoop). But then, I’m probably matronly too! Any thoughts on the best neckline if you’re smaller on top? Or is that not a determining factor in your mind? I know that’s not your personal issue, but I wondered if you’d ever thought about it one way or the other. Great post, as always!
I can appreciate that the Talbots tees are flattering, I just have had a lot of t-shirts like that over the years and they feel tired to me. 🙂 But that’s just me, I highly recommend them! I think they’re nice. When you’re smaller chested, you can definitely get away with crewneck tees, but I still think a deep v-neck or wide scoop neck is most flattering on pretty much everyone.
Wow, that’s a lot of tee’s, thanks for the review! My husband keeps making fun of the boob pocket, “Oh look you’re wearing a pocket tee” or “what’s with the pocket t-shirt?”. Well let me tell you how hard it is to find one without a boob pocket right now, apparently that’s all that’s in style. I bought several of the LOFT vintage tee’s last year and haven’t been happy with them at all. They start out ok and after one wear they’re all stretched out so I have to wash and dry them after every wear to get some shape back, but the length shrinks and the width does not, which isn’t flattering. I’m super annoyed with the LOFT tee’s, they aren’t like they used to be. So I’m still on the hunt. I do like my Caslon tee’s drape with the exception of the boob pocket.
Another vote for the Talbot’s tees! I am waiting on one from Boden…love their other tees and have my fingers crossed on the white.
Another great place that I just discovered is Duluth trading’s T’s and tanks. They are very nice material,and long enough for my long torso and also high enough for those who don’t like to show cleavage.
This was super helpful! Sadly I haven’t owned a white T in years because I can’t find a good balance of modern and durable, but thanks to your review I’m looking into Talbots. Btw, your pictures are way better than the stores’ pages, thanks!
This was an amazingly thorough and comprehensive review! Thank you for your time and effort, very helpful, especially the pics from different angles and with the tees tucked/untucked!
The grandmother comment under the Everlane tucked tee had me laughing. Last time I stayed with my grandma I half-tucked a tee like that into my jeans, and she started having a laugh because she thought I’d accidentally tucked it while in the bathroom :’D
Too funny! My grandmothers have both passed, but I often wonder what they would say about today’s fashions.