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Written by Tanya Zhang
What are the best white t-shirts for men? That question is hard to answer. There are so many brands and varieties. In reality, it depends on the person. All white t-shirts serve a purpose, and it is up to you to find which one you will look good in while wearing it comfortably.
Why do you need a white t-shirt? Are you looking for a plain white t-shirt to wear under other clothes? Or are you looking for a solid color t-shirt that can stand alone without being too flashy? All these questions and more should be considered when determining which white t-shirt best suits your needs.
Best White T Shirts for Men | Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider when looking for white t-shirts. Some brands have the best white t-shirts for one of the factors but lose points on another.
For example, a brand's t-shirt might be of superior quality but lack any individual style or design. As a result, not all white tees are created equal. The best white t shirts for men will require research and is the best balance between quality, fit, and price.
We also have a helpful guide on how to get stains out of a white shirt.
If you're interested in how t shirts came about, read the following section to learn about the history of the t shirt:
A Brief History of T Shirts and the Significance of a Plain White Tee
The history of the men's white t-shirt, often regarded as the simplest type of top, is a story of simplicity and versatility. The white t-shirt has been a staple of men's fashion for over a century, evolving from humble beginnings into an iconic wardrobe essential.
Early Beginnings:
The origins of the white t-shirt can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was primarily used as an undergarment. Made from lightweight, breathable cotton, these early t-shirts were plain and undecorated, serving as an essential layer of clothing beneath dress shirts and suits.
1900s - Rise in Popularity:
In the early 20th century, the white t-shirt started to gain popularity as a standalone piece of clothing, especially among laborers and athletes. Its practicality and comfort made it a favorite among soldiers during World War I.
1950s - Pop Culture Icon:
The 1950s marked a significant turning point for the white t-shirt. Thanks to Hollywood icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean, who donned white t-shirts in their iconic roles, this simple garment gained cult status. These actors made the white t-shirt synonymous with rebellion and a symbol of youthful coolness. It became the go-to attire for the rebellious youth of the era, often paired with denim jeans.
1960s - Counter-Culture Symbol:
During the counterculture movement of the 1960s, the white t-shirt continued to evolve. It became a canvas for various slogans, political statements, and tie-dye designs. The tie-dye trend, in particular, gave the white t-shirt a vibrant and psychedelic twist.
1980s and Beyond - Fashion Staple:
In the 1980s, the white t-shirt underwent further transformations. Designers and fashion labels began incorporating it into high fashion collections. It was paired with blazers and leather jackets, making it a versatile item that could be dressed up or down. The quest for the "best white t-shirt" intensified as designers aimed to perfect its fit, fabric, and durability.
Contemporary Era - The Quest for the Perfect White T-Shirt:
Today, the search for the best white t-shirts continues. Fashion enthusiasts and consumers alike seek the ideal combination of fit, fabric quality, and affordability. Many brands now offer a range of white t-shirts in various styles, from crew neck to V-neck, and from classic to slim fit, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
The men's white t-shirt remains a timeless classic, cherished for its simplicity and versatility. Whether worn as an undershirt, a statement piece, or a layering essential, the best white t-shirts continue to hold a special place in men's fashion, transcending generations and trends.
Here are factors to consider when purchasing a white t-shirt:
Style: Crew Neck, V Neck, Ribbed Collar?
One of the factors that can make or break a white t shirt is style. You wouldn't buy a nice suit and pair it with a cheap tie that makes it look bad, right? The same applies to white t-shirts. A stylish white t-shirt can elevate your look and make people take a second look at your outfit. When considering style, think about whether you prefer a crew neck, v neck, or even ribbed collar.
In our opinion, you can't go wrong with a crew neck as that's the most classic style. A V-neck is also popular, and sometimes worn as an undershirt to hide the shirt if the higher buttons are unbuttoned on a dress shirt, for example.
Quality: Cotton T Shirt or Polyester T Shirt?
Quality is one of the most important factors to consider when buying any product, but it's even more so for a white tee shirt because you wear it next to your skin. Cotton is the best fabric choice as it provides comfort and breathability. If cotton doesn't meet your needs, other synthetic fabrics like polyester or a blend work as well.
Price: Pima Cotton vs Blend
Price is another crucial factor in choosing a white tee shirt. Sometimes the most expensive option doesn't mean quality and durability, while other times, the most affordable option is the best value for your dollar. Generally, Pima cotton and organic cotton t shirts will be the most expensive and may feel higher end. Most blended fabrics or synthetic fabrics will be much cheaper.
When shopping, you don't want to cheap out on something that will only last a few washes, but it's also not wise to overpay for an expensive tee shirt with no advantages or unique style.
Fit: Slim Fit vs Relaxed Fit
Fit is also a factor to consider when looking for the best white tee shirt. It doesn't matter if your t-shirt is fitted or not; it needs to be comfortable and match your body type. Many brands have their size charts featured on their websites so that customers can see what size they need before making a purchase.
We have reviewed the top brands and come up with a list showcasing our favorite white tee shirts to save you time researching yourself.
1. Nimble Made Men's White T Shirt V Neck
This handy, aesthetically pleasing option is great for business casual outfits. It fits well and looks professional, but it doesn't lack style or flair. It is a medium-priced product that will last you a long time if you take care of it properly. This lightweight t shirt holds up well with repeated machine washes, which makes life much more accessible than handwashing. Made in the USA, this design is 100% soft cotton, making it comfortable and long-lasting.
2. Nimble Made 100% Cotton Crew Neck T Shirt
Check out Nimble Made's Men's White T-Shirt Crew Neck! Here's why it's the top pick in our list of the best men's white tees:
- Super Soft: Nimble Made's fabric feels incredibly soft against your skin, so you'll stay comfy all day.
- Classic Crew Neck: It's the perfect canvas for any outfit, whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual.
- Durable: This tee is built to last, made in USA and of 100% cotton. So you can count on it staying in your wardrobe for a long time.
- Stylish Simplicity: It's the kind of t-shirt that effortlessly elevates your style without any extra effort.
- Modern Fit: Nimble Made's fit is on point, making you look sharp and put-together.
In our top 11 roundup of men's white t-shirts, the Nimble Made White T-Shirt is the no-brainer choice for guys who want comfort, style, and quality all in one package!
3. Gildan Men's Ultra Cotton Tee
Gildan is on the list again with another option if you're looking for a nice basic tee. Gildan just makes some good white t shirts! This version has some style, so it's not just your average white shirt that you can find anywhere. The double-needle stitching makes this shirt look professional and essential without being too flashy or ostentatious. It looks great paired with a nice pair of jeans and some work boots or loafers.
This style is 100% cotton making it comfortable and breathable. The pull-on closure is easy to use and makes getting in and out of the shirt simple. A big plus is that this tee can be machine washed without any fear of damage or wearing down.
4. Goodthreads Men's Crew Neck T Shirt
This cool-looking tee shirt is a more expensive option, but it's high quality and highly comfortable. The fit hugs the body well and makes for a more stylish garment that you're sure to love wearing. This white t-shirt has a crewneck collar which is perfect if you want something that looks great but doesn't feel like it's choking you. The double-needle stitching is a nice touch that makes this product look more expensive and stylish.
It’s made from 100% cotton; it's highly breathable and will keep you cool when the temperature soars. It's machine washable, so you can put it in with your regular load of laundry.
5. Amazon Essentials Men's 2-Pack Short Sleeve T Shirt
The Amazon Essentials white tees are perfect if you want a simple, affordable option. This plain white t-shirt will look great paired with a nice pair of jeans. There are two shirts in the pack, so you'll always have an extra one to use while your other one is being washed.
The fabric of this t-shirt is 100% cotton which makes it nice and firm. You can machine wash these shirts without fear of damage or wear. The V neckline looks good and doesn't feel too tight or stifling.
6. Hanes Men's Essentials Short Sleeve T Shirt Value Pack
Hanes has a lot of experience making tee shirts and crew neck short sleeves, and this product is one example of their high-quality clothing. The fit isn't too loose or baggy, nor is it too tight. You can wear this shirt to the gym or for a day out because it's comfortable and breathable. The double-needle stitching makes for a more durable garment that isn't going to rip or tear easily. This product is made entirely from 100% cotton fabric, making the shirt comfortable and breathable.
The neck and armhole openings both have extra reinforcement to make the t-shirt last longer. This shirt is machine washable, which makes caring for it easy and convenient. These shirts are also preshrunk, so you don't have to worry about losing their size over time.
7. Fruit of the Loom Men's Stay Tucked Crew Neck Short Sleeve
Fruit of the Loom has a different take on a classic white T-shirt with this option. The crew neckline isn't as standard as other styles, but this is more comfortable and less constricting. This t-shirt is tag-free, so there's no irritating or chafing label to deal with. The fabric is made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon, making the shirt comfortable and robust.
This product is machine washable, so you can keep it clean without having to be too careful or take special precautions after each use.
This is a great tee shirt for everyday wear or even to the gym. The fit is modern and will make you look good while keeping you cozy and dry at the same time. Its tumble dries low design is also great for those with busy schedules and little time to deal with laundry after a workout.
8. Gildan Men's Ultra Cotton T Shirt Long Sleeve
The t-shirt is of good quality with ribbed sleeves, which helps the shirt stay in place without bunching up. The double-needle stitch makes for a more durable garment that won't fall apart after being washed. This product comes in a massive range of sizes, so you're sure to find one that fits just right. The fabric is 100% preshrunk cotton, so it won't shrink after you wash it.
It comes in white and a range of other colors, so you can get something that goes with almost every outfit. The price point is good for the quality because this shirt will last through many wears and washes. You can even use bleach when you wash it, which is ideal if you need to remove some tough stains.
9. Jerzees Men's Dri-Power Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Jerzees is a trusted brand that has been making quality t-shirts for years. The fabric is made from 100% cotton, which means it's solid and durable enough to last a long time. This product comes in a range of sizes, so you can find one that fits just right. It won't stretch or shrink after being washed and maintain its size even after repeated washes.
It is made with a unique fade-resistant dye, so the colors will stay strong and vibrant for longer, even if you wear this shirt in the summer or in bright light. This also means you won't have to worry about staining it when it comes in contact with sweat or other liquids. It has a lay-flat collar and a tag-free neckline so that you can enjoy all-day comfort and easy care.
10. Fashion Men’s T-Shirt Top
A low price point and good quality make this shirt perfect for anyone on a budget. The tee shirt is durable enough to last through many washes. Sizes come in small through xx-large so that you can find the right fit. It features super absorbable, fast dry, stretchable, lightweight soft.
If you love being outdoors, this shirt is perfect for sunny days because the light fabric will keep you cool and comfortable while providing satisfactory UV protection. Its neutral color means it goes with just about any outfit, so it's a great staple to add to your wardrobe. The breathable knit design also means you can wear it in the gym, especially when you're doing high-impact workouts that make you sweat a lot.
11. Gold Toe Men's Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
For comfort and classic style, this product is hard to beat. The fabric is soft and stretchy, so it moves with your body instead of bunching up or restricting you in any way. This product comes in the medium through 3x large, so there are options for every guy out there. The shirt has a durable construction thanks to the cotton blend it's made from. The fabric is sturdy but still soft, so you can rest easy knowing this product won't break down after repeated washes, as some cheaper shirts do. You also get a reinforced heel and toe, which adds to the durability of the garment.
With all these great features for such an affordable price point, this product is a great value. The sheer comfort you get from wearing this shirt will impress you. You can wear it to the gym, for casual days out, or even when you're lounging around at home. Its tag-free design gives you all-day comfort without irritating your skin, so it's perfect to wear underneath another shirt if you need extra warmth on a cold day.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a slim-fit shirt and a regular fit?
A. Slim fit shirts are tighter around the arms, chest, waist, and stomach area than regular fit shirts, which are usually baggier all over. Slim fit shirt style also has smaller armholes to show off more of your upper body.
Q. What is a muscle-fit shirt?
A. A muscle-fit shirt has a looser fit around the arms and stomach area, but it's still snug across the chest and shoulders for lifting support. It also has smaller armholes like the slim fit category.
Q. What is the difference between a t-shirt and a crew neck t-shirt?
A. The main difference between a t-shirt and a crew neck t-shirt is that t-shirts have lower armholes, making them tighter around the chest, shoulders, and arms than crew neck tees which are more loose fitting around these areas. T-shirts tend to have shorter sleeves that end right below the elbow, whereas crew necks are longer and usually give more arm coverage.
Q. What is the difference between a v neck and a crew neck t-shirt?
A. V neck tees have a wide opening in the center, while crew neck shirts have smaller holes, which come up higher on your chest. The scoop or winged v neck is a bit more curved than the straight v, making it perfect for wearing under another shirt like a blazer.
Conclusion: White T Shirts Aren't Going Away
In conclusion, the white t-shirt, a humble yet iconic garment, has woven its way through the fabric of fashion history, enduring as a timeless staple in men's wardrobes. Crafted from various materials, including lightweight cotton, blends, and even high-end fabrics like Pima cotton, it caters to a wide range of preferences and settings.
Its versatility knows no bounds, making it suitable for most occasions. Whether worn as an undergarment, or paired with jeans for a classic ensemble, the white t-shirt can adapt to any setting.
What truly sets the white t-shirt apart is its ability to stand the test of time. It transcends fleeting fashion trends, remaining a constant presence in our closets. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, comfort, and adaptability. A well-made white t-shirt, cared for with love, can last for years, if not decades, maintaining its quality and charm.
So, as fashion continues to evolve, the white t-shirt remains a symbol of timeless style and enduring comfort, making it not just a clothing item but a testament to the enduring power of simplicity in the world of men's fashion.
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