asking cool girls about their white tees so you don't have to

return to personal style, pt. 4

Mar 17, 2026

When I realized I needed a bit of an overhaul of my white tees (as in, I needed to invest in ones that actually fit), I consulted my friends. Specifically, fashionable friends who wear them well. Janelle Taylor pairs hers with silky pants and boat totes for mom duty, Allison Bornstein wears hers with jeans and elevated accessories, Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style layers hers over slip dresses, Elin Strong uses them to accent her cool vests and jackets and Rachel Whitehouse (whom you may know as clothesarefriends!!) wears one to work almost every day.

Since I’m an overachiever (when it comes to shopping) I also did a little field research of my own.

Allison Bornstein, Stylist (& substack writer, closet extraordinaire, cool mom, etc. !!)

Everyday
- Before I had my son, I LOVED my Slvrlake baby tees. They are casual and cool and the perfect length. However, they are expensive and I had spit up all down the back of them so my friend found this Brady Melville version (I am not proud, but they work! Also there are two versions, you want THIS one— the other is HORRIBLE) which have a similar vibe (that is what I am wearing in the photo actually!). I like my t-shirts to have a bit of structure but not be too thick. These both have a little texture as well which I tend to like!
Fancy
- Unfortunately, Morgan ruined me by gifting me a Renggli baby tee and now I am obsessed and have re-purcashaed a few. I absolve the Cashmere Silk Tee that she does as well! Its a little sheer which feels sexy and is great if you want to do a t-shirt and jeans for dinner but want to make it a little sexier.
- I also like THIS one from Dhoemi which is long and has an amazing shape and structure. It is more of a top than a t-shirt and I love it when I was to wear a t-shirt but want something with a little more sauce.

Rachel Whitehouse aka clothesarefriends

I actually do have an undiagnosed disease when it comes to the LESET margo t-shirts. I swear I own about 50 of these. I literally wear them every day. It’s kind of awkward because I can’t get the brand to actually want to work with me. It makes sense because they’d probably be forgoing their highest paying customer if they did offer me gifting. Anyways, DMs are open. I am literally your biggest fan. I can’t say enough about this t-shirt except the usual things… the perfect fit, it doesn’t shrink, its heavy weight. The collar keeps it’s shape. Everyone else is lying, this is the one. Also, made in the USA… if we even care about that these days?

Rachel Solomon, Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style

So, white tees. Like jeans, it’s a category where you’re always on the lookout, I think. I have 2 current faves.

(1) Harris Tapper “Gibson” - here on me with the skirt -- it feels like velvet yet presents all the ease you want from a white tee; I have no idea how they achieve this.

(2) James Street JS Basic tee (under dress + w/pants) -- so substantive and the size of the pocket is great. This design element is just enough -- it really stand alone -

I love a white tee -- like a gray sweatshirt, an instant way to casualize an outfit. And while they can be high maintenance - I wear NO foundation, not even tinted SPF when I wear one -- they’re much easier than a white shirt that needs dry cleaning; often an oxiclean pen is enough. I like a white tee that’s oversized (though not exaggeratedly so), with a shoulder that sits below my natural (tiny) one, and one that’s substantive enough to hold its own with whatever bottoms I put it with - without needing so much, if any, styling. I love a white tee with black pants, because the casualness vs a white shirt takes it out of server-uniform territory and it just looks fresh, sharp and easy. I also like white tees under things very often because I like to wear a bra; the tee hides that when I choose a strappy item and it makes these pieces more casual and wearable. I also think gray tees are an interesting concept + nice to own. May be easier to pair, less stark, same casualization effect, and easier to keep looking clean. (Ed.note- AGREED!)

Elin Strong, aka Bang Voyage

At first glance, you might think I’m anti–white tee. But look a little closer and you might just spot a sliver of white peeking out from beneath my colorful sweaters, vests, and cardigans.

While I still love to occasionally go full-chested white with denim or fun pants, most days I have two kids, three and under, crawling all over me. I’ve learned the hard way (read: paint-stained Leset) that my favorite white t-shirt is safest as a base layer. But honestly, shout out to my kids. That little flash at the collar’s been adding dimension, brightening up heavier knits, and doubling as a pretty low-lift styling trick that (gratefully) makes me feel pulled together.

I already own three of the “it” tee (yes, the hype is warranted), but I’m saving up to add The Topanga Tee and Car Tee to my collection next.

Janelle Taylor, writer of Romance Adjacent

I’d like for my white tee to act as a background character, so seamlessly blended into my outfit that you don’t even know it’s there. If it looks *that* effortless, or like something that was casually thrown on, then I know it’s doing its job. It’s not making a statement, it’s just quietly bolstering the rest of the look. I think Perfectwhitetee’s Harley tee is a great example of this—somehow thin with a bit of structure to it, as if it’s been in your closet for years.

Naturally, I did some of my own research as well. Personally, I am in search of a white tee that’s crisp, slightly oversized, and has some shape. 100% cotton is also a must.

My current collection is… random at best. I bought this soft knit Khaite tee when I was pregnant with my daughter (a hormone induced splurge) and while I do love it and it HAS held up over the years…. it’s also been through two pregnancies with me and gotten a little stretched out. I treat it as more of a sweatshirt than a tee. I am no stranger to the pull of a good Aritzia tee- I think they make pretty decent rib tees and I’ll continue to rely on them for those, but I’m craving something a bit more sophisticated. Enter this Dries tee- a sale on sale purchase from my second pregnancy (are we sensing a theme here?) that I can vouch for quality wise, but is, again, pretty oversized. And finally, I love to lounge around in the Negative whipped tee but it’s a little sheer for everyday.

Sold Out NYC’s white crop tee: So I thought this one would be a surefire winner, as Sold Out’s tanks have consistently performed for me and their marketing campaign for this tee is really pushing the narrative that this is the best one to have ever existed. Sadly, the boxy shape overtook my body and left me feeling out of sorts when paired with jeans. A quick and easy decision to return and see what else is out there….
Buck Mason Field Spec tee: Fun fact: I used to live across the street from the Buck Mason store on Abbot Kinney. I didn’t realize they had women’s clothing but I do admire their quality when it comes to mens so I added this to the list. It is definitely built to last, not flimsy, and high quality. The thick, ribbed crewneck and heavier weight cotton gave me a sporty vibe that I like. This would also be ideal for anyone requiring an underwire bra. The quality actually reminds me of my Khaite tee, though that one is much longer.
Re/Done x Hanes crop rib tee: Split second decision to try this one because why not?! Disclaimer- it is NOT white, definitely more of an ecru vibe. It’s a thick rib that somehow isn’t heavy and I actually think it’s a chic version of a white crop tee that would pair nicely with silky pants and a cropped jacket. KEEP, even though I don’t think I’d place in the classic white tee category.
Made Revival Topanga tee: I have to pick a favorite, right? If so, it’s this one. I love it so much that I’m now debating purchasing the grey. Think of it as the bohemian younger sister of the Leset Margo. Lightweight, organic cotton and boxy but not too much. So easy to throw on with jeans, which, IMO, is the whole point of a great white tee.
Leset Margo: Speaking of the Leset Margo…. yeah, it’s pretty great. A really fantastic everyday tee to have in your arsenal. I wish it was a tad shorter in length, (I’m 5’2) but it’s flattering and has clean lines that give a nice shape. Also available in other colors and a long-sleeve version.

Negative, maker of my favorite bras and loungewear now has swimwear. Eyeing this tiger print two-piece. They also released their aforementioned whipped loungewear in a cute stripe print- the tank and shorts make for a cozy look.
Saie at Credo Beauty - I was really inspired after listneing to their founder, Laney, on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. Did you know they sell one Saie product every 4.5 seconds?! Crazy. Anyway, Saie is now at Credo Beauty (if you’re unfamiliar, think Sephora but exclusively for clean beauty brands!). Their new setting spray is the first one without synthetic polymers, which is major! I’m loving it so far.
I started a channel on Instagram (basically, a group chat)- I’ll be sharing links to things I’ve purchased and new arrivals a few times a week. Join here!
Updated Shopbop hearts here, I am obsessed with these loafers and this sequin skirt and currently have these pants in my cart.
We’re in spring dress overload at the moment, but I’ve had my eye on black accessories, specifically in the form of my latest splurge- this clutch by The Row! After years of schlepping mostly big bags filled with… more bags of stuff for my kids, wearing this on date night is such a treat. Also of note- a statement necklace to add some personality to a wedding guest look, a classic belt and a fresh pair of flip-flops.