If you’re anything like us, the quest for that perfect white T-shirt has probably been a lifelong journey. Ok, that might sound dramatic. But this seemingly simple wardrobe staple is actually a lot more complicated than it seems. It needs to be comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and the right weight. Do you opt for a boxy fit or close-cut? V neck or crew neck?
All in all, it’s a daunting task. And as it turns out, it’s also one the Now to Love NZ team feels passionately about. We turned to the editors in the office to find their personal picks. From classic cuts to oversized styles, here are the white T-shirts our editors are turning to time and time again.
Our editors’ favourite white T-shirts to buy now
“With the high waist trending in everything from trackpants to tailored suit trousers and maxi skirts, I love the shorter length of this 100 percent cotton jersey tee. It can be tucked in without the bulk of a standard T-shirt and sits neatly under jackets without bunching – but still with freedom of movement. There is no doubt that a white T-shirt can be high maintenance in the laundry stakes and they need replacing on the regular, it’s just the way it is with white. At just $19.95 (and with discounted combo pricing for multiple purchases) this cost-effective option ensures you’ve always got a perfect white T-shirt on the go.”
Sarah Henry, Editorial Director and Editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly NZ
Sizes: 2XS – 2XL
Material: 100%
Maggie Marilyn Mini Tee
$95 from Maggie Marilyn
“My search for the perfect white tee came to a grinding halt when I found the Mini-T-shirt by local label Maggie Marilyn. I admit it’s on the pricier side of things as far as plain t-shirts go, but this sustainable staple is crafted from quality cotton, mindfully made, and (crucially) super cute.”
Anna Lee, Lifestyle Editor for NZ Woman’s Weekly & NZ Woman’s Day
Sizes: XS – 4XL
Material: 100% Good Earth Cotton
Assembly Label Base T-Shirt
$50 from The Iconic
“I like a fuss-free, classic tee: comfy enough for the weekend and smart enough to wear into the office. I can even add a nice necklace and head to an unexpected evening event. This Assembly Label tee fits the bill. Made of organic soft jersey cotton, it’s structured without being too boxy.”
Marilynn McLachlan, New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Editor
Sizes: 6-16
Material: 100% organic cotton jersey
“My search for the perfect white T-shirt was over the day I tried a James Perse (from Farfetch) one on. I don’t love those stiff high-neck tees, so this relaxed short-sleeve cotton version is like all my tee dreams come true. It’s pricey but I’m willing to pay for one good one as opposed to buying a heap of not-so-good versions. Celeb endorsed also – Camila Morrone, Dakota Johnson and Ana de Armas are fans.”
Fiona Hawtin, Your Home & Garden Editor
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% Cotton
Classic Tee
$89 from Kowtow
“I love a white T-shirt – it’s a summer wardrobe staple. (But let me know if anyone has some no-fail white cotton washing tips.) My current fave is the Kowtow Classic Tee: bog-standard, with short sleeves and ribbed crew neck. But it’s just the right length and fits perfectly – the secret of which eludes me. Because it’s Kowtow, this T-shirt is made from ethical Fairtrade, plastic-free, midweight organic cotton jersey. And that’ll be $89, thanks.”
Virgina Larson, Kia Ora Editor
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Material: 100% certified Fairtrade organic cotton
“I’m a serial spiller of spaghetti bolognese/red wine/coffee, so my white T-shirts need to be affordable and most importantly, able to withstand regular bleaching. This Cotton On number ticks all the boxes, plus has a lovely weight to it that makes it feel much more expensive than it is.”
Sarah Templeton, Shopping Editor
Sizes: 2XS-4XL
Material: 100% cotton
Ultimate Knit T-Shirt
$319 from Laing
“For work, I would choose something white-tee adjacent, like this fine merino knit tee from Laing. I’m always looking for tops that sit well under a jacket and I love the touch of the orange detail. And I also like that with care, tops like this last forever.”
Kirsty Cameron. The Listener Editor
Sixes: XL-XL
Material: 100% merino wool
Womans’ Maple Tee (4001)
$31.95 from AS Colour
This is the perfect T-shirt. Priced under $32, this tee ticks all the right boxes; 100% cotton, a mid-weight textile and in a regular fit that’s not too long, making it ideal for tucking into on-trend high-waisted denim or even for pairing with tailored pieces. I like to roll the sleeves up two hems for a retro look that never dates.
Leigh Matheson, New Zealand Woman’s Day and Woman’s Weekly Fashion Editor
Sizes: XS-3XL
Material: 100% combed cotton
More winning white T-shirts
Best baby tee: The Off-White Mini Tee ($89 from Baddy)
This local brand uses a blend of environmentally friendly hemp and cotton to make t-shirts that are both eco-friendly and super chic.
Best unisex white T-shirt: 450 Box Fit SS Pocket Tee ($63.20 from The Iconic)
Dickies is known for its unisex utilitarian wear and this box-fit pocket tee is simple, classic and perfect for any wardrobe.
Best off-white T-shirt: The Cos Clean Cut T-Shirt in light beige ($63.20 from The Iconic)
This pure cotton T-shirt has been getting rave online reviews thanks to its shape and weight – and the colour is a cream dream.
Best cropped white T-shirt: Oversized Cropped T-Shirt ($73 from Skims)
Throw this cropped number on over activewear or with high-waisted jeans for the perfect off-duty model look.
Best long-sleeved white T-shirt: Cotton Ribbed Long Sleeve Top ($19.99 from Glassons)
This long-sleeved number is the perfect trans-seasonal piece. Throw it on under jumpers to protect your skin, or over activewear when you’re cooling down after class.
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