Our Favorite White T-Shirts Are All Under $50

It took me years to find the perfect white T-shirt, which is funny because I thought it’d be one of the easiest things to shop for. 

Why? Well, they’re always around: Just this year alone, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lawrence, and Zoey Deutch have all worn the layerable basic that goes with jeans, skirts, and more. And in the nearly three years I’ve been at PEOPLE, I’ve personally covered others like Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes in them and have seen countless others, including Kendall Jenner and Kate Middleton, wear them long before I was even writing about fashion. 

But alas, so many of the tees I tried were either sloppy-looking, ridiculously see-through, or just too expensive — until I found the one. I’m sharing it below, along with more recommendations from my fellow shopping team members.  

Our Favorite White T-Shirts

Cos Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

“For me, it’s the collar that sets apart a good white T-shirt from any average one. It cannot, and I repeat, cannot, give me ‘bacon neck.’ After a few washes, this is usually inevitable — but it has yet to happen with this under-$50 Cos find. It’s totally opaque and the material is on the thicker side, which, I think, makes it look like I spent way more than just $45 on it. The color has not yellowed at all either, and I’ve never once had to bleach it. It also looks sleek under thick sweaters and jackets.” — Alyssa Grabinski, senior shopping writer 

Madewell Vintage Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt

“I keep stocking up on these Madewell tees because they have that perfectly broken-in feel. The cotton is soft but not flimsy, so I can tuck it into jeans or wear it loose and it looks great. They also wash well, and the classic crewneck never goes out of style.” — Jeaneen Russell, shopping writer 

Gap Favorite Crewneck T-Shirt

“The criteria for my perfect T-shirt is a breathable fabric, relaxed fit, and sleeves that aren’t too short or too long. This Gap style has all of the above and then some. I own four of them overall — two in white, two in black. They’re made from a soft, airy cotton blend that’s comfortable enough to wear solo in the warmer months, and great for layering under wool sweaters in the fall and winter. And as someone who is 5-foot-9-inches, I appreciate the impressive size range that includes tall lengths (plus petite, if that’s your fit!).”  — Clara McMahon, senior shopping writer  

Dynamite Everyday Heavy Cotton T-Shirt

“It took me a while to find my perfect white T-shirt, and now that I have, I’m never going back. I like that this one is the perfect midpoint between slim-fitting and overly boxy and that it isn’t too cropped. Whether worn on its own or layered under a jacket or sweater, this shirt never disappoints.” — Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer 

Banana Republic Factory Ribbed T-Shirt

“I own this T-shirt in five colors, and the white hue I wear almost weekly. It’s just the right amount of thickness that it’s not see-through yet not super heavy, and the ribbed detailing gives it a slightly more polished feel. I like that it’s a bit longer on me too, so I can tuck it into skirts, pants, and jeans with ease, and it doesn’t ride up at all.” — Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial director 

Zara Cotton Modal Crop T-Shirt

“I own this top in white, black, and brown, and I rotate between the three almost daily. With my short torso, cropped styles tend to suit me best, and the flattering silhouette pairs perfectly with high-waisted jeans, pants, and skirts. The fabric is soft, breathable, and adaptable enough for everything from long travel days to hot yoga sessions. It’s become an essential in my wardrobe — so much so that when I accidentally left one behind at a hotel, I ordered a replacement right away.” — Nicol Natale, shopping writer 

Universal Thread Short Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

“This simple white T-shirt is my idea of the perfect fit. It’s not too tight, but not too baggy, and the length hits just at hip height, so I can tuck it in easily or leave it untucked without it erasing my frame. I appreciate that it’s 100 percent cotton, which makes it buttery soft and easy to get rid of stains with bleach. For the price, I’d repurchase it in a heartbeat, although it is slightly see-through, so I’ll be scouring this list for my new favorite.” — Maggie Horton, shopping writer