Last week I mentioned my affinity for uncomplicated clothes (life demands simplicity, right?). My number one, uncomplicated item of clothing is the White T-Shirt. Yes, it deserves to be capitalized because it’s the quintessential American wardrobe staple. I’m convinced it’s the one thing most of us have or need, and there are so many directions you can take it in. Loose, fitted, casual, dressy, pajamas, workwear, the possibilities are beyond most typical items of clothing.
But I think I love white t-shirts the best because they serve my need for simplicity. And simplicity doesn’t have to be boring. Simplicity done well is often very interesting.
That’s why I decided to round up and review four basic white tees, and see how they compare and contrast in the small details that define a garment – and make it interesting.
Clockwise from top:
Jungmaven Baja Tee in Washed White – $57
Defining characteristics: drapey + vintage feel
This is a men’s tee, and it reminds me of an old tee borrowed from someone’s undershirt drawer, but with slightly weightier fabric. It’s a 7oz. blend of hemp and organic cotton (45/55). You can see the drape of the fabric in the sleeves and how they hang close to the body. The hemp makes the fabric slightly more textured, which gives the shirt a lived-in feel. The color also has a lived-in feel, with it’s slightly off-white tone.
Overall, the shirt is very soft and comfy, and it looks fabulous tucked into high waisted jeans.
I am wearing a size small. Jungmaven referral link.
ESBY Jane Tee* in White – $78
Defining characteristics: feminine + modern
The Jane Tee is decidedly feminine, particularly compared to the previous shirt. It features a shorter, boxy fit – good for front tucks – and shorter length sleeves. This top is similar in thickness to the Jungmaven tee, it’s made from high quality combed cotton jersey and is not transparent at all. Below, I photographed the shirts up close so you could get a little bit better idea of the fabric. The texture of this top is flat and smooth.
I really like the subtle scoop neck on this shirt. I think it will be a good one to wear front tucked with vintage jeans, and under sweaters in the winter.
I am wearing a size small. *=gifted
Everlane Cotton Crew in White – $14
Defining characteristic: basic and lightweight
The Everlane Cotton Crew mimics a men’s tee, but scaled down to fit a woman. It has that classic ribbed collar, it’s a bit of a slim fit, and it’s really good for tucking. You can see in the photos that the sleeves are not cropped, but they are a slimmer fit than the first tee. The fabric is 100% supima cotton and it’s a bit lighter weight than the previous shirts, and slightly less opaque. Everlane updated this shirt recently when they released the organic cotton version.
This shirt is ultra soft, and I like the featherweight feel as an alternative from my thicker tees.
I am wearing a size medium.
ABLE Shriya Crew Tee* in White – $44
Defining characteristic: basic and substantial
This tee is the perfect blend of the ESBY Jane tee (weight) and the Everlane Crew (shape). The Shriya crew is very similar in fit to the Everlane crew, but the sleeves fit a little bit looser. The Shriya Crew is made with 100% cotton jersey and is totally opaque and is a midweight fabric.
I think this is the kind of top that will get even better with washing and wear over time, and will be great to wear during colder months because it’s not as thin as other tees. It works really well for tucking.
I am wearing a size medium. *=gifted (you can use the code ANDREA25 to save 25% through Aug 31st)
Thanks for reading along! If you have any questions about these tees, drop me line in the comments. And if you want a trip through the archives, you can see the last time I did a T-shirt review, nearly five years ago!
