In June, I announced my discovery of the best white button. To this day, it’s still my go-to white outfit (although I accidentally washed it with tie-dye socks and now it’s pink-ish, but that’s another story). Since then, many people have come to me with requests for white shirts: big necks, no collar, sleeve detail, slim-cut. Behold, I am back to delve deep into the wide world of the beautiful white shirt.
I personally had the pleasure of feeling and seeing many of the options below for myself, and I’m happy to announce that they are all fantastic options. It depends on what style you’re going for!
These are my favorites—now it’s time to choose the one that’s right for you you.
The Japanese Oxford Square Shirt from Everlane It has taken its place as my favorite white dress. You’re welcome to read my full story about it here, but I’ll break it down for you quickly: It’s full weight, so it’s not see-through; it is structured, not rigid. It has a punch cut, which is perfect for leaving a blank or in front (your call). It’s the right shade of white, and it’s easy to wash, as long as you don’t accidentally spill it on tie-dye socks. I have convinced many others to get theirs, and the response has been uniformly positive. I personally went up a size for bigger eyes.
I am not myself This shirt is from Whoreworld, but I would like to. I could wear it with boxer shorts and white socks a la Tom Cruise, and I’d probably wear it with leggings and ballet flats. It is 100% organic cotton, large, soft and strong. Because it is so thick, it is made to be worn without buttons, “jacket style,” on days that are a little colder. This is a white shirt story…but I should mention that I love black.
My partner met before This Polo Ralph Lauren oxford and denim, and I find myself wearing it several times a week (thanks, Mikey!). I decided to get us (lol) that kind of white– but it also means we wear it like denim. It is a male form, hence its size. I bought a half (so we could share it, obviously) – I usually wear it with gloves and boxers or tie it in front. Since it is easy to wash like a T-shirt, it will probably become your daily staple.
There are times when you can’t wear an oversized white shirt (even though I love them) instead of a fitted one. If you are wearing a blazer or trousers, a soft fabric is the best choice for tucking in or tucking the sleeves. 100% cotton poplin shirt by Alex Mill can be machine washed with steam or a gentle iron.
I bought a turtleneck shirt—shown above—a few years ago and still wear it often. It’s $35 and vintage from the ’80s. Although there are currently few options that are completely white (although I love this See me), there are plenty of reasonably priced grape options. When you’re digging through the Internet, I recommend looking at things: Look for cotton instead of polyester – and the shirt will have a nice, old-school detail. I like to wear a statement collar shirt under a collarless jacket, folding the collar of the shirt.
There is, of course, another extreme collar: no collar at all! This cotton is from COS nice and modern, with a large pocket on one side of the box. I also love the cut: It flows like the aforementioned Everlane model but it’s a little dressy, with hidden front buttons. I would wear this shirt with only the top button done—and the rest of it loose, flowing around me like a feather—over a dress or jumpsuit.
This shirt is from Madewell stands out because of three different things: a comfortable breast bag that gives it light with a practical feel, a heavy fabric, and a back yoke that is split three times (excellent detail). I found this shirt very easy to sew below sweaters or layers pass through tees and turtlenecks, making it more expensive.
I have my eyes this shirt in a cropped style since its inception. It has buttons on the front and can double as a light jacket. (It also comes with an great style.) It’s technically denim, which also means it’s 100% cotton, so it qualifies as the whitest shirt option here (and the one I’m obsessed with).
I love the tuxedo as it is worn right under the jacket, with a little collar or two. This everyday item is on sale at Lucky Brand for $13.99-or consider this fashionable, investment-level option from Wardrobe.NYC. I love the bib detail of the tuxedo suit—it’s a great way to instantly add your class to the look.
Talk about details! This shirt is from Angela Brito has a very nice opening at the back which is made of elastic and covered. Unlike the basics above, this is a statement dress. It’s also very comfortable-100% cotton and handmade in Brazil.
Do you have my favorite white dress missing? Let me know so I can add it to my newsletter!