Hallie’s Favorite White Tees
We’ve all heard it a thousand times: Just throw on jeans and a white tee. Sounds simple, right? Except it’s not. Because not all white tees are created equal. And while jeans are a whole separate conversation for another day, today we’re focusing on the white tee. That elusive wardrobe workhorse that can either make an outfit look pulled together or… deeply uninspired.
Having a few really great white tees on hand makes getting dressed so much easier. These are the styles I rely on, wear on repeat, and genuinely miss when they’re in the wash.
Here are the four types of white tees I think every wardrobe needs, plus my favorite picks in each category.
1. Slub Tees (My Ride-or-Die)
If I had to pick just one white tee style, this would be it. No judgment, but this is exactly why I own four favorites.
A short sleeve slub tee is the most versatile white tee you can own. You can wear it under jackets and sweaters or completely on its own. It’s soft, feminine, and effortless in that way that looks styled without trying.
What I look for in a great slub tee:
The drape: Slub fabric has a broken-in feel, which creates beautiful movement and a subtle sheerness.
The sleeve: I like it to hit right around the deltoid. Super flattering and not too short.
The neckline: A crewneck with a thinner collar band always looks more refined.
My favorites:
I’ll be honest, I wear these 4 somewhat interchangeably. For me, I can never have enough white tees, I wear them multiple times a week, so there are always a few in heavy rotation.
Rowan - Quality at a nice price. Pre shrunk, runs TTS, great drape and slub fabric, not see-through IMHO, a little longer so good for tucking in. 24.5 in length.
ATM - Nice soft hand, runs TTS, a little more shrunken feel so i can wear it untucked, not see thru IMHO, I wear this one on heavy rotation. 23 in length.
James Perse - Great texture and soft, I‘ve had this the longest. I like how the hem is curved on the sides. 25 in length.
Splendid - The most relaxed fit of my slubs, and the lowest price. This one has cotton and model in the fabric so it has a bit of stretch when it drapes. It tucks and blouses beautifully.
2. Boxy + Opaque (Cool Girl Energy)
These are what I call the “cool girl” tees. They’re more opaque, which makes them ideal for wearing on their own, and the boxier silhouette pairs especially well with wider-leg pants or relaxed denim.
The heavier fabrication also helps the collar keep its shape, so it’s less likely to stretch out over time. Always a win.
My favorites:
Rag & Bone - I just picked this one up and am loving it. Even though it’s boxy, it still feels feminine, probably thanks to the modern sleeve proportions.
Perfect White Tee - Great bang for your buck. Not fully opaque, not sheer. It lives in that perfect in-between zone.
Nili Lotan - A longtime favorite. Slightly oversized and effortlessly cool.
3. V-Necks (The Unsung Hero)
Having a v-neck tee on hand is essential. Sometimes showing a little collarbone is all it takes to fix outfit proportions. And for bustier women, a great v-neck can be a total game changer.
The key is finding one that isn’t too deep, too stiff, or too flimsy.
My favorites:
Frame V-Neck - My go-to v-neck. Drapey, soft, not sheer, and the V hits at exactly the right spot.
Rowan Tyler V-Neck - The v-neck version of my beloved Rowan crew. Soft, with a slightly wider V that feels modern and flattering.
4. Long Sleeve White Tees (Quietly Essential)
When temperatures drop, a long sleeve white tee becomes a layering MVP. Most of these are simply long sleeve versions of short sleeve favorites, and that’s exactly why they work.
I love the way a white sleeve peeking out from under a zhuzhed jacket or sweater instantly makes an outfit feel more intentional.
My favorites:
James Perse - The long sleeve version of the slub tee I love. Soft, drapey, and perfect on its own or layered under a blazer or sweater.
Madewell - Pretty opaque and slightly boxy. Great for everyday wear.
Perfect White Tee - Super soft, body-skimming, and the perfect length so you don’t have to tuck it in.
A great white tee doesn’t shout for attention, but it does a lot of heavy lifting. When you find the right styles for your body and your lifestyle, getting dressed really does get easier. And that’s the whole point.