Best white T

By Heidi Quill and Harvey James

The white T-shirt has been a wardrobe mainstay for everyone from James Dean to David Beckham. Shop GQ's pick of the best white T-shirts for men you can buy

If there's one item in your wardrobe you can always count on, it's a white T-shirt. Trends come and go, but throughout history, the humble white crewneck has never run its course as a menswear staple. Chances are, you already have a few more than one stowed away.

Once a Second World War uniform regulation, the white T-shirt has an illustrious history. Starting life as an undergarment way back in the medieval period before eventually becoming a part of the British naval uniform, it wasn't until the turn of the 20th-century that brands such as Fruit Of The Loom began manufacturing white T-shirts in bulk. Picked up later by the likes of Chanel in the 1920s, it soon became a fast-fashion staple. After all, what Chanel does, others will copy.

Over time, its simplicity has been a blank canvas for portraying the age we live in. Whether a symbol of the working class (just look at the iconic photos of the workers constructing the Empire State Building) or rebellious teens (see James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause) it has long served as a men's fashion staple. The white T-shirt has been championed by everyone from Kurt Cobain to John Travolta's Danny Zuko and its staying power is second to none – Harry Styles, David Beckham and Robert Pattinson are all advocates of the humble white T-shirt. It's easy to see why – going with absolutely everything, worn under a suit or with a pair of jeans in any colour, it is fashion's safest bet.

Here, we've outlined what exactly to look for in the perfect white T-shirt, along with a selection of the very best you can buy for every budget.

You'll find all the white tees worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing:

Starting life in elevated undies, CDLP's foray into staple wardrobe additions has been a joy, and this midweight tee balances everyday breathability with a level of softness you'll never want to take off.

For £17, it's worth stocking up on several of Arket's midweight white tees. Not only do they make the perfect foundational base to a layered outfit, they can also hold their own with jeans and shorts.

Only Burberry could make us drop £490 on an essential like this, but the investment is wholly worth it given all its chic, elevated touches and ultimate softness.

Unless you're shopping for a white T-shirt to work out or play sports in (in which case, a sweat-wicking polyester is probably best), you should ideally be looking for cotton, due to its light weight, breathability and ultra-durability. For extra softness and breathability, some brands have also delved into lyocell fabrics, which is especially popular for those more loungewear-centric styles.

A tighter fit could prove flattering for musclier men, so you might consider buying lighter-weight cotton T-shirts that cling to the body better, à la James Dean. Alternatively you can accentuate a svelte physique by going a size down in a heavier cotton. For looser fits, look for a T-shirt on which the seams fall below the shoulder. Otherwise, hit a happy menswear middle ground by coveting a seam that sits perfectly on the shoulder.

White T-shirts can be particularly prone to stains, be it a clumsy spill or discolouration under the pits (our guide to the best men's deodorants should soak some of that up, though). The important thing to remember is to keep whites separate to colours in your washes and though hot is better, stick to what the label says to avoid shrinkage. A good whites detergent, such as that of The Laundress (£15.50 for a litre. At Selfridges. selfridges.com) will do its bit to keep your white T-shirts pristine.

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Looking to spice up your basics selection? Bringing the heat in a rather literal sense, Percival's take on the white tee shows off the brand's affinity for whimsical embroidery, embellishing its T-shirt with a small hot chilli sauce bottle at the chest. Move over Carolina Reaper, the hottest pick goes to Percival. £45. percivalclo.com

Mr P has made a big name for itself in the elevated basics world. Coming through with the goods season after season, its most recent take on the white tee would form the foundation of any well put together look, whether you're pairing with a classic beige overshirt from the same label or a designer piece from the retailer's most luxurious rails. New Celine has just landed, after all… £55. At mrporter.com

Arket has several incarnations of white T-shirt and the mid-weight offering is many a GQ editor's go-to. The 170 GSM single jersey means it holds its own by itself but can still serve the purpose of base-layer in cooler months. It'll also retain its shape much longer than most and is less susceptible to pit stains and decolouration in the wash. £17. arket.com

A fast-growing Mancunian streetwear label best known for its signature Owner's Club hoodies and all-purpose 24/7 range, Represent has mastered the oversized look with its take on the white tee. Available in either black or white, this timeless pick is detailed only by the ‘Initial Assembly Outline’ print, depicting a deconstructed image of the brand's own logo, lending it an achingly cool finish. £95. representclo.com

When it comes to this white tee from Abercrombie, the clue is in the product name: it is truly 'premium’. Cut from the label's emblematic — and extra cosy — 275g ‘softAF’ fabric with an oversized silhouette, this piece promises to hold up through every scenario conceivable and keep you comfortable as it does so. £35. abercrombie.com

Tragically, a white T-shirt by David Gandy won't turn you into an international male supermodel upon wear. What it will do, however, is keep you comfortable and stylish, all the while levelling up your basics game. You're welcome. £45. At selfridges.com

Given that Reiss is a high-street go-to for smart wardrobe staples and trad tailoring, it's no surprise it can take on the white T-shirt with seamless panache. Infused with all the minimalism and elegance that the label is infamous for, the 'Cooper' tee is cut from a soft cotton blend and finished for a subtle honeycomb texture. Simple, but effective. £48. reiss.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

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From a distance, this Dunhill T-shirt might look like "just a white t-shirt", but as you near, you will appreciate its subtle intricacies. The fabric's decadent blend brings the warmth, breathability, and anti-bacterial qualities of merino, to the indulgent luxury of silk, woven in a honeycomb texture for optimum aeration. £475. dunhill.com

Taking notes from the '90s, this baggy pick from Adidas Originals feels fresh from the skatepark thanks to its oversized cut and dropped sleeves, sealing its appeal with an asymmetric Three Stripe motif. Tubular. £30. At asos.com

A straight-up classic. This tee retains A.P.C.'s fondness for the understated, detailed only by a fine-printed logo at the chest. It comes in soft jersey cotton, making it soft and extremely durable, as you would expect from a high-quality brand. Plus, the regular fit isn't trying to do anything too fancy either. As we said, a straight-up classic. £100. At matchesfashion.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

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When we talk about basics, we want three things. We want the habiliment itself to be enduring, the style to be enduring, and for it to be affordable. This M&S own brand white T-shirt excels in all three measures. Plus, there's an extensive size range up to 4XL and options in a long version for the beanstalks among you. £15. marksandspencer.com

Finding the plain white T-shirts a little too… plain? Appliquéd with the label's 'Equestrian Knight' emblem, Burberry's white tee pays homage to the original motifs from 1901, adding some subtle dimension to everyday 'fits. £490. At mrporter.com

Prone to spillages? No problem. H&M's crisp-cut, pure cotton tees come in a handy three-pack, meaning no matter what you might encounter, there's always a spare on hand. £14.99. hm.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

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One of this renowned Scandi underwear brand's first ventures into apparel came in the classic white T-shirt and it's easy to see why. CDLP is known for its exceptionally tactile, silky soft pants, made from sustainable wood-sourced lyocell fabric. That same material makes up two-thirds of its T-shirt, with premium Pima cotton accounting for the rest. The result? Exceptional breathability and next-level softness. £79. cdlp.com

A white tee with a referential design, this pick from Adidas Originals' ‘Adicolour’ capsule harkens back to the sharp cuts and bright colours of 1970s and '80s sportswear. Note the vibrant yellow trims and taut silhouette. £28.50. At asos.com

Whilst Theory's top-tier staples are often accompanied by premium price points, its ‘Essential Trios' offering means that shoppers can stock up on must-have basics for a discounted price, leaving some oh-so-precious room in your budget for somewhat less essential purchases, like post-work drinks or a pair of Theory's best-selling chinos. Defined by its fine, mercerized Egyptian cotton construction and refined fit, this is as luxurious as T-shirts can come. £65. theory.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

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One white T-shirt is simply not enough. So it's just as well that this organic cotton offering from Cos comes in a pack of three, ready to be rotated on a daily basis. To bring some added dimension to your look, consider adding a necklace and layering under a cardigan. £45. cosstores.com

From sporty, performance footwear to eco-conscious everyday staples, AllBirds' evolution has been a joy to watch unfold. Constructed from the brand's particularly comforting ‘Allgood’ cotton, this pick's organic construction is classic, soft and drapes in just the right way, all the while keeping the planet and its population all the healthier. £35. allbirds.co.uk

Setting out on a mission to create the perfect basic tee, Asket came through with a 15-size offering to secure a perfect fit, making the classic white T-shirt as versatile as can be. No logos, drop necks or gratuitous pockets, simply a timeless staple that can look flattering on every body type. £35. asket.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

By Adam Cheung

Originally designed for Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, the Sunspel Riviera T-shirt is constructed in the finest cotton from Italy. If it's good enough for Bond, it's good enough for us. £80. sunspel.com

Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman's brand, Applied Art Forms, places its emphasis on longevity, which when it comes to staples like the white T-shirt, is one of the most important factors to consider. Holding its shape and garment-dyed for superior softness, this T-shirt really does have a higher power. £95. At mrporter.com

New for this season, Everlane has stepped into the weighted class with its T-shirt offering. Made from 6.2 oz cotton, this is an item that is dense and durable, getting softer with every wash. It's the sort of WFH uniform you want to be wearing on all the zoom calls: comfortable and classically stylish. £44. everlane.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

By Adam Cheung

The man on his horse makes a very decent tee. This one is no nonsense, no excess fabric, no awkward length and no drop sleeves. It's the trimmest of fits if you want a T-shirt that will gracefully fall against your body without all the added extra – bar the teeny tiny, always-welcome logo. £65. At selfridges.com

Fruit of the Loom is as cheap and cheerful as white T-shirts get, but that's not to say it's without its share of hyped appeal, too. The brands basics have attracted collaborators from high places, including The Conveni and Fragment Design. Signified only by its fruit bowl label to the inner collar, at only £3.99, you'd do well to stock up. £3.99. At amazon.co.uk

Throw this Orlebar Brown white tee on with a pair of the brand's signature graphic-print swim shorts and really, your summer holiday wardrobe needn't stretch much further. We adore the OB-T, which has gained about as much notoriety as the Bulldog short since its appearance on Daniel Craig in the latest Bond outing, No Time To Die. £75. At mrporter.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

By Adam Cheung

White T-shirt purists, avert your gaze. Finished with a touch of lightweight logomania, this Maison Kitsuné pick is printed with a black handwritten logo at the chest, just to add the tell-tale bit of spice that tends to characterize the brand's collections. £85. At matchesfashion.com

The slimmer fit and stretch of this white T-shirt by Organic Basics might have you associate it with loungewear, but don't be fooled. As much as this is a supremely comfortable option for around the house, that slightly more figure-hugging cut makes it the perfect option to tuck into some wide-leg trousers. Très chic. £55. organicbasics.com

Never one to skip an opportunity for a good stripe, Thom Browne's take on the white T-shirt is punctuated by a subtle RWB grosgrain stripe trim at its chest pocket. Grounded with the brand's signature stepped hem, this is a simple but unmistakably chic Thom Browne T-shirt. £350. At mrporter.com

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

By Adam Cheung

Printed with details of its innovative construction, this T-shirt from Pangaia is as self-aware as wardrobe basics get. Made with organic cotton and seaweed fibre, then treated with peppermint oil to minimise its carbon footprint, it's a T-shirt that looks good while also preserving water, energy and time. £60. At thepangaia.com

The beauty of a white T-shirt is its versatility, and no one handles versatility like Oliver Spencer. Having become synonymous with a relaxed, modern style with tinges of formality, the brand has an intrinsic focus on quality, which feeds down into even its most everyday pieces. £55. At oliverspencer.co.uk

Serving up the same stylish simplicity as American Apparel before it, Los Angeles Apparel unsurprisingly shares a creative team with the dissolved fashion brand. It's a vibe we've long missed, with various staples in a rainbow of bright and bold colourways, but it's classics such as this 6.5oz garment-dyed tee in a fresh white hue that stand out above all else. Note the slightly wider and thus more laid-back fit, paired with an always welcome higher neckline. £28. losangelesapparel.eu

By Hannah-Rose Yee

By Murray Clark

By Adam Cheung

For a 1990s take on the white tee forget big, retro graphics; a ringer tee with contrasted neck and sleeve hems does all the work to inject some nostalgia into your essentials. Ascolour nails this look and its T-shirts are preshrunk to minimise any shrinkage for longevity and offers price deduction incentives the more you buy, in case you were thinking of making this your signature off-duty piece… £20. ascolour.co.uk

Promising the perfect fit for your unique body type, Son Of A Tailor has engineered a quick and easy algorithm to generate your own custom size for everything from shirts to sweaters to plain old white tees. Once you've entered your details, every garment is made to order in Portugal and comes with a free remake guarantee if something's not quite to your liking. We say, lean into the smarter side of the service with its 3cm crew neckline that'll add a little extra flair to smart-casual dress codes. £55. sonofatailor.com

Applying the same meticulousness to a plain white T-shirt as he would his tailoring, it really doesn't get much better than this Tom Ford T-shirt. It's off-white, rather than a sparkling prop you might find in a 1990s Daz advert, with a heavy, ribbed collar that will never lose its shape and a fine cotton-jersey that’ll sit great under your shirts and sweatshirts. £255. At mrporter.com

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