It's no secret that the perfect capsule wardrobe starts with great quality basics, yet these are some of the hardest items to find, especially when shopping online and not trying them on first.
Which is why we - as the editors of Marie Claire - have made it our mission to find these investment items for you. A while ago, we shared the jeans we can't live without, and this time we are turning our attention to another unsung wardrobe hero: the white t-shirt.
It is notoriously hard to get right, in both fabric and cut, but we've found eight styles we would 100% recommend, and the good news is they are very affordable.
Andrea Thompson, Editor-In-Chief
I was impressed by Reiss’ classic white t-shirt. It's gently oversized with loose, flattering sleeves and a neat neckline which retained its shape after washing a few times. It gave me a nice, neat silhouette when tucked into my classic 501s at the weekend, but also scrubbed up nicely with my suit for the office.
Penny Goldstone, Contributing Fashion Editor
I've worn Uniqlo white t-shirts for years and they're my absolute go-to. They're a nice, heavyweight cotton which is a must for me, and are a straight fit so look great when worn over jeans, though I tend to tuck mine in. I always go a size up as I like an oversize fit, and I've also been known to purchase the men's styles. I typically wear mine with wide leg jeans, though at the moment I wear it with colourful tailored trousers for a smart office look.
Natalie Hughes, Fashion Editor
I'm very fussy when it comes to t-shirts, so fussy that I've never actually found one I love... until now. I love the cap sleeves, subtly scooped neckline and slim fit of this Hush tee. Plus it's super soft and comfy. And it's not cropped! I will be buying it in multiples.
Ally Head, SENIOR HEALTH, SUSTAINABILITY, AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Ninety Percent t-shirt I tried. It was soft to the touch, good quality, and thick enough that it felt luxurious to wear. This is largely down to the fact the tees are made from organic cotton, which also means they're breathable and will last the test of time. I like the brand's ethos, too - they've made steps to challenge conventional fashion industry practices and champion supply chain transparency and traceability, which gets a thumbs up from me. Only thing to note - their sizing does run slightly big, so do size down, if you prefer a tight fit.
VALEZA BAKOLLI, JUNIOR SHOPPING EDITOR
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white t-shirt and I think I’ve just found it in this Mango number. It’s oversized, but not aggressively so, perfect for pairing with wide-leg jeans and a blazer. I’m a fan of the wide, high neckline as well as the thick, heavy material which feels really high quality. Oh, and it’s incredibly affordable, at just under £10, so I’ll be stocking up in multiple colours. My only gripe is that the sleeves are a little tighter on my arms than I’d like for an oversized tee - so if you’re after a super oversized fit, I’d say go up at least two sizes.
Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
All Saint's white t-shirts have been a personal favourite for a while. Equally buttery soft throughout and featuring different cuts and styles, they are made from 100% organic cotton and will last you many seasons. This specific top is my absolutely favourite of all time. The box-cut silhouette pairs beautifully with low-waisted jeans and skirts while also quickly tucking into high-waisted silhouettes. Plus, it doesn't lose its strong colour after many, many washes!
Mischa Smith, News and Feature Editor
Ok, first things first - this Skims tee makes me look like I have boobs which is a first for me, and I'm shocked by how much that pleases me. I'll be honest, I didn't put much stock in Skims, but it really does accentuate you in all the right places. I'm quite long in the body, so t-shirts often ride up on me, but this stayed pleasingly in place and the off-white shade somehow felt less daunting that a pristine white tee.
Treasa Burns, Senior Designer
The boxy, oversized style is the perfect fit for me. I wear everything baggy and loose fitting. The fabric is thick enough that it isn't see-through for work but not too thick for warmer summer days. It feels higher quality than many other high street white tees. A great price if you wear white t-shirts often.
