
Nothing could be more humble than a wardrobe essential that got its start as a man’s undershirt. But the power of a white tee lies in its simplicity. It’s the outfit-connector, the black canvas for accessories, and the unassuming hero of a modern wardrobe.
It can also be finicky and unflattering and harder to find than a perfect little black dress.
But fortunately, I’ve combed through all the haystacks and done all of the research to help you find the perfect tee, for you. No matter your budget, your criteria, or your body type, you’ll find your better-than-basic essential on this list. And you can find them all right here.
Best Tees Under $20
You don’t have to spend a lot to get this staple, and budget-friendly favorites mentioned in the Facebook group ranged from Old Navy and Target to Hanes. My favorite is the Madewell Northside Vintage, a soft, durable style in cotton that’s thick enough to be (nearly) opaque but still soft and flattering. The Gildan is thick and perfect for printing, the Hanes is a solid tagless basic, the Amazon Essentials is nice and drapey and the Uniqlo has a great U-neck and is made of pima cotton.





The Best Tees Under $50
At this price, you’ll find elevated fabrics, details, and finishes. My current fave is the contemporary slightly boxy Noble tee from Mott & Bow, $30. Bombas is a great choice for a sustainable brand (they donate one for every one that you buy), or check out J. Crew, Everlane, and Three Dots.






The Best Tees Over $50
If you’re going to spring for a premium tee, look for a fabric, a shape, or a fit that makes the investment pay off. My pick: The LilySilk silk tee has the ease of a tee with the elegance of a blouse. Other great options include high-quality versions from Frame, Vince, Rag & Bone, ReDone, Jungmaven, and Bleusalt.







Tees with Special Features
Sometimes, we just want what we want how we want it. You’ll find problem-solving styles in this section, from sustainable fibers to off white and cream colors to no-see-through options.









Which of these tees checks all the boxes for you? And which is your current favorite? Let me know in the comments!
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