I’m a big believer that a white tee is the single most versatile piece in your wardrobe — when it’s the right one. Over the years I’ve bought, tested and washed dozens of high-street white T‑shirts to find which actually keep their shape, colour and softness. I wear one most days in different guises: under a blazer for meetings, with jeans at the weekend or tucked into a skirt for a smarter finish. So I looked for tees that survive real life — not just a delicate cycle in a lab.
What I tested and why 50 washes
I focused on high-street and accessible brands so you can recreate outfits without breaking the bank. The ones I tested came from Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer, H&M, Zara, Gap and Primark. I also included Everlane because it’s a widely quoted tee even if it’s not strictly “high‑street” in the UK sense — readers often ask about it.
Why 50 washes? It’s a simple stress test. If you reach 50 washes, you’ve worn a tee a lot — probably for a couple of seasons. I washed each tee on a normal 40°C cotton cycle with mixed colours (my usual household routine), tumble dried when labelled as safe, and ironed if I normally would. I tracked three things: colour retention (no dull grey), shape and seam integrity (no sagging or stretched neck), and fabric hand (still soft, not papery).
The short results — a quick table
| Brand / Tee | Fabric | Fit | Condition after ~50 washes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniqlo Supima Cotton | 100% Supima cotton | Classic, neat neckline | Best overall: minimal fading, holds shape, soft |
| Marks & Spencer Autograph / Cotton Rich | Cotton blend (cotton modal) | Slightly tailored | Very good: retains colour and drape, minimal pilling |
| Gap Vintage Soft | Washed cotton | Relaxed | Good: relaxed slouch increases but no holes |
| Zara Basic | Lightweight cotton blend | Shapely but thinner | Fair: slight yellowing near collar, thinner hand |
| H&M Conscious | Organic cotton blend | Boxy | Mixed: resists heavy wear but boxy shape persists |
| Primark Essentials | Thin cotton | Very relaxed | Poor: collar stretching, faster wear |
| Everlane Cotton Crew | Midweight cotton | Lean and durable | Excellent: holds structure and colour well |
What made the best tees last
Across the board the winners shared a few characteristics:
My top pick: Uniqlo Supima
If you ask me to recommend one that balances price and longevity, I reach for the Uniqlo Supima cotton tee. It’s consistently the best value for money: not expensive, feels high quality and — crucially — keeps its white tone and form after frequent washing. I’ve had mine for over a year and it still looks crisp under blazers and sweaters.
Everlane’s Cotton Crew is another excellent option if you want a slightly more substantial, ethically marketed tee. It costs more but the fit and hand justify it if you prefer investment basics.
How to make any white tee last longer
Even the cheapest tees will survive better if you treat them a little kindly. Here are practical tips I use and recommend:
Styling a white tee to look polished
A white tee can look casual or refined depending on a few styling moves. Here are the formulae I rely on:
The blazer trick
An unfussy white tee + a tailored blazer = instant polish. Choose a blazer with structure (slight shoulder, waist shaping). Tuck the tee into high-waist trousers or jeans and add simple jewellery — a slim gold chain or small hoop earrings. It’s a perfect meeting or smart-casual outfit.
Tucked into a midi skirt
Tuck a neat-fitting tee into a flowy midi skirt — silk or viscose works well — and finish with loafers or ankle boots. The contrast between casual tee and elevated skirt reads intentional and modern.
Layering with knitwear
Use the tee as a clean base under a lightweight knit or cardigan. A white tee peeking from under a V‑neck sweater looks purposeful and keeps the outfit from feeling too heavy in transitional seasons.
Belts, cuffs and cuffs again
Small details raise the look: half-tuck the tee and add a structured belt, roll sleeves once for a tailored cuff, or knot at the waist with a high-rise skirt. These adjustments change the silhouette quietly but effectively.
When to reach for a smarter tee
Not every tee is equal. For work or events where you want to appear deliberately put together, pick a midweight tee with a clean neckline and minimal logo or detail. Tuck it in, add a sharp blazer and choose neat shoes. For errands and lounging, a softer vintage or slouchy tee is totally fine — but expect it to show age earlier.
If you’re building a capsule wardrobe, invest in one reliable Supima or long-staple tee and keep one cheaper option for everyday wear. Rotate them, follow the care tips above, and you’ll get the most mileage out of both.
