The Perfect Piece: White Tee Shirt
Building your uniform with a perfect white tee.
The Perfect Piece series is built around a simple method: instead of overbuying different versions of the same thing, find the one perfect piece—an essential approach to uniform dressing. The goal is to simplify your wardrobe to only the things you truly love and wear.
Like most things, I’m discerning when it comes to the tee shirts I wear, especially since it’s a category I don’t lean on very often. That being said, a white tee definitely has a place in anyone’s wardrobe. I love to wear a white tee with classics: a great menswear trouser, a cotton jean, or a dressier, feminine texture like silk to keep it from looking too tough. And of course, I rely on white tees for layering, especially travel layering. This weekend I wore one with a cream, cotton-heavy denim for a monochrome look. The white tee isn’t an element to an outfit that I start with, but more of a secondary item I’ll reach for to help complete or support the rest.
I have three that I swear by and wear on repeat. I like a crisp white, never a cream tone. I like it opaque; when they are sheer it complicates how it can be worn. And I wouldn’t say I like boxy, but I lean a little more boxy than fitted, and never cropped. I am picky on a good cotton fabric and the right sleeve lengths.
I've narrowed them down to the overall perfect white tee, the most perfect relaxed version, and the perfect option at the best price point. Plus a handful of good alternatives depending on your uniform needs and style.
