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Including BAZAAR editors' go-to crewneck and celebrity-beloved cropped tees. Sequin Skirt Tassel
If I tallied how many times I've worn each item in my closet, the piece topping the list wouldn't be a designer tote bag or a midi dress I’d sourced from a favorite runway collection. My most worn item would be one of the best T-shirts for women, by a long shot. Quality T-shirts are an accessible luxury in my view—they’re versatile and comfortable, and they’re often the sneaky layer that makes a special sweater or dress look that much more pulled-together. No wonder so many runway designers wear outfits involving a humble T-shirt to take their final bows.
There are hundreds of places to find this icon of basic clothing, and even more variations and remixes floating around online But the best T-shirts that editors, celebrities, and style experts like Brigette Deshais, VP of women’s design at AYR, wear most often are usually the simplest. "For an everyday t-shirt, I'm always going to go with the kind of t-shirt shape you'd draw as a five-year-old—basically a square, because they're the most versatile,” Deshais says. From there, she looks for an easy sleeve opening and a snug, ribbed crew neck.
I think of every cut, color, and pattern of T-shirt having a specific purpose in my wardrobe. Clingier, cropped T-shirts are the perfect complement to high-rise, wide-leg jeans; cashmere crewneck or V-neck shirts are for lounging with coordinating sweatpants. At any time and with almost any outfit, crewneck tees are an essential for high-low styling. Deshais adds that striped tees like AYR’s are no-brainers with a pair of jeans, and in slightly dressier outfit formulas: “Lately I'm more interested in wearing them back to full leg slacks or slip skirts, and peeking out from under sweaters.”
There are some qualities that the best T-shirts all share, whether you’re searching for a dressier boatneck shirt or a breathable tee for working out: high-quality fabrics, expansive size ranges, and a sense of comfort so satisfying you won't want to take them off. No one T-shirt can do it all, but an edit of a select few will have you covered—and feel like everyday luxuries. After reading hundreds of shopper reviews and testing dozens of tees myself, I’ve gathered the 27 best T-shirts for women ahead, for every outfit, occasion, and state of mind.
Layering white crewneck T-shirts under gray cardigans or navy hoodies, with another oversized coat or blazer on top, is one of my favorite styling tricks from the fall 2023 runways, courtesy of Miu Miu's highly relatable collection. This Banana Republic T-shirt is the best option for trying that look for less, or for the timeless jeans-and-a-tee combination.
Colors: White, black, thyme green, rose pink, and more
I spend hours combing Amazon for the best jeans, bags, and basics, T-shirts included. The ended with this two-pack of V-neck tees made by Amazon's in-house label. After more than 40,000 reviews, they still have an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Aside from the great value, these shirts aren't see-through and won't shrink in the wash. I've included basic shades, but you can also select combinations with prints, patterns, and varied colors, up to size XXL.
Shopper review: "These shirts a very comfortable and fit great, they were true to sizing for me. I have even recommended them to other family members who were looking for basic t-shirts just to have at an affordable price because of the comfort."
Colors: White, black, purple, navy, coral, and more
Uniqlo's U Crew Neck is beloved by multiple BAZAAR editors and industry insiders. It has a semi-slim fit for tucking into any pants or skirt and a heavier, opaque cotton to conceal whatever you wear underneath. I pack two every time I travel—one white, one black—and wear them layered with a button-up cardigan or on their own with a stack of necklaces.
Colors: White, black, pink, yellow, olive, and more
Kendall Jenner is the latest in a long list of celebrities to wear Leset's Margot T-shirt. Other celebrities who favor the understated crew-neck include Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lawrence. Between the opaque cotton and the just-right length, we can see why this true classic has so many fans.
Shopper review: "Amazing tee. Thick, not see through, perfect length and neckline. Sleeves are just the right length. Will buy this tee forever."
This boxy tee has a slightly cropped fit, making it my first pick to wear with high-rise denim. The organic cotton is also breathable and lightweight—cue the summer outfits.
Shopper review: "If there is a wardrobe basic that I have purchased throughout the years, it would be these tees. My favorite solid colors are black, grey, white, and blues. And the stripes are a cool and fun addition to any wardrobe. These tees look great with everything and at this price, I buy them quite often & wear it almost daily."
Colors: Clay, black, white, navy, light rose
Lately, this is the only T-shirt I wear for runs. I don't like my workout gear to feel overly tight or constraining, and this Lululemon T-shirt has a relaxed, flexible fit that I love. The Pima cotton has also stayed soft through several long runs and resulting laundry loads. Because it's such a great basic, I'll wear it just with black leggings and my Hilma running shoes when I'm on the move.
Shopper review: "This tee is so comfortable and breathable. Even the cotton styles have a drape to them that makes them feel special. They run large but that’s ok by me, because they have a really relaxed and laid back vibe."
Colors: Gray, white, black, pink, striped gray, and more
For Days checks all the boxes on an everyday crewneck: slightly relaxed sleeves, semi-slim fit, soft organic cotton. But it's just as noteworthy for what happens after you wear it. When you're ready for a new color or an entirely new kind of T-shirt, you can send your top back to For Days to be recycled.
Shopper review: "I didn't know I needed this shirt, but now I live in it. The color is perfect and the fit is so comfy."
Colors: Gray, white, blue, black
One sign that this Madewell T-shirt is the best for showing some bicep? At press time, 710 of this style had been ordered in the past week. The bicep-accentuating cut is Top Gun meets model off-duty—just add straight-leg jeans and some aviator sunglasses to drive the classic look home.
Shopper review: "This shirt is perfect. Perfect length, love the shoulders. The fabric is soft but durable. I just wish there were more colors!"
Colors: Gray, white, blue, green, and pink
Take the guesswork out of which T-shirt is best proportioned for tucking into your jeans, trousers, and skirts. A T-shirt bodysuit always stays in place, contouring to your shape without sacrificing the clean look of your favorite tees.
Shopper review: "Just what I was looking for, a bodysuit that isn't a thong in the back...I wear an L or XL, and ordered this in XL and it just fits."
Just like the best summer pants for women, breathable, relaxed linen T-shirts are an essential when temperatures rise and vacation is on the calendar. Mango's linen is incredible quality for the price point—soft, not too sheer—and it's available up to size 4XL.
Colors: White, black, pink, black/white stripe
COS's T-shirts have heft. They feel structured and professional, like the closest a T-shirt could be to a blazer, and the length is just right for contending with office AC in a chic, minimalist way. (No stuffy cardigans here!) I wear mine with a tangle of pendant necklaces, jeans, and little ballet flats.
Materials: 70% Organic cotton, 21% Viscose, 9% Circulose
Colors: Black, white, bright blue, orange
Your search for a no-frills, slim-fit T-shirt begins and ends with Petit Bateau. Its plain crewneck averages 4.5 out of 5 stars, with shoppers praising its snug fit and enduring quality after several washes.
Shopper review: "Good quality and thick, comfortable fabric."
Looking for a T-shirt with ladylike details? Leset, another basics brand with our editors' stamp of approval, has you covered with its pointelle-knit tees. The cotton-jersey knit has just the right amount of clingyness, with a scalloped neckline hem for a feminine touch. Wear it braless with jeans or go matchy-matchy with a coordinating cardigan.
Anine Bing may be better known for its tailored blazers and trousers, but its oversized T-shirt can't be ignored. I love the relaxed fit on the first wear—like I'd owned it for years, but it was actually fresh out of the box. In the spring, it's an errand-running dream with biker shorts and a light windbreaker, in the spirit of Princess Diana.
Shopper review: "Seriously this is the best 'new' vintage feel white tee you can get. Period. It is super comfortable and has the perfect boyfriend fit. I own 3!"
Colors: White, plus four graphic-tee versions
Another brand always on BAZAAR editors' lists? ÉTERNE, founded by celebrity stylist Chloe Bartoli. Bartoli started her brand after trying (and failing) to find the perfect T-shirts and tank tops for her clients. She's since gone on to make several basics we adore, including this perfectly cropped baby tee. I haven't yet found a downtime T-shirt I love more: Whenever I'm lounging at home, I'm wearing this with matching ÉTERNE sweatpants.
Colors: Gray, white, black, brown, and more
Cashmere makes everyday basics feel a little more luxurious, and Naadam's cashmere T-shirt is the best one on the market. It's breathable, soft, and makes basic trousers or jeans feel sumptuous.
Shopper review: "First I would like to thank Naadam for their extended sizes. Not only is my 3X shirt true to size, it fits loosely and comfortably. It fits so well and feels so nice, I came back and bought the Fancy Cashmere Scoop Neck top, to have a long sleeved option. This knit is light enough for Summer, and will be good to layer in Fall and Winter. I love them!"
Brigette Deshais, AYR vice president of women's design, is partial to this striped T-shirt from the label. (So are hundreds of shoppers who've also tried it and left reviews.) "I'm looking for the right weight of cotton that drapes but really holds up to wash and wear, and a rib at the neck that can stand being taken on and off a million times," she says. This super-soft Pima cotton tee does both, according to Deshais—and it comes in the most delightful stripes for spring.
Shopper review: "Beautiful quality. These tees do not shrink when washed and when pressed they look like new! They are comfortable and chic with jeans or dress pants. "
Colors: White, Black, Ahoy (Blue/White stripe)
For a longer layer, look to SKIMS's Fits Everybody tee. BAZAAR culture editor Bianca Betancourt owns it in two colors, as well as the shorter length, and says it hugs her curves in all the right places. "I reach for one of these tees every other day when building my outfits and pair them with wide-leg denim, under trench coats, with a pair of trousers—you name it," she adds.
Shopper review: "Very impressive. Not only does it fit every curve, which I love about it but it also washes beautifully. Doesn't wrinkle or fade. First class."
Colors: Sugar plum, navy, fuchsia, onyx, and more
Add the vintage prowess of Re/Done to the basics genius at Hanes, and you land on a fitted T-shirt that feels like a thrift store gem (in the best way). This T-shirt hugs close to your body in '60s fashion and was made with a re-combed cotton. Give the slimmer fit, it's best for tucking into skirts, pants, and jeans.
Colors: Black, white, optic white
Kule's quintessential T-shirt has a straight cut, three-quarter length sleeves, and a round neckline—a combination that delivers on an effortless French look everytime I wear mine with a little straw bag and a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Colors: Black/Cream, Navy/Cream, Cream/Navy, White/Royal Blue, White/True Blue/Poppy
Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.
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