The 27 Very Best T-Shirts for Women
Including Bazaar editors’ go-to crewnecks and celebrity-beloved cropped tees
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When I tally up the cost-per-wear of everything in my closet, there’s a clear winner: A perfect T-shirt is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples. Walk through any department store or shopping district and you’ll find dozens of iterations of this basic clothing staple. But the best T-shirts for women—the ones editors, celebrities, and style experts like Brigette Deshais, VP of women’s design at AYR, reach for time and again—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,” she says. From there, Deshais looks for an easy sleeve opening and a snug, ribbed crewneck.
The Best T-Shirts for Women, Tested & Reviewed
Quality tees are an accessible luxury—they’re durable and comfortable, but can also be the simple piece that pulls a luxe outfit together. (There’s a reason many fashion designers wear a humble T-shirt to take their final bows.) And there is a lot of range: Every T-shirt in my wardrobe has a specific purpose. Clingier, cropped tees are the perfect complement to high-rise, wide-leg jeans; cashmere crewneck or V-neck shirts are for lounging with coordinating sweatpants. A white crewneck tee is an essential for days I want to look unfussy yet polished. 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 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, an expansive range of sizes, and a sense of comfort so satisfying you won’t want to take it off. No one T-shirt can do it all, but an edit of a select few will have you covered—and these shirts all 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, for every outfit, occasion, and state of mind.
Uniqlo U Crewneck Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
Uniqlo's U crewneck is beloved of multiple Bazaar editors and industry insiders. It has a semi-slim fit that means it can be easily tucked into pants or a 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
.Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: White, black, pink, yellow, olive, and more
AYR The Sno Cone
Deshais is partial to this striped T-shirt from her brand. (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, she says—and it comes in the most delightful stripes for spring.
What reviewers say: “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.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% Pima cotton
Colors: White, black, Ahoy (blue-and-white striped)
Éterne Short-Sleeved Baby Tee
Another brand always on Bazaar editors’ lists? Éterne, founded by celebrity stylist Chloé Bartoli. Bartoli started her brand after trying (and failing) to find the perfect T-shirts and tank tops for her clients. She has since gone on to make several beloved basics, 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.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 50% cotton, 50% modal
Colors: Gray, white, black, brown, and more
Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt
Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt
Layering white crewneck T-shirts under gray cardigans or navy hoodies, with another oversize coat or blazer on top, is one of my favorite styling tricks from the Fall 2023 runways. (It’s giving Miu Miu.) This Banana Republic T-shirt is the best option for trying that look for less, or for the timeless jeans-and-a-tee combination.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 60% cotton, 40% Lenzing modal
Colors: White, black, thyme green, rose pink, and more
The Row Tori Top in Cotton
This slim-fit tee is the perfect cut for something more fitted. A seam detail down the back sets the style apart from others on the list.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: White, taupe, pale pink, black
Hatch The Perfect Crew Tee (Pack of 2)
Expecting moms need reliable T-shirts, too. No matter where you are on your pregnancy journey, you’ll want to keep these handy. This pack includes two solid T-shirts that can accommodate bumps of any size, at any phase of pregnancy.
What reviewers day: “I am obsessed with these and wear them regularly. They’re super comfortable and are the perfect t shirt to wear with jeans, leggings, etc. I like that they accentuate my bump without the ruched sides.”
Sizes: 0–4
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Gray, ivory, black
Ozma of California Classic Tee
Ozma of California Classic Tee
This T-shirt is my favorite, thanks to its unexpectedly soft texture and relaxed fit. It’s made in solar-powered facilities using regenerative-farmed silk with Global Organic Textile Standard–certified dyes. That makes it a purchase I always feel good about wearing, too.
What reviewers say: “I am in love with this t-shirt. I ordered the size based on my measurements in the size chart and it is perfect…not at all fitted, but not too big either. Great length for wearing out or tucking in, fabric is dreamy soft and textured. It is a little sheer, but when paired with drape is not overt. Wonderful staple purchase.”
Sizes: XS–1X
Materials: 100% silk
Colors: Natural, black, manzanita, tea, twig
Re/Done x Hanes Heritage Cotton 1960s Slim Tee
Re/Done x Hanes Heritage Cotton 1960s Slim Tee
Combining the vintage prowess of Re/Done with the basics genius at Hanes, you get 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. Given the slimmer fit, it’s best for tucking into skirts, pants, and jeans.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: 70% cotton, 30% recycled cotton
Colors: Black, white, optic white
Kule The Classic
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 every time I wear mine with a little straw bag and a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Black/cream, navy/cream, cream/navy, white/royal blue, white/true blue/poppy
This babydoll tee, finished with a cute contrast border along the neckline, has a sweet touch. If you like something fitted, this tee hugs comfortably.
Sizes: 34–44
Materials: Ribbed jersey
Colors: Black, white, rose print
Universal Standard Tee Rex
Universal Standard Tee Rex
If you like your T-shirts clingy and sinuous, you’ll want to double up on Universal Standard’s tees. This knit feels featherlight to the touch and has a curved hem that’s meant to be left untucked. Make it the first top you wear on in-between spring days, or save it as a base layer for next winter.
What reviewers say: “Great fit, really nice material—will be perfect under a blazer. The neck is not too big and the sleeves cover the part of my upper arm I don’t want to show off. It is absolutely perfect.”
Sizes: 00–40
Materials: 48% Peruvian cotton, 48% modal, 4% elastane
Colors: Black, plum, gray, and more
Anine Bing Lili Tee
Anine Bing may be better known for its tailored blazers and trousers, but its oversize 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.
What reviewers say: “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!”
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: White, ivory
Gap Modern T-Shirt Bodysuit
Gap Modern T-Shirt Bodysuit
Take the guesswork out of which T-shirt will sit smoothly, tucked 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.
What reviewers say: “Really like the stretch on this bodysuit. Feels like an actual T-shirt and not spandex, like some bodysuits can.”
Sizes: XXS—XXL
Materials: 58% cotton, 39% modal, 3% spandex
Colors: Black, white
COS The Clean-Cut T-Shirt
COS’s T-shirts have heft, feel structured, and look professional. Plus: 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.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: White, black, gray, red, and more
Wrangler Classic Ringer Tee
This ringer tee embodies the sporty chic look. With a higher neckline, contrasting trim, and the slightly shrunken fit, it reference ’70s T-shirts. Naturally, this shirt pairs best with wide-leg jeans.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Cream, red, orange
Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
This boxy tee has a slightly cropped fit, and the organic cotton is also breathable and lightweight—cue the summer outfits.
What reviewers say: “I have been buying these for years and am glad to see that the quality hasn’t diminished as my most-loved products so often do. As a short-waisted gal, I love the cut of these tees.”
Sizes: XXS–XXXL
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Colors: Clay, black, white, navy, light rose
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Short-Sleeved V-Neck T-Shirt
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Short-Sleeved V-Neck T-Shirt
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 48,000 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.
What reviewers say: “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.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 56% cotton, 38% modal, 6% spandex
Colors: White, black, purple, navy, coral, and more
Loewe Printed Cotton-Jersey T-shirt
What makes the “best” graphic tees is usually a matter of subjective taste, whether they’re referencing a favorite band or movie, or are vintage finds special to you alone. This T-shirt from Loewe is the exception. It has the crewneck cut we look for in an everyday tee, with a bold logo splashed across the front.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: White with print
Skims Fits Everybody Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
For a longer layer, look to Skims’ 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 says.
What reviewers say: “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.”
Sizes: XXS–4X
Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
Colors: Onyx, cocoa, ochre, talc, and more
Naadam Fancy Cashmere T-Shirt
Cashmere makes everyday basics feel a little more luxurious, and Naadam’s cashmere T-shirt is the best on the market. It’s breathable, soft, and instantly upgrades a pair of basic trousers or jeans.
What reviewers say: “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!”
Sizes: XXS–3X
Materials: 100% Mongolian cashmere
Colors: Black, white
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.
Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, and Fashionista. Previously, she was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report. In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike.
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