Fashion

10 Essential White T-Shirts for Your Collection of Wardrobe Staples

We've all read those well-meaning lists of "wardrobe essentials every woman should own." A perfect trench. A perfect black pant. The problem is, one woman's perfect pant is another woman's dumpy, misshapen disaster, and if there's a trench coat that looks good on every woman, it's probably Burberry (cha-ching!). Finding the "perfect" anything sounds immediately stressful, but these are the foundations of your wardrobe, and they're supposed to make your life simpler, not more complicated. In an attempt to help you be a more perfect you (aww), we're rounding up 10 of each staple so you can see all the best options in one place. First up, an item that shouldn't be as hard to find as it is: the perfect white t-shirt.

Image: Fotolia

by Tori Telfer

We've all read those well-meaning lists of "wardrobe essentials every woman should own." A perfect trench. A perfect black pant. The problem is, one woman's perfect pant is another woman's dumpy, misshapen disaster, and if there's a trench coat that looks good on every woman, it's probably Burberry (cha-ching!). Finding the "perfect" anything sounds immediately stressful, but these are the foundations of your wardrobe, and they're supposed to make your life simpler, not more complicated. In an attempt to help you be a more perfect you (aww), we're rounding up 10 of each staple so you can see all the best options in one place. First up, an item that shouldn't be as hard to find as it is: the perfect white t-shirt.

Image: Fotolia

Fotolia

Gap

The Gap tee has been a favorite of many for years, and you really can't beat the price. It's simple and clean-cut, though the high neckline might not work for larger busts. Buy two, because life includes spaghetti sauce/red wine/chocolate.

Favorite short-sleeved crew, $14.95

American Apparel

If you don't mind wearing the same shirt as every other hipster on your commute, American Apparel makes every shape of t-shirt under the sun. This particular one has a flattering deep-V neckline, and it's made from 100 percent organic cotton.

Unisex Organic Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $21

Rag & Bone

This slightly homespun t-shirt is named after Marlon Brando, whose sizzling white tees in A Streetcar Named Desire brought the t-shirt out of the underwear drawer and into the limelight.

The Basic Brando Tee, $80

J. Crew

Of course J. Crew makes a perfectly-shaped v-neck. What can't they get right?

Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee, $29.50

Eileen Fisher

A white t-shirt doesn't have to be tight and fitted. If you like a draped look, this tee is relaxed, flattering, and lightweight.

V-Neck Linen Jersey Tee, $118

Petit Bateau

If you're looking for a classic, you might as well look across the pond. The Petit Bateau brand has been weaving its lovely fabric at a family factory for more than 100 years. A staple that's good-looking and well-intentioned? Oh so French!

Iconic Women's Round-Neck Tee, $41

Hanes for Men

Break for eye candy! Kidding, this is seriously one of the best t-shirt options out there. These men's Hanes are tag-free, and a pack of five will cost you under 20 bucks. Perfect for ladies who like to slouch around like one of the guys.

Tagless V-Neck Undershirt 5-Pack, $18.50

Free People

You want oversized? We got oversized.

We the Free Rain Drop Tee, $68

Vince

This high-necked, super-simple cut hits at a very flattering part of the arm, according to Lucky magazine, and the fabric is thick enough to hide your bra.

Little Boy Tee, $60

T by Alexander Wang

If you're striving for perfection, you're probably going to want Alexander Wang. His T by Alexander Wang line makes the softest, awesomest t-shirts ever. They're a little bit slouchy, but cut with extreme care. This pocketed version is more expensive than the basic tee, but the leather pocket turns this a statement piece and a wardrobe classic at the same time... it just might be worth the investment.

Leather Pocket Tee, $135

111