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They may be humble, but the best T-shirts for women are the definition of wardrobe essentials. Tucked into jeans, layered under a cardigan or a blazer, poking out of a trasitional coat—there’s virtually no way to go wrong with a trusty tee in your capsule closet. The only issue? Finding the perfect pick in the first place, of course.
There are near-endless options for necklines, materials, and fits, and every brand claims to make the absolute best T-shirt. So in the service of self-expression, we put tons of the most popular options to the test. Here, Glamour editors share the gems they love and keep in their rotations, from luxury tees worth the splurge to the under-$10 white T-shirt with a cult following. Countless washes and wears later, each pick here has earned our endorsement—and we promise there’s something for everyone.
What we love: Relatively affordable; made entirely from cotton What could improve: Slightly thin
You probably have a few Hanes tees balled up at the back of your dresser—but none quite like this. The Perfect-T is the brand’s elevated take on the everyday tee, featuring a more tailored fit than the ones you typically find in its multipacks. “This tee is tissue-paper thin, but it lays nicely on the body,” says Glamour senior trending news and entertainment editor Sam Reed. “I prefer more heft in my tees, but I love the cut of this one. Overall, it’s a versatile, easy pick.” Stick with classic white or choose one of 20 other colors.
Styling tip: This is about as basic as T-shirts get, so do anything you’d like—wear it under a blazer or cardigan, tuck it into trousers, or throw it on with sweats when you can’t be bothered.
Best on Amazon: Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit T-Shirt (2-Pack)
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour special projects editor Ruhama Wolle
What we love: Relatively affordable; washes without stretching What could improve: Might be too long to wear untucked
It’d be wrong of us not to lead with Amazon’s budget-friendly take on the basic crewneck T-shirt, which has more than 33,000 five-star reviews to back up its popularity. The material is thin but not see-through, stretchy, fabulous feeling on the skin, and everything you want in a T-shirt. The length is is on the long side (it hits below the tummy), so if you’re tired of the everything-cropped trend, you’ll especially appreciate that you don’t need to be wearing high-rise jeans for this shirt to work, or you can tuck it in. And perhaps most importantly, Glamour special projects editor Ruhama Wolle was taken by how soft this shirt is. It also holds up to washes without losing its semifitted shape.
Styling tip: This tee’s length and silhouette make it perfect for a casual tuck into jeans; go slightly off-center and let the other side and the back hang out.
Most Comfortable: Skims Soft Smoothing Seamless T-Shirt
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour contributor Danielle Sinay
What we love: Inclusive sizing; soft, stretchy material What could improve: Should be hand-washed
If you’re not already a Skims loyalist, let this ultrasoft tee be your entryway. True to its name, it comes in plenty of sizes and with generous stretch to conform to any body size—and the material is undeniably soft. “It’s so cute, comfy, and genuinely flattering, making it the perfect basic piece to dress up or down,” raves Glamour associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay. “It’s also the literal only T-shirt I’ll wear in public, so do with that information what you will. My advice? Get several in different shades and style them with your favorite pair of baggy jeans. You’ll never be without an outfit idea—or uncomfortable—again.”
Styling tip: As Sinay says, this fitted T-shirt looks great with looser bottoms, including wide-leg jeans and flowy skirts. Keep your look elevated (and ready for virtually any casual occasion) with slim loafers and chunky gold earrings.
Best Oversized Tee: We the Free CC Tee
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
What we love: Soft, stretchy material; easygoing look What could improve: Sizing runs very large
No surprise here: Free People excels at slouchy, oversized tees. This is the absolute flowiest T-shirt we’ve encountered in our travels; while the neckline is structured, the rest of the garment drapes and falls across the body with abandon. “This is probably one of the coziest T-shirts I’ve ever worn, which is not something I say often. It’s quintessential Free People: oversized, drapey, California vibes,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “Big and boho aren’t my go-to styles, and it took a bit of fiddling to figure out how to style it. (I landed on the brand’s popular barrel jeans, another one of my favorite Free People finds.) It was freeing (ha) to not have fabric clinging to my stomach—and what a soft, stretchy fabric it is. It’s so comfy and airy! It’s an ideal casual weekend shirt, or even a PJ top. A word to the wise: The shirt runs huge. I’m usually a medium, which I’m wearing here, but I think I could’ve easily worn an XS.” Don’t worry about the hem; it only looks unfinished.
Styling tip: Want to look like a Free People model? Honor the cropped fit with a pair of low-rise jeans. You can also contrast this oversized fit with a pair of trusty leggings on your way to yoga or Pilates.
Best Everyday Tee: Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
What we love: Soft, durable material; high-quality construction What could improve: Shrinks slightly in wash
Uniqlo’s soft, 100% cotton tee used to be separated by gender, but the brand has finally launched it as a unisex product—perfect, since our editors used to prefer the men’s cut that’s now the standard. Pro tip: Go a size or two down from your usual. “It feels so breathable and light—like switching to the cool side of your pillow at night,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “In terms of wash, it did shrink pretty significantly, so make sure to read the care instructions (unlike me). This wasn’t the worst thing to happen since the medium felt a little too oversized to begin with, and now it’s the perfect size. It’s also super-stretchy, and the length fell right at my hips. What really makes this shirt great, though, is its price point—just $25 for a well-constructed, quality T-shirt is a bargain.” (Glamour style commerce editor Jake Henry Smith is also a megafan.)
Styling tip: Thanks to its body-skimming (but not too tight) cut, this is one of the most professional tees on the market. Wear it under a cardigan or a blazer at the office.
What we love: Great length; organic cotton What could improve: Should be dried flat
Reformation’s vintage-inspired bestseller is knit with 100% organic cotton and has enough heft to it that you don’t need to wear a camisole underneath to hide bra lines. It also happens to be the absolute favorite T-shirt of Glamour editor in chief Samantha Barry, along with several other staffers. “The Reformation shirt has a great shape that holds up throughout the day—I wear it tucked in or out, depending on my mood, and love it both ways,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein. Just note that the brand advises skipping the dryer in favor of drying flat.
Styling tip: You can wear this tee with any jeans, but it looks especially polished tucked into a denim midiskirt paired with standout footwear, like trendy jelly sandals.
Best Active: Lululemon Wundermost Long-Sleeve Shirt
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour art director Alexandra Folino
What we love: Super-stretchy; versatile look What could improve: Limited colors
It’s a fact of life: Athletic pursuits only get better when you’re wearing Lulu, and this long-sleeve T-shirt is especially worth your time. “Not only is this top ideal for exercise, but the fabric is so comfortable, making it my first grab after laundry day no matter the activity,” says Glamour art director Alexandra Folino. “It’s got the perfect amount of compression yet is still lightweight and breathable.” Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz also owns and loved this top: “While I tend to find bodysuits uncomfortable, I love that this basically functions as one, minus the snaps, making it a great going-out top. Plus, it’s sweat-wicking, so it’s great for dancing if that’s on the agenda.”
What we love: True to size; inclusive sizing; frequently on sale What could improve: Material could be thicker
This classic V-neck T-shirt is sewn from vintage-inspired jersey, offering a timeless look with a soft, lived-in feel. “It’s buttery-soft and fitted, but not too tight to where I feel uncomfortable,” says Teen Vogue associate editor Aiyana Ishmael, who notes that this tee runs true to size. It’s also one of the few T-shirts on the market that offers a proper plus-size fit, with options running from XXS to 3X. Reviewers note that the material is fairly thin, which is great for warmer months, but you should be prepared to wear a bra.
Styling tip: Layer it under a chunky cardigan with slim jeans and boots for a French girl look, or take a page from Ishmael’s styling and try a flowy pleated skirt and ballet flats.
Best for Work: Boden Supersoft Frill Detail Top
Photography by Meghan Marin / Tested by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
What we love: Elevated detailing; nice colors and patterns What could improve: UK sizing can be tough to figure out
When a more run-of-the-mill tee won’t cut it, turn to this frilled gem from Boden, a brand beloved by Glamour editors—and even royals like Kate Middleton. It’s made from a breathable cotton blend for body-skimming stretch, and there’s a keyhole detail in the back, plus a slight puff sleeve for some extra style points. “When I’m looking for a super-comfy long-sleeve T-shirt that’s professional enough to wear to work, I reach for this. It comes in a few colors, and I especially love the nautical stripes for summer,” Glamour’s Schwartz says. “It feels so great on, and I love the preppy detail that makes me look a tad more put-together.”
What we love: Trendy knit; ideal for warm weather What could improve: Delicate material should be hand-washed
Pointelle is one of the trendiest materials for 2025, adding a touch of retro romance to any look. The knit is also lightweight and breathable, meaning it’s ideal for warmer months—or layering under cardigans when it’s chillier. “Leset has mastered the art of an elevated basic, and its pointelle tee is no exception,” says Glamour contributor Channing Smith, who turns to this pick when she wants to make outfits feel a little more special. “The scalloped edges give the tee a sweet, feminine feel, while the pinhole stripes running up and down add a flirty sense of intrigue.” While she loves that it doesn’t wrinkle easily, making it great for travel, it’s not the softest option on this list. It should also be hand-washed to preserve the delicate knit.
What we love: Soft material; grown and made in the U.S. What could improve: Slightly wrinkle-prone
This pick stands out from your usual plain white tee rotation with a slim, long fit and high-quality material, which give off just the right “I threw this on” energy—even if you spent an hour deciding on which denim skirt to tuck it into. The midweight fabric is made entirely from Supima cotton, meaning it’ll survive countless washes and only get softer as it ages. “I loved this shirt so much! It has a super-flattering fit and is extremely soft,” says Condé Nast’s vice president and content lead for health, Dana Leigh Smith. “This is a basic I’d love to have in multiple colors to keep on rotation.” Our reviewers noted that it is a bit see-through, though. “While I love how thin and breathable this tee is, I do wear it with a camisole underneath, or else you can see a bit of your bra outline,” Glamour’s Schwartz says. “Also, definitely lay it flat as soon as you wash it, or else it’ll wrinkle, but once you get those wrinkles out, it stays crease-free throughout the day.”
What we love: Three lengths; durable, opaque material What could improve: Inconsistent sizing between colors
Gap is one of our favorite places to stock up on basics, like this short-sleeve T-shirt made from earth-friendly organic cotton. Better yet, it’s available in three lengths: regular, tall, and petite. “This Gap tee has just enough stretch to give it a flattering fit that doesn’t wear out, and it’s so soft against my skin,” says Glamour contributor Kathryne Hall. “I also love navy as a neutral alternative to black.” Glamour’s Schwartz is also a big fan: “This top has truly stood up to countless washes. I’ve had mine for a decade, and it looks as good as the day it was born.” The fit leans loose—perfect for anyone who doesn’t love a tight tee.
What we love: Ideal length; not see-through What could improve: Shouldn’t go in the dryer
Boxy tees tend to tuck beautifully and won’t make you feel constrained, and this cult-favorite pick from Leset is the gold standard among fashion people. “I live in this T-shirt! With the perfect slouch, it adds just the right amount of cool to any outfit,” says Glamour associate fashion editor Samantha Gasmer. “Whether paired with denim for running around or a dressy skirt [for nicer occasions]—I’m currently waiting for summer to pair it with this amazing vintage skirt I have—it truly goes with everything.” Some online reviewers note that this boxy T-shirt doesn’t hold up well in the dryer, so you should consider laying it flat or line-drying.
What we love: No neck tag; material retains shape What could improve: Limited sizing
You can wear Intimissimi’s tight, tucking-friendly T-shirt on its own, but it excels as an underlayer, whether you’re putting on sweaters, dresses, overalls, or jackets. “I’m a huge fan of Intimissi for its chic and breathable pajamas, so it makes sense that the tees have the same comfortable quality. Made entirely of cotton, the fabric is light and stretchy but still retains its shape even after washing and drying,” Glamour’s senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “It can be dressed up with a smart blazer or down with a good pair of jeans. It’s a true closet staple.” It’s slightly sheer, especially in lighter colors, so a top layer might be necessary if you don’t like showing skin. We’re not big fans of the very limited sizing, although the material is stretchy enough to be forgiving.
What we love: Not sheer; durable cotton What could improve: Limited sizing
We know, we know: $95 is not exactly a steal for a T-shirt. But this one alleviates so many of the pain points we all experience with other tees—sheer material, poor fit, shoddy construction—that it’s absolutely worth considering. “If there were such a thing as a dressy white T-shirt, this Re/Done x Hanes tee would be it,” says Glamour's Yaptangco. “The heavy cotton fabric feels so luxurious, and the opaque white color is crisp and elegant. I like that the fit is relaxed at the shoulders, which gives it a nice, effortless feel. Overall, it’s a good investment piece worth adding to your closet.” If you love the classic Hanes fit but don’t like replacing your shirts so often, this is your ticket.
Styling tip: Lean into the relaxed elegance with a pair of oversized trousers; you’ll be ready for the office or a dinner date, depending on the rest of your ensemble.
What we love: Available solo and in multipacks; washes well What could improve: Limited colors available
This T-shirt is crafted from 100% cotton jersey, offering a soft, breathable weight that’s ideal for everyday wear. Its classic cut features a relaxed fit and a straightforward round neckline, making it a staple piece in any wardrobe. “This ASOS shirt held up so well after cleaning,” says Glamour’s Moeslein. “My baby spit up on it almost immediately, and it all came out in the wash without losing any shape or the vibrancy of the black color.” As far as basic T-shirts go, it’s a winner.
Styling tip: Layer it under a blazer and swap the jeans for tailored trousers to transition into a smart-casual outfit suitable for more formal occasions.
What we love: Trendy sleeves; opaque, smoothing fabric What could improve: White starts to fade after a while
There’s something so effortlessly cool about a cap-sleeve T-shirt, and this whisper-soft option from Club Monaco is your best bet. It’s a ribbed and form-fitting tee that hits a little below the hip, making this a feminine alternative to more boxy, masculine cuts. “This is my absolute go-to. It’s one of the few shirts of the countless I’ve tried that’s thick enough that I don’t feel the need to wear a cami underneath it for smoothing,” Glamour’s Schwartz says. “It’s polished enough to wear alone, but it’s also great for layering–because it’s so dreamily soft and comfy, it’s my choice for plane travel (under a sweater), plus it comes in white and black. As for washing, the white will hold up to about 20 cycles before starting to look a little dingy, but the black holds up fine, and both will hold their shape. My advice? Wait for it to go on sale and snatch a few.”
What we love: Relatively affordable; super-soft material What could improve: Might be too long
This thin, stretchy long-sleeve top is made from a lightweight cotton-modal blend that offers a universally flattering fit. The material is incredibly soft against the skin, with just enough stretch to ensure it maintains its shape. “It’s the perfect weight for a spring or summer evening, or great for layering under sweaters,” says Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson, who notes that it does run long. We also love that it’s ribbed, a trendy weave that’ll remind you of your favorite tank top. The five available colors include rich, easy-to-style neutrals like ivory, taupe, and black.
Styling tip: Pair it with a leather jacket and ripped jeans for an edgy look—or tuck it into a flowing midi-skirt.
What we looked for
Material
Start off by looking at the material. All the usual choices—cotton, modal, you name it—can be high-quality, so picking the right one comes down to knowing what you’re looking for. We considered materials when pulling together this list by prioritizing natural picks like cotton and including stretchier, softer fabrics where they’re necessary.
Material
What to know
Cotton
Cotton, in particular 100% cotton, tends to be the most durable fabric, getting softer with age. It’s also remarkably breathable—not to mention biodegradable. Cotton shirts that are not prewashed will likely shrink after the first wash.
Pima cotton
This type is softer than standard cotton.
Supima cotton
This type is the American-grown equivalent of pima.
Slub cotton
This type features an uneven texture that looks almost striped and offers a vintage feel.
Modal
This is a semisynthetic fabric that’s a form of rayon; it’s stretchier than cotton, although it’s slightly less breathable. This is often used in body-skimming cuts.
Elastane & spandex
These are manmade fibers that add stretch to other fibers, including cotton and modal. They will stretch out over time, so you might have to replace T-shirts woven with them more frequently than 100% cotton picks.
Polyester
Polyester is often added to cotton blends to keep costs down, often resulting in shirts that are cheaper to buy. It is neither biodegradable nor regarded as breathable.
Fit
As you know by now, no two T-shirts fit exactly the same, so finding the right fit is paramount. Whether you prefer a slim tee for your day off or a boxy option you can wear to the office, we made sure to include at least one pick for everyone—body-hugging baby tees and loose-fit swing T-shirts included.
Softness
We get it—if you’re going to be wearing a tee all day, you want it to be comfy. While all of these picks are soft, they’re not all on an even playing field; unfortunately cotton (except for pima cotton) tends to be less soft than artificial fibers. If you want the softest options on the market, go for Skims and Bleusalt; if you like the lived-in feeling of cotton, then Reformation, Uniqlo, and Gap are great.
Weight
Fabrics are weighed in grams per square meter, or GSM. If you’re not a workwear nerd, you don’t really need to know about GSM—but you should pay attention to the relative weight of the material, since it’ll determine how breathable or durable it’s likely to be. We included a wide array of options, from Madewell’s thin cotton V-neck to Buck Mason’s midweight tee.
Upkeep
Most of the shirts on this list are machine-washable, but a few should be washed by hand—and we’ve noted which ones those are. Sometimes “hand-wash” really means that you just shouldn’t stick your tees in the dryer; while the washing machine might cause a tiny bit of pilling, dryers can cause shirts to shrink and pill, aging them prematurely. Basically, do what you like—but to get the most mileage out of your shirts, air-drying is best.
Jake Henry Smith is a commerce editor at Glamour covering all things lifestyle, from style and fashion to sexual wellness. He’s constantly testing (and reviewing) products for roundups and gift guides, including silk pillowcases, white T-shirts, and designer bags. Before joining the team at Glamour, he was a writer for ... Read more