As much as I love mixing and matching pieces in my closet, my most reached for item is definitely a white tee. I have long been a fan of the Everlane Crewneck tees, having bought my first one when they were only selling $15 tees. Over the years, I had repurchased them two or three times. They really held up so well, and my size didn’t change much over the years. Last year, I decided it was time to retire my (then) current set of pink/white/black tees because they were looking worse for wear. When the weather started warming up this year, I went to order them and realized they’ve changed! I’ll share my thoughts below, along with a round up of white tee shirt reviews.
For the purpose of these reviews, I did keep all of these shirts. It was difficult to decide on just one or two when they were delivered. I hope this round up of white tee shirt reviews is helpful for anyone out there trying to find their next fave tee!
ATM School Boy Tee Review
First up, I decided to try the ATM School Boy Tee from Nordstrom. I’ve seen this recommended a number of times and had to see if it’s worth the price. I read reviews on the sizing and compared the sizing chart to my own measurements. I sized up to an XL, but could have gone with an L. The fabric has a slub texture and it’s not entirely opaque. In my opinion, it is shear in the thinner parts of the slub. However, the texture kind of keeps it from being too sheer. The fabric is so comfortable, and I like the side slits. As a petite pear shape, I always have trouble with shirts being too tight across my hips. The slits definitely help with that. The length is about mid-hip and the cut is not as slim as the reviews made it seem. It’s more of a boxy cut, in my opinion.
When I put this on, I feel very comfortable and it’s easy to wear. The sleeves don’t ride up, the fabric is super comfortable. It just feels like a very ‘throw and go’ shirt, which is what I expect from a regular crew neck tee. I think the price is a little ridiculous. For me, the price would be justifiable if it’s long wearing and … only time will tell with that.
Price aside, I love the style and fabric. The cut is room but not baggy, and I just feel really great when I’m wearing it.
Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee
I have long been a fan of the Madewell Whisper Cotton. I had a grey crewneck that I wore absolutely to threads years ago. The fabric has always been so soft. When all these white tees arrived, this one was actually my husband’s favorite on me. The cut is flattering, although I’m rarely a fan of a curved hem. This one just works. The sleeves are the right length for me, and the fit is great. My only complaint is that it looks a little sheer. It’s not as bad as the next tee (ahem … Everlane). I am wearing the L size.
I’ve been reaching for this tee as much as my ATM one. Now, let’s talk about price. This tee is $19.50. It is much closer to affordable than the ATM one, and I feel equally as comfy.
Everlane Organic Cotton Crewneck Tee
Now, the tee that started it all. This tee is not like my older Everlane tees at all. I don’t remember the cotton being organic before, and the fabric is much stretchier than it was previously. The cut is like a plain Hanes shirt I could get in the men’s section. The sleeves bunch at my armpits, and the fabric is much more sheer than before. I will include a picture of my previous tee below (from about 2 or 3 years ago). I have always fluctuated between the L and XL. In the picture from a few years ago, I believe I was wearing the size L. However I’ve always had an L and XL in white, depending on which way my weight was fluctuating.
This just isn’t a top I’ve been reaching for, even to pair under a sweatshirt or hoodie. The fabric is stretchy and thin and rides up constantly throughout the day. I find myself fidgeting with it so often that I’m not comfortable at all. I do wonder if Everlane is changing up the tee, and which is just what they can offer at the moment? I don’t understand the lack of quality, having been an Everlane fan for years.
JENNI KAYNE COTTON BASIC TEE
Now, for the final tee! This is from Jenni Kayne. If you’ve seen my Jenni Kayne Everyday sweater review, you probably already know I am a fan of their wool sweaters. I thought this is the perfect time to try out their tee, since I’m already searching for my next fave. This is another pricey tee! Before a coupon code (of which you find many, depending on which influencers you follow), this is $65. I believe I found a 15% coupon code, but occasionally you find a 20% code. Just like the ATM tee, I read all the sizing reviews and compared the chart to my own measurements. This is the size XXL. And boy am I glad that’s the size I went with!! This just barely fits and I have zero wiggle room. This is definitely a slim cut, but the fabric! The fabric! It is the softest tee out of this bunch. None of the other tees compare in softness.
As far as sheerness, this is comparable to the Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee. I don’t feel like it’s too sheer, but honestly I will continue to be on the lookout for a more opaque tee. You can see in the second picture that the arm wholes pull a little at my chest. On this particular day, I was a little puffy (thank you, Aunt Flo) and have never noticed the sleeve pulling before. If I could somehow combine the slubby texture of the ATM, the fit of the Madewell, and the softness of the Jenni Kayne, I would have the perfect tee.
Overall, the my favorite out of the bunch is the ATM. It is soft, comfortable, and doesn’t bunch or pull in anyway weird places. The Jenni Kayne and the Madewell are tied for second and, well… you know my feelings on the Everlane tee. This will go into my next thredUP clean out kit. I also want to mention another tee that didn’t make the cut, which is the Universal Thread tee from Target. I’ve tried multiple sizes in that tee and could never find one that fit me.
Thanks for checking out my round up of white tee shirt reviews. What’s your favorite crew neck tee?
Rebecca has been writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle topics since 2011. Thank you so much for reading this post! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. I love hearing from you!
