“I’m forever looking for the perfect white T-shirt because I pretty much wear one every day,” says Vogue’s editor-at-large Sarah Harris, who regularly scours the men’s department for T-shirts (she shouts out Cos’s offering). “I love a cut that’s roomy and gently oversized, with squared-shape short sleeves and a relatively high neckline. I can’t bear a scoop neck and a V-neck never makes me feel good. The silhouette has to fall away from the body, I hate any element of cling when it comes to the perfect white tee.”
How to style a white T-shirt
“For me, a white T-shirt is a classic and has to be round neck and short sleeved,” says British Vogue’s contributing fashion editor, Kate Phelan. “It is still the most useful thing I own. I wear it with jeans for the day under a tailored jacket, and it looks great with a black wide-leg velvet pant and some crystal earrings for night.” The best thing about white T-shirts – and great basics, as a whole – is that they go well with practically anything and everything. From tailored trousers to shorts, maxi, midi and even miniskirts, they’re one of the most hardworking staples to own.
How to wash a white T-shirt
“Wash on a hand wash cycle and don’t tumble dry if you’re looking for longevity,” advises Sarah. Her tip to ensuring basics stay fresh? “I use Whites Detergent by The Laundress to keep them brighter for longer.” Steaming can also make a white tee look brand new. Inevitably, a white T-shirt will stain during its lifetime. Act fast! The quicker you treat the mark, the more likely it’ll come out.
