The very best white T-shirts for all day wear
Few items of clothing have stood the test of time like the plain white T-shirt
The T-shirt, like many of the most recognisable pieces in the wardrobes of men today, started life in the military. In 1913, the U.S Navy issued white T-shirts (crew necks only) for all men to wear under their uniforms, and before long the Army too had adopted the same plain white T-shirt as standard-issue. Much like the aviator sunglasses and the leather bomber jacket, it wasn’t long before legions of young men were adopting the style as a symbol of strength, masculinity and just the right amount of rebellion.
In 1920, the term 'T-shirt’ was officially added to the English Dictionary and soon became the unofficial uniform of workers across the country, from mechanics and miners to farmers and factory workers. By the 1950s the white T-shirt had shot to iconic status and evolved from its sole use as an undergarment to a piece of apparel with the levels of cultural significance that only few can match.
It was Marlon Brando who really took the T-shirt from workwear of the military to the mainstream market when he appeared in his torso grazing white crew neck in A Streetcar Named Desire.
The plain white T-shirt took on some serious rebellious connotations when it appeared on the ever cool James Dean in the 1955 Rebel Without A Cause. The film alone cemented Dean’s reputation as a cultural icon of youth and rebellion and t-shirt sales rocketed after Dean appeared on screens across the world.
While James Dean might have done a fair amount for the reputation of the humble white t-shirt, the late 60s saw a resurgence of cool-factor bestowed upon it when the original King of Cool Steve McQueen donned it both on and off our screens. Never has someone made a white T-shirt, black jeans and desert boots look so effortlessly smooth as McQueen.
Today the white T-shirts reputation is as strong as ever. Austin Butler lives in them when running errands in Los Angeles, Jeremy Allen White's Carmy in The Bear sent sales catapulting and every brand is pushing them, whether it's The Row or Marks and Spencer.
Below is our edit of the best you can buy right now.
The Row
Luxury's big player The Row does white T-shirts that'll cost you. Cut from Italian cotton, it's the sort of piece that defines the brand's simple yet luxe aesthetic.
Love Brand Co.
Ideal for everyday wear, Love Brand Co's white Lockhart T-Shirt is made from a s super soft 100 per cent cotton.
Le Alfré
Made from a lightweight, ultra-fine, Portuguese cotton-jersey for extraordinary softness, comfort and durability, New York City-based label Le Alfré's white T-shirt comes with a little playful logo.
Plain and Simple
After an organic cotton T-shirt that doesn't skimp on quality? This is it.
CDLP
Made of a unique 220 gsm Tencel Lyocell and pima cotton blend, CDLP's T-shirt is as soft, stretchy and breathable as the brand's famous underwear.
Luca Faloni
Highly breathable, Luca Faloni's simple linen jersey T-shirt has been designed to tackle the warmer climes of Italy.
Slowear
Slowear's white T-shirt has been made using Zanone's organic IceCotton, which comes from intense research in the field of cottons.
Marks & Spencer Autograph
When in doubt, Marks & Spencer is always a good idea. The high street giant's Autograph range is as well made as some of those higher priced brands, and is just as feel good.
Paul & Shark
This short-sleeved T-shirt is crafted from cotton Aqua Interlock: a special fabric treated for extreme softness and water resistance.
David Gandy Wellwear
Yep, David Gandy does clothes! And they're very good. Take for instance this T-shirt, which has anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties.
Now check out our edit of the menswear essentials every guy needs
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
