It might look like the humblest piece of clothing in a closet, but a good white T-shirt can make you feel like a star. Just ask all the leading men and women who have worn it in cinema, from Uma Thurman in Kill Bill to Hrithik Roshan in Zindagi Na Milegi Na Dobara and Jeremy Allen White in The Bear. The white T-shirt can look both nonchalant and stylish, rebellious and conformist, seductive and modest. While it holds all of that, it can also just be the easiest solution to the question of what to wear when you’re faced with a busy day and a disorganised closet. Channel Carrie Bradshaw and throw it over a playful skirt, or tuck it into your jeans and under a jacket for an afternoon of meetings.
In case you were looking around for a great one (and really, who isn’t?) we asked some stylish women we know to share the tees that they swear by right now.
Pragya Kapoor, producer
What’s your current favourite white T-shirt?
“The basic tee from Filippa K. I love the fabric, how it fits and the fact that it goes with anything. I usually have many different white T-shirts at a time, and my all-time favourite is from Rag & Bone. But it has sadly been retired after serving me well for many years, and they don’t make it anymore. I wish I had bought a few more.”
Your suggestions on shopping for the right one?
“I don’t think you can go wrong with a white T-shirt. Buy one in any shape or size and it will look amazing.”
Do you ever worry about fading or stains?
“I honestly don’t. I think I’ve been lucky so far, but I’ve heard baking soda works like a dream on stains.”
What role does it play in your wardrobe?
“I’m known for my white tees, to the point where I had to start buying other colours. I wear mine with my jeans, formal pants, or even skirts. Like I said, it goes with everything.”
Shaana Levy Bahl, producer
What’s the white T-shirt you swear by right now?
“I am currently obsessed with my Isabel Marant tee, which has these ties in the front and slightly protruding shoulders, almost like shoulder pads. I bought it at Selfridges in London. Not only is it chic and a little elevated, but the fabric is also amazing, not too see-through or thick. I also like that it’s slightly cropped, so it looks great with a pair of high-waist jeans.
Is that the only one?
“No, I have another one on rotation, which is from Rag & Bone. I’ve bought the same T-shirt from them in multiple colours.”
Your tip to care for those whites?
“I have kids, so that means I always have my Tide pen in my bag.”
What is your favourite way to style it?
“When I was younger, I dressed up a lot more, but as I’ve gotten older and maybe busier my style has veered more towards things that are both comfortable and stylish. I’m happy to just wear the T-shirt with a funky skirt and jeans and accessorise a bit.”
Janki Thackersey, baker
What’s the white T-shirt you swear by right now?
“The two shirts I am wearing right now are from Zara and Free People. I like a loose, boxy-fit tee because to me wearing a T-shirt is all about being relaxed and comfortable. I like how it hangs on my body and how I can wear it over a pair of tiny shorts for an easy, effortless look. When I want to dress it up a bit I add some jewellery.”
Your suggestions on shopping for the right one?
“I mostly do all my clothes shopping online and look for boxy, oversized T-shirts.”
Do you ever worry about stains?
“No, I don’t. I’m a baker and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so my clothes are bound to get stained. I just throw them in the wash.”
