Top 3 White T-Shirts
The most basic of basics is the white t-shirt, and while it may not seem like it deserves a whole blog post, the white t-shirt goes way beyond the Hanes 6-pack you buy at Target. Materials and production styles differ from brand to brand, so that $80 white t-shirt you criticize for being overpriced may actually be the most high-quality piece in someone’s closet. If you’re someone like me and wear a white t-shirt almost daily, it’s smart to invest in a product that not only looks and feels good, but will also last for years. Quality basics are the building blocks of a timeless wardrobe and these basics begin with the white t-shirt.
I’ve owned dozens of white t-shirts and have found some that I truly love and others that really don’t “spark joy” as Marie Kondo says. Here are my top three:
Dehen 1920 is one of my favorite brands and their Heavy Duty Tee is my go-to for just about every outfit. This jersey knit t-shirt is 100% cotton and has more of a box fit that’s slim enough not to feel like you’re wearing a pillowcase. Made to have workwear-level durability, this shirt isn’t as soft as other fabrics and blends and has some weight to it, but it doesn’t feel too stiff and is light enough to wear in warmer weather. One thing to be mindful of, though, is that the fabric doesn’t stretch much.
Another thing I love about this shirt is its measurements. The sizes that Dehen offers are a huge pro in my book because they offer a range of XS to XXL with measurements that align more with the smaller and tighter cuts of the 1950s. I’m 5’4 and 125lbs with a longer torso and shorter legs and many times, brands that carry a S or even an XS in t-shirts tend to have a cut that’s too long and baggy for my torso and arms.
*Made in the USA!
Jungmaven is best known for their initiative to bring hemp into clothing manufacturing and the Baja Tee is one of their staple pieces. This 7oz, mid-weight t-shirt is 55% hemp and 45% cotton, which makes it a bit heavier than a fully cotton shirt. Jungmaven’s cut is a looser fit that doesn’t bunch around the hips (so, great for a more feminine body!) and has a tailored sleeve that falls mid-bicep. The sizing of the t-shirt is about a half size larger than Dehen’s, but it still falls in a flattering way.
What I love most about this t-shirt is that it feels and looks better with age and is more sustainable than most other clothes due to the inclusion of hemp in its fabric make-up. As someone with a passion for American heritage and its role in clothing manufacturing, I personally really love Jungmaven’s use of the fiber because, as they state on their website, hemp was an American staple up until the 1930s.
*Made in the USA!
What sets this t-shirt apart from Dehen’s and Jungmaven’s is the construction. Whitesville t-shirts are tube knit, which is an older form of construction that requires special looms to create t-shirts without side stitching. Today, these looms are mostly found in Japan, which is where Whitesville t-shirts are made. Due to its unique construction, the fabric quality of this t-shirt is phenomenal. The shirt is super soft and has a decent amount of stretch—enough to move freely but not too much that the shirt could become deformed.
The fit of this t-shirt is tighter and smaller, as per the cuts usually sold in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The sleeves and body length are a bit shorter and the shoulders are narrower than current t-shirt cuts, which may not be ideal for those interested in modern menswear, but is perfect for women seeking a classic look. The construction around the collar includes a double layer of cotton tape for more durability, making for a chunkier collar than other t-shirts, but I personally don’t have a problem with that. My only issue with this t-shirt is that it can feel a bit too bulky when layered under other pieces.