The term "effortlessly chic" gets thrown around a lot in fashion. In reality, these two words are rarely applicable. But when it comes to the white shirt? The term absolutely applies. No matter what sort of budget you have or your sense of style, the white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. Is there anything else so simple yet so chic? It's so easy to wear on the weekend, to the office and while working from home. It's perfect for a night out but also a night in watching Netflix. It's the ultimate classic to have in one's arsenal, and whether it's oversized or fitted, linen or poplin, there are endless ways this classic piece appeals and can be rendered.
The white shirt even has its own icons. Old Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly wore them loose with capri trousers or tucked into pencil skirts. Another recognisable look comes from Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, in which she wore a white shirt tied at the waist with a miniskirt.
Modern-day white-shirt muses include the likes of Jenna Lyons, former creative director of J.Crew. After all, she reconfigured how we view this humble item. But perhaps our favourite go-to celebrity for white-shirt styling inspiration is Victoria Beckham, whose insouciant way of rolling up her sleeves has us wanting to do the same.
What to Look for When Considering a White Shirt:
Whatever your preference, one thing's for certain: Finding the perfect white shirt for you is like finding the fashion holy grail. It needs to fit just right—not too oversized as to swamp you, not too fitted to avoid it looking like a work uniform. It needs to weather a coffee spill (finding a shirt that washes well and requires minimal ironing is essential) and it needs to be long-lasting, because when you find the ultimate one, you'll never get rid of it.
Which Brands Create the Best White Shirts?:
To get the definitive guide to the best white shirts for women, we posed the question to our 5000+-member Facebook group So… Should I Should Buy This?, asking them where they've found their best-ever white shirts. I also asked all the editors at Who What Wear which brands they rated. I had plenty of responses, and some labels clearly stood out. But what was evident was that no matter the price, people were willing to pay for more if a genuinely perfect fit was on offer.
Of all the brands that came out on top, there were two clear affordable winners mentioned the most: COS and H&M. Marks & Spencer, unsurprisingly, also got a lot of shout outs, a brand that fashion people consistently turn to for reliable, good quality basics. If you're willing to invest a bit more, I'd personally recommend the independent British brand, With Nothing Underneath—as did a lot of our editors when I asked them. It's a label with shirting at its core that was literally launched in the founder's pursuit of the perfect style. It's likely you'll find the white shirt for you amongst its offering of different fits and fabrics. Of course, if it's total luxury you're after, The Row's Sisilia cotton-poplin shirt, part of the brand's Essentials collection, is the ultimate high-end buy.
Ready to discover your favourite white shirt? Keep scrolling to see how to style yours, and then check out our edit.
Shop the Best White Shirts:
1. Best High Street White Shirt: COS Oversized Tailored Shirt, £65
2. Best White Shirt Under £20: H&M Oxford Shirt, £19.99
3. Best Luxury White Shirt: The Row's Sisilia Shirt in Cotton, £970
4. Best Value White Shirt: Marks & Spencer Cotton Oversized Shirt, £25
5. Best Cotton-Poplin White Shirt: Hommegirls Embroidered Cotton-Poplin Shirt, £208
6. Best Expensive-Looking White Shirt: Arket Poplin Shirt, £77
7. Best Straight-Fit White Shirt: Sézane Tomboy Shirt, £85
8. Best Affordable White Shirt: Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Shirt, £29.99
9. Best White Shirt For Petites: Whistles Boxy Cotton Shirt, £79
10. Best Linen White Shirt: With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Shirt, £95
11. Best White Shirt For Bigger Busts: Citizens Of Humanity Kayla Cotton Shirt, £280
12. Best Oversized White Shirt: & Other Stories Oversized Shirt, £77
13. Best Smart White Shirt: Toteme Oversized Tuxedo Shirt, £310
14. Best Fitted White Shirt: Hobbs Victoria Shirt, £79
1. COS Oversized Tailored Shirt
Plenty of members of the Who What Wear Facebook group love COS, mainly because of the reliable quality, and it offers white shirts with modern twists like this slightly oversized style. I personally own this one and have gone on to buy the style in other colours too because I rely on it so much. It feels crisp even after multiple washes and it steams nice and easily.
2. Best White Shirt Under £20: H&M Oxford Shirt
H&M is the high street's affordable hero and so it shouldn't come as a surprise that it was mentioned a lot in the group discussion around our favourite white shirts. I've had this cotton oxford shirt for about five years (it's a style they continue to restock), and it hasn't let me down yet. It's great for a cover-up on the beach but is also smart enough for work.
3. Best Luxury White Shirt: The Row's Sisilia Shirt in Cotton
For a real investment piece, you can't go wrong with The Row's classic white shirt, made from the finest cotton. While it's clearly a huge expense, it's wise to spend more on wardrobe pieces you'll wear on repeat for years and years. Take care of this shirt and you'll be reaching for it for the next 20 years, thanks to its everlasting appeal.
4. Best Value White Shirt: Marks & Spencer Cotton Oversized Shirt
For the reliable quality M&S offers, this 100% cotton shirt is a steal. With an oversized fit, patch pocket on the chest, classic collared neckline and a longer length, it opens up multiple styling opportunities.
5. Best Cotton-Poplin White Shirt: Hommegirls Embroidered Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Cut from Italian cotton-poplin, Hommegirls' white shirt is designed to fit like a classic menswear shirt would. Stylists in the industry have been turning to men's shirting for years to get that true tailored look and chic oversized fit. It has a single pleat at the back and a playful little embroidered monogram on the front, so this is an ideal option if you're looking for a fashion forward style.
6. Best Expensive-Looking White Shirt: Arket Poplin Shirt
Arket is one of our favourite places to go for basics that look expensive but are actually rather affordable. Case in point? This white shirt, which had so many votes from editors and Who What Wear readers alike.
7. Best Straight-Fit White Shirt: Sézane Tomboy Shirt
Of course Sézane does a great line of shirts—what else would you expect from the ultimate French fashion brand? You'll have to be quick, though, as they tend to sell out very quickly.
8. Best Affordable White Shirt: Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Shirt
Another great place to find basics is Uniqlo. Their pieces wash so well and last a long time, according to the women who recommended this style.
9. Best White Shirt for Petites: Whistles Boxy Cotton Shirt
Whistles has a way of taking classic pieces and adding a modern touch, like this chic boxy fit. This style will work really well if you prefer a shorter length, or like to tuck your shirts in as there's less bulky material to deal with. This also comes in petite.
10. Best Linen White Shirt: With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Shirt
While this dedicated shirt brand remains a little under the radar for the readers I spoke to, when I asked our editors it was the one brand they all raved about. A key piece of information I gathered is that WNU shirts wash and iron well—even this 100% linen version. This classic, not-too-baggy-not-too-slim Boyfriend style also comes in a fine poplin, a linen and cotton woven mix, and a wrinkle-resistent 100% Tencel™ Lyocell fabric.
11. Best White Shirt for Bigger Busts: Citizens Of Humanity Kayla Cotton Shirt
Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi recommends white CoH shirts in an oversized style, as these are good for those with a bigger bust.
12. Best Oversized White Shirt: & Other Stories Oversized Shirt
Another recommendation from our Facebook group was & Other Stories. I own a striped shirt from the brand and can attest that these wear well and look great on. This one has quite a relaxed swing shape, so would be good worn over leggings or slimmer jeans.
13. Best Smart White Shirt: Toteme Oversized Tuxedo Shirt
The French cuffs only add to the classic appeal.
14. Best Fitted White Shirt: Hobbs Victoria Shirt
If you prefer a slimmer, more fitted white shirt that works really well tucked into high waisted bottoms, I was recommended Hobbs's sleek Victoria shirt.
How to Style a White Shirt:
Style Notes: I love a white shirt with white jeans. Sure, you might find yourself avoiding the red wine, but it looks so chic, so it's probably worth it.
Style Notes: Here's another combination of jeans and a white shirt—this time with white heels. It's a small difference, but it really makes an impact.
Style Notes: Up the sass factor by wearing your loose white shirt tucked into a miniskirt with metallic heels.
Style Notes: I particularly like how Abi Marvel has knotted hers at the waist, wearing a punchy bra top underneath.
Style Notes: Co-ords make for an easy outfit solution time and time over, especially when you add a white shirt into the equation like video content producer Remi Afolabi has done here.
Style Notes: A white shirt will elevate any outfit, this we know, but I love how acting affiliate editor Florrie Alexander has given hers a very current spin with slouchy jeans and colourful trainers.
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers, loafers and a white shirt really is a faultless combination you can rely on when you want to feel smart, as proven by junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain.
Style Notes: Give your crisp white shirt the fun factor by pairing with a ruffled tulle skirt and sneakers.
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