Nordic brands knows their workwear basics, and the white T-shirt is definitely considered a closet staple. Here, Vogue Scandinavia tells you where to shop for the best white tees from Scandinavian brands
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No matter the season, some wardrobe staples have cemented their place in our daily wardrobe rotation. Just like a pair of perfectly fitting jeans or an expertly tailored blazer, the white T-shirt is part of an ultimate universal uniform.
A timeless, trend-transcending top, it is a certified closet hero. With sartorial super-powers to dress down a silk slip or a suit, the white T-shirt oozes off-duty ease. Just look at the many variations from James Dean's rolled up sleeves in Rebel Without a Cause to Jane Brikin's denim and T-shirt pairing with stacked heels and her signature straw bag. The uniform dates as far back as the '50s when French icon Bardot wore a white tee and cropped jeans, and nothing else.
Which Scandinavian brands are the best when buying white T-shirts?
Just like jeans are in our genes, Nordic brands know how to make a white t-shirt. Often with a unisex fit and cut from 100 per cent – usually recycled – cotton, Scandinavian brands from Cos to Filippa K pride themselves on crafting exquisite wardrobes staples.
Below, we've gathered the best white T-shirts from Scandinavian brands to buy now:
Filippa K was founded with the intention of creating a solution to the stress of dressing – maybe that's why they've perfected the white T-shirt? Made from organic cotton, this straight-fit round-neck classic tucks easily into a pair of suit trousers.
Cos' curated closet staples are a favourite among the fashion crowd for a reason. The heavy weight from 100 per cent cotton means that the T-shirt falls just so while the crew-neck cut is a true classic.
Loose and easy are the lead words for House of Dagmar's white t-shirt, making daily wear and styling a breeze.
Ganni continues its sustainable journey with the ultimate organic cotton classic. True-to-size, this loose-sleeved style a true everyday staple.
As part of Arket's Jersey Yarn Project, this T-shirt promises to stay white for longer. With a regular fit of single jersey and a ribbed piping around the crew-neck, the style is the definition of a basic white tee.
Toteme’s ivory T-shirt is cut to an oversized silhouette evocative of the label’s elevated aesthetic. The fit is a loose drape with a ribbed round neckline, which layered perfectly under a structured blazer.
Acne Studios has come to define the idea of off-duty chic. This white-on-white design has been crafted cotton jersey, and is adorned with the label's Face appliqué for instant recognition – lending a minimalist touch to branded T-shirts.
When thinking of Scandi basics, no brand is more cemented in our consideration than H&M. This cotton classic is no exception to the brand's mastery of sartorial staples.
Swedish brand Movesgood made a name for themselves as they set up stores in airports around the globe, offering high-quality basics for people on the go. Focusing on sustainable materials like bamboo, this white tee lays the perfect base for almost any outfit.
While purists may argue that logo or slogan tees are not true basics, we are bound to disagree. Just look at Danish designer Henrik Vibskov's 'Bird in Face' t-shirt; Boasting designs on the front and the back, it takes white T-shirts beyond the basic.
The ’Ferris’ T-shirt is made for easy layering with a mock-neck collar and short sleeves. Made in Portugal, this relaxed unisex style – slimmer around the waist and with loosed sleeves – comes in a soft white cotton jersey.
True white doesn't necessarily fit all skin tones, and that's why we love this off-white version from By Malene Birger. Tailored for a tight fit, this simple T-shirt has reinforced stitching along the seams for durability and is spun with environmentally friendly lyocell for softness. Wear yours solo or layered with the season's tailoring.
There's a reason why the Lili tee is one of Anine Bing's best-selling styles. Leaning towards the sheer, the oversized silhouettes begs to be layered over a black lace bralette and paired with a pair of leather trousers for a night out.
Danish cool-girl label Rotate knows their way around a T-shirt. Made from organic cotton, the boxy fit lends an extra laidback feel to the casual wear staple. Labeled with the brand's logo, it works just as well worn in the office or on a lazy Sunday on the couch.
The wider neck and looser fit of Weekday's white T-shirt has an air of that off-duty ease we're looking for. Made from jersey with a hint of elastane, the result is a soft tee to tuck into sweatpants or a silk skirt.
Stylein's cropped Janna t-shirt is the perfect style for those who want to avoid a bulky tuck. After all, the short length makes it the perfect t-shirt for high-waisted pants or baggy trousers offering a playful balance of proportions.
When Danish Bareen was founded, the brand had one singular focus: To create the best basic T-shirt possible. Here, we've included their classic fit which we would argue is the definition of the perfect white tee.
Low-key logomania may sound like an impossible feat, but Baum Und Pferdgarten balances the two diametrically opposed ideas perfectly with their embossed Jiana t-shirt.
How do you style a white T-shirt?
One of the reasons why the white cotton T-shirt has cemented its place as a closet staple is its incredible versatility. Wether worn as impromptu nightwear, for a stint at the gym, or to the office, the white T-shirt fits in any sartorial scenario.
As for day-to-day dressing, we follow the lead of supermodels in there off-duty outfits. Head the likes of Elsa Hosk and pair the perfectly slouchy T-shirt with a vintage leather jacket, loafers and a pair of loose-fit jeans low-slung jeans – the perfect look for a lazy weekend.
The office offers multiple options when styling the white T-shirt. Why not dress up the tee with feminine silky skirts or slips? Or for those who tend to prefer tailoring, a slouchy suit made Scandi chic with a pair of trainers.
What makes a T-shirt good quality?
When deciphering if a T-shirt is high quality, some rely the fabric, while others look at the thread count, and some focus on the experience wearing it. After all, there are many ways to measure the quality of a tee. A good place to start is to ask yourself some questions: What is the T-shirt made of? How and where is the T-shirt made? Who made it? How long will it last you?
An important factor to consider is the cost per wear. White T-shirts tend to be one of those basics we like to stock up on, meaning we want to find a good deal. But, looking at the long-term dropping a little bit extra on a well-made tee may end up saving you money.
How do you avoid see-through white T-shirts?
Most of the time, we avoid see-through T-shirts at any cost. Looking for an opaque appearance, we implore you to invest in heavy weight, 100 per cent cotton to ensure your colourful undies remain hidden. If the problem persists, or you prefer a lighter layer, it all comes down to what you wear underneath. Look for a well-fitting T-shirt bra or camisole in a colour close to your own skin.
Then again, there are those moments when the hint of black lace, or a strappy body underneath a white T-shirt is undeniably sexy. It's all about the occasion at hand.