Plain white T-shirts: opacity, fit and keeping them white

What makes a good plain white T-shirt?

A white tee is the one basic that shows every weakness. Thin fabric looks see-through, a weak collar goes wavy and grey patches appear under the arms after a few months. A good one has three things going for it:

• Enough fabric weight so it is not see-through.
• A ribbed collar that lies flat and holds its shape.
• Cotton that can take regular washing without losing its colour.

The general checklist is in the best plain T-shirts. Below we focus on what is special about white.

How heavy should a white T-shirt be so it is not see-through?

Opacity depends mainly on fabric weight, measured in gsm (grams per square metre). A dense knit lets less light through. As a rough guide:

If you want to wear a white tee on its own, aim for at least approx. 165 gsm. Fruit of the Loom's Heavy Cotton at approx. 195 gsm is one of the more opaque classic basics. Read the T-shirt gsm guide for the full picture.

What should you wear under a white T-shirt?

Surprisingly, a white vest under a white tee often shows through more than nothing at all, because it creates a visible outline. A layer close to your skin tone is the least visible. For a plain white tee on its own, heavier fabric is the simplest fix.

How do you keep white T-shirts white?

Most white tees do not go grey or yellow from age, but from washing habits. These five habits make the biggest difference:

1. Wash whites separately. Even one dark or coloured item can give white a grey tint over time.
2. Use a whites detergent and the right dose. Too much detergent leaves residue that attracts dirt.
3. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees for everyday loads. Hotter can remove more grime, but cotton may shrink a few percent.
4. Treat sweat marks early. Deodorant and sweat build up under the arms and at the collar and turn yellow if left.
5. Dry in fresh air where you can, and avoid a hot tumble dryer, which can set stains and shrink cotton.

Crew neck, V-neck or long sleeve: which white basic do you need?

A white tee is not one garment but several, depending on how you wear it. Most wardrobes benefit from a mix:

• White crew neck: the classic. It works on its own with jeans, under a jumper or with a blazer for a smart-casual look.
• White V-neck: useful under an open shirt, as the collar stays out of sight. Many people also find it a little cooler in summer.
• White long sleeve: a base layer for autumn and winter, or on its own on cooler days.

For the crew neck you wear on its own, a heavier fabric pays off most, because nothing is covering it. For an undershirt or V-neck worn under something else, a lighter tee is often more comfortable.

White is also the most common colour for printing, from club logos to hen do tees. If you plan to print, cotton of approx. 150 to 190 gsm gives a smooth, stable surface. Classic Fruit of the Loom tees are tubular, with no side seams, so the fabric is even all the way round.

Do white cotton T-shirts shrink?

Cotton can shrink a few percent, mostly on the first hot wash. Choose your normal size and, if you are between two sizes, go for the larger one. Approx. chest measurements for Fruit of the Loom tees: S 89 to 94 cm, M 95 to 100 cm, L 101 to 106 cm, XL 107 to 112 cm.

How many white T-shirts should you buy at once?

White tees wear out faster than dark ones, simply because they show marks sooner. Many people buy three to five at a time so they can rotate them. That also fits well with quantity discounts.

At Marmalade Co. a white Fruit of the Loom T-shirt costs €6.95. From 3 pieces there is 5 % off, from 5 pieces 10 % off (€6.26 each). DHL delivery is €7 flat and takes about 2 to 3 working days to Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The shop does not currently deliver to the United Kingdom.

Prefer a darker basic? Read plain black T-shirts for tips on stopping black from fading.