The Best White Shirts for Men and Women | Tianjin Phoenix Rising Co.,Ltd

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$90

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$85

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$90

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$35

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$11

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$168

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$78

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$130

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$228

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$295

$119

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$99

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$98

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$125

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$265

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By Taryn Mohrman

Few items are more valuable in your closet than a white shirt. A good one will pair well with any color or pattern, layer easily with other pieces and be versatile enough to dress up or down. In other words, it's a wardrobe workhorse that makes the sometimes stressful act of getting dressed (practically) effortless.

But the reality of finding the perfect white shirt–or three!–can be a fashion challenge of its own. To help, we called on professional stylists and fashion label founders to find out which white shirts they love and recommend the most for both work and play. These are the flattering, long-lasting and versatile styles that will stand up to the trends.

$90 at RAG & BONE

$90 at Net-a-Porter

The two most important things to look for in a white cotton T-shirt are a high-quality fabric and a clean cut, according to Nashville-based fashion stylist Molly Russell Sypek. "This style is our go-to closet staple for clients because it's thin like a tissue tee without being transparent," she says. "It's not boxy, so it's flattering on both longer and shorter torsos." Made of 100% Pima cotton, this crewneck is soft, breathable and as versatile as they come, which is why Russell Sypek and her team never travel for shoots or styling jobs without it. "It's easy to throw on with a pair of denim, but clean enough to be styled with a blazer," she says.

$85 at ATM Collection

$90 at ATM Collection

"Not only do I own this T-shirt, [but] 99% of my clients have fallen in love with it too," says Los Angeles-based personal stylist Rayne Parvis, who "always, always" pulls this versatile top, which comes in men's and women's styles, into dressing rooms for clients. Thanks to the uneven Peruvian cotton yarn, Parvis explains that "the fabric is slightly sheer so it allows your skin tone to shine through it, which is more complementary than solid white." Kemdi Anosike, the New York City-based founder of the fashion brand Bric, has also had this staple in his wardrobe for years. "I personally think they get better with each wash," he says of the soft, breathable tees he relies on for a simple, everyday look.

$35 at Bonobos

Try this on for convenience: You can customize this classic T-shirt from Bonobos exactly to your liking by choosing between a crew neck or a V-neck, a slim or standard fit and even whether or not it has a pocket. Robert Baum, founder and president of Robert August Footwear in Chicago, personally uses this tagless style as a base layer or undershirt. "When I want comfort, 100% cotton is my go-to fabric," says Baum. "This shirt is super soft on my skin and very breathable."

$11 at Walmart

This 100% cotton T-shirt is known for durability and affordability, and it has earned some serious style cred with the pros we spoke with, too. "I have searched far and wide for the perfect white tee and I have yet to find one that surpasses Hanes," says Charleston, S.C.- and New York City-based TV personality who focuses on style and trends Brittney Levine. "So many tees roll up, but this one lays flat on the body and keeps its shape." New York City-based commercial and personal stylist Liz Teich also likes this shirt for achieving the "’90s layered tee under a sweater look" without a big investment. "The neckline is great, the fit is effortless and the curved hemline is great for those untucked moments," she says.

$168 at Nordstrom

$168 at Rails

Parvis frequently pulls this elevated button-down when dressing styling clients in the spring and summer. "My clients love how this shirt feels and drapes," she says. It's made of breathable organic cotton and has a slight sheerness that she says "allows skin to peek through." The curved high-low hem makes it perfect for the trendy half-tuck or the open, relaxed look. And because of the longer hem in the back, Parvis also says it also works well as a bathing suit cover up.

$78 at Vuori Clothing

Made of a moisture-wicking polyester blend, this short-sleeve polo is breathable with a bit of stretch. "It's lightweight and super comfortable on humid summer days," says Baum, who recently discovered the brand and now considers it a go-to. The shirt offers "a great fit, so it’ll get a lot of wear to casual get-togethers," he says.

$130 at Nordstrom

$130 at Bloomingdale's

Tencel lyocell is a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, so if you tend to run hot, this button-down shirt could help keep you cool. The shirttail hem and back pleat give you room to move and styling options. "It's my go-to for layering with leggings and baggy jeans," says Levine, who's styled this shirt on many models and worn it herself. Her favorite feature? "I love that the shirt's material is substantial enough that it stays in place when you roll it up on your elbows, but not too flimsy that the rolls come apart," she says.

$228 at Todd Snyder

"Oxford cloth doesn't have the same see-through effect [that] a lot of other white shirts have," explains Scottsdale, Ariz.-based personal stylist Patrick Kenger. He recommends this button-down to his clients because it's made of Japanese selvedge oxford cloth, which he calls incredibly soft, and cut with a "slightly slim, but not tight fit." Kenger usually styles it untucked with jeans or chinos, but it's versatile enough to wear underneath a v-neck sweater for dressier occasions.

$119 at Saks Fifth Avenue

$295 Save $176

$221 at A.L.C

$295 Save $74

Russell Sypek recommends this buttonless white blouse to clients because "the V-neck and ruched wrists give it more flair and personality than your typical oxford." It has a crisp look with a roomy cut that she says allows it to transition into a maternity top for expectant mothers who don't want to buy an entire new wardrobe, at least at first. The 100% cotton top also has a longer hemline that allows one to wear it both tucked or untucked.

$99 at CHARLES TYRWHITT

This dress shirt is designed to stand the test of time and be machine washed. "Everyone I’ve gifted this shirt to comments that it maintained its crispness after many cleaning cycles," says Lola Banjo, the Edgewater N.J.-based founder of Silver & Riley, a luxury travel accessories brand. It's also non-iron, which is more than just a timesaver. "You can really move around in it and tuck it in or pack it without worrying the fabric will wrinkle," she says. It's available in three fits—classic, slim, and extra slim—and seven colors, including Ivory White, which Banjo recommends for "less of a uniform look."

$98 at LE ALFRÉ

This classic oxford made by a brand that boasts its the oldest shirtmaker in Portugal can easily be dressed up or down, depending on how you wear it. "It's not too long, so you can leave it untucked without it looking awkward," says Kemdi, who founded his apparel brand with men who do not fit traditional sizing in mind, so he knows a thing or two about finding the right fit. From work meetings to evening outings, he personally has worn this style with a tie, jacket or by itself.

$125 at SEZANE

Since poplin is a crisp cotton with a lustrous sheen, it's both strong and soft at once. The oversized silhouette also offers versatility."It's almost as if I’ve thrown on a men's shirt, but it's just so perfectly relaxed yet polished," says Teich of this button-down she's asked about every time she wears it or posts a photo on Instagram. "You can't go wrong wearing it untucked with leggings or slim jeans but it's an easy one to style in various ways."

$265 at Eton

For business and more formal occasions, Kenger stands by this sleek, structured button-down. "I like that Eton offers a large range of fits and sizes to help you find your perfect shirt," he says, advising that "men's shirts should hug the shoulder and arms, then drape a bit over the belly." Crafted from extra-long staple cotton, this shirt has the strength and durability to maintain its shape while warding off wrinkles, as well as a balanced luster to keep you looking sharp day to night.

$265 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Sometimes it's best not to mess with the classics. That's why we’re fans of this slim-fit button-down shirt from Vince, which is made of cotton, polyester and spandex for a crisp look with a touch of stretch. One Buy Side editor says her white shirt from the brand hasn't yellowed after wearing it for seven years, so you can count on this one as a long-wearing pick.