Wardrobe basics are not only classic, but also a necessity. Like, what can I throw on to look put-together without *really* thinking about it? Enter the best sustainable white t-shirt, an elusive animal that I’ve been searching for 4eva…and that I finally found. Keep reading for my top sustainable t picks.
IN THIS POST:
- What I look for in a sustainable white t-shirt
- Sustainable white t-shirts I’ve tried
- My top 3 picks for sustainable t-shirts
Why are brands still making and selling SEE THROUGH white t-shirts?! Unless it’s 1996 and you are living your best life via 18+ clubs’ white t-shirt contests….NOBODY wants that!
But outside of the thread count, there are several things that I look for in my perpetual search for the best sustainable white t-shirt. I say perpetual because I love a white t, but I never feel like I have a great one—either because the fit is off, or the pits got dingy or I stained it—it’s always something!
So over the past few months I’ve doubled down and focused on my search, and I’m excited to report back that I found a fave. But the buck doesn’t stop there. I’m going to keep working on adding to this post until I have 10 solid sustainable white t-shirt recs, so bookmark this because it’s about to get good.
RELATED: Peek inside my suitcase to see what I packed for vacation and see the 5 items I can’t stop wearing this summer.
What I look for in a sustainable white t-shirt
Transparency
You knew I was going to say it. This is #1 here at TNK. Tell us your story, show us pictures, tell us your process and what you value. We want to know!
Sustainability
I’m looking for organic and / or recycled materials like cotton, TENCEL and recycled polyester for example. Also, it’s important to consider more than just materials when it comes to sustainability. As Melissa Schriver-Mangun, founder of LOVETRUST, says, “In my opinion, mass and over production is the biggest issue in the industry. If a t-shirt costs $20 or less, even if it’s made from organic cotton, chances are it was mass produced for over consumption and that is just not sustainable.” (Learn more about fashion-industry practices and what makes clothing sustainable in our buying guide.)
Certification
Not required, but love to see a white t-shirt that’s also GOTS, OEKO-TEX or Fair Trade International Certified, among others.
RELATED: What do all those beauty certifications really mean?
Size
So I’m 5’10 and weigh about 165 pounds and I also have a longer torso than most. I know this because the waists on dresses are always up by my boobs instead of at my waist🙄. So I’m not out here trying to buy a tiny t-shirt. NO! Give me a respectable, adult-sized, full t-shirt. Thank you.
Comfort
Obviously t-shirts can be made with different materials and blends of materials. I prefer cotton—it gives the tiniest little bit of extra structure plus I like the crisp feel of it.
Style
Also appreciate a classic and timeless t-shirt. This is not a statement piece. I don’t need a white t-shirt with 10 pockets or cinched ruching. I also appreciate one that looks just as good with jeans and sneaks as it does under a blazer or paired with a fun skirt.
Ethics
I’m looking to support businesses that are not only “doing no harm” but are also actively working to do RIGHT. Businesses that pay fair wages, value their workers, give back to the planet or reduce their impact in some way.
RELATED: How to shop for sustainable fashion—TNK’s buying guide.
Price
I don’t know about you, but I’m also not looking to spend $99 for a white t-shirt. I’m saving that for the next Le Prunier drop, lol.
NOT SEE THROUGH
🙄
Sustainable white t-shirts I’ve tried
LOVETRUST Patti Short Sleeve Tee | $52
Size: If between sizes, size down. Wearing a large, but could have gone with a medium for a more tailored fit.
Quite possibly the best white t-shirt I’ve owned. First and foremost, it’s thicker and NOT SEE THROUGH, lol. I also love the shape and style of it: the low v-neck line, the rollable sleeves (that stay rolled if you roll them), the relaxed fit. It just oozes comfort and style without trying too hard. And of course I love that it’s ethically made in small batches too.
- 100% Organic Peruvian Cotton Jersey
- Preshrunk
- Low v-neck
- Rollable sleeves
- Long enough to tuck or side knot, but not too long that it adds bulk
- Relaxed fit—although I did size up to a L
- Ethically manufactured in Peru (more here)
- Timeless / classic style
- A true white color
- NOT SEE THROUGH
SAVE: Use code TNKLOVE20 to save 20%
This reader agrees! 👇
RELATED: Read more about LOVETRUST in our sustainable clothing buying guide and in our summer capsule wardrobe.
Encircled The Fair V Neck Tee | $46
Size: True to size. Wearing a medium.
I can’t believe I’m about to say this but this tee was a little too long for me😱. Also, I’m not personally a huge fan of the feel of rayon and this drapes and bounces on the body like a traditional rayon would. Love the v-neck.
- Ultra soft blend of rayon made from bamboo and organic cotton
- Did not shrink
- Classic v-neck
- Not rollable sleeves
- Long in length
- Loose, straight fit
- Ethically made in Toronto, Canada (more here)
- Laidback style
- A true white color
- NOT SEE THROUGH
RELATED:Tradlands clothing review—totally worth it.
As I said, I’m going to keep adding to this as I find more sustainable t-shirts I love, so help me out—what sustainable ts are your go-to?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kathleen
March 11, 2022I have loved the V neck tshirts from The Classic T-Shirt Company. Like you, I am tall and these are not cropped and not see through. I plan to order more! Thanks for your suggestions. I am going to try a few.
Lisa Fennessy
April 10, 2022Ooo! Great rec, thanks Kathleen!
Susan
March 11, 2022Thank you for posting this t-shirt review. You’d think a basic white t would be easier to find, but, no. I really, truly, appreciate you giving your own height/weight stats too (we’re the same stats & I think you look terrific so, got to shake off some self critic I had been feeling). I found your site thru a natural hair transitioning post. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself & I enjoy your writing/opinions/photos
Lisa Fennessy
April 10, 2022Hi Susan! Your are too kind to leave this note, thank you! I hope you find the white t-shirt of your dreams lol. Thanks for reading! xo, L
Naomi F
March 12, 2022Thank you so much for this post. I am ordering the LOVETRUST right after this post! Question, where did you get those jeans? They look fabulous on you & I think, no, I am sure I need those!!!
Lisa Fennessy
April 10, 2022Hi Naomi! These are Veronica Beard! xo, L