Costing a fraction of the price of other brands and with thousands of five star reviews, this shirt has shoppers in disbelief about where it’s from.
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“The white shirt is timeless because it’s so simple and can be worn in many ways,” says Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC. “It’s the ultimate minimalistic piece that is key to any capsule wardrobe.”
From crisp cotton pieces to casual linen, the white shirt is as versatile as it is popular. This is what makes the modest button down shirt so beloved – people of all ages, and with differing tastes in fashion, are all able to find one that works for them.
In recent months, like any other fashion trend of universal appeal, the white shirt has risen in popularity on TikTok. The hashtag #whiteshirt currently has over 335 million views on the social media app. From Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) videos to shopping wishlists and how-to-wear guides, creators and commenters are all raving about the wardrobe essential. Creators have called the essential item “super simple” and a “must-have” and Adolphe agrees.
“The beauty of this piece is that it’s versatile enough to be styled in your own way for work, everyday wear or dressed up for a night out,” she told news.com.au.
Below, we’ve rounded up a selection we think you’ll wear on repeat – including an under $50 style from Amazon that “goes with everything” and has racked up more than 8600 reviews from happy shoppers.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With an array of white shirts available in the market, it can be hard to choose the one that’s right for you. To help you, we asked Head of Style at THE ICONIC, Nicole Adolphe, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a white shirt. In addition, we read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to roundup worthy picks from premium to budget.
In this article
BEST WHITE LINEN SHIRTS
Amazon Essentials Women’s Long-Sleeve Shirt, from $34.90 at Amazon
This shirt is not only affordable, but goes with everything. Picture: news.com.au/Hannah Paine.
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
I’m always on the hunt for the perfect white shirt – you know, one that’s oversized but not baggy, fitted but not too tight. Oh, and if it didn’t cost an arm and a leg, that would be great too. Amazon recently launched its range of Amazon Basics clothing in Australia and their Long-Sleeve Shirt comes highly recommended by shoppers, with over 8600 five star reviews.
The shirt is not only affordable but goes with everything – I’m been able to wear it to work, on the weekend with activewear, thrown over a dress for a casual weekend look and can also be easily dressed up for a night out. I’m a size 12 (and currently five months pregnant) and I wear the L which is the perfect oversized style while still being fitted enough around my arms and shoulders to give me a nice shape.
This shirt is super flattering, has a gorgeous ‘crisp’ finish that looks much more expensive than it is- I can’t tell you how many people have been shocked to find out it’s from Amazon. Don’t believe me? Five star reviewers also praise its “great fit”, saying that it’s the “best cotton shirt I have owned”.
White Linen Shirt. Picture: H&M.
White Linen Shirt. Picture: H&M.
What You Need To Know
Made from 100 per cent linen, this airy linen shirt is sure to be your go-to this spring and summer. It features a button up front, long sleeves with button cuffs, one chest pocket and a curved hem that run longer at the back. The relaxed fit keeps it effortlessly casual and you can easily dress it up for a night out or down for a beach day out.
It boasts a 4.6-star rating with shoppers hailing it “THE perfect white linen shirt” and a “summer staple”.
“A true classic. An essential addition to the summer wardrobe. Quality, look & feel – amazing!” one wrote.
“I already have one of these shirts. Definitely a summer staple but also can be worn under a jumper when it’s colder. Love the linen plus the value. A winner every time!” another wrote.
European Linen Shirt, $40 at Target Australia
European Linen Shirt from Target Australia
What You Need To Know
Whether for casual or work occasions, this stylish shirt is perfect. Made from a breathable and lightweight linen fabrication, this shirt has a collared neckline, button up front, chest pockets and a curved hem to round out the look.
This one from Target is available in sizes 6 to 20 and pairs perfectly with almost anything you can think of.
Assembly Label Xander Linen Shirt, $90 at Assembly Label
Assembly Label Xander Long Sleeve Shirt. Picture: THE ICONIC.
Assembly Label Xander Long Sleeve Shirt. Picture: THE ICONIC.
What You Need To Know
This 100 per cent linen white shirt from Australian brand Assembly Label is a classic button-up that’s forever in style. With long sleeves that can be rolled up with ease and a relaxed, oversized fit perfect for tucking into jeans, this shirt is one that will traverse your summer and winter wardrobes with ease.
BEST WHITE DRESS SHIRTS
Trenery Cotton Poplin Wrap Shirt, $49.95 (down from $179) at THE ICONIC
Trenery Cotton Poplin Wrap Shirt. Picture: THE ICONIC.
Trenery Cotton Poplin Wrap Shirt. Picture: THE ICONIC.
What You Need To Know
Boasting elevated elegance is this wrap shirt from Trenery. Made from 100 per cent cotton, it features a spread collar, long cuffed sleeves, self-tie belt and a wrap front design for a modern finish.
BEST WHITE LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
Australian Cotton Relaxed Poplin Shirt, $139 at Country Road
Country Road Australian Cotton Relaxed Poplin Shirt. Picture: Country Road.
Country Road Australian Cotton Relaxed Poplin Shirt. Picture: Country Road.
What You Need To Know
As with anything you’d expect from Australian brand Country Road, this well cut shirt is brilliant in its sheer simplicity. Created from 100 per cent cotton, it’s the small details – like the relaxed fit, chest patch pocket and back yoke detailing – that make this white button up shirt worthy of your wardrobe space. Pair with everything from jeans to tailored black pants and watch it elevate your outfit.
Topshop Curve Seersucker Shirt, $48 (down from $80) at ASOS
Topshop Curve Seersucker Shirt. Picture: ASOS.
Topshop Curve Seersucker Shirt. Picture: ASOS.
What You Need To Know
Made from a cotton-viscose blend, this shirt from Topshop has the design of a normal shirt but with seersucker detail all over. Lightweight and breathable, this shirt fits regularly and can easily be dressed up or down. Plus it’s available in sizes 16 to 26.
BEST WHITE SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS
Boxy Short Sleeved Poplin Shirt, $99 at COS
COS Boxy Short Sleeved Poplin Shirt. Picture: COS.
COS Boxy Short Sleeved Poplin Shirt. Picture: COS.
What You Need To Know
Keep your spring-summer outfits easy breezy with this short sleeve shirt from COS. Made from 100 per cent cotton, this shirt offers a modern boxy cut, button up front, short sleeves and a collared neckline.
Short Sleeve Linen Blend Shirt, $39.99 at Glassons
Short Sleeve Linen Blend Shirt. Picture: Glassons.
Short Sleeve Linen Blend Shirt. Picture: Glassons.
What You Need To Know
For laid-back weekends and beach hangs, this linen-blend shirt from Glassons is a need. With its oversized fit, short sleeves, notched collar and button up front, this shirt makes a great staple for casual sunny days out or as a cover up.
Oxford Westin Cotton Blouse, $99 (down from $169) at THE ICONIC
Oxford Westin Cotton Blouse. Picture: THE ICONIC.
Oxford Westin Cotton Blouse. Picture: THE ICONIC.
What You Need To Know
For work or play, we love the simple yet dressy notes this shirt offers – from the high round neckline and elbow-length balloon sleeves with elastic cuffs, to the relaxed fit and button up front.
BEST WHITE SILK SHIRTS
Sam Silk Cuff Shirt, $263.20 (down from $329) at SABA
Sam Silk Cuff Shirt. Picture: SABA.
Sam Silk Cuff Shirt. Picture: SABA.
What You Need To Know
Created with premium heavyweight silk, this relaxed fit silk shirt is your go-to for work or those occasions when something a little more dressy is required. With its gorgeous lustre and set-in shirtsleeves with buttoned cuffs, this white shirt will elevate any outfit.
BEST OVERSIZED WHITE SHIRTS
Cotton On Dad Shirt, $39.99 at THE ICONIC
Dad Shirt. Picture: Cotton On.
The shirt comes available in sizes XS to 5XL, too.
What You Need To Know
Turns out you can look to your dad for sartorial inspiration. Over the past couple of years, the oversized ‘dad’ shirt has become a staple in the wardrobes of women who prefer their shirts a little oversized and a lot comfy. This Cotton On option made from 100 per cent cotton has all those features your old man would approve of – a front breast pocket, high-low curved hem, drop shoulders, centre back yoke and full length sleeves with cuffs. It also comes available in sizes 16 – 30 here.
H&M Oxford Shirt. Picture: H&M.
H&M Oxford Shirt. Picture: H&M.
What You Need To Know
Created from 100 per cent cotton, this H&M Oxford Shirt is a quality wardrobe stable that comes minus the expensive price tag. Featuring a relaxed fit that allows it to seamlessly translate from work to weekends, this shirt’s button down front, yoke with hanger at the back, long sleeves and rounded hem make it a versatile buy. One five-star review sums it up by saying: “This shirt is super soft, not stiff or scratchy, it just feels amazing on your body and also it is not see through. If there is one oversized white shirt you need, it is this one.”
The Oversized Poplin Shirt, $105 (down from $150) at Everlane
The Oversized Poplin Shirt. Picture: Everlane.
The Oversized Poplin Shirt. Picture: Everlane.
What You Need To Know
With an easy breezy oversized fit, this 100 per cent cotton poplin shirt will add timeless elegance to anything you pair it with. Its dropped shoulders, half-placket and patch pocket give it a casualness that make it an item you’ll reach for regularly.
BEST FITTED WHITE SHIRTS
Cotton Shirt with Frill Trim. Picture: H&M.
Cotton Shirt with Frill Trim. Picture: H&M.
What You Need To Know
This 100 per cent cotton shirt features a frilly collar, long cuffed sleeves with frill trim and a curved hem. It’s perfect for your weekday rotation at work and beyond, and looks amazing styled with denim, dress pants, shorts and more.
White Fitted Cotton Stretch Shirt, $99 at Hawes & Curtis
Fitted Cotton Stretch Shirt. Picture: Hawes & Curtis.
Fitted Cotton Stretch Shirt. Picture: Hawes & Curtis.
What You Need To Know
Offering comfort combined with timelessness, this fitted shirt is a must-have for your everyday wardrobe. It has minimal stretch thanks to its cotton-elastane make, front dart detailing to flatter your figure, curved hem and a button up front.
BEST OFF-WHITE SHIRTS
Witchery Cotton Broderie Blouse, $99.95 (down from $179.95) at Witchery
Cotton Broderie Blouse. Picture: Witchery.
Cotton Broderie Blouse. Picture: Witchery.
What You Need To Know
Not interested in a plain, simple white shirt? Consider this chic yet elevated take on the wardrobe classic from Witchery. Featuring broderie anglaise detailing, raglan blouson sleeves with elasticated cuffs, a collared neckline, shirt-tail hem and a button up front with pearlescent buttons. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, this shirt is a great alternative to the classic white shirt and you can easily dress it up or down.
WHY HAS THE POPULARITY OF WHITE SHIRTS ENDURED FOR SO LONG?
“The white shirt is timeless because it’s so simple and can be worn in many ways. It’s the ultimate minimalistic piece that is key to any capsule wardrobe,” says Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC.
“For workwear, the white shirt has always been a staple, paired with a matching pant suit or a skirt, giving a timeless yet classy look. For a weekend look, I recommend an oversized white shirt half unbuttoned with a pair of wide leg pants or slouchy jeans.”
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO WEAR A WHITE SHIRT?
Adolphe’s favourite way to wear a white shirt is with one or two buttons done up near the top and the rest worn open, with a pair of shorts. “I love doing a white linen shirt and short combo for those sunny, summer days.”
Some of the most popular ways of styling this staple, according to Nicole are:
- White shirt worn with a blazer tucked in- classic workwear look.
- White shirt with a corset layered over the top.
- White shirt with a sleeveless knit vest over the top.
- White shirt French tucked into denim or wide leg trousers.
- White shirt with lower buttons done up and shirt open at the top to allow one shoulder to be exposed.
- White shirt worn open with a crop or bandeau top underneath, paired with
- linen pants for a casual weekend look.
- White shirt worn open with a bikini or one piece underneath with a midi skirt.
- White shirt buttoned up worn with a silk bias cut skirt.
- White shirt worn as a beach cover up over swim.
WHAT SHOULD SHOPPERS LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A WHITE SHIRT?
“Go for a classic boyfriend style if you want something that has longevity,” says Nicole. “Buttons should be clear or white and nondescript. It’s best to avoid anything with fancy stitching, large pockets or tailored darts or puff sleeves. Length is important too, if you want the shirt to last for seasons, a longer or mid length style will be key.”
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR WHITE SHIRTS?
According to Nicole, pure cotton is the classic white shirt material that remains universally on trend. “For a more luxe feel, I’d go for a cotton poplin and for a more casual shirt, it would be a linen blend.”
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