What Are The 5 Main Body Shapes For Men?
Why knowing your body shape is a game changer. It’s a powerful way to upgrade how you present yourself. I am a menswear style expert and have developed and taught…
As a London menswear stylist, I often remind clients that the white T-shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential for men. Clean, simple, and versatile, it’s the building block of modern style. You can wear it on its own with jeans, layer it under knitwear, or use it to dress down a blazer. But the question every
man asks is: how much should you really pay for a white T-shirt?
How Much Does a White T-Shirt Cost?
Fast fashion white T-shirts (£5–10): Cheap and accessible, but the quality shows. They lose shape, collars sag, and the fabric thins after just a few washes.
Mid-range white T-shirts (£30–50): This is the sweet spot. Better cotton, stronger stitching, and cuts that hold their shape. They feel great to wear and transition effortlessly from casual weekends to smart layering.
Premium designer white T-shirts (£70–120+): Crafted with luxury cottons, mercerised finishes, or organic fabrics. Often made in Europe or Japan, these T-shirts drape beautifully and feel elevated. At this level, you’re paying for both craftsmanship and brand reputation.
White T-Shirt Price Comparison
Click to enlarge the table below.
Lightweight (120–150gsm): Breathable, soft, and ideal for layering under shirts, knitwear, or tailoring. Best in warmer months or when you don’t want bulk under a jacket. Downsides: can be see-through if the fabric isn’t high quality.
Medium weight (160–180gsm): The all-rounder. Holds its shape, drapes well, and works solo or layered. Perfect for everyday wear all year round. If you’re only buying one type, start here.
Heavyweight (200–250gsm): Dense, structured, and built to last. Great for wearing on its own with jeans or trousers as it feels more like a statement piece. Best for cooler weather or when you want a premium, substantial look.
Style tip from The Image Coach: Think of white T-shirts the same way you do knitwear — lighter weights for layering, heavier weights when you want the T-shirt to stand alone.
Crew Neck Ribs: The Detail That Defines Quality
The rib around the neckline is one of those subtle details that separate an average T-shirt from a great one.
Minimal rib (narrow band): Clean, sharp, and modern. My personal preference. It works perfectly under blazers, shirts, or knitwear because it doesn’t bulk the neckline.
Standard rib (medium width): The most common finish. Practical and versatile, but a little more casual.
Wide rib (thick band): More durable, often used in heavyweight or vintage-inspired T-shirts. Great if you want a bold neckline, but less refined for smart layering.
Style tip from The Image Coach: For professional wardrobes, a minimal rib is the most versatile and polished option. Wider ribs work best for casual or off-duty looks.
Fast Fashion vs Quality White T-Shirts
Fast fashion encourages quantity over quality—resulting in drawers full of greying, stretched-out tees that don’t last the season. Investing in fewer, higher-quality white T-shirts pays off in the long run. They keep their shape, last longer, and instantly elevate your appearance.
For busy professionals, it’s about looking sharp with minimal effort—exactly where quality over quantity wins.
If your wardrobe is overrun with underwhelming basics, consider booking a wardrobe edit to strip out what isn’t working and rebuild with the right essentials.
How to Care for a White T-Shirt
Even the best T-shirt won’t look good if you don’t look after it. As The Image Coach, here’s my professional style-care advice:
– Always soak whites in a pre-wash before putting them in the machine.
– Wash at a low temperature to preserve fabric strength and colour brightness.
– Over the years, I’ve tried DIY methods like bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar, but nothing beats Napisan for restoring whites and keeping them fresh.
Pro Tip from The Image Coach: Don’t throw your T-shirts in with the rest of your laundry. Give them a proper soak first. It’s the difference between a wardrobe essential that looks sharp for years and one that looks tired after a month.
The Takeaway
A crisp white T-shirt isn’t just basic—it’s the foundation of a man’s wardrobe. As a London menswear stylist, I recommend owning three to six high-quality white T-shirts in different weights. Rotate them, invest in better fabrics, and treat them well. You’ll look sharper, feel more confident, and avoid the clutter of cheap throwaways.
The white T-shirt may be simple, but when it’s done right, it’s the most powerful piece you can own.
