For as long as fashion has existed, a few pieces have stood the test of time. We often see a trendy piece on the runway trickle down into mainstream fashion overnight but go out of style equally quickly. Enter: the white shirt. Traceable to the Victorian era, white shirts were once seen as a symbol of wealth and status due the high maintenance of upkeep. Today, it exists in our wardrobes as a corporate mainstay, most commonly styled with black trousers or a modest pencil skirt.
A resurgence of streetwear in recent years, however, has seen the white shirt being paired with items like leather jackets and sneakers. Western tuxedos worn by the likes of A$AP Rocky and Bella Hadid show that it can work with a variety of styles, and can tie together different eras of dressing cohesively.
The versatility of the white shirt is further proved by how effortless it is to pair with different clothing items. Dress it down with oversized denim shorts and boots for a relaxed look, or linen trousers and strappy sandals for the perfect outfit to lounge in.
With so many different brands to choose from, picking the perfect white shirt to fit you can seem daunting. Here at Vogue, we’ve scoured the internet for all the best white shirts and picked out options for every social occasion. Be it a birthday party with the family or a fancy dinner event, these shirts will work in any setting, and will last the test of time with their superior construction and materials.
Below, Vogue highlights the best white shirts currently available, and we take you through how to style them individually.
1 / 14
Comme des Garçons white poplin shirt, $445
Featuring dropped shoulder seams, a larger chest pocket and a curved hem, understated details are what makes this shirt special. Throw on your favourite pair of dark-washed denim for an easy, everyday fit.
Available at SSENSE.
2 / 14
Comme des Garçons white ruffles shirt, $880
With sharp fang collars and ruffles reminiscent of Victorian times, this shirt truly is every maximalist’s dream. Pair it with your favourite Comme des Garçons pieces or black trousers to let the shirt do all the talking.
Available at SSENSE.
3 / 14
Rokh white strap detailed Shirt, $420
The perfect accessory to a crisp, white shirt, this piece features a removable and adjustable tie. To tie in the look, pair it with an oversized suit blazer.
Available at SSENSE.
4 / 14
Maison Margiela SSENSE exclusive white shirt, $440
A sleek white shirt in a timeless cut, this Margiela SSENSE exclusive will be a valued piece in anyone’s capsule wardrobe. Relaxed trousers and sandals will give the outfit that added flair for a lunch meeting or errand-running.
Available at SSENSE.
5 / 14
R13 white cotton shirt, $695
The exaggerated drop shoulders and raw deconstructed nature of its hem gives this R13 shirt an edgy, rebellious look. Throw on a vintage leather jacket for an extra bold effect.
Available at SSENSE.
6 / 14
Jil Sander concealed-placket cotton poplin shirt, $842
The large spread collar, hidden placket and pleated sleeves show that beauty truly is in the details with Jil Sander. Keep the rest of your outfit muted and simple to boast an understated elegance.
Available at MatchesFashion.
7 / 14
JW Anderson pleated cotton poplin longline shirt, $328
The darted seams on this shirt create a tapered waist visual on the wearer, showing that a white shirt is a canvas for unlimited experimentation. Wear it with your more colourful pieces for a bold statement.
Available at MatchesFashion.
8 / 14
Balenciaga Twisted cotton poplin shirt, $1075
This one is for true fashion lovers. Twisted construction, elongated sleeves and an asymmetric hem speak closely to the house codes of Balenciaga. Its oversized fit gives a relaxed silhouette, allowing it to be dressed up in a casual tailored manner or down in a casual way.
Available at MatchesFashion.
9 / 14
Polo Ralph Lauren embroidered logo buttoned shirt, $145
This classic slim-fit button shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren is for those who want something more casual whilst not compromising quality. Throw on a cardigan, some jeans, and your favourite loafers for the perfect Sunday brunch fit.
Available at Farfetch.
10 / 14
Thom Browne grosgrain armband oxford shirt, $800
For those bored of their standard corporate office shirts, Thom Browne offers an alternative. The signature red and blue armband stripes gives an unorthodox twist to a classic. Go full Thom Browne with it, or wear it with your sharpest suit.
Available at Farfetch.
11 / 14
Winnie silk pyjama shirt, $320
A silk pyjama shirt is a good twist on the conventional white option, with its breathable silk fabric making this shirt comfortable for everyday wear. Pair it with your favourite pants to lounge in, and head out to run errands or simply enjoy a day in.
Available at Highsnobiety.
12 / 14
Our Legacy initial crinkled sheer-tulle shirt, $379
Our Legacy has always been known for its unorthodox and bold styles. This sheer-tulle shirt shows skin while staying modest, threading the line of sensuality. Throw it on over a bralette or rock it by itself if you have the confidence.
Available at MatchesFashion.
13 / 14
Our Legacy CoCo 70s Shirt, $223
It wouldn’t be the 70s without huge fang collars on shirts. Our Legacy pays homage to one of the greatest decades in the history of fashion, with a throwback detail on an otherwise modernised oxford. A vintage blazer, tie, denim pants, and black boots will reimagine the western tuxedo.
Available at MatchesFashion.
14 / 14
Studio Nicholson oversized shirt, $325
This shirt can be worn by itself or as an overshirt, given the structured oversized fit. Go full white as shown in the styled product image, or break up the monochromatic tones by wearing your favourite black denim.
Available at MatchesFashion.
