I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 17

The term "effortlessly chic" gets thrown around a lot in fashion. In reality, these two words are rarely applicable. But when it comes to the white shirt? The term absolutely applies. No matter what sort of budget you have or your sense of style, the white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. Is there anything else so simple yet so chic? It's so easy to wear on the weekend, to the office and while working from home. It's perfect for a night out but also a night in watching Netflix. It's the ultimate classic to have in one's arsenal, and whether it's oversized or fitted, linen or poplin, there are endless ways this classic piece appeals and can be rendered.

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

The white shirt even has its own icons. Old Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly wore them loose with capri trousers or tucked into pencil skirts. Another recognisable look comes from Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, in which she wore a white shirt tied at the waist with a miniskirt.

Modern-day white-shirt muses, however, include the likes of Jenna Lyons, former creative director of J.Crew. After all, she reconfigured how we view this humble item. But perhaps our favourite go-to celebrity for white-shirt styling inspiration is Victoria Beckham, whose insouciant way of rolling up her sleeves has us wanting to do the same.

But whatever your preference, one thing's for certain: Finding the one that fits you is like finding the fashion holy grail. It needs to fit just right and not gape at the chest. It needs to weather a coffee spill, and it needs to be long-lasting because when you find the ultimate one, you'll never get rid of it.

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

To get the definitive guide to the best white shirts for women, we posed the question to our 2000-member Facebook group So… Should I Should Buy This?, asking them where they've found their best-ever white shirts. I also asked all the editors at Who What Wear which brands they rated. I had plenty of responses, and some labels clearly stood out. But what was evident was that no matter the price, people were willing to pay for more if a genuinely perfect fit was on offer.

Of all the brands that came out on top, there were two winners: COS and Gap were the most popular, in general. But there were so many more that were recommended. Marks & Spencer is ideal for those with bigger chests, as it offers an ingenious solution of hidden buttons on the inside to reduce the risk of gaping. Ready to discover your favourite white shirt? Keep scrolling to see how to style yours, and then check out our edit.

How to Style a White Shirt:

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: I love a white shirt with white jeans. Sure, you might find yourself avoiding the red wine, but it looks so chic, so it's probably worth it. 

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: Here's another combination of jeans and a white shirt—this time with white heels. It's a small difference, but it really makes an impact. 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Up the sass factor by wearing your loose white shirt tucked into a miniskirt with metallic heels.

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: I particularly like how Abi Marvel has knotted hers at the waist, wearing a punchy bra top underneath. 

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

Style Notes: Give your crisp white shirt the fun factor by pairing with a ruffled tulle skirt and sneakers.

Shop the Best White Shirts

1. H&M Poplin Shirt

2. COS Oversized Tailored Shirt

3. Theory Menswear Shirt in Good Cotton

4. Marks & Spencer Cotton Oversized Shirt

5. The Frankie Shop Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

6. Arket Poplin Shirt

7. Gap Poplin Oversized Shirt

8. Sézane Tomboy Shirt

9. Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Shirt

10. Weekday Relaxed Linen Mix Shirt

11. Gant Oversized Poplin Shirt

12. Ghost Ellie Satin Shirt

13. Whistles Boxy Cotton Shirt

14. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Shirt

15. Albaray White Organic Cotton Shirt

16. Boden Cotton Shirt

17. Rails Arlo Shirt

Elinor Block