The Best Sustainable White T-Shirts in 2024

March 11, 2022 (updated May 10, 2023) — Written by

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.

A woman wearing a white t shirt and jeans smiles while looking off to the side

IN THIS POST:

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.


a smiling woman wearing a white t shirt and jeans

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

This reader agrees! 👇

An instagram exchange with a reader about sustainable t-shirts.

RELATED: Read more about LOVETRUST in our sustainable clothing buying guide and in our summer capsule wardrobe.


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?

xo, lisa in cursive

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.

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

6 Comments

  1. Reply

    Kathleen

    I 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.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Ooo! Great rec, thanks Kathleen!

  2. Reply

    Susan

    Thank 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

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi 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

  3. Reply

    Naomi F

    Thank 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!!!

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Naomi! These are Veronica Beard! xo, L

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