For a look that's polished, timeless, and chic, it doesn't get much better than a good-quality white shirt. Worn as part of a suit or just a blazer, a white shirt looks just as good at the office as it does at a formal event. Never underestimate the power of a stylish cotton shirt for dinner or cocktail evenings or paired with jeans for a polished daytime outfit.
We've put together this buying guide alongside a list of the top ten best white shirts for women to help you choose the perfect piece for your wardrobe. Featuring fabulous finds available on Amazon, John Lewis, and ASOS – our list includes cheap and functional options for work, fits for bigger busts, and beautiful beach shirts.
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Table of Contents
Before you go and buy any old white shirt, there are a few things to consider. This guide will cover the type of shirt – whether for work, a formal occasion, or to wear at the beach – the fit, and much more.
When you think of a white shirt, it's probably the classic cut that springs to mind, but there are actually quite a few different styles to choose from. In this section, we'll go through the various options, so you can decide which one best suits your taste and purpose.
You may be reading this guide because you have a job that requires you to wear a white shirt, but we can assure you that it doesn't need to be boring. Go for simple, clean lines and a contemporary shape in a cool, soft fabric for a shirt you'll actually look forward to wearing.
Jobs in service or hospitality often call for short-sleeved shirts but if your role requires more formal wear, opt for long sleeves and a collared neckline for optimal chic. A well-chosen white shirt can also look gorgeous as daywear, creating a sharp, crisp look that elevates the rest of your outfit.
Just because white shirts are a workwear staple, that doesn't mean that's their only purpose. A white shirt can be the perfect garment to wear with a statement blazer or suit jacket for a wedding, christening, or another type of formal event.
The right white shirt can also bring sophistication to a dressed-up night out, exuding luxury and confidence. A garment with a modern cut, a frill collar, or one made from a special material such as high-quality silk are all great ways to up the style stakes.
Although the fashion-forward amongst us have been wearing flowing garments on the beach for a long time, shirts created specifically for the beach is a rather new phenomenon. It's all about snapping that dreamy pic for Insta while wearing a cool comfy garment that shows off your tan - and what could be better for that than a white cotton beach shirt?
With options for all body types, including curvy and plus-size, a beach shirt is a must-have for a holiday. Some of the most popular styles are the beach shirt dress and shirts with a semi-sheer or textured fabric - perfect for a laidback getaway in the South of France!
As well as thinking about the occasion or purpose of your shirt, you also need to consider the fit. The classic white shirt worn in formal work settings has a regular cut, shaped either close to the body or slightly loose. This fit also looks great when worn as everyday wear, no matter whether it's a modern, cropped length shirt with short sleeves or a sleek, long-sleeved blouse for a more retro vibe.
A relaxed or oversized cut might be more suitable for those who are a little bored with the classic, regular fit. In the world of white shirts for women, looser doesn't have to mean more casual, and an oversized shirt can create a more contemporary silhouette that's chic enough both for work and events.
Most white shirts are made from 100% cotton, which is naturally cool, comfortable, and perfectly complements the garment's style. Some brands now work with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to create shirts that are more sustainably produced to ensure better conditions for their workers.
However, not all white shirts are made from cotton. Some are made with a fabric blend of cotton with either polyester or viscose, which usually makes the item a little bit cheaper, however offers more stretch and less tendency to crease. Some downsides of fabric blends with synthetics are that the shirt may not feel as breathable as 100% cotton, and their production is often not as eco-friendly.
For those with a larger budget looking for a white shirt that creates a real style statement, silk is an excellent option. A silk shirt is more versatile than you'd think. It looks stunning under a mohair jumper or tweed blazer or just paired with tailored trousers. Opt for grade 6A silk for the highest-quality material that will bring sophistication to any outfit and will likely last a long time too.
It may sound obvious, but it's crucial to always read the care instructions for your shirt to make sure you get the most out of it. White shirts are notoriously susceptible to staining, but luckily those made from cotton, polyester, or a blend with viscose can usually be thrown in the washing machine along with other whites.
Silk should be hand-washed or cold washed in the machine on a gentle cycle and ironed on a low setting. Just make sure you always check the label of your garment for more instructions on how to wash and dry it along with the specific temperature that works best.
£55.00
There are many beautiful pieces on our list, but when it comes to the top spot, it just had to be this Oversized Poplin Shirt by Kin. Crafted from 100% cotton sourced and produced in partnership with BCI, this shirt is high-quality and sustainably made.
The thing we love most about it, though, is its contemporary, oversized shape. Combined with 3/4 length sleeves and a longer length at the back than the front, it creates a stylish silhouette. Whether it's being worn as daywear, workwear, or to a formal event, this shirt is sure to look effortlessly chic.
£19.99
These days not everyone is into wearing white, and if you'd prefer something a little warmer, take a look at this Basic Shirt in Natural by Mango. A super versatile piece, this shirt is made from a soft polyester fabric that resists creasing.
Framed with a collar neckline with an overall sleek and flattering cut, it has a subtle '70s vintage feel that brings a hint of class to any outfit. If you're looking for a gorgeous wardrobe staple at a truly bargainous price, this is it!
£29.00
If you find total white a bit much, this High Low Hem Cotton Shirt by John Lewis has contrast buttons for a more relaxed and ever so slightly rustic look. Perfect worn as daywear or with cords and an autumnal cardigan at work, you're sure to get loads of wear out of this one.
Created in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), choosing this shirt helps support more sustainable cotton farming and better conditions for the people who produce it. So if you think about it, this shirt is an excellent choice all-round.
£29.99
From chic trousers to structured blazers that could be mistaken for designer, Mango is the clothing brand that keeps on giving. Known for its high-quality pieces with clean lines and polished tailoring, Mango is also surprisingly affordable.
Frill collars are really in at the moment, and we love Mango's interpretation of the trend in their Honey Wide Collar Shirt. Made from a cotton blend, it has a real country appeal with diamond patterning on the collar and a pretty tie ribbon.
£22.00
If you're looking for a beach shirt, ASOS have some great options, like this Curve Textured Button Through Beach Shirt by their own line, ASOS DESIGN. Curve is a fashion-forward plus-size range creating directional pieces as well as more basic wardrobe staples.
This shirt is made from 100% cotton and is lightweight and semi-sheer in a relaxed, slouchy fit that's great for the warmer months. The textured fabric creates a slightly rustic feel, ideal for sunset spritzers on the beach.
£30.00
Topshop may have left the high street, but luckily for us, it's here on ASOS, so we don't have to miss out on their trusty yet trendy pieces. This Pocket Detail Crop Shirt part of their Tall range is a great daywear piece that provides a chic look for work too.
With a slightly cropped length, a chest pocket, and 3/4 length wide sleeves in a regular fit, it has a contemporary silhouette that looks smart in a laidback way. However, it's made from a blend of cotton and viscose, which might not be quite as cool and breathable as a shirt made entirely of cotton.
£28.00
Vero Moda's Curve range provides stylish, plus-size fits that cater to women with a big bust. Their Organic Cotton Oversized Shirt is a must-have staple for those who love clean, sharp daywear that goes well with everything else in your closet.
Made from organic cotton in plain-woven fabric, this shirt is super cool and breezy. Being in a boyfriend-style cut, it's longer and looser than some options, which many will love but might not be a flattering look for everyone.
£68.99
Most white shirts you'll come across are made from cotton or a cotton blend, but check out this Charmeuse Silk Blouse by LilySilk if you'd like something a little more sophisticated. This blouse is crafted from 22 momme grade 6A silk, the finest quality available on the market.
Coming in a range of gorgeous colours, LilySilk's shirts work well as smart daywear, formal wear and workwear. However, a shirt this fabulous does require a little more care and needs to be hand-washed or machine washed on a cool, gentle cycle.
£19.79
Sometimes only a traditional white shirt will do, and if that's the case, Amazon Essentials has you covered with their Classic Fit Oxford Shirt. Featuring long sleeves and a close but comfortable fit, this garment is made from 100% cotton to keep you feeling cool.
It fits true to size and has decent reviews, but it isn't the most exciting option out there. Similarly to the last shirt, it's definitely more work-focused than fashion-focused, but if that's what you're looking for, then it's a great choice.
£9.70
If you're searching for a simple, reliable white shirt for work, look no further than this Short Sleeve Poplin Blouse by Premier Workwear. Made from a blend of polyester and cotton, it's an excellent bargain!
This shirt was created especially for certain industries such as hospitality, as it will keep you cool and comfortable while looking smart on your shift. It's perfect if it fits your specific job's dress code, but it is a purely functional item that you're unlikely ever to wear outside of work.
Staples like shirt dresses, cords, and scarves are an essential part of every woman's wardrobe, but we all need a little inspiration from time to time to find the best picks. We've taken the stress out of online shopping so that you can just click the links below for tips and recommendations.
So there you have it – our guide to finding the best white shirts for women. We hope we've helped on your journey to finding the right item, whether it's to look chic on your commute, to smarten up your daywear, or to get those Insta-worthy beach shots!
Author: Melanie McPhail
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