The Perfect Tees
They’re the things we live in. Which is exactly why they need to be good.
Tees are the unsung heroes of our wardrobes. They are the coffee before the espresso martini, the olive oil before the béchamel, the reliable “yes, I’ll be there” friend of clothing. They’re the things run out the door in, travel in, and—if we’re honest—live in more than the fancy frocks hanging in our closets. Which is exactly why they need to be good.
I’ve gone ahead and done the extremely noble work (you’re welcome) of test-driving my absolute favorite tees—including the long-awaited perfect white tee—so you can get back to thinking about the things you do so well. Here are my picks for The Perfect Tees.
The Perfect White Tee: Tuckernuck Parker Tee
The Parker Tee by Tuckernuck
$88
10+ colors available
Sizes xxs-xxxxl
Styled by Lauren
Size: Small
Color: White
Ah yes, the elusive white tee. A quest so storied it rivals the search for the Holy Grail. And I found it: the Parker Tee. With its heavier weight (read: actually opaque—praise be), slightly cropped fit, and ability to dress up or down, this tee is everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t. I take my usual size and it’s perfection.
Yes, it’s a higher price point—but let me tell you, it’s already earned its keep. I’ve thrown it on with cutoffs on a Saturday, sweats on a Sunday, jeans for a Tuesday night errand run, and trousers with a blazer for work on a Thursday. It’s that rare piece that just works no matter where you’re headed.
Confession: I also tried the Tuckernuck Presley Tee to compare and, personally, it was a no for me. A bit more see-through, less structured, and more fabric.
The Authentic One: Saint James Breton Stripe Shirt
The Minquidame Breton Striped Shirt by Saint James
$139
17+ colors available
Sizes 2-18
Styled by Lauren
Size: 6
Color: Oatmeal/White
Made in Normandy, France, where the Breton stripe is less of a print and more of a national treasure, this tee is the real deal. It’s wickedly soft, and the neutral stripe makes you instantly feel like you should be strolling along a French port with a basket of baguettes. I take my typical size, and it never fails me. That being said, it's a longer fabric tee, so I opt for tucking in (although my ladies over 5'4" could probably style either way!). It’s the original stripe tee—accept no imitations.
The Repeat Offender: KULE Modern Long
The Modern Long Tee by KULE
$118
17+ colors available
Sizes xs-xxl
Styled by Lauren
Size: M
Color: Cream/Navy Pinstripe
I’ll admit it: I have this tee in multiple colors. But it’s that good. The perfect year-round weight, not tissue-thin but not bulky, and a gentle crop that works both tucked and untucked. I would guess the solid white might be a touch see through given the material weight, but I admittedly have not tried yet for myself — and I do NOT have that issue with the striped colorways! I size up for a more relaxed fit, and it’s spot on every time.
The Flirty One: Pomander Place Vesty Tee
The Vest Tee by Pomander Place
$78
7+ colors available
Sizes xs-xxxl
Styled by Lauren
Size: M
Color: Tan Stripe
Okay, listen. When I first saw the ruched shoulders, I braced myself for an ’80s shoulder-pad disaster. But what I got was . . . flattering. Feminine. Dare I say flirty? A cheeky wink of a tee.
The defined collar and ruched detail give it just enough elevation to wear with a trouser or skirt, while still being a comfy cozy tee at heart. Comes in a rainbow of solids and stripes, and I took a size up based on reviews and I’m happy with the fit. Next on my hit list? The short sleeve version.
The Everyday Hero: Quince Cotton Modal Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee
Cotton Modal Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee by Quince
$78
5+ colors available
Sizes xs-xl
Styled by Lauren
Size: S
Color: Black
Sometimes you just need an affordable throw-and-go, but, if you're like me, you still care about it being sustainably- and well-made. Enter: Quince.
Their long sleeve tees (a relaxed, cotton-modal blend) are $15 each if you bundle and wildly impressive for the price. I took my usual size and was genuinely impressed at the quality. That being said, it's definitely a relaxed fit. And there's nothing wrong with that! Sometimes you want a tee shirt that doesn't do more than just be a slouchy, comfy tee!
No, I won’t wax poetic about them the way I do the $80+ options above, but listen: if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a life where tees take a beating, having a stash of these is not just practical—it’s smart.
Honorable Mention: La Ligne BretonTee
Long Sleeve Breton Tee by La Ligne
$135
12+ colors available
Sizes xxs-xl
Styled by Lauren
Size: M
Color: Ecru/Light Blue
This one nearly made the list, but tailoring kept it in honorable-mention territory. The exaggerated sleeve length was more Ariana Grande trying to wash her hands than French girl chic until I had them shortened. Also, I did take a size-up after reading some reviews, but I would recommend going with your typical order.
That said—the heavier, structured fabric, cropped waist, and wide boatneck make it such a treat. It’s like the Saint James Breton’s artsy cousin. Elevated with trousers, playful with cutoffs.
The Final Word
The perfect tee is not unlike the perfect martini glass—seemingly simple, yet elevated entirely by the precision of its details. The weight of the fabric, the cut of the hem, the line of the shoulder: all quiet distinctions that transform the ordinary into the indispensable. Whether you choose to invest in a timeless Breton, revel in the discovery of the elusive perfect white tee, or simply keep Quince on hand for life’s everyday rhythms, consider your tee drawer refined, edited, and decidedly more elegant.
