The best white T-shirts are essential to every sartorial arsenal. Just as hardworking as denim jeans, a trench coat or trainers, classic white tee’s complete your wardrobe all-year-round. A masculine staple in the early 20th century, a white cotton crew neck was military issue during the Second World War, before actors Marlon Brando and James Dean brought it to Hollywood in the Fifties. When Karl Lagerfeld styled one under Chanel’s iconic tweed blazer – its fashion icon status was secured. In Friends, Rachel and Monica regularly made a case for a white T-shirt with blue jeans or dungarees, while Kate Moss paired her white tee with vintage Levi’s or black mini skirts. As for contemporary inspiration, Kendall Jenner often plumps for printed baby white tees while Victoria Beckham, a longtime fan of a classic white tee, wears relaxed iterations with flared jeans – and the style in her new collaboration with Gap sold out within hours. A staple that will come in handy whatever the weather, pair a white T-shirt with a white midi skirt in spring, layer one under knitwear during winter, and style with loose linen shorts in the summer. Whether you’re rushing to the office or getting ready for the pub, a white tee and jeans formula is a firm failsafe. However, not all white T-shirts are made equal. Some are structured, heavyweight and boxy (see Cos and Arket’s hero styles), while others are designed to be more skin-tight, thin and lightweight for layering (look to Adanola and M&S). Material-wise, seek out pure cotton and polyester cotton blends, which will be breathable during the summer and temperature-regulating during winter, so, you’ll get good cost per wear. Read more: Best spring jackets for women, recommended by a fashion editorBest overall – Topshop everyday tee: £10, Topshop.comBest budget buy – New Look white baby tee: £8.99, Newlook.comBest long sleeve top – Cos long sleeve white T-shirt: £35, Cos.comBest V-neck style – Me+Em ultimate fitted V-neck tee: £45, Meandem.comBest luxury buy – Ganni relaxed peach T-shirt: £115, Ganni.comRead more: The supermarket clothing lines that are rivalling Zara and Mango