This page was last updated September 2023 except where otherwise noted.
One of the questions I often see readers asking and discussing is the hunt for the best opaque white T-shirts — and really, why is it so hard to find a T-shirt that isn’t see-through? I thought I’d round up some of the best suggestions I’ve seen over the years…
{related: how to elevate a simple T-shirt}
First, what to wear with opaque white T-shirts for work: I definitely recommend wearing a nude-for-you T-shirt bra (Naja is the brand with the most skin-tone shades I’ve seen; Nubian Skin also has three shades for darker skin tones). If you need to layer a camisole I’d probably go for a shade that best matches your skin tone in a slightly silky fabric so it doesn’t cling to your T-shirt. (I can only find beige camisoles to recommend — if anyone has any favorite camisoles in a range of skin tones, please let us know.) Gap also has really solid options for bras and panties for a wide range of skin tones, as well!
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Our Latest Favorite Opaque White T-Shirts for Work
1. Boden’s Double Layer Line
Boden often has a bunch of great colors in their double layer line of tees, but obviously the extra layers are best with the lightest colors! They’re available in sizes X-L for around $32-$45.
2. Express’s Double Layer Line
Express’s double-layer line varies — sometimes they have a lot of styles, sometimes they only have a few. Sizes range from XS to XL, and prices are usually around $34.
3. Hobbs Double Fronted Top
The Aimee Double-Fronted Top from Hobbs is a stylish and versatile top that features a unique double-layered design. It is available in sizes 2-18, and the color option is ivory.
The top is made from a soft and comfortable blend of viscose and elastane, with a double-layered front that provides extra coverage and a flattering drape. The top has a round neckline, short sleeves, and a relaxed fit that is perfect for layering.
The top is $75 at Hobbs; you can also find the brand at Bloomingdale’s as well.
4. Fisher’s Finery
This top comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to XXL, and is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, navy, pink, and more. The top features a classic fit with a flattering V-neckline and short sleeves, making it a versatile and comfortable option for everyday wear.
Elizabeth recently called this tee her “ride or die white tee” in a recent roundup of favorite low-cost clothing basics:
I don’t remember how I found out about the Fishers Finery brand, but now that it’s in my life, I’m never looking back.
This T-shirt is completely opaque, incredibly soft, and just slouchy enough to be comfortable without looking sloppy. The fabric is a viscose/cotton/spandex blend that washes beautifully and can go right in the dryer. I’ve worn it dozens of times and it still looks as good as it did the day I bought it. The price is usually under $30, but I would pay a lot more.
5. Lafayette New York 148
{related: stylish tops for under suits}
This opaque white tee is on the higher end of the price point, but it’s been around and highly reviewed for years! It’s available in a range of sizes, from XS to XL, and features a flattering scoop neckline and short sleeves. It is made from a soft and breathable cotton material that is comfortable for everyday wear.
The top is available in several different colors, including white, black, and navy. Reviewers on the Nordstrom website praise the top for its high quality, versatility, and flattering fit. One reviewer notes that it is “perfect for layering” and that it “can be dressed up or down.” Another reviewer comments that it is “worth the investment” and that it “looks great with everything.”
The top also comes in plus sizes!
Other Options for Layering Shirts for Work
Short-Sleeve Sweaters: Often More Opaque than Tees
Other T-Shirts for Work We Love
These T-shirts may be made of comfortable and durable materials and feature appropriate designs or colors that are appropriate for a workplace environment.
Looking for the best women’s t-shirts for layering at the office? As of 2023, these are some of our favorites — also check our posts on opaque white tees and the best plus-size tees for work!
The Best Plus-Size T-Shirts for Work
In terms of opaque white tees, Boden (noted above) is available up to size 22, and the Lafayette 148 New York top does come in plus sizes. The Fisher’s Finery tee is available up to size XXL but they note that it runs large. L.L. Bean is also a good bet for opacity since their supima cotton is known to be excellent.
Just hunting for a basic weekend tee? These are some of our favorites (there is some overlap, but in general they’re looser and have more casual details such as pockets and shirttail hems…).
Above, some of the best weekend women’s t-shirts: one / two/ three / four (these affordable T-shirts are also reader favorites!)
Readers who like to wear white T-shirts to work: What is your favorite brand? If you layer something underneath them, are you a fan of nude-for-you camisoles or white camisoles? (I’m normally on the team of “Your camisole should match whatever color your shirt is” but for an opaque white T-shirt I might go with nude-for-you.) What are your favorite ways to style a white tee for work?
Social media image credit: Deposit Photos / racorn.
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Susan
Surprised that Lands End was not mentioned. Thick cotton, high quality, not too expensive, comes in a variety of sizes. They have different cuts and thicknesses, so quite possible to find something that works.
Anonymous
+1
I have a white tank that I bought to wear under clothing, and it’s definitely opaque.
Anonymous
+1 to Lands End. I have a tencel shirt that’s also fairly opaque…but you must hang it up when it comes out of the dryer. Sold in Sears. I go there for all the basics.
Kim
+1 to Lands End. I have a tencel shirt that’s also fairly opaque…but you must hang it up when it comes out of the dryer. Sold in Sears. I go there for all the basics.
BB
Nude for me camisole under white…and everything else – it never fails really. I like the Uniqlo Airism tanks.
cake batter
When buying clothes, I do a mental “cost benefit” analysis. Do I have to buy a special bra? If so, is it a fab enough dress and big enough occasion that it’s worth the extra annoyance? Or if it’s a pricey item, will I use it enough to justify the expense? Using my own little mental math, white tees are never worth it. I need to find a bra that’s jusssst the right color so it doesn’t show through, or I can wear under a blazer but not alone (but what if I get hot?), OR I need to get an extra cami – to layer under a tee?! Hells to the naws. I’ll just pick another color.
Anon
And even if you do find all those things white t-shirts to me often scream CASUAL! T-SHIRT! in a way that other colors don’t. I haven’t found any that I’d wear to work. (And if I’m not wearing it to work I frankly DGAF if you can see my bra underneath it.)
Torin
+1 to your paren!
Midwestern Consitutent
I’ve had good luck with the Eddie Bauer tees, although I tend to wear them under a blazer and scarf, so you can’t really ever see the shirt.
Sydney Bristow
The Eddie Bauer ones are the closest to opaque I’ve found in recent years, but I still don’t think they are opaque enough for me. They’re close and I could probably get away without wearing a cami but I’d probably only do that if wearing a blazer and scarf like you.
Anon
I recently bought a long sleeve Eddie Bauer “women’s favorite” white shirt hoping for opacity and I think it’s pretty see through TBH. I will wear it casually but I would feel like I would need a tank underneath to wear it alone for work (to your point under a jacket would be okay but not what I was looking for).
CountC
I am doing some early birthday brainstorming and would appreciate the hive’s comments/advice.
The guy I am dating is into history and, as like to say, old things (we share the old things interest). He wrote several articles/commentaries on various historical bits and pieces of the city where he grew up. The pieces are accompanied by photographs and old illustrations. He is one of those people who buys what he wants when he wants it and is also somewhat particular (we joke we are grumpy old people in younger people’s bodies). In the event we are still dating when his birthday rolls around, I would like to give him something unique and thoughtful.
My initial thought was to have his pieces printed out in a way that makes it look like they are bound in an old book. I’m not sure how I would get them off the website and into a format that would lend itself to this type of project/printing. Is this going to be something that is incredibly hard to do if I want to preserve the look of it? Has anyone done something like this? I have used Adorama to print pictures from electronic images and was happy with the quality of those. Are there any other sites out there that would be helpful?
Anon
Are you sure his love language is gifts? This seems like a TON of effort, money, and work for someone who you’re not even sure you’ll be dating at that point. Yes maybe gifts are your love language, some people love to spend untold efforts on others, yada yada. But as someone who is NOT into gifts, I’d be weirded out by such a thoughtful gift in a still-uncertain/still-early relationship. Maybe save it for your 1 year anniversary or something.
CountC
Good question! He got me something very thoughtful and unique about two weeks into dating, so either he thinks it’s mine or it’s his.
I won’t start doing any work for this until it gets much closer to the date, I am just brainstorming at this point. Definitely something to think about.
Ellen
I think if the guy is OK, and CountC seems to think he is, she can be thoughtful with her gift. If he was not, then a simple gift from Macys is fine. My ex got me cheap stuff from CVS, which was a REAL turnoff, so I am kind of jaded here.
Cornellian
she’s back!
Anon
Is it her though? The tone is so… normal… *llen are you OK girl? (missed you a little tbh :) )
Anonymous
No ideas about printing and binding, but another idea would be to look for historic postcards from either the city where he grew up or your current city. They aren’t actually that expensive and can be really neat!
Idea
oooo good idea or old road maps
Anon
The tucked in white tee with a belt and pants(?) is just tragic…
I never wear casual tees to work – the most I’ll do is a silk tee. I just don’t think it’s a good look, unless its a bit of a fancier fabric.
Anonymous BigLaw Associate
This. I simply don’t wear cotton tees to work, any color.
The Beagle Has Landed
Same. In fact, I’ve almost given up on tees entirely, no matter what color, no matter how opaque or fantastic the fabric, even for casual wear, ever since my waist disappeared after menopause and I caught a glimpse of the result on vacation photos. And I own four Fishers Finery t-shirts, which are great but now relegated to sleep shirts. A soft rayon or cotton button-down looks so much better on me.
Anonymous
I have a belly and the outline of my belly button is always visible in otherwise opaque white t-shirts. Drives me crazy.
Anyway, the best under layer for transparent clothing I’ve ever bought is the J Crew silk camisole. It’s in their suiting section. I have it in nude and black. I love that the silk doesn’t get hot like nylon or jersey camisoles.
Anom
Ha! I have an outie (very small umbilical hernia) and a mama belly and it totally shows under those circumstances too.
Sarah S
Love a great opaque white tee – having issues though now that I’m in maternity wear. Any thoughts on the best maternity Tee?
Idea
no. maternity clothes are made super cheaply because people only wear them for a couple of seasons. if you get good quality second-hand, that’s awesome but it’s hard to predict. if you’re buying new go with Old Navy or Target or similar. good luck. you’ll look perfect
Anon
I love a white t and jeans (and wear that outfit frequently), but I don’t think I’ve ever worked somewhere where a t shirt would fly? I think it’s too casual for most places
Anonymous
I work from home, so a t-shirt (in any color) is perfect for me. When I have video calls (a few a week), I throw a scarf and blazer on and I look like a fancy professional, when really I’m one step up from pajamas. My pants are typically black stretch pants that look completely fine on the rare occasion I might stand up in the camera’s view.
Lauren
Lauren Ralph Lauren. Crew neck. 95% cotton; 5% elastene. So it lies nicely and lasts a long time. Nice enough for under a suit. Very reasonably priced (under $50).