In Search of the Perfect Tee? We Asked POPSUGAR Editors What They Look For When They Shop

"People tend to laugh when I say my favorite white T-shirt comes from the little boys' department, but if you're petite and in need of a cute cropped tee, the Hanes boys' option ($10) is no joke. These fit like the designer baby tees of my dreams — tissue-thin, cropped, and fitted in all the right places — except you can buy a pack of five for less than $10. The low price tag also erases any guilt I might feel when I inevitably spill something on one of them." — Ariel Wodarcyk, associate beauty editor

"I tend to favor relaxed, casual outfits, which means I wear a lot of T-shirts. Since I'm pairing them with everything from classic blue jeans to flowy midi skirts, my ideal tees have a versatile silhouette, like the loose, boxy fit of these Banana Republic tees ($30). I love the small details, like the tiny pocket and seam straight down the back." — Annalise Mantz Lowenstein, editor

"When I'm looking for a perfect tee, one word comes to mind: breezy. I want something that has a nice loose fit but doesn't look schlubby. I want a slight crop that hits right around my hip bones so I can let it ride as is or do an easy tuck. I also like a hint of sheerness and breathability — especially in the summer. Currently, the Kye Intimates Classic Tee ($106) is checking all those boxes for me. Unfortunately, it's sold out at the moment, so this insanely soft one from Jungmaven ($50) is a great alternative." — Aviel Kanter, associate content director

"The thing about the perfect white tee is that it requires a lot of trial and error. I can't tell you how many I've tried that are too boxy, too tight, too creamy, too . . . whatever. I love this T-shirt from AYR ($65) — it's *chef's kiss* perfection. The super-soft cotton feel plus the oversize fit make it extra comfy, while the capped sleeves create a cool (and flattering) silhouette. It's great for pairing with jeans and heels for a cool date-night look or with a blazer and wide-leg pants for the office." — Amanda Elser Murray, content director

"If there's one thing I rely on in my wardrobe, it's a plain white tee. It makes the daunting task of getting dressed in the morning a little bit easier. That being said, I have a few requirements when purchasing this closet staple: it needs to have a tighter fit, be soft, and last more than a few wears. The Mate Organic Cotton Classic Tee ($64) fits the bill. It's made with 100 percent organic cotton (there's no polyester snuck in), and the neutral tone works with almost any outfit pairing." — Rayna Rossitto, content coordinator

"It's safe to say T-shirts have become my permanent work-from-home uniform. And like any uniform, my perfect tee needs to be comfortable, flattering, and polished enough to make me look (semi) professional. I'm eyeing this Banana Republic slub cotton-modal tee ($30) as my latest pick — it's available in a variety of summery colors so I can wear a different one each day and no one on my video calls will be the wiser." — Andrea Morabito, content director

"For me, a perfect tee isn't perfect unless it's cropped. At 5'2", I'm constantly searching for shorter tops to add to my wardrobe, and the RicherPoorer Women's Relaxed Crop Tee ($38) has that relaxed, effortless fit I love. The fact that I don't have to worry about tucking it in is a huge plus, and it's made out of 100 percent cotton, which gives it that wonderfully soft, lived-in feel." — Kathleen Harper, editor