8 best white button-up shirts for women in 2025
For a timeless and classic look, you just can't go past the hard-working white shirt.
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The humble white shirt is a trend that has endured for decades and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon.
“The white shirt is timeless because it’s so simple and can be worn in many ways,” Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, tells news.com.au checkout. “It’s the ultimate minimalistic piece that is key to any capsule wardrobe.”
From crisp cotton to casual linen, the white shirt is as versatile as it is popular. This is what makes the modest button-down shirt so beloved — people of all ages and with differing fashion tastes can all find one that works for them.
In recent months, like any other fashion trend of universal appeal, the white shirt has risen in popularity on TikTok. The hashtag #whiteshirt currently has over 335 million views on the social media app. From Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) videos to shopping wishlists and how-to-wear guides, creators and commenters are all raving about the wardrobe essential. Creators have called the essential item “super simple” and a “must-have”, and Adolphe agrees.
“The beauty of this piece is that it’s versatile enough to be styled in your own way for work, everyday wear or dressed up for a night out,” she says.
Below, we’ve rounded up a selection we think you’ll wear on repeat – including a Country Road option that goes with everything. In a TikTok, personal stylist @madaboutfashion says the shirt "feels really luxe" and calls it a "really great staple".
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICKS
Country Road Australian Cotton Oxford Shirt in White, $139 at Myer
Why we love it: Side splits create a flattering silhouette
What to consider: Fairly expensive for a shirt
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Fit: Relaxed | Size range: 4 to 16
What You Need To Know
As with anything you’d expect from Australian brand Country Road, this well-cut shirt is brilliant in its sheer simplicity. Created from 100 per cent cotton, it’s the small details – like the relaxed fit, longline silhouette and side splits – that make this white button-up shirt worthy of your wardrobe space. Pair it with everything from jeans to tailored black pants, and watch it elevate your outfit.
Amazon Essentials Women's Long-Sleeve Shirt, from $34.90 at Amazon
Why we love it: Affordable
What to consider: Not the highest quality
Material: 100 per cent cotton| Fit: Regular | Size range: XS to XXL
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
I'm always on the hunt for the perfect white shirt - you know, one that's oversized but not baggy, fitted but not too tight. Oh, and if it didn't cost an arm and a leg, that would be great too. Amazon recently launched its range of Amazon Basics clothing in Australia and their Long-Sleeve Shirt comes highly recommended by shoppers, with over 8600 five star reviews.
The shirt is not only affordable but goes with everything - I've been able to wear it to work, on the weekend with activewear, thrown over a dress for a casual weekend look and it can also be easily dressed up for a night out. I'm a size 12 (and currently five months pregnant) and I wear the L which is the perfect oversized style while still being fitted enough around my arms and shoulders to give me a nice shape.
This shirt is super flattering and has a gorgeous 'crisp' finish that looks much more expensive than it is - I can't tell you how many people have been shocked to find out it's from Amazon. Don't believe me? Five star reviewers also praise its "great fit", saying that it's the "best cotton shirt I have owned".
BEST WHITE LINEN SHIRTS
European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt - New White, $40 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Lightweight and great for warm weather
What to consider: Some reviewers say it is extremely oversized
Material: Linen | Fit: Oversize | Size range: 4 to 20
What You Need To Know
Whether for casual or work occasions, this stylish shirt is perfect. Made from a breathable and lightweight linen fabrication, this shirt has a collared neckline, button up front, chest pockets and a curved hem to round out the look.
This one from Target is available in sizes 4 to 20 and pairs perfectly with almost anything you can think of.
"This linen shirt is the best I've bought, the fit and style is perfect for my needs and the fabric (is) easy care. Of all the linen I've owned over the years this is surprisingly their best," wrote one five-star reviewer.
Assembly Label Xander Linen Shirt, $100 at Assembly Label
Why we love it: High quality shirt that will last for years
What to consider: More expensive than others
Material: 100 per cent French linen | Fit: Relaxed | Size range: 4 to 16
What You Need To Know
This 100 per cent linen white shirt from Australian brand Assembly Label is a classic button-up that’s forever in style. With long sleeves that can be rolled up with ease and a relaxed, oversized fit perfect for tucking into jeans, this shirt is one that will traverse your summer and winter wardrobes with ease.
"The shirts are made of high-quality material that keep its colour and shape wash after wash. They continue to soften with wear and I’m often asked what brand my shirt is. They are my staple wardrobe go to," said one five-star reviewer.
BEST WHITE WRAP SHIRT
ASOS DESIGN poplin wrap placket cocoon sleeve shirt in white, $72 at ASOS
Why we love it: Stylish take on the classic white shirt
What to consider: Only goes up to size 16
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Fit: Regular| Size range: 8 to 16
What You Need To Know
Boasting elevated elegance is this wrap shirt from ASOS. Made from 100 per cent cotton, it features a chic wrap front design and button placket for a modern finish.
Made from 100 per cent cotton poplin, it's also resistant to wrinkling and easier to iron.
BEST OVERSIZED WHITE SHIRTS
Cotton On Haven Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Super easy to throw on
What to consider: Not 100 per cent linen
Material: 55 per cent linen, 45 per cent viscose | Fit: Oversized | Size range: 4 to 24
What You Need To Know
Turns out you can look to your dad for sartorial inspiration. Over the past couple of years, the oversized ‘dad’ shirt has become a staple in the wardrobes of women who prefer their shirts a little oversized and a lot comfy. This Cotton On option made from a linen and viscose blend has all those features your old man would approve of – high-low curved hem, drop shoulders, centre back yoke and full-length sleeves with cuffs.
Why we love it: Super affordable
What to consider: Some reviewers say it is very oversized
Material: Recycled cotton | Fit: Loose | Size range: XXS to 4XL
What You Need To Know
Created from recycled cotton, this H&M Oxford Shirt is a quality wardrobe staple that comes minus the expensive price tag. Featuring a loose fit that allows it to seamlessly translate from work to weekends, this shirt’s button-down front, yoke with hanger at the back, long sleeves and rounded hem make it a versatile buy.
One five-star review sums it up by saying: “This is the best fitting and quality women’s shirt I’ve had in years... Good fabric quality with (a) stiff enough collar to wear for work with jumpers or maybe even wear with a tie. Sleeves are perfect in length and the cuff is normal sized not those awful long ones!"
The Boyfriend Shirt in Ultrasoft Cotton, $201 at Everlane
Why we love it: Easy to throw on; Oversized fit
What to consider: Expensive
Material: 100 per cent organic cotton | Fit: Oversized | Size range: XXS to XXL
What You Need To Know
With an easy, breezy oversized fit, this 100 per cent organic cotton shirt will add timeless elegance to anything you pair it with. Its dropped shoulders, back yoke and oversized fit give it a casualness that makes it an item you’ll reach for regularly.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WHITE SHIRT
When choosing white shirts to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Style: From slim to relaxed, overstyle fits, finding a shirt that suits you, your personal style and your body is often the hardest part. We made sure to include a range in this list.
Fabric: While cotton is the most common material, other materials like linen or silk are also popular choices.
Budget: A white shirt is a commonly worn piece so if you don it a lot then the cost-per-wear is very low. But in saying that, we still made sure to include a range of prices to suit all budgets.
Size range: These days, more fashion brands are becoming more size-inclusive, but it's still not as good as it should be. We tried to include picks with a large range of sizes.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With an array of white shirts available in the market, it can be hard to choose the one that’s right for you. To help you, we asked Head of Style at THE ICONIC, Nicole Adolphe, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a white shirt. In addition, we read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to round up worthy picks from premium to budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY HAS THE POPULARITY OF WHITE SHIRTS ENDURED FOR SO LONG?
“The white shirt is timeless because it’s so simple and can be worn in many ways. It’s the ultimate minimalistic piece that is key to any capsule wardrobe,” says Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC.
“For workwear, the white shirt has always been a staple, paired with a matching pant suit or a skirt, giving a timeless yet classy look. For a weekend look, I recommend an oversized white shirt half unbuttoned with a pair of wide leg pants or slouchy jeans.”
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO WEAR A WHITE SHIRT?
Adolphe’s favourite way to wear a white shirt is with one or two buttons done up near the top and the rest worn open, with a pair of shorts. “I love doing a white linen shirt and short combo for those sunny, summer days.”
Some of the most popular ways of styling this staple, according to Nicole are:
- White shirt worn with a blazer tucked in - a classic workwear look.
- White shirt with a corset layered over the top.
- White shirt with a sleeveless knit vest over the top.
- White shirt French tucked into denim or wide leg trousers.
- White shirt with lower buttons done up and shirt open at the top to allow one shoulder to be exposed.
- White shirt worn open with a crop or bandeau top underneath, paired with linen pants for a casual weekend look.
- White shirt worn open with a bikini or one piece underneath with a midi skirt.
- White shirt buttoned up worn with a silk bias cut skirt.
- White shirt worn as a beach cover up over swimmers.
WHAT SHOULD SHOPPERS LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A WHITE SHIRT?
“Go for a classic boyfriend style if you want something that has longevity,” says Nicole. “Buttons should be clear or white and nondescript. It’s best to avoid anything with fancy stitching, large pockets or tailored darts or puff sleeves. Length is important too, if you want the shirt to last for seasons, a longer or mid length style will be key.”
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR WHITE SHIRTS?
According to Nicole, pure cotton is the classic white shirt material that remains universally on trend. “For a more luxe feel, I’d go for a cotton poplin and for a more casual shirt, it would be a linen blend.”
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