Article: Which Le Bon Shoppe White Tee Should You Choose?
Which Le Bon Shoppe White Tee Should You Choose?
In the above image: Airy Darling Tee, Arc Pants in Raw Denim, Atelier 18 T-Bar Necklace and A. Kjaerbede Winnie sunglasses.
As summer approaches, the search for the perfect white tee is heating up.
Le Bon Shoppe's collection is wonderful, but it can feel a little overwhelming, especially when shopping online.
I've worn many of these styles myself and, as a small independent shop owner, sold plenty too. Over the past year I've seen them on all sorts of women, and here is what I've learned.
Whether you're searching for an everyday staple, a holiday companion or simply the perfect white tee, I hope this helps you find the one.
A few notes before we begin
For reference, I'm 5ft 5in with a relatively small frame, so some of the comments below naturally reflect my own fit preferences and observations.
One thing all of these styles have in common is quality. Most are made in California and have that beautifully soft, lived-in feel that Le Bon Shoppe does so well. They're the opposite of stiff, pristine white T-shirts that need months of wear to feel comfortable. Instead, they arrive feeling like old favourites from the very first wear.
I've found them all to wash exceptionally well, too. Le Bon Shoppe recommends a cold wash, which is what I follow at home.
Most styles are available in several colours, but for the purposes of this guide I've focused on the white tees.
Prices shown were correct at the time of writing.
The best seller
There is a reason this one has a loyal following, the Little Boy Tee gets so many things right. Lightweight, butter soft and gently cropped, it strikes that elusive balance between the perfect weight, drape and length.
It's probably the tee I recommend most often in the shop. Easy to wear, clean hems, endlessly versatile and perfectly proportioned ( not too boxy), it works beautifully without ever feeling too cropped.
If you've spent any time searching for the perfect white T-shirt, you'll know there are entire corners of the internet devoted to finding it. This is one of the closest I've come across — thoughtfully cut, incredibly wearable and the sort of piece that quietly earns its place in your wardrobe.
* Shown here in Vintage White — a softer white with a gently lived-in feel.
Wear with: high-waisted, cropped and balloon trousers, maxi skirts - layer with with an oversized shirt
Best for: coffee with the girls, city breaks and understanding what all the fuss is about
The quiet achiever
This one is more classic and stands out as the Tee you can wear all year round. The first thing that strikes you is the quality - its deliciously soft, with more length and structure than the Little Boy Tee, this feels relaxed but structured enough to wear under a blazer.
The gently dipped back hem gives it a lovely shape and makes it particularly easy to wear tucked or untucked - its versatile. Think timeless American wardrobes built around great denim, a white tee and a few pieces you wear on repeat. You'll wear it three times a week without anybody noticing - that's it's superpower.
* Shown here in Classic White — a brighter, fresher white that feels particularly crisp for summer.
Wear with: straight-legged jeans, simple gold jewellery, cropped cardi, loafers
Best for: school gates, busy days and effortless everyday dressing where time to think ' "does this work?" is not an option.
The traveller
If you're looking for something a little more refined than a traditional T-shirt, this is a strong contender. It's a new addition in the Le Bon Shoppe line up and early signs suggest it will be a big hit - and what's not too love? Classic crew neck, waist length and very slightly sheer add up to an understated hero of a T Shirt. The linen blend gives softness and drape, creating an easy silhouette that feels relaxed but still put together.
When I first tried this one on, I was surprised by how elegant it felt. Of all the styles in this guide, it's probably the one that feels most elevated, with a lovely movement that sets it apart from a classic cotton tee.
* Shown here in Salt — despite the name, it's a beautiful soft creamy white.
Wear with: linen trousers, column skirt, faded leather sandals, well loved cotton tote
Best for: far-flung adventures, disappearing into the crowd, travelling light without sacrificing style
Airy Darling £55
The free spirit
Made from featherweight cotton, this is one of the softest styles in the collection. It has a classic fit, a gently cropped length and a subtle sheerness that gives it an effortless, lived-in feel from the very first wear.
Lightweight without feeling flimsy, it's the tee I'd pack first for a holiday somewhere warm. The clean neckline and hems keep it looking polished, while the airy cotton makes it incredibly comfortable on hot days.
Shown here in Vintage White — a softer white with a gently lived-in feel.
Wear with: faded denim shorts, cotton maxi skirt, bandana, whatever's left at the top of your suitcase.
Best for: beach holidays, music festivals, saltwater hair and long summer evenings that stretch well beyond sunset.
The Ease - £45
The muscle tee
Not quite a tank and not quite a T-shirt, the Ease Tee sits somewhere in between. Think of it as Le Bon Shoppe's take on the muscle tee — but less sporty and far more versatile than the styles that phrase might bring to mind.
The higher neckline and extra shoulder coverage give it a clean, modern feel that works just as well with denim and sandals as it does with relaxed joggers.
This is one of those styles that doesn't look particularly exciting on the hanger, but somehow always looks good on. What I love most about it is the neckline. If, like me, you prefer a little more coverage through the neck and chest, this is the one I'd point you towards.
I nearly always turn the sleeves up slightly. It's a small detail, but it gives the tee a cooler edge and makes the silhouette feel a little more considered. If the Her Tee is the everyday classic, the Ease Tee feels like its slightly more fashion-minded cousin.
Shown here in Vintage White — a softer white with a gently lived-in feel.
Wear with: leggings, relaxed joggers and whatever trainers are by the door.
Best for: Pilates, coffee afterwards and those days when comfort and style need to pull equal weight.
Vintage Boy £55
The worn-in one
If you're searching for a perfectly worn-in vintage T-shirt, look no further. Made from organic cotton, the subtle distressing and garment-dyed finish give it that coveted lived-in character from day one.
It really does have that borrowed-from-his-wardrobe feel — relaxed rather than fitted, with a classic square silhouette and an easy drape that works particularly well with denim. Pair it with vintage Levi's, a well-loved leather jacket and Golden Goose trainers for an effortless look that never really dates.
One thing worth mentioning is that this isn't my ideal fit. As someone with a relatively small frame, I find the neckline a little wider and the proportions a little more oversized than I usually wear. If you love that relaxed vintage look, you'll probably adore it. If you're after something neater or slightly shorter, I'd point you towards the Little Boy Tee instead.
Shown here in Vintage White — a softer white with a gently lived-in feel.
Wear with: vintage Levi's, a well-loved leather jacket, Golden Goose trainers and oversized sunglasses.
Best for: lazy Sundays, airport departures and lovers of that perfectly worn-in vintage look.
Vintage Fille - £50
The little sister
Think of this as the Vintage Boy Tee's slightly shorter sister. It has the same soft, lived-in feel and vintage character, but in a more cropped silhouette that works beautifully with high-waisted denim, trousers and skirts.
One thing that surprised me when I first tried it on was how boxy it felt. Despite the shorter length, it still has that relaxed vintage shape that Le Bon Shoppe is known for. The neckline is also a little wider than some of the other styles in the collection, which won't be for everyone.
Personally, I tend to prefer a little more coverage through the neckline, but if you love that relaxed vintage look, this tee does it beautifully. It feels modern, easy and very current.
Shown here in Clean White — a fresh white with a gently worn-in feel.
Wear with: high-waisted denim, ballet flats and a lightweight knit draped over your shoulders.
Best for: farmers' markets, slow weekends and lovers of relaxed vintage style.
The search for the perfect white tee is surprisingly personal, but hopefully this has helped you find your way a little closer to yours.
If you have any questions about fit, sizing or styling, I'd love to help.
Fleur
You can shop the Le Bon Shoppe collection at Freja's Home
