Your white shirt is one of your most versatile wardrobe items. It goes with everything, from tailored pants to distressed denim. It’s a staple in any woman’s closet, but if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you need to know what to wear under a white shirt.
If you’re like most women, you’ve probably tried every trick in the book—from layering a black tank top underneath to wearing an oversized sweatshirt on top. But what works for one outfit can completely clash with another, and the whole thing just ends up being a hot mess.
I’ve got the solution! I’ve put together this guide to show you exactly how to wear each piece of clothing underneath that crisp white shirt so that no matter what outfit you’re wearing, it all looks great together.
10 Best Women’s Clothing Items to Wear Under a White Shirt
1. Bra
The best bras for white shirts are ones that won’t show through. If you have a white shirt that’s thin enough to see your bra, then it’s time to get a new one. White t-shirts are the most common type of shirt in my wardrobe because they’re so versatile and easy to wear.
They’re also my go-to outfit in the summer because they allow me to stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing style.
But when I’m wearing a white t-shirt, I always make sure my bra is not visible through my top. It’s not only embarrassing if someone sees it, but it can also be extremely uncomfortable to wear an underwire or any other type of bra that’s visible through your clothes.
So what kind of bras work best with a white shirt? Here are some tips:
- Go for something seamless or seamless-looking. Seamless bras are designed so there aren’t any seams at all on the outside of the cup or band, which makes them perfect for wearing under a thin or sheer fabric like cotton or linen. They’re also great if you have sensitive skin since they don’t rub against your skin as much as normal bras do—especially when you bend over!
- Look for a thickly padded cup. Padding isn’t just for comfort; it’s also a good way to hide nipples through sheer fabrics. If you don’t want to go completely padded, at least choose a bra that has thicker padding in the center of the cup instead of just along the sides. This will help push your nipple down and make it less noticeable through your shirt.
- Go with an underwire: Metal underwires provide extra support and lift without making your breasts look too pointy or making them droop too much in the middle (which can happen with sports bras). Underwire bras are also more stable and supportive than bralettes that don’t have any wires in them at all.
- Choose soft fabrics such as cotton or jersey knit. These are more forgiving than stiffer fabrics like twill or denim because they don’t catch on buttons or zippers on your clothes. You can also wear them year-round without worrying about sweating through them in the summer heat or freezing in the winter cold!
2. Camisole
A camisole is a good choice if you want to wear an undershirt with a white shirt. It’s slightly thinner than a tank, but it still has some structure and support. Cami tops are usually made of cotton or silk, but they can be made from other fabrics as well.
A cami top is appropriate for a wide variety of occasions, including business casual and formal events. Camisoles come in long and short lengths, so you can choose the length that best suits your needs.
They are usually sold as part of a set that includes matching pants or as separates so that you can mix and match different styles for different looks.
3. Bralette
- What is a bralette?
A bralette is a bra without an underwire. It consists of cups that cover your breasts and straps that go around the back. If you’re looking for comfort, support, or just something different than what you’re used to wear under your shirt, a bralette could be the answer.
- How do I know if I need one?
If you have very large breasts and/or like to wear shirts with low necklines, then yes; otherwise, not necessarily!
A simple rule of thumb is this: If there’s no chance anyone will see your bra strap on top of your shirt when it’s buttoned up all the way (and even if they do), then don’t worry about it!
A few exceptions apply here—if you have very small busts (say, an A-B cup) or are trying to look extra sexy at certain times during the day (we won’t judge), then maybe go for it.
Otherwise, though, the most important thing about choosing whether or not to wear one has nothing to do with how much support it gives (which isn’t much anyway).
Instead, focus on whether or not it makes sense as an outfit choice in terms of comfortability throughout the day or night and how much coverage there’ll be over your chest area when it’s buttoned up fully closed so nothing shows through underneath.
4. Tank Top
Tank tops are another popular choice for wearing under white shirts because they provide comfort and coverage without adding bulk to your outfit.
A tank top is made out of thin material that stretches over your body without restricting movement or causing discomfort when you move around.
Tank tops are also easy to care for because they don’t require any special washing instructions like other types of undershirts do.
Tank tops come in all kinds of styles, from basic, plain tanks to more unique designs with ruffles or embellishments, so there’s something out there for every taste.
5. Layering top
A layering top is a top that is meant to be worn under a shirt. It can be worn under a white shirt or another colored shirt. It is available in long or short sleeves and in cotton, silk, or wool.
6. T-shirt
A t-shirt is an essential item to have in your closet; it can be worn under a shirt or on its own. Wearing a t-shirt underneath makes you look polished and gives you more options for layering if the weather gets cooler.
While most of us have some type of white or pastel-colored top in our closets, it’s important to make sure that what you are wearing under your blouse is comfortable and breathable.
You want something that feels soft against your skin and won’t cause unnecessary sweating—this will help keep wrinkles at bay as well!
A thin cotton t-shirt works best because it keeps things light while still giving adequate coverage. This will allow airflow while preventing sweat stains from showing through onto your outer layer (which isn’t ideal).
7. Wear adhesive tape.
This is my favorite trick for keeping your bra straps from showing through thin shirts. Just apply a strip of double-sided tape to each side of your bra strap, then stick it to your skin.
The tape won’t rub off or leave any residue on your skin. It’s cheap, it works, and it’s easy to apply in the morning when you’re getting dressed.
8. Wear silicone nipple covers
Silicone nipple covers are great for women who want to wear a thin t-shirt or tank top while still preventing nipple show-through.
These silicone nipple covers look like small patches that fit over each nipple area, covering it completely so that no part of your skin shows through at all!
Silicone nipple covers also provide more coverage than just wearing a regular thin t-shirt or tank top alone.
They provide extra coverage in all four corners of each breast area (where most people notice showing through), which helps prevent any kind of visible skin coloration from showing through thin garments such as t-shirts and tank tops.
9. Wear a slip
Wear a slip under any kind of white top, whether it’s a blouse or a T-shirt. A slip will prevent your clothing from rubbing against your skin and creating unwanted friction (which can lead to chafing).
Slips come in all shapes and sizes, so choose one that fits you comfortably and isn’t too tight on top or too loose around the waistband.
If you have an especially long torso, look for a longer-length slip that will cover your entire torso when paired with shorter tops like turtlenecks or button-downs.
10. Bandeaus and tube tops
If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish top to wear under your white blouse, consider wearing a bandeau or tube top.
These tops are perfect for layering under white blouses because they’re made of stretchy fabrics that will move with you throughout the day.
Tube tops and bandeaus are also great for showing off your curves. They can help accentuate your waistline, which is particularly flattering if you’re petite or short. If you’re looking for something less revealing, try a camisole instead.
Final Thoughts
While some women may feel that a white shirt is too much of a luxury to invest in, I think it’s one of the most versatile wardrobe items you can own. It can be worn with dresses and jeans alike, giving you an easy way to dress up or down any outfit. And as long as you wear it with the right undergarments (like our guide above), there’s no reason why anyone should stop themselves from wearing this classic piece!
