The Best Organic Cotton White T-Shirts (Editor Review)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I personally tested over a dozen sustainable t-shirts — these are my top 10 picks for durable, organic cotton t-shirts with affordable and size-inclusive options.
The organic cotton t-shirt is a staple in every minimalist wardrobe, as it’s perfect to pair with jeans or to layer under blazers and cardigans. As always, we like to keep our eye out for brands making sustainable t-shirt options by using organic materials, fair labor standards, and slow production methods.
Why should you consider organic cotton t-shirts?
Organic cotton t-shirts offer lots of positive benefits for our health and the environment. In comparison to conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. This sustainable farming method conserves water and supports biodiversity. Additionally, organic cotton farming often involves fair labor practices, ensuring better working conditions for farmers. And when it comes to our health, organic cotton t-shirts are typically softer and less likely to cause skin irritations due to the absence of harsh chemicals. With all these perks, you can’t go wrong investing in a good quality organic cotton tee!
What are the relevant certifications?
When it comes to organic cotton t-shirts, the most relevant and trusted certification is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). GOTS is widely regarded as the gold standard for organic textiles because it not only verifies that the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, but also ensures strict environmental and social criteria are met throughout the entire supply chain — from harvesting to manufacturing to labeling. This includes limits on toxic dyes and chemicals, wastewater treatment, and fair labor practices. A GOTS-certified t-shirt means you’re getting a truly organic product that’s responsibly made. Other noteworthy certifications include OEKO-TEX, which focuses on chemical safety (though not necessarily organic), and Fair Trade, which emphasizes ethical labor practices. Our methodology & criteria:
Our team has 10+ years of experience wearing and researching sustainable clothing brands, and for this guide, I personally tested the best organic cotton t-shirts on the market. We intentionally chose to review white t-shirts to test opacity (using a heather grey bra underneath) and also wrinkles — but most of these options come in colors and stripes, too. We frequently update this list with new favorites that meet our criteria.
- SIZE INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that make a wide range of sizes so you can find something that’s comfortable and flattering for you.
- ORGANIC | All of the sustainable clothing brands on this list use high quality organic cotton that is never touched by pesticides or fertilizers, and have certifications like GOTS and OKEO-TEX to back them up.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included options at a variety of price points so that you can find something perfect within budget.
- DURABLE | Each of the shirts on this list is made with durable fibers that are soft, strong, and still feel new through many washes.
Looking for more organic cotton clothing? Check out our organic clothing and organic leggings guides. 🌿
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Size-Inclusive
1. Pact
Sizes | XS – XXL
Price | $24
When it comes to affordable ethical fashion, Pact takes the cake for its organic cotton tee. This shirt is fitted to taper at your waist and hit at your hip, making it as simple as it is timeless. And it works whether you’re at a casual movie night or going for a long stroll, as it’s made to stretch while staying snug.
2. MATE The Label
Sizes | XS – XXXL
Price | $48
MATE the Label‘s organic cotton tees are knit, cut, sewn, and dyed in downtown Los Angeles. This Crew uses only 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, and it shows (or rather, feels) on our skin. We tried the bone color, and while it’s a bit translucent, it’s soft and light for warmer weather. The brand has an array of colors, too—just make sure you sign up for the mailing list, as these tees are so popular they are often sold out! Read our full MATE The Label review here.
3. Quince
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $15+
Quince calls their 100% organic cotton slub crewneck tee the perfect t-shirt, and to be honest, I wasn’t holding my breath, considering it’s one of the most affordable options on the list (for reference, Target has more expensive tees). Would you believe me if I said this is one of my favorite t-shirts on this list and also maybe ever? It fits perfectly. Like offers that “lived-in t-shirt” look while not looking slouchy. It’s made from GOTS-certified cotton fiber and has a 2-ply premium slub jersey, meaning it’s lightweight yet holds its shape and isn’t see-through. I am wearing a dark purple bra for reference in this photo, so a light grey or neutral bra would go unnoticed. Okay, Quince. Way to call my bluff. I’ll be ordering this one in more colors.
4. Patagonia
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $45
Patagonia never disappoints with its sustainable clothing and gear, and this breezy and boxy organic cotton tee is one of our favorites. It’s perfect for pairing with jeans and sneakers on a spring day or with hiking pants for a day of exploring. We love the small logo, too, setting this tee apart from the rest. It’s soft and cozy, like our favorite lounge shirt. Best of all, the ’73 Skyline Organic Easy Cut Pocket Tee uses 84% less water and creates 16% less CO2 than conventional cotton t-shirts.
5. Reformation
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $38
For a crew neck you can wear with literally everything, we love Reformation’s organic cotton vintage tee. The relaxed fit is flattering yet breezy enough for warm days, and we love that we can dress this up or down depending on the occasion. This is one of the thinner shirts on our list, so we recommend going with a darker color or wearing a cute bralette underneath the lighter colors (it will show!). Reformation is a Los Angeles-based brand creating clothes only from sustainable and upcycled materials in a fair-wage environment.
6. Everlane
Sizes | XXS – XL
Price | $30
Everlane’s organic cotton crew features a boyish cut with a slim, feminine fit. We love how soft the fabric feels on our skin and that this shirt feels a bit more elevated than your standard cotton tee. The white tee is barely translucent, and the boxy style is perfect for pairing with jeans or summer shorts. A minimalist staple for sure. You can learn more about Everlane’s factories and where this shirt was created here.
7. For Days
Sizes | XS – XXL
Price | $34+
For Days is one of our favorite brands for minimalist staples that can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle. And this organic cotton tee is no exception. When you’re done loving it (which will be after a very long time!), you can send the shirt back so that it’s recycled into yarn for new garments. We tried to scoop neck for a bit of variation, but the brand has a few different styles and colors for organic tees. As for the scoop neck? It’s buttery soft and true to size in fit. Perfect for casual wear or to layer with your favorite blazer.
8. Harvest and Mill
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $48
Harvest and Mill outshines other brands in that its organic cotton is grown right here in the USA. The brand then spins, knits, and sews its garments in San Francisco, keeping the entire supply chain in the United States. This shirt is one of our absolute favorites for an off-white, buttery soft crewneck. As it is undyed and unbleached (the color of real white cotton), we feel safe wearing this on our skin.
9. The Classic T-Shirt Company
Sizes | XXS – XXL
Price | $100
It doesn’t get more classic than the The Classic T-Shirt Company. This California-based brand focuses on perfecting the t-shirt using 100% organic cotton. Each design is flattering yet loose-fitting, which is everything we crave in a perfect tee. The fabric is semi-thick, and the white is less translucent than other tees. We also love the extensive color options, and that these shirts are pre-washed/shrunk, so you don’t accidentally end up with a doll-sized shirt!
10. Terra Thread
Sizes | XS – XXXL
Price | $15
Terra Thread is one of the most affordable options on our list; they also have an extensive size range. Created for all genders, these organic cotton t-shirts are thicker than most for durability while remaining soft and comfortable. Every shirt is made in a Fair Trade Certified™ Factory in India, and the brand ships without plastic. Terra Thread also promises never to expose farmers, workers, customers, or the ecosystem to harmful chemicals. Bonus points for being pre-washed/shrunk!
Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.
Featured image by Harvest and Mill
