Trying to find the perfect white t-shirt is a bit like searching for your missing hair tie. It’s not going to happen. You’d think such a basic item would be pretty straightforward to find, right? Sadly, that isn’t the case. While there are plenty of poorly made white t-shirts available, you’ll want to invest in quality. Because this is one closet staple you’ll get numerous wears out of so why replace it every month. Lucky for you I’ve found five ethically made, Canadian white t-shirts.
These five Canadian-made white t-shirt recommendations are all from local brands that practice sustainability. The fabric is made, cut and sewn in Canada under ethical working conditions where employees are paid a fair wage. The fabrics are also sustainable in that they are natural meaning better for the environment and you’ll feel more comfortable wearing them. Each brand makes a conscious effort to inform customers who made their clothing. This is one of the reasons I love to support and shop Canadian because there are real people behind these brands that are treated fairly. Want to know more? Head over here.
I tried to include diversity in brand ownership; unfortunately, I didn’t come across any Canadian-made BIPOC brands offering white t-shirts. Hopefully, I will discover other brands as I continue to broaden my scope. If you have any suggestions, please drop them in the comments. In the meantime, scroll down to find your perfect white t-shirt.
1. Province of Canada $45
If you’re looking for a more menswear-inspired white t-shirt then this is it. Straight fit makes it great for tucking in. Also comes in a cropped style. The sleeves are longer and boxier than the other styles mentioned.
- 100% organic cotton
- Thicker material, not see-through
- Unisex fit – size down for a more feminine shape
- Smaller neckline
- Available sizing: XXS – XXL
2. Encircled $88
Switch things up with a V-neck white tee. This particular one feels and looks like your favourite lived-in vintage tee. It falls at your hips so it’s great for tucking in.
Personally, I love how transparent Encircled is as a brand. They inform us exactly who owns the factories, where they are located (35km from the head office) and which items are made there.
- A blend of rayon from bamboo and organic cotton – rayon from bamboo is 100% biodegradable!
- Straight fit down to hips
- Lightweight, slightly see-through
- Available sizing: XS – XL
3. FRANC $57
The ultimate basic white t-shirt without any frills. It’s great for tucking and offers a regular sleeve length.
Other than basic sustainable practices, this female-owned brand is proud to be plastic-free, even their shipping packaging is compostable. They donate samples and overstock to Sistering (a Toronto shelter for marginalized women) rather than holding sample sales.
- 66% tencel, 28% cotton, 6% spandex jersey – this fabric will keep you cool and feeling comfortable because of the added stretch
- Straight cut
- Very slightly see-through
- Available sizing: XS – XXL
4. Rueneau $68
This white t-shirt would be considered more fashionable for someone who wants a classic feminine cut that’s not boxy. The shorter sleeve length and deeper neckline would be flattering for larger busts. The fabric is soft and lightweight to drape nicely.
Rueneau is a new Canadian brand with a limited product offering focusing on basics.
- 100% Japanese lightweight cotton
- More see-through than the others
- Cap sleeves
- Deeper neckline
- Available sizing: S – XL
5. The Sleep Shirt $82
More of a luxury purchase but definitely feels beautiful enough for wearing outside, inside and to sleep. Medium weight fabric so it drapes nicely over the body. Great for smaller busts and wider hips. Like the Free Label white t-shirt this one has a longer and curved hemline.
Although marketed as a sleepwear brand, their pieces are meant to be comfortable and breathable for every day. Their fine collection of fabrics are sourced from around the world and sewn in Canada. They are meant to last a few hundred wears and up to 1000 wears!
- 58% cotton, 37% modal, 5% spandex – modal is one of the softest fabrics and feels like butter against your skin
- Medium weight, slightly see-through
- Feminine flare fit that curves out towards the hips
- Available sizing: XS – XL
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4 Comments
Erin
October 30, 2020 at 11:51 PMI really like Franc’s shirts (the box tee is my favourite – loose and comfy but you can tuck it in and style it too), but I’ve been hearing a lot about Encircled and am in need of a white t-shirt, so I might try them out!
Mariam
November 11, 2020 at 9:38 PMHi Erin,
Good choice on the Franc shirt. I love a boxy fit too. The Province of Canada one is great boxy fit too. The Encircled fabric is incredibly soft – it’s definitely a more lived-in vibe. Let me know if you try it out!
Alexandra
December 3, 2020 at 5:38 AMThank you so much for including us on this list!
Mariam
December 6, 2020 at 8:02 PMYou’re so welcome Alexandra!