Discover the best 5 sustainable white shirts for a minimalist capsule collection. These designer pieces offer timeless style, premium materials, and eco-friendly craftsmanship, perfect for building a sustainable wardrobe that lasts.
Transparency Statement: I do not represent or have any affiliation with the brands featured in this blog. My recommendations are solely based on my personal preferences and values. If I collaborate with any of these brands in the future, I will provide full disclosure to my readers.
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A simple, crisp white shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that embodies versatility, elegance, and universal appeal. Dating back centuries, it has transitioned from a historical symbol of refinement to an essential item in modern fashion. Originally associated with aristocracy, the white shirt later became a canvas for self-expression and a marker of clean, minimalist style. Its neutrality and simplicity make it easy to pair with anything—from tailored trousers to jeans, skirts, or even layered under dresses.
The beauty of a white shirt lies in its ability to transcend trends, seasons, and personal styles. It suits everyone, regardless of age, gender, or body type, thanks to its clean lines and adaptable design. Whether you prefer an oversized silhouette for a relaxed look or a tailored fit for professional polish, a white shirt can be styled up or down effortlessly. From boardrooms to casual brunches, it remains a constant go-to, proving that less is more in the world of fashion. Its enduring popularity cements its place as the backbone of any capsule wardrobe.
Why Every Capsule Wardrobe Needs a White Shirt
I’m a minimalist, but my fashion journey began with a deep love for shopping and collecting different items. Growing up with limited access to nice clothes and few means to buy them, I started out, like most, buying whatever I could when I could, often without much thought. Over time, as I grew older and more attuned to my personal style, my approach changed. Yet, through all the shifts in my wardrobe, one constant has been my love for a simple, classic white shirt. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
Fashion trends evolve faster than ever, with modern-day styles changing so quickly they’re hard to keep up with. But having a couple of well-made white shirts in your closet can ground your wardrobe through the whirlwind of trends, seasons, and moods. It’s a timeless investment that proves its worth every time you wear it.
The Shift in Fashion: Why Brand Name and Style Alone Aren’t Enough
As a sustainable fashion advocate and professional, simply having good style with a recognizable brand name is no longer enough for me. I expect more from the brands I choose to spend my hard-earned money on. When I shop for anything new, I take a deeper approach and “read between the seams.”
I want to know exactly what my shirt is made of, and if a brand claims it’s organic, I expect proof—certifications and a transparent journey map that shows where the cotton was sourced, how it became fabric, and what chemicals and processes were used to achieve that crisp, white finish. I want to know where it was sewn and how the brand treats the people who made it.
We no longer have the luxury of buying things without considering the consequences of supporting brands that measure success solely in volumes sold and revenue generated. The fashion industry continues to be a significant contributor to environmental degradation and social inequality.
As consumers, we hold the power to vote with our money for better products and practices. As a 50-year-old woman with style and purchasing power, I refuse to be misled by superficial claims and I am committed to teaching my children and my readers to uphold these values and best practices.
According to the Business of Fashion “State of the Industry Report 2025,” major luxury brands have identified a key trend in shifting their marketing focus toward a new target audience: women and men in their midlife journeys. The 50+ category now holds the top spot. This, ladies and gentlemen, is our power—and we can use it to drive greater change for good.
What you should look for when shopping for a perfect shirt.
When shopping for a quality garment, in this case your perfect white shirt, there are a few things to consider to ensure you are making the right investment.
- YOUR STYLE, YOUR FIT: A design that complements your unique body and lifestyle.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Prioritizing organic, regenerative, and circular textiles for a better planet.
- EXPERT CONSTRUCTION: Thoughtfully crafted with reinforced collars, plackets, yokes, and more for superior durability.
- CLEAN SEAM FINISHES: Professional seam work ensures longevity, comfort, and a polished look.
- CARE LABEL: Clear instructions to help you clean and maintain your shirt properly.
- PRODUCT PASSPORT OR QR CODE: Access the full story of your shirt’s journey, proving its sustainability and quality.
- FAIR PRICE: Balancing quality and price is important. Making better choices does come at higher price, but keep in mind the “cost-per-wear” you get out of your garments over time.
- END-OF-LIFE RESPONSIBILITY: Does the brand offer take-back programs, resale options, or recycling? How do they ensure responsible disposal or reuse?
The Best White Shirts: My Top Five Brand Picks
Below are my top five brands that I love, and I’ll explain each in detail. I picked a few with a different price range, character and uniques stories.
I encourage you to explore these brands—whether new or second-hand—or take this as an opportunity to evaluate and scrutinize the brands you’ve been wearing your whole life.
Apply a critical eye, ask the tough questions, and consider which brands align with your values and evolving style.
It might even be time to let go of some, much like an old relationship that no longer fits and holds you back.
Embracing change for the better is key to building character, and your wardrobe should reflect your new values. On my blog and website I explore why making sustainable choices isn’t just a personal journey—it’s a moral imperative for securing a better future for our planet and its people. Change happens when many individuals make small, conscious decisions every day.
If you are interested to learn more and join the community of like-minded people, please consider subscribing to my future blogs and newsletters.
We-Ar4 – Fitted Collared Shirt
We-AR4 is a New York-based American brand founded in 2021. Launching a brand amid the uncertainty and chaos of a global pandemic was a bold move, but creating a responsible brand from day one is an even more extraordinary accomplishment. We-AR4 challenges the status quo of the traditional fashion business model, turning it on its head and reimagining it.
“…we create a direct path to climate-positive impact, finding a new life for materials that would otherwise become waste.” We-Ar4
Classic, minimalist simplicity pairs with unexpected tailoring detail – the elongated sleeve plackets are placed on the front of the sleeve. Genius!
They kept a classic shirt collar and sleeves and balanced them beautifully with a slimmer silhouette of the shirt.
The back yoke adds durability and encloses an attractive center-back pleat for added movement and style.
The simple elegant logo is featured boldly on the top of the yoke.
Mother of Pearl buttons complete the look.
Irresistibly charming and edgy!
This stunning shirt is crafted from repurposed cotton, seamlessly blending classic sophistication with an edgy appeal. It has a subtle but yet unmistakable way of standing out. It is refreshingly unconventional—much like the brand itself. From the unique placement of sleeve plackets , to the exposed label on the back, to the use of dead stock fabric, every detail defies convention and showcases thoughtful innovation. It surprises.
The balance of timeless elegance with bold edginess is simply exceptional.
Why I love this aside from its edgy appeal. The real genius of this brand lies in their choice of materials. They work with existing textiles, often excess or dead stock from other brands or past seasons. These fabrics, if left unclaimed, are often destined for incineration, contributing to pollution. By rescuing these materials, the brand not only diverts them from landfills but also reduces the carbon footprint by avoiding the production of new fabrics.
Their commitment goes further—they prioritize using eco-friendly, organic, recycled, or renewable excess materials, aligning style with sustainability. All garments are produced in smaller quantities as well.
The brand’s creators are deeply committed to scrutinizing every step of their garment lifecycle to find ways to improve. Their packaging is a reflection of this ethos—“intentionally minimal and practical,” as they describe it. It’s designed not for luxury, but to simply protect your purchase during transit. They use compostable poly bags or recycled paper packaging, shipping items flat to avoid unnecessary boxes, hangers, or other waste.
Let’s all be honest – the box and any other packaging , often plastic from conventional brands, hits the trash bin as soon as you open the package. We-Ar4 proactively takes the burden of finding a sustainable recycling option off their customers’ hands!
Did you know, every year, 5.1 billion trees are cut down, many from vital landscapes, to meet the demand for paper and paper packaging, and for fabrics like rayon and viscose?
The brand is completely transparent about areas they’re still working to improve.
They’re honest because there’s no such thing as 100% sustainable fashion. What brands can do, however—like We-Ar4—is strive to become a better version of themselves every single day. And honestly, isn’t that what we all should be doing?
If you’re in the market for something slightly edgy yet timelessly classy, this is it. And don’t stop at the shirt—check out their pairings like classic wide-leg pants, blazers, coats, and more to create a truly standout capsule wardrobe.
Another Tomorrow – Men’s Shirt for Women.
Another Tomorrow has been a favorite for some time, and for good reasons. It resonates on so many levels. Even the first online shopping experience made me feel like I belonged. The brand creates responsible clothes for women like me – confident in their 50s, our choices and our values.
This shirt is for anyone who loves the timeless allure of a men’s shirt. It’s not a fleeting trend—it’s a celebration of femininity and the balance of duality within ourselves. How often do we reach for a men’s shirt, drawn to its effortless appeal, or hear a man say how much he loves seeing us in his? If the aesthetic of the men’s shirt resonates with you, the Men’s Shirt by Another Tomorrow offers the ultimate expression of this classic style.
Made with a 100% organic GOTS certified cotton, this is a classic relaxed button-front with a shirttail hem and a slightly dropped shoulder. Also comes in an oversized style.
The French cuff, the Rolls-Royce of refined tailoring, is paired with a hidden button placket.
The one front pocket and a box pleat in the back complete the polished look.
You can see each shirt’s Provenance Journey before purchasing or by scanning the QR code on the tag. It will fascinate you.
This impeccable shirt is a blank canvas for your personal style. While classic pairings like tailored trousers, sleek jeans, and a blazer are obvious choices, why not push the boundaries? Style it with a floor-length evening skirt and statement jewelry for a chic, unexpected look, or pair it with a slinky midi for effortless elegance. Whether worn on its own, under a blazer, or layered with a sweater, this timeless and eco-friendly piece is up for any styling challenge—a wardrobe staple you’ll cherish forever.
Another Tomorrow takes sustainability to a whole new level by using their brand as an educational platform for anyone open to embracing better, more responsible and sustainable fashion. Their website is a powerful free resource created with the consumer in mind. I would encourage to use it for personal enrichment. Anything from materials they use or avoid, to animal welfare, to their commitment to the wellbeing of the people behind the garments and innovation, you can find on the website.
With a strong focus on social sustainability, they address the well-documented abuses within fashion supply chains, including in the luxury sector, by ensuring their facilities meet strict environmental and social criteria.
By placing the individuals behind the label at the forefront, their stories are shared with pride and gratitude. When you choose brands like Another Tomorrow, you’re not just buying a garment—you’re connecting and investing in vibrant communities and directly supporting the lives and livelihoods of those who make our clothes.
Did you know that the global fashion industry employs over 300 million people along the value chain, including people that work in design, distribution and retail divisions of the fashion industry. Over 80% of that workforce are women.
Reformation – Becker Shirt
Reformation is, hopefully, the brand you already know and love. Renowned for creating stylish, accessible, and elegant clothing, the brand has grown into a globally recognized name in the fashion industry. However, what you might not know is that Reformation started in 2009 in Los Angeles as a small local shop dedicated to restyling and repurposing vintage clothing—hence the perfect name.
Fast forward to today, Reformation stands as a global powerhouse with stores and followers worldwide, and one of the most committed and impactful leaders in the sustainable and ethical fashion movement. Knowing the good work they do in the world, in my opinion they earned the right to say on their website:
Now, about the shirt—can we take a moment, please?
An hourglass shape is achieved through smartly placed deep pleats and darts, accentuating the waist and enhancing the bust.
Extra-long button cuffs add a touch of elegance to the classic casual collar.
Fitted sleeves are designed to sit precisely on the shoulder or slightly drop, further highlighting the hourglass silhouette.
A curved hem with subtly raised sides enhances the tailored and structured look.
Comfortable and crafted from 100% certified organic cotton with a touch of stretch.
A perfect balance of chick and casual.
Today, we’re all about featuring white shirts—but if you’re like me and love a good stripe, Reformation has you covered. While the world has been obsessed with oversized fits for a while now (and I like them to an extent), I absolutely adore the feminine, fitted shape of the Becker shirt. It pairs beautifully with both casual and formal skirts or pants, and it’s so much more comfortable under layers. This shirt is a definite winner in the tailored, fitted category—and in my book. Reformation is a trusted, responsible, and fun marketplace for building an ideal capsule collection.
Being Naked is the #1 Sustainable Option.
Reformation
We’re #2!
The #1 indicator that a brand is genuinely investing in better practices and holding itself accountable is how openly and honestly they communicate about it. When you visit Reformation’s website, you’ll immediately notice a “Sustainability” tab prominently featured in the main header menu—impossible to miss.
In contrast, if you have to hunt for sustainability information buried at the bottom of a website alongside privacy policies or customer service links, and then sift through vague claims with little proof, that’s a red flag. Brands like Reformation have nothing to hide—they are inherently committed to doing good in the world and encourage you to learn and grow alongside them.
Reformation, among the many responsible pillars of their business model, leverages data science to make crucial production decisions. They use data to determine the right quantities of garments in each category and often run limited-edition collections to better understand their buyers’ preferences. Overproduction is one of the biggest challenges facing the fashion industry today, and the only way to address it is by using data effectively.
Another essential pathway to being an ethical brand is to focus on circularity of your product, which is what conventional brands who are obsessed with profit growth and margins never think about. What happens to the clothes including designer white shirts that are no longer wanted or needed? This is a question that both, us the consumers and the brands should be asking.
The majority of cities and communities we live in today lack scalable, responsible solutions for managing textile waste. While we have recycling options for glass, paper, metals, and even hazardous materials, dealing with clothing seems to boil down to donating and feeling like we’ve done our part. However, if you’ve never visited your local Goodwill or another thrift store, try stepping inside after dropping off a bag of unwanted clothes at their donation center.
Denim alone is overwhelming—thrift store floors are lined with endless rows of synthetic indigo, making them like an ocean you could drown in. How much of it do you think actually gets re-sold? Less than 15%! And only 1% of materials used for clothing gets reused as clothes again. What happens to the rest?
Sustainable and ethical brands like Reformation actively invest in partnerships with companies that specialize in repurposing garments into something usable again. Their technologies help put materials back into circulation or transform fibers that can no longer become clothing into other valuable products. Reformation makes it easy for you to recycle your clothes – drop them off or ship them back and get paid with credit for new clothes, and they will do the rest.
For all the sustainability enthusiasts out there, I’ll soon be posting a dedicated blog about the various options available for responsibly managing household textile waste. Don’t forget to sign up to stay informed and receive notifications when the blog goes live!
Frank & Eileen – Victoria Italian Tuxedo Shirt
I can’t help but think of this brand as an “American Sweetheart” and talk about it like I’m describing a close friend. Maybe it’s because their clothes are so comfortable and comforting. Maybe it’s because the company is run by women who truly understand what women go through in our lives. Or maybe it’s a mix of all the above. One thing is for sure—Frank & Eileen will make you feel cozy, loved, and like you belong.
For this blog, I chose the Victoria Italian Tuxedo Shirt because, to me, it perfectly represents everything this brand stands for—style, comfort, impeccable quality, sweetness, and femininity.
Unique and first for this brand, a tuxedo-style shirt with a slightly oversized fit.
Woven jacquard bib—explore other color combinations to add even more interest!
Collarless design for an elegant, casual, and distinct vibe.
Curved shirttail, elongated in the back for added coverage.
Casual dropped shoulders with long, relaxed sleeves and signature buttons.
An brilliant fusion of formal tuxedo style and a feminine silhouette.
What a charmer!
Frank & Eileen began in 2009 as a shirt company, and to this day, impeccably tailored shirts in every imaginable color and print remain at the heart of their responsible collections. Now celebrated as a globally recognized designer brand, they proudly maintain their status as a certified 100% woman-owned and led business. Named after the founder’s Irish grandparents, Frank & Eileen have championed sustainability and responsibility from the start, partnering exclusively with ethical manufacturers and using only the finest sustainable materials.
Visiting their website feels like catching up with your girlfriends—it instantly lifts your mood. From engaging storytelling to styling tutorials, practical tips on mending garments or hemming jeans, to inspiration for cooking and exploring enchanting destinations, it’s a feel-good space that sparks creativity and joy. It’s a reminder of how women support and understand one another. The women behind Frank & Eileen are right there with us, crafting a brand that truly feels like home.
The brand approaches sustainability with the same dedication, effortless charm, and elegance as their clothes. However, this ease does not compromise their strict commitment to being transparent and fully devoted to sustainable practices. And, as a delightful bonus, they’ve created an online community and a dedicated marketplace where fans can buy or sell pre-loved Frank & Eileen garments, extending the life of each piece and reinforcing their values
Stella McCartney – Regenerative Cotton Boyfriend Shirt
I’ve chosen to end our search for the perfect white eco-friendly shirt with a brand that needs little introduction—a name that’s dear to many: Stella McCartney. Whether you’re a dedicated shopper or follow the founder on social media, Stella McCartney is a true icon in the fashion industry, using her name and her platform to bring meaningful change to the world. Her brand represents everything fashion should stand for—and so often fails to do—being a voice for the planet and advocating for cruelty-free, luxury fashion.
For the purpose of this blog and our search for the perfect white shirt, allow me to introduce the Stella McCartney Regenerative Cotton Boyfriend shirt. Let’s begin with the “elephant in the room” — the materials that take us beyond sustainable, venturing into the realm of regenerative and innovative.
Made from 100% SÖKTAŞ regenerative cotton poplin in pure white.
A classic Oxford shirt, elevated into a Boyfriend style and fit.
Beautifully constructed with the highest tailoring precision.
Features a button placket and wide button cuffs. Relaxed and slightly oversized.
Perfection in its simplicity.
Pure luxury in every sense of the word.
SÖKTAŞ REGENERATIVE COTTON is grown in Turkey using centuries-old methods that harness the soil’s natural ability to regenerate. This process captures and converts carbon emissions into organic matter, enabling the soil to restore, revitalize, and play a role in combating climate change.
Stella McCartney brand invest a lot into materials innovation. If you haven’t yet discovered their powerful campaign against the use of animal fur, skin, or feathers, it’s something you must experience. The energy and message are unforgettable. Have a look IT’S ABOUT F…ING TIME! and feel the power behind it.
While I am featuring shirts for a variety of budgets, I am aware that some of them may be outside a comfortable range. If this is the case, there is another wallet friendly and sustainable way to shop. I’ve created The Online Second-Hand & Vintage Shopaholic’s Handbook specifically to help you find your way to the fashion treasures of your desires at much more friendly prices. A well curated closet is the one that balances the new and pre-owned, sourced with intention and responsibly.
Investing in Better Fashion for a Better Tomorrow
Thank you for reading all the way to the end of the blog!
I hope you enjoyed discovering the brands I’ve featured here and perhaps found some new favorites or learned something new about old friends of yours. Feel free to drop a note or a question in the comments below if there’s anything you’d like me to explore further, or if you’d like to share some of your favorite brands for us to learn about.
It is impossible to address all the challenges currently facing the fashion industry in one blog, and I will be addressing more in future posts. For example, lack of inclusivity is a critical issue today. The industry often fails to meet the demand for plus-size clothing and clothing for individuals with special needs, largely due to a mix of production challenges, outdated views on luxury, and concerns about financial risk.
Of course, producing these garments presents a creative challenge, requiring innovation, more and different types of materials, advanced pattern-making skills, and careful inventory management—elements that some brands perceive as costly and complex. However, this must change, and many ethical and responsible brands are already leading the way in tackling this important issue.
The World does not need more designers. We need more innovators!
All of my future blogs will be dedicated to promoting better fashion—more responsible, more ethical, and more inclusive. I will feature products from brands that I’ve researched, used myself, and trust, examining how they are addressing key issues in the modern fashion industry. I’ll explore their innovations and the valuable lessons we can learn from them.
I want to remind everyone reading that, as consumers, we always have a choice in how and where we shop. This is powerful. Let’s take this power seriously and responsibly, supporting brands that align with our values for a better, more sustainable future.
