What I learned as I researched is that it’s quite tough to pick the “best” white T-shirt — there’s just as much of a case for a structured boxy tee as there is for a plain cotton Hanes.

Like its counterpart the short-sleeved tee, the long-sleeved tee is a must-have basic. But as with all T-shirts — black, white, or otherwise — the Perfect One often proves elusive. And even ...