No, you’re not going crazy. It’s not the lighting. That white shirt is grey. 

One thing you will notice once you move here is that whites have a habit of turning grey. I don’t know the exact reason for that (water hardiness probably). You can try using vinegar and lemons to whiten (and actually for sheets the antibacterial properties are great), but I have come to appreciate two decidedly French products when I don’t feel like squeezing a bunch of lemons. I wholeheartedly suggest trying them out. 


The first is Décolor Stop sheets. This doesn’t really have anything to do with white clothes, but if you’re lazy and don’t separate it’s the product of you! We don’t have these in the US but we should. For me they go in with every wash, even all whites. I know it doesn’t matter for whites, but it’s a habit, and they work.


The other is Eau Ecarlate Sublim’ Blanc + Détacheur 2 en 1. It’s a rectangle filled with some powder and it keeps my whites from turning. After 6 years I’d had enough, and these handle the problem brilliantly. I haven’t had any grey whites, and about 70% of my laundry is white so they really work. They’re a bit pricey but worth it. 

Whatever method you chose; satchets, lemons, or vinegar, I bet you’ll stop seeing grey. And just know, once that Paris water has turned it grey, there’s no going back. Believe me, I tried, nothing worked. After years of ruined clothes I realized it’s better to be safe than sorry.