Wardrobe basics: the tee shirt
by Susan Wagner

old navy teeA good white tee shirt is a wardrobe must-have; you can wear it with jeans or chinos, under a jacket or sweater, with skirts and capris and shorts. Dress it up with a beautiful necklace or scarf, or just toss it on and go. Wear a lot of tees? Don't limit yourself to white; there's a world of color out there. A basic tee is a staple, but it is not something you should spend a fortune on. Tees last about one season, particularly white or light-colored tees. Anything that is stained or pilled or stretched out should go in the rag bag. Fortunately, basic tees are available lots of places for not a lot of money.

Pick up one (or several) of these this spring:

Old Navy's perfect fit tees are the best bargain; regular price, they are $10.50, but often they're two for $15.00. Available in a variety of cool colors, in sizes XS-XXL. Keep in mind that the most successful way to shop for basics at Old Navy is to check back frequently, both for changes in price and for availability. Just now, there are no white tees on the web site, but you may have better luck in store.

For something a little pricier, you can look at J. Crew's perfect fit short sleeved crew neck tee. These are cut a little slimmer than the Old Navy tees, and the fabric is a slightly better quality. Available in thirteen colors, in sizes XS-XL, for $19.50. My personal favorite.

Boden has some beautiful, sun-washed tees. Eight colors, each $28.00. I am not convinced that you REALLY need to spend twenty eight bucks on a tee shirt, but they are really lovely. See sizing info at Boden.com.

Not into the slim fit? L. L. Bean's got your number; their 1x1 rib short sleeved crew top fits without clinging. It's "classic; neither too slim nor too loose." This is a good option for women with larger chests, or with a little extra through the middle. $14.50; available in twelve colors, in XS to XL. And! You can order a free swatch, if you want to check the fabric and color ahead of time. Now THAT'S a deal.

Gap striped teeTees don't have to be basic black or white (although those are good wardrobe staples). Navy is huge this year, and the striped tee is a terrific piece to have around for those days when you want to look nicer than usual but without the fuss. Gap's striped cap sleeve tee comes in navy and charcoal heather, for $19.50. Available in sizes XS to XXL.

Feel like splurging? Don't buy a really expensive cotton knit tee; buy a well-priced cashmere tee. I know I'm always going on about the virtues of cashmere, but a lightweight cashmere tee is a terrific and versatile piece for work and play. J. Crew makes beautiful cashmere sweaters in really lovely colors; the tee pictured below will run you $115.00. Available in thirteen colors, in sizes XS to XL. Like their cotton tees, the cut is fairly slim. Banana Republic also has a cashmere crew sweater on sale. Order fast! Colors and sizes are limited.j.crew cashmere tee

Finally, please PLEASE be sure you're wearing a bra that fits properly. Wear a flesh-colored bra with a white tee (not a white bra, which will show right through); avoid cotton bras under cotton tees (the fabric will cling to the bra in odd places). As always, if you're not sure what size bra you wear, go have a fitting. Then buy yourself a great white tee to celebrate!

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and everything else at Friday Playdate. She just threw three white tee shirts into the rag bag.

Submitted by Susan Wagner (view blog) on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 21:23

Comments

 

That red T is my worst nightmare

As a woman with a short torso, just looking at that long, super fitted t-shirt is giving me a stomach ache. Actually, the horizontal striped long fitted t is probably even worse for me. *shudder*

Although I despise their pervy CEO, American Apparel makes some nice fitted t's that work for us freaks lacking a torso. Just wanted to add my 2 cents, and I am loving reading your tips, Susan! God knows I could use some fashion help.

Suzanne, BlogHer Contributing Editor - Feminsim & Gender
Campaign for Unshaved Snatch (CUSS)& Other Rants

Submitted by Suzanne Reisman on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 22:47
 

The elders' tee shirt

At some point the upper arms begin to wave in the wind and short-short sleeves serve to emphasize that. Tee shirts with slightly longer sleeves are high on my list of must-have wardrobe pieces.

http://www.webteacher.ws/
http://first50.wordpress.com/

Submitted by Virginia DeBolt on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 07:00
 

I love tees, but there are

I love tees, but there are certain styles and brands that look awful on me. I'm hoping once I lose some weight my shirts and pants, and well, everything will fit better!!

Great post! I'm going to check out the Old Navy styles, again. Some of the ones I looked at in store were rather cheaply made.

Dana from The Dana Files.

Submitted by Dana J. Tuszke on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 08:28
 

Live in Tshirts..

I live in Tshirts year round. Because I'm in the middle of a get strong/lose weight phase, I am not spending much money on these t's. For this year, I've invested in about a dozen of the Mossimo stretch t's from Target. They fit me perfectly, are not too long (I hear ya Susanne!) and that little bit of stretch lets me wear them closer to my body but still with ease.

When they get their first set of stains? I paint, screen, discharge or redye them.

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Deb's Daily Distractions

Submitted by debra roby on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 08:36
 

bargain basics

I live in t-shirts year-round - long sleeves in fall and winter, short in spring and summer. Having a short torso and lacking a defined waist, I can't do most of the fitted tees - too long, too tight right where I don't want a snug fit.

The past two years my favorite has been Target's Cherokee Ultimate Tee. Here's a link to the basic short-sleeved crewneck, but if you search the Target site for "cherokee ultimate tee" you'll find v-necks and long sleeves too. At $8.99 or less (often on sale as low as $3.74 when they clearance out a color) to me this is the ultimate bargain basic.

Submitted by chezshoes on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 09:40
 

Another Target fan!

Chez,

If you like the Cherokee t... do give a look to the Mossimo Black tshirts. I have found that little bit of stretch to be a real asset. (and I'm short torsoed with no waist either.)

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Deb's Daily Distractions

Submitted by debra roby on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 10:41
 

Do you all know what my

Do you all know what my FAVORITE part of writing these posts is? Reading your recommendations in the comments. I'm just one woman with an opinion and a credit card (both of which I try to exercise judiciously) and it helps me so much to hear what you all are looking for and looking at and wearing.

Suzanne, it's funny that you would mention the long tee issue; a couple of years ago, it was pert near impossible (as we say in Oklahoma) to find a tee that was long ENOUGH. Now, they're all extra long, and while I'm a big fan of the low rise waistband, enough is enough. I find that Gap's perfect tees are cut a little shorter, although they are also slim. Check those out.

Dana, the Old Navy tees can be on the cheap side, in terms of quality; I really find that Old Navy is a bit hit-or-miss. The reason I keep going back there for basics like tees is that they are constantly getting new stuff in, and the actual fabric of the tees will sometimes change mid-season. I'm not loving the tees I just bought there (they are a little on the flimsy side) but they are fine under a sweater.

And you all! How did I forget about Tarjay's terrific tee selection! Particularly for fuller figure girls, they have GREAT options. Gah. See, I rely on you to keep my honest.

Who else has a tee they love? Let's hear it! (I'm wearing two Old Navy ribbed tank tops today, under a cardigan--the tank is ANOTHER good option to the tee.)

BlogHer contributing editor Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and everything else at Friday Playdate

Submitted by Susan Wagner on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 12:48
 

I love t-shirts...however

since I am now the one with the flappy arms, I would love to see some with longer sleeves and a bit longer length, and in a plus size and you would have my business in a hearbeat!

Becca

Submitted by Makswife on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 13:10
 

Becca, I am on an internet

Becca, I am on an internet quest for EXACTLY what you describe. Stay tuned.

BlogHer contributing editor Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and everything else at Friday Playdate

Submitted by Susan Wagner on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 14:45
 

T-shirts I enjoy

I'm loving your posts, Susan. Thanks for all the great practical advice. Since you asked... :-) here are my recommendations.

The ones I find myself buying (plus size, full chest) multiples of are (ascending price ranges):

Low: Macy's Style&Co or the slightly pricier Charter Club brands which are everyday low priced under $20 in most cases depending on style - I have the polo shirt in multiple colors and I wear them almost daily when the weather is warmer. I do find I have to go up a size to get a good fit, though. I've also found some great bargains at Sears - both their private label brands and Lands End.

Med: Jones New York Sport long and 3/4 sleeve tees (tagless) for when it's cooler

High: Eileen Fisher especially the organic cotton yoga tanks and pants. There is an outlet near me so I've been able to get several pieces at a substantial discount. Insanely comfortable, well made and environmentally friendly - what more could you want?

I also love Oprah's favorite bra - the Le Mystere "Dream Tisha 9955". It's expensive but well worth it as it provides great shape and coverage under a t-shirt.

Submitted by Maria Niles on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 15:18
 

Maria, you're the second

Maria, you're the second person this week (and it's only Tuesday!) to sing the praises of the Le Mystere. And a really great bra is worth the investment, because you can wear ANYTHING over it and look good.

Thank you!

BlogHer contributing editor Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and everything else at Friday Playdate

Submitted by Susan Wagner on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 16:50
 

For the summer

A plain, crisp white T-shirt is perfect for the summer and a cheap, versatile addition to any fashionista's wardrobe. Gap, Old Navy, and Target are a few places that sell them. I stock up every spring!

Submitted by joannahn on Wed, 04/11/2007 - 14:02
 

Designers have their seasons

Before last summer I bought a new set of bras after getting a fitting (after 20 years since my last one) and then went t-shirt shopping.

The Colarado ones weren't so good last season but Rivers had a good range at a great price. Isn't it funny how they'll have really good designs one season and stuff it up the next season? Surely the money results inspire better designs?

I completely agree about having sleeves that are flattering to womanly arms rather than twiggy suited cuffs.

I would love to get more comfortable long sleeved t-shirts for working at home. I have old favs but they haven't got much more life left in them.

Smiles
Belinda

Easy to wear necklaces and matching earrings with Creatively Belle

Submitted by Creatively Belle on Mon, 04/16/2007 - 23:39