Choosing a Simple T-shirt? It’s complicated.
We always tell our clients, “Never underestimate the power of a simple T-shirt.” Often mistaken for a “boring basic”, it simply never goes out of style. And if not the backbone of a well-appointed wardrobe, it’s an important supporting player.
But simple isn’t easy.
You could spend hours…actually days (or a lifetime?) looking for the perfect T and still not find it. Or you could take a shortcut and follow the advice of the experts (ahem). It’s literally our job to know which brands fit and hold up the best. And of all the things we shop for, the perfect T is one of the most requested, hardest to find and essential pieces in any wardrobe for both men and women. It’s our holy grail.
Plain cotton has come a long way in the past decade. We’re talking fabrics like Peruvian slub cotton jersey (a lightly textured fabric garment-dyed for a soft, worn-in feel) and Japanese cotton knits (dense yet lightweight fabric with a dry hand feel) with matt finish and raw hem.
But progress comes at a price. A great T today will easily run you $50 and up (sometimes, way up). For the get-your 3-pack-Hanes-at-Kmart crew, that can be a tough pill to swallow. And, to be fair, those t-shirts are perfectly acceptable under your dress shirt. But the ones we’re talking about are the stand alone kind that make a statement on their own, deserve their own drawer and are never to be confused with your exercise or sleep tees.
In addition to the classic t-shirt-and-jeans uniform, a high-quality T is the perfect offset for blazers, leather or denim jackets. It’s a nice twist against trousers and nestles under a crew neck sweater just fine. Best of all, even if you’re without the best personal stylist, you can find and own a respectable T!
Here are some DIY guidelines when shopping for your perfect T:
1. Know thyself
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Know what shaped neckline you look best in (Crewneck/V-neck /Boat neck/U neck)
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Preferred style (polo, tank, muscle T, short sleeve)
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Sleeve (cap sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, long sleeve)
2. Consider color and function
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We recommend starting with basic white, navy and black for guys
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For the girls — in addition to these basics, consider adding a small favorite personal detail (ruffle, sequin, print)
3. Fabric matters
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Now that you’ve spent $50+ on a T, will it shrink? Not if you buy preshrunk! (which most options are today, but that doesn’t mean you should fry it in the dryer!)
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Go for soft and thin but still opaque. No see-throughs!
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Aim for a thicker cotton and looser/boyfriend fit, especially if you’re not in beach body shape quite yet.
