Is there a garment so basic yet so classic you could wear almost anywhere while looking crisp and chic? Yes, it’s called a white tee. Here are some suggestions on how to pick just the right one you would love to wear on and on.
1. Choose a High-Quality Cotton
It’s non-negotiable. Your choice should lean towards high-quality cotton that lasts. Stick to cotton with no synths involved, as it can result in that senseless fabric peeling. A touch of elastane wouldn’t harm the fit, while a bit of linen can introduce an airy feel, but no synthetics, please.
2. Recognizing Poor Quality
Recognizing poor quality cotton is fairly straightforward – it’s not the most pleasant to touch, loses shape quickly, twists, turns, smells odd, and whatnot. Opting for organic cotton is an environmentally conscious choice, and combed or ring-spun cotton is softer, smoother, and able to retain shape compared to open-end spun cotton.
2. Consider Fabric Weight
Cotton weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker the fabric. T-shirts generally range from about 150-250 GSM, which is considered medium weight. I like my tees thicker or medium-weight, and I am not a huge fan of lightweight tees. I feel they lose shape more quickly, and their opacity is an obstacle on many occasions.
3. Prioritize the Fit
I often find the best tees in the men’s department. Giving it a thought, all my white T-shirts are bought in the men’s section. I have heavyweight ones of exceptional quality featuring a slightly oversized, regular fit. They have sharp, boxy lines, and I wear them tucked in to accentuate the waist. I also have a slim-fitted, flexible, and soft one, following body contours. Or maybe choose the extra, extra baggy, oversized one seen at Balenciaga – for the sake of experiment (but we’re talking classic here).
4. Try Circular Knitting
I do not own the one that goes under the marketable name “seamless,” allegedly it’s worth trying. You won’t end up with that seam twist if anything. A seam twist to a t-shirt is what double knees are to trousers – an ick. Where to buy one? I have no idea. These are rare. Allegedly, these don’t lose shape, don’t shrink or twist, and need fewer chemicals that stabilize shape in the process.
5. Appreciate Subtle Details
The classic white tee is a solid classic white tee, but a few subtle details won’t harm it. I own one embellished with a small logo in the lower left corner – a cute anchor emblem in sailor blue and orange-yellow, a pretty cool contrast to a bright white backdrop. It complements a range of bottoms, especially those with distinctive characters themselves, such as precisely coordinated and harmoniously colored stripes. It makes two different things coming in a synergistic, fresh narrative. I also have one with some gag, a nylon neon asymmetric attachment in the corner, akin to an abstract painting, while clashing the textures.
6. Evaluate Stitching Quality
This is a good habit when purchasing any garment – see how the seaming and stitching is done. Seams are the weakest points in a garment’s structure, so if done in a sloppy way, you’ll rather deter having that half-product in your home. You wouldn’t want hoarding stuff you wouldn’t love in the long run.
7. Embrace Classic Collars
The classic white T-shirt predominantly features a crew neck, and it’s best to leave it at that. I’m not particularly drawn to V-necks, and scoop or square necks have their own distinct purposes. Crew neck T-shirts, much like most men’s clothing, have military origins, with sailors initially sporting this neckline style. Thus, the name “crew neck”.
8. Notice Labels
While a seemingly minor detail, the design of the label adds significantly to the overall impression of the product. A well-done label can make you love your shirt a tiny bit more. They are made in a nice fabric, wouldn’t itch, and possibly would have interesting pictograms showing care instructions.
9. Balance Price & Quality
Well-known brands tend to offer reliable options due to their quality standards. However, supporting local designers and possessing something distinctive amid the mass-produced merchandise is always a great choice. You’ll just have to make some effort to uncover such gems, but it’s worth it.
10. Prioritize Sustainability
As brands gradually become more transparent (though they have a long way to go) regarding their production practices, consumers like us play a role in pushing further progress in these areas. Opting for organic cotton is a more ethical option, but it’s worth noting that cotton clothing often undergoes heavy chemical treatment. Do your research thoroughly.
A Long History
Started as underwear, the white T-shirt was introduced to US Navy clothing in 1913., as a handy garment when doing chores. With its crew neck and short sleeves, it was soon popularized by icons such as Marlon Brando and James Dean. Today, it remains a classic that rarely disappoints.
10 Stylish Tops if You Think About Elevating Your Work Wardrobe in Autumn
e? I’ve sifted through many online stores to seek out some tops and see what’s new for this fall’s fresh beginnings – when chunky jackets aren’t quite there yet and the weather is unstable with both fresh and warm streams. These ten tops align with my own way of working; I’m not into full-on corporate attire.
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