You can buy this one for a mere 50 dollars from here.
I had the suggestion made by Kristin (when commenting on this post) that I do a poll for the best white tee out there. Since I rarely wear white tees, I couldn't really supply her with much info. The best I can think is that I own an Eddie Bauer tee from a few years ago that qualifies under the needs that she has: not see-through and comfy. This tee, when I wear it, fits the bill (well, to a tee, heehee, couldn't not say it).
This is such an important topic that the NY Magazine did an article on it!!!
I am opening up the floor to your ideas. There is also a poll running so people can vote on where they have purchased their best white tee.
Please, if you have a comment on why it is your favorite, comment here. Especially comment if you put down that you have another place where you buy it (like how I got mine at Eddie Bauer).
By the way, this weekend at Target I saw a tee that could fit Kristin's needs. It was located in the athletic section of the women's department. It looked simple, substantial, and super-comfy!
Enjoy...hopefully we find what we are looking for...
I won't be commenting back on all the comments because I am in the midst of grading and figure that all you all can figure it out for yourselves. :) I know you all don't mind and I thank you for that....
36 comments:
I picked "other", and that other is the Banana Republic outlet. They have THE best plain tees. Soft, with a little bit of stretch, and they're just long enough. I stock up on these every summer!
When it comes to the basic white tee, I imagine everyone's going to be looking for something different. I tend to prefer a more refined look over what is currently trendy (the long and lean and deconstructed a la JCrew). And I don't have much use for rugged or matronly cuts (EddieB, LLBean, sorry).
So, I go to JJill for my basic tees. They generally offer an assortment of basic tees every summer and *some* of them are quite nice. My favorite is the neat fitting, casual but polished, pima cotton variety that can be dressed up or down.
Last year's version was soft (but not saggy), lightweight (but not sheer), semi-fitted (scaled down but not painted on), hit at the high/mid-hip (can be worn with skirts), and came in an array of basic and very pretty pastel colors. The quality was high and price low, dirt cheap on promo.
My vote is for JJill. Just steer clear of the arts&craft stuff.
LL
I try to avoid anything that's too long, thin, stretchy or clingy. That rules out most J. Crew tees for me. I read a recommendation for the scoopneck ones at Ann Taylor Loft. They are on sale for just $12 right now. The scoop is a little lower than what I'm used to but it's a nice substantial, but not too thick fabric, and it's a good length for me, so I figured I'd give it a try. They also come in v-neck so I got one of those too.
I have 2 favorites. The first would be the J crew outlet white tees purchased a couple summers ago. They are much heavier and thicker than the perfect tees, so not as sheer, but with the same long length that I love, (I'm tall). The second would be James Perse v-neck, for a more relaxed, slouchy look. The J Crew boyfriend tees are a knockoff of these, but the quality is not the same. Of course, neither is the price.
Great post! I love it when basics are discussed.
For a tried and true basic white tee, I go American Apparel all the way. They don't stretch, are 100% cotton and get softer every time you wash them. I don't wear anything else when it comes to tee's!
your poll options are so cute :) i chose j.crew tees, but only because the only white tees i own are from there. in the past i've had some from GAP, NY&co, and BR, but the j.crew one i have now is much better. i'm a fan. i just love how they can take a white tee and put a fresh spin on it (texture, embellishments, etc).
Love the poll/post topic :)
Not long ago Oprah did a show all about "the perfect white t-shirt." She swears by Adam+Eve brand...now called "ADAM." Here's the link to Oprha's web site describing "the only tee you'll ever need." http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow3_ss_20060504
They are pretty pricey, so despite Oprah's endorsement (!), I never indulged. My favorite tee by far is Gap Favorite Tee -- can't go wrong with them!
I got a target one a couple years ago i really liked- it was mossimo. I also have a couple from nordstrom- they are the caslon brand... they have a tiny bit of stretch and fit really nicely.
I love the Banana Republic timeless tees. BR recently had the tees on sale for $15, so I stocked up!
I also vote for Nordstrom/Caslon & Banana Republic.
I said other as well, and my vote is for Target- Merona! I love that they have a little bit of stretch, and they fit really nice under things. For $10, cant really beat it :)
There's a post on white tees over at this blog:
http://www.unefemme.net/2009/05/test-driving-tees-results.html.
It's geared towards the older woman but may still be helpful.
As for me, I'm still looking. This season I've tried two white tees: the perfect tee at Old Navy (too thin and clingy) and the scoopneck tee at Lands End (fabric pilled and looked shabby after only 2-3 wearings).
I'm still hanging on to Ann Taylor white tees from 4-5 years ago. They are made of a nice, substantial fabric, but they are of the shorter length that was popular back then. Not so stylish now.
I buy 5 packs of the Hanes v-neck white tees in size small. They are not too see-through, tagless, and comfortable. The v hits at a perfect spot. When they pill or get dingy, I use them for rags and buy a new bag for $9!
I also dig American Apparel: inexpensive, soft, and the perfect length. The white is a little sheer though...
American Apparel-- the only thing I like from them are their basic tees. Most of the local shops/designers that I get screen-printed tees from use AA tees as a base, too.
I'm conflicted about AA-- their stuff is American made and they do offer some organic fabric blends, but the owner is a total sketchball and I find some of their advertising tactics offensive. Plus I think the whole company is one huge gimmick. Still, every now and then I get a plain tee from said retailer.
Aaah - my post!!! Thank you so much!! I'm taking notes on all the comments - I'm hoping sometime during the long weekend coming up I can finally go shopping for the perfect white tee!
Tina (soontobePhD) - Nina Garcia in her book mentioned Hanes tees. I'd forgotten about that until I saw your comment.
I will report back on what I find out too! Thanks again Dina!
My white tees that best fit the bill are the ones from AT Loft last summer. But they are a bit too wide on me now. I am actually really curious to try the new Lands End ones - they have a new "fit" system - 1, 2, or 3, where 1 is a new longer and leaner fit than they've ever done in the past (2 & 3 are like their older cuts). For me, the biggest issue is finding something long enough. I will let you know if I ever get around to testing them out - and I do want to test the Hanes tees, too.
For me, it's Old Navy. I don't generally wear white tees, but I do wear white tanks, and white, as we all know, gets destroyed. Quickly. So for $5-10, I don't feel bad about ruining them.
Like Tastymoog, American Apparel has amazing tees, but the owner is a total sleazeball, and one of Ex's cousins works for them, so I'm doubly against them (in theory) now. I don't know if that will stop me, though.
Michael Stars style #1801, if you can ever find it...
I really like Boden's tees -- they're a good weight and retain their shape well.
Erin - I sooooo wanted to try Boden's essential crew in white and the silver/white stripe but now they are sold out in my size! They are getting great reviews on their website too (I wish J Crew allowed customer reviews too!)
Kristin -- I have th blue/white stripe and the solid green and 'duck egg' which is a medium aqua, and I'm very happy with them! They are a very flattering fit.
I personally like 3 dots (office), hanes (sleep & lounging), and H&M(weekend)
Dina, I would love to see a poll on the best non-visible pantyline underwear (thongs excluded). You know, for wearing under white pants and summerweight fabrics. Or is that too weird?
I love American Apparel tees. I have several and they get softer the more you wash them. I have a white James Perse tee that I wear out with my jeans for the occasions wear my AA tees might be a little too sloppy.
Hi everyone:
Quick comment before I leave school for the day (almost done grading--woohoo)...
I love your responses...a lot of really good ideas on where to buy the perfect white tee.
I am totally doing this again...so anon @ 2:38 pm...next week...panties-a-plenty. I am pretty conservative but I find that I need to find the best undergarments so I think your idea is AWESOME! If my MIL would want this topic, then I know it is not too racy or weird...she is like my touchstone...if it would weird her out...I don't put it up! :)
BTW, I had no idea about that American Apparel owner. Weird. Will have to check that out. I hate what their models look like in their ad campaigns. I get that they want to be edgy...but honestly...it just screams TRYING WAY TOO HARD. Yikes.
Have a great day. Hopefully more ideas will come on in...
I have always liked BR tees and usually buy two new white ones every summer. I have noticed in the past few years they seem a little more sheer, but overall, they are a good fit for me.
Great post idea!!
Agree with Kate about Michael Stars Basic Band Tee #1801. For some strange reason this staple is not available in white right now, but they change the color offerings so frequently I assume it's coming back (and if it's not I will have a heart attack). As an alternative, the same style in the "shine" fabric is a nice choice - #0011. I like the shine fabric for under suits. Very stretchy and a little fancy looking. Breathes very well for warm climates. And washes like a dream. No shrinking or snagging at all. I also like the Michael Stars 3/4 sleeve crew #9921. This is similar to the aforementioned MIA tee #1801 just with the longer sleeves. I love these (and many of the other colors in addition to white)!
really good post. i have been checking in the see all the answers and advise.I don't have a fav this year. I need some pointers.
i like american eagle's because they are long enough with a great cut. they are somewhat sheer, but not see-through; and, i always wear a tank under anyway. i am an avid layers fan! :)
Never heard about the American Apparel owner. That explains why the models on the website are dressed like and posed like porn stars. I feel like I should look away when I click on some of the pages, like this one: Sorry, back to white tees...
Oops: American Apparel
I don't even have a basic white tee. I guess I wouldm turn to Gap first if I never need one. In my mind, Gap=white tee. Hmm, why is that??
For all who don't know - the owner of American Apparel was known -at least at some point in the past - for walking around the store in his underwear (and not boxers) - which he said was "Advertising" his brand. As I recall, several employers filed sexual harassment suits against him. So at the very least he is a) weird b) sort of disgusting.
oops - I meant 'employees'. And it could have been at American Apparel headquarters. I just remember it being on the News on TV etc.
Well, Boden just sent out a 20% off promo w/free ship/free returns (imagine if JC did *that*!!) so I bought 2 ss tees in pink and brown and a ls scoop in white. The ss white is sold out in my size, which is bad b/c that's what I need the most, oh well!
I tried on so many white tees over the holiday weekend. So many are sheer, and if I keep sizing up then they are too baggy. Even my nude bra will show through. I'm so pale, maybe I need to try a pale pink bra, maybe that is my "nude". I've had bad luck with gap tees holding up (I've gotten holes in the fabric w/in months, no unusual or harsh wearing to cause that) so I hesitate to buy there.
Thanks Dina so much for posting this. Now on to the panty poll! (Seriously, another area where I can use some good IRL advice!!)
I just wanted to come back and say I tried the Nordstrom Caslon tees that were recommended in this poll, and I LOVE them. The fabric is not too thick, not too thin. I love that they come in petite sizes -- that length is perfect for me. I've only washed and dried them once, but they only shrank a half inch in the dryer, and they look like they will hold up well and not stretch out. Thank you to the people who recommended them!
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