Comments on: Casual tops: beware the T-shirt

By: Investments For Your Summer Closet « Classically Clothed

Investments For Your Summer Closet « Classically Clothed — Sat, 24 May 2008 15:00:55 +0000

[…] and comfortable in when the temperatures rise. Or buy a knit shirt. Read Angie’s following post for more information on why you should invest in cotton and knit tops instead of […]

By: joelle

joelle — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:11:20 +0000

Is it just me, or has T-shirt fabric gotten thinner and flimsier these last several years? I love to use dressier T-shirts in pretty colors as layering pieces, but I’ve been finding that the quality of the fabric has gone down. I tried on some lately that looked good on the hanger but turned out to be so thin that my bra outline could be seen when I had them on. And they weren’t tight-fitting shirts either…Maybe I’ll have to start wearing wovens again, although I’ve been avoiding them because I hate to iron.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:13:25 +0000

I think it all boils down to the simple art of finding a great fit. T-shirts make a very easy casual look as long as they’re fitted correctly. Graphic tees can also make a fun twist under a blazer and with some jeans.

However, you do have a point that it’s so much easier to look put-together, polished, and trendy with more “formal” tops. I love wearing knitted tops to work because they’re so comfy but professional at the same time. However, like t-shirts they also need to be fitted well.

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:27:30 +0000

Thanks for the validation Cathy.

You have hit the nail on the head Maya. You ARE a student! You are well within the age range of wearing T’s appropriately and you are discerning about the fit, style and fabric. The Boden T that you posted on the forum is a cut above the rest and borders the knitted top category. And knits absolutely work better across the bust area than wovens if you’re well endowed. You’ve got it right.

By: Maya

Maya — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:13:27 +0000

I can’t really be turned off from my silk trim Boden tshirts. They seem to have a certain weight to them that I don’t find in most T’s, like a higher thread count. I think they have enough structure and interest to go beyond the average tshirt. I also agree about Michael Stars, though I find them overpriced. I don’t mind if they don’t last forever and I don’t expect them to. They’re a great fix for me and my student budget.

Last year after I had my bunion surgery, all I could wear were some puffy Saucony shoes and T’s were really the only way to go that didn’t look weird. I also tend to shy away from wovens because they aren’t as forgiving over the bust area.

By: cathy

cathy — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:58:54 +0000

T-shirts are fairly problematical for me due to being petite and hourglass shaped. The tight fabric across bust thing does nothing for me so I stick to either a v neck or scooped neck but even those have started to cause trouble. Yes I agree with you Angie. Jeans and t-shirts are like a well worn groove but past a certain age they just don’t work. I have a couple of basic ones that I got from Express last spring that have a stretchy gathered type neckline; I love to wear them but sadly even though I’m really small I think they make me look fat.

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:02:34 +0000

I’m glad we’re on the same page. I am extremely strict with the “jeans and T-shirt look” when I work with my clients and often discourage the habit. Jeans and T-shirts are items that are really hard to fit and look good in, and yet most people choose to wear them. This is a phenomenon I cannot understand.

By: style eyes

style eyes — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:03:37 +0000

great post - I agree there is nothing worse than a shapeless t shirt, i avoid at all costs. Some great suggestions for alternatives.

By: Anna

Anna — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:29:48 +0000

For this upcoming Summer season with so many tops in bright, vibrant colors I bought these tees from Pink Ice:

http://pinkicestore.com/produc.....uctNo=2536

They fit great and are a really good quality cotton.

I could see layering these under some blouses, though, for a smarter look.

By: Patience

Patience — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:20:46 +0000

Thank you, Angie, for giving such a clear perspective to this issue. I am definitely going to to focus on stocking my summer wardrobe with woven tops and limit myself to only a few high quality superbly fitting tees (if they can be found). I’ve been feeling lately that tees on their own just aren’t that interesting. As always, I’d love to see some examples of t-shirt alternatives you like.