Best Places To Shop T-shirts + Basics
updated 5/20/2021
Here’s an update to one of my most popular posts from last year. I’m finding myself reaching for a quality t-shirt more often now that the temps are rising. But if we’re being honest, it’s ALWAYS t-shirt season. After all, they are probably one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe. You can dress them up, dress them down and they may be some of my most worn items. So, I thought it’d be helpful to dig through my closet and share some style inspiration an updated list of my favorite quality and inclusive brands to shop them.
FROM
TEE (XL) | MOTO JACKET (XL) | SIMILAR FAUX MOTO JACKET | SKIRT - SOLD OUT, DRESS VERSION HERE | SNEAKERS | EARRINGS
Madewell
I WEAr size XL
Why I like them: The fit of their shirts are just easy, I have probably 6-7 in my closet. They’re a perfect weight- not too heavy or too thin. They also wash really well- I usually buy a new crisp white one every year although they come in a wide range of colors. I more recently discovered the Raglan shirt (wearing XL) and it’s quickly become one of my most worn. It has a really nice thickness and I can wear an unlined (non-padded or molded) bra with it, which is a HUGE plus.
Sizing range: XXS-3X (in most items)
My Favorite Styles: Raglan Tee, The Perfect Vintage Tee, Whisper Cotton V-Neck, Whisper Cotton Rib Tee and Tomboy V Neck Tee. To shop all Madewell tees, click here!
AMAZON - MADE FOR YOU
CUSTOM SIZE
Why I like them: For $25, you can make a custom size t-shirt. Made For You is an online fitting and tailoring experience that takes almost no time at all. Amazon Fashion is continuing to solve online shopping challenges, such as size and fit, by revolutionizing the traditional size chart into an innovative feature to make shopping easier. Best part? You can return it if you don’t love it. You can choose your neckline, length and fabric among many other things.
U.S. customers can access Made for You by following the prompts from this link on your mobile device. You can read more about my experience on this post! BK loves them too.
TEE (XL) | MOTO JACKET (XL) | SIMILAR FAUX MOTO JACKET | JEANS (L) | SNEAKERS | BAG | SUNGLASSES | SIMILAR PAIR FOR LESS
AMAZON THE DROP, STAPLES COLLECTION
I WEAr size XL
Why I like them: I discovered these last summer and they’re just great quality for the price point! I like that their basics come in fun colors and prints (shown above) and they’re always releasing new styles. Most of them are under $20 too.
Sizing range: XXS-3X
My Favorite Styles: Courtney Tee, Nicole Tank, Rita Top, Mariko Puff Sleeve T-Shirt
TEE (XL) - GENEROUS FIT | PANTS (14) TRUE TO SIZE | SLIDES
ATHLETA
I WEAR L/XL
Why I like them: They recently extended their sizing and I couldn’t be more impressed with everything I’ve tried so far. I’ve only tried the one tee but had to include it because I find myself grabbing for it a lot!
Sizing Range: XXS - 3X
My Favorite Styles: I’ve only tried the Organic Daily Crew tee so far but I’ve got my eyes on a few others. Shop all of them here!
TEE (SIZE S) | SWEATPANTS (L) | SLIPPERS
universal standard
I WEAr size s
Why I like them: They are the most size inclusive brand of the bunch, offering up to size 40! Be sure to pay attention to their sizing chart, as a size 14 I am considered a small. The fabric is very smooth and looks great for a more professional look but can very easily be dressed down. See below :)
Sizing Range: XXS - 3X (00-40)
My Favorite Styles: I’ve only had the chance to try Tee Rex but will be sure to report back if I try any others. To shop all Universal Standard tees, click here!
NEW VINTAGE CREW NECK (XL) | SIMILAR JEANS (32)
j crew
I WEAr size XL
Why I like them: They’re probably the oldest tees in my closet, I have this one from a few years ago that I just can’t let go of- it’s SO soft and last long. They also make some adorable graphic tees that are some of my favorites but be sure to snag it if you like it- they sell out really fast.
Sizing Range: XXS-3X
My Favorite Styles: New Vintage Cotton Crew Neck and Vintage Cotton V Neck. To shop all Jcrew tees, click here!
TEE (SIZE XL) | FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS (XL) | SIMILAR SNAKE PRINT SHOES | HOOPS | NECKLACE
spanx
I WEAr size XL
Why I like them: These tops were made for leggings! Sometimes you just need a tee that is long enough to cover your bum and they are FINALLY back in stock after being sold out for awhile. They come in two styles: tank or short sleeve and two color ways: black + white.
Sizing Range: XS-3X
My Favorite Styles: Perfect Length Top, Tank and Perfect Length Top, Short Sleeve Tee. Also love their Pima Cotton Tees/Tanks. To shop all Spanx tops, click here! Use CARALYN10 for a discount.
SWEATER (L) | TEE (L) | JEANS (32R) | SNEAKERS | HOOPS (GOLD)
project social t:
I WEAr size l
Why I like them: The fabric is unlike any other tee I’ve ever worn- it’s almost textured. I love the casual hem and seam down the middle, it feels like an update to your everyday basic. I own two of these in white and one in grey - I’d have to be honest, I think these are my favorites! I’m debating getting a few more…
Sizing Range: XS-XL (I think XL could fit 16-18)
My Favorite Styles: Wherever Tee and I have a few older graphic tee styles. Wanting to try a few more, will report back! To shop all Project Social T tees, click here!
MY FAVORITE T-SHIRT BRAS:
One of the FEW occasions that you need to wear a t-shirt/molded bra is with a thin tee! I do my best to avoid them because they make my chest look bigger but I have found a few that I love and highly recommend. If you’re new around here, be sure to check out my guide to finding a properly fitting bra in 2021. I have some t-shirt recommendations at the bottom of this post and on this post!
STYLING TIPS:
For that perfect “front tuck” - don’t overthink it! Take the end of the shirt and gently tuck your shirt into the front of your pants, a little off centered.
To tie up your tee, simply stretch out the side of the shirt and tie a knot. Shown here!
If you have a fair to medium skin tones, red + pale pink bras do NOT show through white
Pay attention to the fabrics when purchasing tees, they all have different weights and feels.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to leave any questions / suggestions below. Would love to hear your favorite tees if you have any, always looking for new things to try. As always, thanks for choosing me to be your go-to gal! xx CMK