What is your basic item of clothing that is almost impossible to buy?

[peaceanddove]

For me it has to be a flattering t-shirt. The absolute unicorn of clothing items, in my book. Caught so many glimpses of one over the years, only to find the neckline was wrong, or it was too boxy, or the sleeves cut too high, or the fabric too thin etc.

But today, I not only glimpsed a unicorn t-shirt, but I actually managed to trap it, try it on and it is actually really flattering. Honestly. So, I bought it in every colour they had, and bought 2 in black.

I feel totally elated and strangely drained. I never thought I would live to see this day.

Socks that don't shrink or wear out in 3 months. Doesn't matter if I buy supermarket own brand or more expensive socks just don't seem to last any
More. Sure you used to be able to wear them for years.

Decent high rise short knickers in cotton

M&S ones seemed to have vanished and the not so old ones from there go into holes at waist
Used to be so much better

Jeans!!!

Forever I'll fitting. I've yet to find a pair of go-to jeans.

I like M and S boat neck t shirts, elbow length sleeves. I own multiples in different colours. Skim rather than cling.

A skirt that doesn't squish your tummy but also doesn't ride up to your ribs.

A well-fitting nude bra. In fact a well-fitting bra full stop.
I hate the fact that so many manufacturers either think large cup sizes means large band size, or think lage cup size means needing full cup, lots of fabric up top, no smooth padding, no nice shaping. For those of us with small back sizes, a large cup doesn't actually mean a huge physical amount of boob.

Geogteach

I wear mens M and S. Last for ever and don’t shrink in the wash.

I think the current Kair are about 7 years old!

Jeans. No jeans fit me

Absolutely everything. I’m a ridiculous shape - short, but with proportionally long legs, so my torso is really, really short. Nothing fits, ever. Being a curvy hourglass shape doesn’t help. I have plenty of cleavage hanging out, because the neck line gapes where the waist is too low for me, but I need shaping for my hips. I have really narrow shoulders and back, so everything looks like I’m wearing my mothers clothes and everything is too long. I need low rises, because they are at least mid rise on me, as there is NO space between the top of my pelvis and the bottom of my ribs.

I’m learning to sew. It seems the easiest option. I’m not expecting a haute couture handmade wardrobe, but if I can put together basics like tops that don’t hang down to knees and leave my boobs on display, that will do me. And I can add pockets to fucking everything!

@Avarua, m&s do a cotton strap top in black and white with a bust shelf

A casual jumper that doesn't look slobby and bobbly after one wash, that is nicely oversized but still fits under a coat and is warm, and not hideously overpriced.

I'm going to have a look at your Oliver Bonas t shirt, see if it's similar to the basic top I like.

Mine is a casual fitted t shirt/top (I have some, in four different colours but one has faded) with sleeves finishing below the elbow, but high, slightly scoop-neck, and low scoop back. I used to buy them from Boden; I think they were called ballerina back tops. I'm always on the lookout for them anyway.

A classic wool coat that fits my figure
I found one years ago from jaeger
I now have it in 8 colours and stalk similar ones on eBay and vinted

Smart, black trousers in a heavy, crepey material that hangs, not stretches, preferably available in a short leg that won't need altering.

Above the elbow, not below.

The perfect black handbag - which I still haven’t found!

Scoop neck tops, cowl neck jumpers it's all crew neck everything!

@Inclinedtochatter

Yes to black work trousers! I don't suit wide leg or skinny or cigarette or tapered. I just want a reasonably priced straight leg pair with a 32 inch leg!

Try Marella or Gerard darel. A bit pricey but magnificent

A jacket/winter coat with sleeves long enough to cover my wrists! I'm 168cm (5'6) so not overly tall, nor do I think I have orangutan length arms- but this seems to be an issue.

WIDE shoes in fashionable styles. I have hobbit wide feet and struggle to find anything comfortable, let alone fashionable.

Cropped leggings that are a proper capri length, not just below the knee- high waisted and controlling so thicker fabric that ARE NOT sports leggings. Impossible.

I do have really very long arms, I often have to buy clothes in 3 sizes up before they reach the end of my arms - ridiculous. They offer different leg lengths in some trousers and jeans, why not arm length too?!

Sweatshirt dress. It’s bloody perfect

Running leggings that are long enough - I’m 6ft and find it impossible, they are all cropped.
Shoes another struggle.

I do agree with the eternal search for scoop necks. What I would currently love to find is a pair of comfortable, non slip shoes for work that dont look absolutely hideous. I work in a restaurant and regular shoes don't cut it on all areas - I wear clogs if I'm hiding behind the bar, but I want ones that look attractive with dresses for front of house. I don't think they exist.