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.

Ooh. I wouldn't mind a trip to Marsden. I'll see how the Karrimors go. I have had them on most of the day and they still feel OK. Obviously the proof is when I do a proper walk, but running up and down the stairs will have to do for now in case I decide not to keep them.

I have found my flattering t-shirts - Hush v-neck slub cotton, in a size down. Or more expensively (but nicer colours), American vintage Jacksonville.

What I still want is longer vests that are interesting. I have found long enough vests at Hush and Vero Moda, but they’re plain and dull. As soon as I see a nice striped, linen, embellished, merino etc vest that I like, you can be sure it will be too short.

Also agree about scoop necks, or what’s sometimes called a round neck - a bigger neck opening that’s not a V or a huge wide scoop. This is what’s flattering on me but so hard to find. So many t-shirts and tops and even jumper dresses, have tiny high crew necks - they look absolutely awful on me.

Oh and a soft stretch bra that is supportive, but in cotton not bloody nylon or polyester. I do have one, and it was from TU and not expensive, so I know it’s possible.

UNDERWEAR - I dream of comfortable pretty knickers made of natural fibres, cotton, wool or silk
Comfortable flattering unpadded bras made of natural fabric, supportive without wires, that don't leave my skin gouged by the end of the day - again, cotton, wool or silk, linen even, anything other than nasty sweaty scratchy man made fibres

A really comfortable, non-wired bra which actually fits.
Big pants that fit nicely, hold my tum in a bit without cutting off the circulation, with the gusset in the right place. Why are they just impossible to find?

@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.

Oh do tell! Itay not be my unicorn t shirt, but I need to know!!

@LookdeepintotheParka

Black work trousers! Why is there so little choice? It doesn't help that I'm 5',3 and they're always too long (even the short length. )

H&M cigarette trousers with an elastic waist band. Really good to wear and wask well. £17:99 and had lots of different colours too last time I looked www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0752814003.html

Those looking for non-stretch, good quality but not expensive straight jeans - try weekday. Agree with PP about weekday prime tshirts.

For me, joggers. I just don’t think I have the legs to look cool and laid back in them. Always look dumpy and a bit scummy instead, but I keep trying…

M&S slash neck, 3/4 sleeve, fitted stretchy striped tee/top.
I have one in blue/pink and one in white/black. Were £8.50 last spring. Wash n wear beautifully and a great fit.

@HeadNorth
I buy mine from Bucklemybelt and Denura and sometimes send my own buckles for them to attach. MadeinEngland do vegan tanned belts too.

Thank you @User8721643839 haven't been in H&M for ages. I'm going shopping later this week and I'll have a look for those in my local branch!

Longline (not white or navy) cami top that covers my arse (im tall) to wear under shorter tops.
I have 3 in black and burgundy that are on their last legs.

T-shirts and jersey tops in a decent weight of material so they don't cling to my flab. And cut properly on the grain of the fabric rather than slightly off, which means they end up twisting and not sitting properly.

I do have a few like this but when they need replacing it's always a struggle to avoid the rubbish ones.

@geogteach

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.

Yes! What is it with socks these days? I wear through the toes in no time.

@Notwithittoday

Jeans. No jeans fit me

Me too. Cannot find a a pair to fit.

Same here. Am I missing some secret code? Or do I just accept that I will never be able to wear jeans?

@Jellykat

Longline (not white or navy) cami top that covers my arse (im tall) to wear under shorter tops. I have 3 in black and burgundy that are on their last legs.

Next have them online

Oh fab Ibiza, good price and cotton too .. not massively keen on the colours, but the light khaki and red could come in handy! thank you!

@HelloDaisy and @cardoon - try looking at Bonsoir for nightwear and dressing gowns. All in cotton. Not cheap but last for years.

For all those talking about leggings... someone on mumsnet once recommended the Boden ones for me. Let me tell you they are the absoloute best, and I have tried many, many, many brands. I have black and navy, have lasted really well with weekly use for the past year and a bit. No bagging, not seethrough, just the right amount of stretch. My next best ones are from Matalan or Uniqlo thermal, but they aren't anywhere near as good.

For me it's white ribbed vests, bikinis for small back/big boobs, and pretty floaty tops that aren't made of crap material or very expensive. Sezane is great but too £££ for me really.

@Jellykat, check back every so often, thry change the colours from time to time.

Thanks Ibiza i will.. looking for plum/ burgundy, deep pink (tall order i know!)

Uniqlo do thin t shirts in a wide range of necklines - I like the ballet neck to wear under dresses etc. They also put pockets into most of their dresses skirts and trousers. My 2 favourite trousers come from Uniqlo.

@HarrietsweetHarriet - I've just had a thread on finding the knickers you describe - I've just discovered Ambra and bought some on line which were great and then found a load more in TK Maxx - bought every pair in the 2 branches local to me.

A fine black merino wool cardigan, crew neck, and buttons all the way. M&S used to do a lovely one and I should have bought in bulk, but now it’s all a poly mix.

@Giggorata

Plain black cotton tanga knickers that cover the bum, with very narrow sides - basically two triangles, held together with bands. Really comfortable and look good. M and S did some decades ago, then a place online, which I now can't find.

@Giggorata I had the same issue. In the end I ordered these:

www.amazon.co.uk/Iris-Lilly-BELK020AM3-Underwear-Medium/dp/B07HGQ3MMY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2VAGIC2YOBHGD&keywords=tanga+knickers+for+women&sprefix=tanga+%2Caps%2C246&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1645733251&sr=8-4

I'm really happy with them.