Summer t shirts that are not tents

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

Teen DD is sweltering in the heat at her retail summer job because she's wearing long sleeved skinny ribs (she also owns vest tops but obv those aren't suitable for work). She assures me she has looked 'everywhere' (i.e. H&M, Primark, TK Maxx, ASOS) and has given up because 'all' the summer tops are either enormous and boxy or cropped/revealing. She's after something fairly plain (no frills or flounces or puffed sleeves) and fitted that sits on or just below her waist, to wear with relaxed/wideleg jeans. Anything I've shown her online has been dismissed as too long/baggy - and of course is probably from entirely the wrong shops, although she hasn't said that. Where should she be looking?

Seasalt fan here

I got some in Next
www3.next.co.uk/style/st698026/988559#988559. They are not wide, cover your bum, and not tight. They are nicely shaped. Almost perfect, I'd prefer an oval or v neck, but they're good enough that I'm considering buying a second pack. They also wash well and keep their shape. Plus the white T-shirt is not see through

She is not wrong. Shopping for teen shirts is extremely difficult this year if you don’t want cropped. Just when you think you have found something, it turns out to be so thin that it is basically see through. We ended up gambling (and winning) and ordered almost all of DD’s summer clothing from Korea and supplemented with a few things from Amazon.

Primark. I got a 'slouchy tee
' from there. And they have other t shirts too

Thanks, all. The slouchy Ts from Primark and the longer tops from Next have already been suggested and rejected as being too long; I wouldn't even dare suggest Seasalt as that's a mum shop as far as she's concerned. Looks like we'll maybe need to take a punt on Shein or something (while she continues to trawl charity and vintage shops on her days off!)

Hollister have some good value 3 pack of basic T-shirts. Slim fit with choice of neckline too

Not the cheapest, but I've discovered these this year and really like them: https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/t-shirts/product.regular-fit-t-shirt-grey.0753391023.html

For something more fitted I like the Gap modern t-shirts although colours are limited https://www.gap.co.uk/gap/modern-crewneck-t-shirt/000241902001.html?ap=7&gbraid=0AAAAADAT8uWtzMBzlYXAO6HMZoa8Kuf4&gclid=CjwKCAjww8mWBhABEiwAl6-2Rdhe9NihFr-T0QcSjJLWdkYoPxG5ZKWmtb5uvzCKfNRTByFJdCjTGBoCvagQAvDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&kwid=1&tid=gupl000238

Have you tried Sainsbury's? I find their clothes really good but never shopped for a teenager.

I came on to recommend these as well. I bought that exact pack and it’s pretty much all I’m going to wear all summer. The neckline is really flattering too.

I bought 2 tshirts exactly as you've described from Tesco. A plain white one and a white/ navy striped. They're not see through but also not too thick.

I’d get her to try Primark. That’s where my teens but their fitted t-shirts. Lots of different neck shapes and colours.

Have a look at means/older boys t shirts much better fit!

Sorry ignore me didn't see the fitted button 🤣

Bit ffs

Matalan do basic T-shirts that are reasonable good quality, and slightly fitted too.

Is it possible to size the shirts down? The boxy shirts are often loose everywhere so if she is a 10, get the shirt in a 8 or a 6 or if there are not smaller adult sizes, new look 9-15 often does good basics that will be smaller?

Thank you as I have been looking at them and wondering whether to buy them!

Has she tried New Look? They normally have quite a selection.

I got some fitted cotton ones from H&M but they are quite long.

My daughter got some good t shirts in New Look kids section. She's 19 and needed some unbranded tops for work.

The solution is to up her tucking in game. There are a variety of techniques which I can't explain well, but the right one can be a game changer.

I use these T shirts from Uniqlo, sized down and then tucked as per the picture to give the impression of a waist length top.
www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-airism-seamless-boat-neck-longline-short-sleeved-t-shirt-444524.html

Thanks so much for these other suggestions - I'd completely forgotten about New Look so fingers crossed there's something suitable there. Supermarkets, Matalan, Uniqlo all have the too long or too cropped issue unfortunately, as does Gap. Hollister too logo'd (no logo clothing allowed at work, which is a shame as they do seem perfect otherwise.)

Tucking in long tops has been suggested but she thinks it makes her look fat. It doesn't of course - I'd be delighted to be that shape again - but that's self-conscious teenagers for you. I have a feeling that as soon as we find enough warm weather tops the heatwave will be over and it'll be back to jumpers and sweatshirts!

Dd is wearing her dads T shirts this summer, not sure if this is the trend. In fact she wore his T shirt with skirt for a non uniform day this term

They do them in petite. Would that shorten them a bit?

Have you looked at www.dunnesstores.ie? They also ship to the UK. Some absolute dross, but the plain cotton (size down) or slightly stretch plain tshirts are brilliant staples. And the cropped one aren't too short

www.dunnesstores.com/p/v-neck-cotton-t-shirt/8158613
www.dunnesstores.com/p/cotton-cropped-t-shirt/8158614WHIT
www.dunnesstores.com/p/cotton-crew-neck-t-shirt/8158642

i like these

earthwardrobe.com/products/womens-stella-expresser-iconic-fitted-t-shirt-sttw032