Decent basics - what's worth the investment?

[leftshark]

Where does everyone get their decent investment basics from please?

My style is clean minimal, so a mix of H&M/COS/some more high-end stuff; I have a good roster of trousers/skirts/seperates I'm happy with, but really struggle with t shirts and basic tops and am getting frustrated with my cycle of buying basics that last about 3 wears before they get ratty or out of shape and are relegated to pjs. I love the quality and heaviness of COS t shirts but as I'm pear shaped they tend to be quite loose and long, and I need things that are either a bit cropped or shaped well for those of us with more curves. I bought a couple of lovely linen tees from H&M but they have already lost their shape after only 2 washes, and I want something more sustainable.

I'm happy to invest - I like the fit and quality of M&S ribbed vest tops on the lower end of the scale, but their t shirts just don't flatter or hold their shape - I want some heavy weight t shirts that will survive, are flattering, and have some options of cropped vs long line to mix with high waist bottoms. Have been looking at Boden, All Saints and Baukjen this evening - any thoughts? Trying hard not to just keep buying cheap ones from h&m and continually replacing them when they stretch, both for my sanity and also to be more mindful about shopping. Have been told Uniqlo might be a good shout?

Toast really should not leave clothes design to a defective AI …

Surely there couldn’t be anything less appealing than that garment?

Totally agree, except that I do like their 'rib' tees, which are really just thick ones, which is great if you like pale colours and don't want to advertise your underwear choices to the world.

But this year's cut is very long, if you're on the shorter side go for petite...and if you're petite find a seamstress!

It is far from appealing

Next do a crew neck t shirt with rolled capped sleeves? In tick cotton, not too clingy, in many, many colours for £7.50.

I can't link as I'm in a hotel with wobbly Wi-Fi , but it's worth looking. Up as it's excellent. I have it in several colours - bright and neutral - and they form the basis of many outfits.

I've had some lovely long sleeve scoop neck t shirts from Peruvian Connection. They are pima cotton (same as supima?) and a nice weight. I tumble dry them so there is no need to iron.

I agree Lands End cotton jersey is brilliant, their nighties are everlasting!

"...but they have already lost their shape after only 2 washes..."
I think your problem may be the washing process not the t-shirts themselves!

I don't have an issue with mine losing shape and I only buy high street.

I'm on the hunt for the same but want a deep scoop neck and 3/4 sleeves. Not too long, the hem needs to be hip length. Cannot find any!

I buy most of my t-shirts from Superdry. I get them on offer when possible. They do a 3 for £50 range of smarter, plain or striped t-shirts, which I wear for work. I also have a plain black, heavier material t-shirt that has just done its fourth summer. I literally wear it every the day it comes out of the wash.

Putting a word in for Wrap and Poetry cotton/hemp t shirts and vests. Fit is good I’m petite but find petite length too short in the body but COS etc too long. The fabric is lovely and feels thick and cool at the same time. Colours are a bit earthy but wash and wear really well. I also have a couple of 100% linen t shirts from Brora which are beautiful.

I absolutely love the Arket heavy weight tees linked up thread - best t-shirts ever in my book.

Yes having said I can never find good second hand T shirts, I did get a Peruvian Connection one recently and the Pima cotton feels amazing f.

Uniqlo ! I've got some lovely boxy shapes basic t's from there in supima cotton. Also have an airism one from there which looks great.

This op size down, then it's a nice boxy fit that tucks in easily too.
I was surprised to see it contained polyester as I'm usually 100% cotton or morning. But dp has a few and I noticed they'd kept their shape and looking great for 2 years so I got one

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/uniqlo-u-airism-cotton-oversized-t-shirt-458001.html

https://www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/tops/product.scoop-neck-jersey-top-black.1167135001.html
these have washed well and I’ve worn them every week since buying in spring.

I’ve also had these on the go in various colours for years
https://www.hush-uk.com/longline-stretch-cotton-t-shirt-black/001714-2809.html

Thank you for the reply. Much appreciated.

Would something like this do?
https://gb.benetton.com/white-long-fiber-cotton-t-shirt-white-31VKD104I_101.html

@Harrythehappypig thanks! I didn't even think of Benetton, and haven't been inside one for a very long time.

Me neither but I just found some jeans that turned out to be a perfect fit for my very long legged DC the other day and had had a dig around the rest of the site.

Looking for the same thing! So far I have found Boden to be thin and not great quality for the price... certain Mango t shirts I have liked but they do seem to look old quickly. Has anybody tried Sezane? They have been advertising the perfect tee. Thinking of tying it but they are pricey!

I was in Next last weekend and was impressed by their tshirts, but I did notice the fabric quality varied by colour so it would be useful to visit a store.

Gap t-shirt range - good weight, good fit and last long, I've had this current batch a few years and I'm only just now considering replacing. Good for overly air-conditioned offices and can be easily dressed up or down.

Should add I also go for Cos they sometimes have good online only deals worth looking for. Arket very hit and miss personally. Love their knitwear but everything else is shapeless on me (short and pear shaped!). Baujken is great but v expensive. Got some lovely light cotton knit short sleeve tops in Brita in the sale they have also held up well.

Uniqlo
M&S
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