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?

I swear by Reiss these days. Lots available in the Next or their own online sale including t shirts. Expensive full price but beautiful quality fabrics and finish and everything washes and wears well.

I've managed to build a small collection of Sunspel t-shirts new/nearly from eBay. At first glance, they're nothing special, but once on they've definitely got an x-factor. The cut or drape or something

Matching knickers with Fantasie and Panache bras il always buy 2 pairs with a new bra.

Interesting - I dismiss tips for being too short!!

Don't laugh but try Sainsbury's. Their basics are really good at washing and keeping their shape. I have t shirts/tops 2-3 years old that look like new. They won't set the world on fire with their style but they make excellent basics

@LBOCS2 I was just about to type the same...Saint and Sofia are excellent quality and a little different. I'm not good at laundry, I always seem to make mistakes, but I've had no trouble with these!

The basics I invest in are bras - I only have 2-3 at a time (which somehow seems shocking to people!), usually a nude and a black one. I get measured everytime I buy new ones (usually every 12-18 months) and never buy more outside those times. Having a good bra is the foundation of any wardrobe. I'm also slowly moving away from crappy m&s pants and building a smaller selection of better quality stuff which I'll use on high rotation. I just haven't found the absolute perfect thing yet.

I think everyone has a different idea what good basics are, and mine are definitely a v-neck white & black tee which I get from COS and Arket usually, and once a scoop neck one from Rapanui when my DH ordered stuff for himself (I unexpectedly loved it). Other staple basics for me are jeans in a few different cuts and colours, some great trainers and decent-quality knitwear. I'm willing to invest in those when I find something good/flattering. I do miss shopping in the US but with the weak pound there's not many deals to be had anymore.

My best white Tee is from Massimo Dutti, but like most brands they vary year to year. I used to buy H&M but the quality is awful lately. No from me for M&S, Arket (good quality but v boxy), and I can’t justify £150 on a tee from fancy brands. Cos is ok but the cut is generally wrong for me (pear).

Randomly, I got a gift of a Diesel tee last year. The quality so so good. The kids tell me Diesel the antithesis of cool, <opinionated kids>, but I care not. I think they are made for pears - not too long, and cut to curve by the body. Come in long sleeves too.

Sadly I think you have to buy tees IRL, you have to feel them.

Ibiza, are you pear-shaped too? For me if it's a good fit around the shoulders and chest it will be too neat around my hips (unless A-line or otherwise voluminous at the hem) so that's why.

F