Brands doing decent basics

[Missymarple]

I've spent the afternoon sorting out my wardrobe after significant weight loss, and have realised just how many clothes I bought because they fitted me or covered me up, not because I actually liked them or they suited me.

What I really need to do now is get some absolute basic items that I can use to build outfits that I actually like wearing, but I am struggling with where to find these. I want plain black or neutral or even white tops, t-shirts, fitted vests etc that I can pair with more on trend pieces but everything I am seeing at the moment has embellishments, frills, is practically see through or the necklines lie weirdly.

Can anyone recommend somewhere for plain neutral basics like this - I tried M&S but I live in the back arse of nowhere and our small branch is all patterns and bright colours. Any help would be much appreciated.

I buy all my basics from primark. They are 100% cotton, wash lovely and are much better quality than some I had bought at 10x the price. Also cheap enough that I don’t get too upset when I inevitably spill red wine on my white tee (I’m incredibly clumsy, but at least they never have time to go grey).

Autograph Marks and Spencer has good thick cotton T-shirts and merino wool jumpers.

If you’re selective and stick to the 100 per cent cotton items you can often pick up good basic stuff in H & M too. I like their between crew and boat neck long sleeved T-shirts which are a good under layer in the cold or worn on their own. I have these in plain cream, taupe and black. Also often do beautiful cotton shirts and blouses.

Uniqlo are great for basics. We’ve also had some pretty good things from primark but you have to be picky there I find.

Ooh H&M, I never thought of trying there, thank you!

Sadly@havingamarvelloustimeruiningeverything our Primark has either done away with basics altogether or they're hidden away in some secret part of the store. I might take a trip to our nearest big city and explore theirs.

Next
John Lewis

Next do great quality cotton tshirts in a variety of colours for £16. They wash really well. Most of my day to day outfits are based round them.

Primark and M&S do really great cardigans as well.

Uniqlo (if you don’t mind about provenance)

Community Clothing (if you do)

Absolutely love Uniqlo for basics, it's pretty much my entire wardrobe at the moment. I also like Lovall leggings.

Thank you all for your suggestions, I can see a major shopping trip on the horizon.

Uniqglo. There isn’t one near me so I make a special shopping trip if I need decent quality basics.

I bought a couple of really good white tee shirts in H&M a few months ago, heavy cotton and wash brilliantly. They also do long sleeved, ribbed tee shirts that come in different colours but are great for layering and again, they wash well. Both well under the £10 mark.

OP, how about you do a big online order of all the things that look promising to be collected in your local M&S. You can collect, try on and return in store so your refund is on its way swiftly.

My nearest Uniqlo is a few hundred miles away but I've bought a few bits from there off Vinted now so will give them a go.

@Planner2026 I never even thought about trying an online order with M&S, am getting right onto that too.

This is what I was coming to suggest.

The M&S click and collect service is excellent. It's usually in store the next day. You can collect, try on and return all in one go.

My favourite is Muji for it's pure cotton T shirts.
Zara did some brilliant cotton scoop neck vests .

And actually Autograph & Jaeger have some nice looking t shirts on the M&S website.

My DD wears a lot of basics and she loves H&M . New look so nice basics aswell .

If you’re selective and stick to the 100 per cent cotton items

Is it me or does anyone else find that 100% cotton items lose their shape quickly?

A more expensive shop suggestion however their basics last and last
The white company

I love their quality and while I acknowlwege its more expensive that what has been suggestes so far they will stand the test of time.

Agree with others. If you are spending a lot make a pilgrimage to a giant m and s and try everything on. Or do an online shop to your local. For jeans, trousers, dresses they are really good. Decent underwear will help too.

Same here - autograph excellent quality basics. Also baukjen and the white company but they heavily discount in sales and online percentages off so make sure you get those.

Cos or Arket for plain cotton T-shirts and vests.
Marks for jeans.
I like Marks for merino jumpers, but size up unless you like a very neat fit.

Boody, they’re more expensive than other places but so soft and lovely, and wash well.