Alternative to t-shirt

[wenglishgirl]

I have loads of t-shirts that I rarely wear. In the summer I tend to end up wearing strappy tops. But as it cools down I am looking for something that is a bit nicer than a t-shirt. I am 51, if that matters, I’m a size 16 with big boobs and a bit of a belly so don’t want clingy. But when I wear the smock style tops I end up feeling like I look pregnant.

Any ideas of what I can wear please?

I’m curious about this too!

I like the Cos boxy T-shirts in thick cotton. They’re T-shirts, obviously, but in a more flattering cut and brilliant quality.

Generally though, I find tops really difficult, especially in these days of high necks and big sleeves.

Various different styles

https://www.johnlewis.com/selected-fiona-v-neck-long-sleeve-blouse-dark-sapphire/p115209709

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-thelma-shirt-paradise-orange/p114571473

https://www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-check-bow-front-top-green/p114753887

https://www.johnlewis.com/ichi-ihmarrakech-balloon-sleeve-blouse-sodalite-blue/p115211775

https://www.johnlewis.com/kaffe-amber-v-neck-long-sleeve-top-mid-red/p113719987

https://www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-gathered-neck-broderie-anglaise-top-white/p114960081

https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-jenny-cotton-v-neck-long-sleeve-top-burgundy/p115347685

I wear either Uniqlo skipper, or Seasalt Larrisa to cover my bust. Covers it all without too much extra bulk.

I wear t shirts with a bit of ‘detail’. Like this.

I’ve started to wear shirts and blouses this year instead of t shirts. I’ve just bought some Superdry boyfriend shirts for the winter. In the summer I’ve been buying shirts from the high street. There’s loads around but I’ve always just bought and worn t shirts previously .

Notch neck, short sleeved tops in a woven (shirt type) material are so much more practical and wash much better than clingy T shirts.

And virtually impossible to find in non crap material.

I like a jersey wrap top. Just as comfy as a t-shirt but looks much smarter.

This sort of thing.

I find there are t-shirts and t-shirts... I'm large of nork and if I wear a t-shirt that is too thin, stretchy or tight it's a disaster. Heavier fabrics, a skimming cut, looser and longer sleeves, and natural fibres are worth the money. I did have to get over the sticker shock of paying more money for "just" a t-shirt but it's worth it when you actually wear them, as opposed to sitting in a drawer! It does mean you can't shop online unless you already know what you want, as it's impossible to tell the heft of a t-shirt online.

I do love button-down shirts though. I feel they always look put together even if they're just over jeans - if you're hot you can roll the sleeves up to show your wrists, open the neckline up to show your collarbones and a necklace if you want to, and depending on the cut they can be fitted or not.

I have this top it’s really light, washes brilliantly and has a lovely curved hem. The fabric is a double cotton gauze and hangs well with no clinging.

I look forward to availability in other colours.

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/landscape-organic-cotton-swing-shape-top

I quite like the baukjen Annie blouses and Gylda tops. Both look good with jeans or trousers and wash really well.

For a smarter non-clingy t-shirt try Lands End, Seasalt, Uniqlo, Baukjen.
They are t-shirts Women's Supima Crew Neck T-Shirt | Lands' End but not boxy.
M&S might have improved but they were either great or went unworn to a skinny friend the last time I bought some (about 10yrs ago)

Muji might be worth a try.

The short-sleeve Uniqlo ones tend to last very well.

That’s nice. I used to wear these in my twenties, I might start again.

If you search for “shell tops” you’ll find sleeveless styles that are looser than strappy camisoles.

Personally I like tops with a front central seam to break up the bust area, so like a blouse but without the risk of gaping or looking bulky.

A good quality polo shirt?

I like these from Bam clothing. I am large of bust, wobbly of tummy and long in the body and these are flattering.

https://bambooclothing.co.uk/shop/gathered-hem-air-bamboo-t-shirt-agate-blue/

Thank you. Some great ideas here. ☺️

Ooh - I really like the look of these! Would you say they are true to size? They look a bit clingy on the models