Comfortable/stylish tops?

MrsLeichliter

I am realizing that I love comfortable tops. If they aren't comfortable, I just won't wear them. I also prefer my tops a little in the longer side. Up to now, my "go-to" is a large cotton tee in a bright color but this needs to change I know. Where do you recommend I look for some affordable tops? I would prefer cotton knit, but am willing to expand my comfort zone.
And what styles should I be looking for? I'll be wearing with maxi skirts, straight and bootleg jeans, and ponte pants. I am a hourglass shape with a short waist.

11 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from rabbit

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

What is it that makes the uncomfortable ones not comfortable? Too snug? Fiber content? Feel on the skin? Figuring that out would help you determine which tops will and won't work for you.

There's nothing wrong with a cotton tee and fluid fits are trending right now, so you can look current (if that's important to you) with your current choices, I think, as long as they're not too oversized, and you choose the rest of your outfit carefully.

11 years ago

MrsLeichliter

Active Member

If a shirt is too stiff or binds anywhere, or itches, it is uncomfortable to me. And many woven shirts seem to add unneeded bulk to my slightly fluffy midsection/hips. :-D. Hmm, fluid knits...I had not realized they were current! I need to do some investigating... I like the sound of that type of top!

11 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

You might try JJill. I am not sure of your price point but they have things on sale often. I find that the tops are uber soft and cut more loosely than others. I have a couple of their tunics and I really like them. A tunic wouldn't work with a maxi but there are other things.

Good luck !

11 years ago

Jenny H

Veteran

I would suggest checking out the top selection at Everlane. I have a couple of their tees and find them to be very comfortable.

Although since fluid fits are in right now there should be LOTS of choices in just about any store for tops that aren't stiff and don't bind. Another option is that if a particular top binds, try it one size up and see if that is more comfortable (again, looser, fluid fits are in right now).

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

If you like the idea of fluid knits, you might want to try to find a rayon-cotton blend. Those have better drape than just pure cotton (I've got one on now, in fact!).

I wish I could offer suggestions of where to find some, but I have a hard time with that too. The one I have now is from Loft. I wear petites' at Loft, and the petites' shirts are quite long; I don't know how their misses' line runs for length.

11 years ago

tulle

Veteran

You might like one of the featherweight merino tunics from J. Crew, if they are still available. A little warmer and more polished than a tee shirt for Winter, but still comfy, and the colors were nice--I bought one in a pinky lilac which is lovely.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

You may be looking for dressier T's or all sorts of more sylish knits. Certainly agree that looser, fluid, oversized- everything that often makes it more comfy- seems totally in right now.
I'd read all of Angie's posts in the last year or so on tops -- even all the outfit posts- and home in on the silhouettes you like. Then I'd do some " retail research" wherever you've got some shops available - mall for AT, BR, Gap, and so on-- and just try on- fluid T, silky sweatshirt, dropped shoulder knit tops, - include your neckline preference. Sounds like you need to hone in on how to recognize the general types of things that look good on you and are comfy, and then it'd be easier to go the next step for fabrication and price point.

11 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I just ordered some dressier tees from aritzia... check their website out! And you can't go wrong with a nice slouchy chambray or plaid flannel this fall. If I want to feel comfy I layer button ups open over a slouchy tee.

11 years ago

MrsLeichliter

Active Member

Thanks ladies... More great ideas! I ordered a couple of tops from ThredUp, and we will see how they work! Three of them are AT Loft, which seem to get good reviews. Since we are looking at another baby in the next couple months, I am trying to limit my purchases for now...but I am taking lots and lots of notes. I appreciate all the help *so much*!!

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

If you have some flexibility about the fabrication, there are quite a few fluid fit tops on clearance racks now, Ross, Marshall, T J Maxx, sometimes Macy's. They usually have very affordable options after the mark-downs and a lot of variety to test out (although it's important to check materials as there is a wide range of quality). The maxi skirt is going to be the hardest to match tops to, and a shorter length and/or a welt might help out there -- so I'd wear that on shopping expeditions.

11 years ago

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