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Dressing

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Does anyone else......?

Anonymous

I was starting to reorganize my armoire for the fall season - when it’s S/S items like short sleeve tees, summer sweaters are on eye level shelf - so this time of year they move to top shelf and the long sleeve tops and heavier sweaters come to the eye level shelf for F/W. If we have real warm days I only have to reach up to get a summer top.
Anyway- as I was moving my LS items down I realized I have 5 very worn/ pilled LS tees that I kept for the sole purpose of wearing under newer pull over/ turtleneck sweaters so as to minimize laundry, prevent deodorant/ sweat stains on the underarms, extra layer of warmth etc.
( aqua tee to wear under aqua sweater, teal for teal, purple for purple- you get the idea)
Is it overkill?
Is it necessary at all?
Should I pitch them into the rag bag and use dress shields instead?
For those fabbers that count clothes-Do these count as tees ( which I can not wear in public) or undergarments.
Does anyone else keep old pieces like this in their wardrobe to protect newer items or am I just a hoarder?

I should mention that I have only 1 good LS tee that is public worthy- white of course but I also have turtleneck and button tops- so I am NOT top poor.
What say you?

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

LaPed

Veteran

I'd say they've been "demoted" to basics or underpinnings. I demote tees all the time -- first to sleepwear, then to rags. I wish they worked for layering, but I tend to have crewneck tees, but end up with sweaters with more open necklines, so they don't play nicely together.

Also, it sounds like you have a very cohesive colour scheme to be able to match tees to sweaters!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I layer under pullover sweaters for both comfort (not liking wool against my skin) and warmth. Like LaPedestrienne, I’d categorize items I only ever wore as underpinnings as uncounted basics.

Anonymous

LAPED- you cracked me up with the comment about your tees not playing nice with sweater necklines. That has been known to frustrate me at times too. I usually use old tanks in summer and old layering turtlenecks in winter for sleeping . The ability to match was pure dumb luck- I was actually surprised when I saw it work that way.
JENN- thanks for the “ how to count” advice. I actually never thought of that” uncounted basics “ category but apparently both of you do- cool.

jussie

Veteran

I have two of these; one white and one grey. I counted them, even though they can’t be worn on their own. Hmm now you’ve given me an idea of how to shave a couple numbers off my count lol

anne

Veteran

I certainly have these items, though there not quite at the stage where I'd hate to take my top off - they are bearable for that. Only one of mine is a match for colour, the rest are black and a couple white/cream.

They are pretty old. I wear them to bed too sometimes, if I'm wearing them already in the evening and can't be bothered changing

I have recognized a wardrobe hole of some long sleeve tees that would work under sweaters and still look nice alone - on the list for next winter. Just some stripes or some slight decoration would be enough.

Hard to say whether you have enough other things to ditch these. I wouldn't, personally, but that's because I have plenty of room in my tee drawer!

Dress shields I have no experience with, and sound fussy.

Sal

Veteran

I would keep them - there does come a point when they become dusters but they sound like they serve a purpose.

I have a few LS tees that range from decent alone to for layering purposes only. On a cold day or with some tops they make a big difference - and a cami or vest does not cover the underarms which is the area that needs washing often.

I find these surprisingly hard to find - thick enough to be decent alone, but fitting enough to layer well - in any colour aside from black or white or grey.

cindysmith

Veteran

I would call those base layers, which count like underwear, or gear. I say it's smart to keep such t-shirts for protecting spendy sweaters; it's much better for the planet than disposable dress guards, and it's an extra layer to help you keep warm.

rachylou

Veteran

I have tees that I actually use as undershirts too... and so yes, I count them as basics/underthings. Mind, I’d show them to the bakery in winter. Lol, lucky folk.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I don’t see the point of getting rid of them. They work, there’s room for them in your armoire, you apparently have no comfort issues with them. If you remove them, you’d have to buy something else to serve the same function (do they make washable shields, or would you have to throw them out / buy new all the time?) , and to what end? Is the point being able to say a different thing about your wardrobe? Doesn’t sound worth it to me.

Gigi

Veteran

I would consider these as undergarments, not tees.

I'm not sure what advice to give. It sounds like the old tees are performing a valuable function as long underwear. But I also personally dislike the thought of having extra garments around if I can have an easier solution (dress shields or a couple of long underwear-type shirts for all colors of tops). Maybe buy some dress shields and see how you like them and then make your decision?

Brooklyn

Veteran

I like an under layer for the same reason as Jenn. Because it’s only an underlayer, I am more tolerant of wear and don’t demand it be in pristine condition. But eventually there comes a time when it feels like a rag and it must go. You’ll know when

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I use my tank tops that shrank in length but not in width for this purpose. But as I really would never want someone to see me in them as they are really unflattering, I have considered replacing them, as they could be replaced inexpensively. I wore them under my vneck sweaters all winter for warmth and I loved that they did not show.

Style Fan

Veteran

I am another one that wears an underlayer with sweaters. The underlayer protects my skin and protects the sweater. I don't worry about the appearance of the underlayer.
I am new to counting but I am not counting basics. Call them basics.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Does anyone not wear anything under a winter sweater? Under lightweight summer sweaters like these I don’t wear anything, but for anything heavier, even a chuncky soft cotton sweater, I can’t imagine not having an under layer.

by Stagiaire Fash

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by Stagiaire Fash

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by Stagiaire Fash

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

If you’re using the tees, even just as undergarments, and you have room for them, I see no reason to let go of them just to meet some arbitrary number goal. I have some that serve a similar purpose. I think a small collection in key colors is a fine idea.

I’ve never even seen a dress shield in person, but I’ve always thought they sound a bit annoying. I didn’t realize people still used them!

I wear light, snug tees under sweaters in the winter sometimes, but often they add just a touch too much warmth for my needs (but I’ve been through menopause over the last few winters, so who knows, my needs may change). I don’t like to buy any sweaters or tops that require a layer underneath — in fact, just last night I culled a blouse that’s really cute, but has always been scratchy, and since I don’t care to layer under it, it’s gone.

gryffin

Veteran

efbgen - I wear a cami everyday, to spare my clothing. But I also have accrued a collection of EF washable silk - cami, tank, long tank slip dress, LS and SS tees. I use them on their own and as layering pieces. My only question for you, is do you love your tee's? If they've seen better days but this is a way to enjoy them and you feel good in them then certainly keep and wear under your nice sweaters. But like Angie, I want to feel good in the clothes that others see and the ones they can't. I do think there is a place for demoted tees, cleaning out the garage, gardening, etc. Places where you don't even want to get even your gym stuff that dirty. But under a nice outfit, I would ask yourself how you feel. Are they a secret pleasure? Keep and wear. If not keep for gardening and get nice layering pieces that make you feel fab from the inside out!

Liz

Veteran

Yes, I have a couple of tees I use for this. I've also tried dress shields and didn't like them -- fussy and ineffective. Maybe other brands are better, but I wasn't motivated to try to find out.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I'm definitely in the camp of if it's getting use and serving a function, why get rid of it (as you obviously have the space). Whether or not you count it is totally up to you, and what you do with your numbers. I do my counting in stylebook, so would probably enter them, just to recall that they were part of the outfit.

And yes, I demote tees for this purpose. Esp if they are a snugger or shorter fit than I am currently wearing - they are perfect layering items. I have white long sleeved tees with stained armpits that get worn just for the neckline. If that's all that shows, I have no problem with it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I used to demote tees to sleepwear years ago. Did NOT make me feel fab. I like to wear lovely sleepwear and loungewear too. I vote get a lovely set of affordable underpinnings. Your basics need a refresh

I wear a cami or thermals under everything. I LOVE the comfort of that soft structured cotton against my skin. I very rarely go without a cami. I have several that cost $12, and they wash and wear like iron. Hopefully, you can find and enjoy your version.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I could not bear to wear knitwear against my bare skin so having long sleeved tops that match to go underneath sounds like a very good idea to me.

Anonymous

I thank everyone weighing in and offering support and advice. I apologize for not responding individually as I normally do but it is a little after 4 am and I have been nursing a major headache since about 2 yesterday afternoon- stubborn little cuss.
Glad to hear others use less then stellar tees under sweaters- for some reason my circle of friends do not, so your validation boosts me. I do wear camis under most outfits and those are awesome on quality and looks. The point to break down and buy new and luxurious winter underpinnings seems like a good idea- maybe put it on my holiday wish list.
I already sent away for dress shields but have not used them. They look uncomfortable and not as user friendly as I had hoped and all of you that mentioned the environment- thank you for the appropriate head slap ( not the cause of headache)
So as always thanks for great advice and support- now I have a plan

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

efbgen, I hope you're feeling better and sending healing thoughts. Severe headaches can be debilitating. Rest up. xo

Cee

Veteran

Persistent headaches be a pain in the brain alrighty... I hope you get it sorted soon, Efbgen !

As for me, I usually just go with a crewneck tee under knit sweaters, although I'd done a " double turtleneck " with a cotton/lycra skivvy ( t'neck T-shirt for those not in the know ) under a knit turtle