Favorite basics shopping

jwomack

Where do you like to buy basic tees and tanks for layering? My favorite spot closed. I like tees to be a little longer -- hip length and also looking for good quality. I like a mix of more fitted and a bit slouchy. Thanks for your input.

12 years ago

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Helena

Veteran

I love Gap's bowery supersoft tees - they wash really well and once you know your size, you can never go wrong. Banana Republic has good ones too and some more stylish options; I look out for sales and grab some.

Target's Merona ones are also good for a cheap and cheerful option; I look for the ones with a bit of stretch; they seem to hold their shape better.

I guess these are all more fitted options though ...

I don't claim to be an expert, but I wear nothing but t-shirts and these are really the only ones I bother with Good luck with your search!

12 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I like the Gap Essential Tees. I have several that are still going strong after 5 years. I don't put them in the dryer, however. They are nice and long.

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Target for ribbed layer tanks (Mossimo Long n Lean). The rest of my tees vary. Old Navy, Alternative Apparel, Target, AG, even Kmart Route 66.

12 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I desperately need new basics!

All my layering tanks are from Old Navy, but they're an old version and I dislike the new ones. The old ones were thin 100% cotton; the new ones are thicker. I want the thinnest, drapiest pure cotton possible. I'd love to replace them since they're all faded and have holes.

My favorite invisible layering tees are the 4paix tees from Nordstrom Rack but again, they don't sell them anymore. I need something similar - fitted sleeves, lightweight, low neck - for layering under wool that I don't want to wash often. Since I run hot, I almost always end up taking off my sweater and wearing whatever layering tee on its own, so it needs to be presentable, and the 4paix ones are now full of holes.

For basic tees to wear on their own, not as an invisible layer, I really like the Gap essential tees, especially the scoop neck ("soft V" I think they call it). I also love the Zara linen tees.

12 years ago

karymk

Veteran

Gap for the best ribbed tees in every color. they are long!

Target for simple scoop necked fitted black tees as underpinnings for me, and as cheer practice wear for DD.

JCrew vintage tees for a slouchier, light tee.

JCrew jeans.

JCrew Cece flat, a basic flat ballerina in many colors.

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've had good luck at Loft for layering tees but it's been a while so I don't know what their current stock is like. I also echo the Merona recommendation from Target.

12 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

This definitely falls under "leave no retail stone unturned".... I find my most favorite ever long sleeved v-neck tees at Fred Meyer, which is a higher-end version of Walmart.... groceries, furniture, clothes... one stop shopping. Their tees are truly great. I like Target's as well.

12 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

I love the Gap Essential Rib tank. They used to be all cotton and stretch out. I only have the black and I size up. I usually wear a size 4 and a gap small, I took a medium. I also wear them back to front because I prefer a high crew but when I wear them under sweaters I might reverse. They wash really well.

12 years ago

Emily

Veteran

I like the gapfit line - I wear the v-neck "breathe" tees as undershirts. They are very comfortable and hold their shape well through washing.

12 years ago

jwomack

Active Member

Thanks -- looks like I will be trying the Gap. Will check out Target as well since I am there all the time. I stopped looking at their tees once I found an online source I liked but time to start up again. I appreciate it.

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I used to love American Apparel, but I just can't buy their stuff anymore.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I buy layering cotton tanks most often at Target. I seldom wear short sleeved tees and have bought long sleeved ones most recently at Nordstrom Rack, probably a brand made for the Rack.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I like Ann Taylor or Talbots. I usually wait for a sale and you can get their tees below $15.

I might be buying the wrong tees fromt he GAP, but I don't like them as I find them too thin and transparent.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I love Gap's Pure Body tees. They are so darn soft that they make sweaters feel like pajamas. When they start looking worn out, I'm more than happy to retire them to lounge/pajama status because they are that comfortable.

12 years ago

Susie

Veteran

I was buying my cotton tees at Kohl's but I wore (and now purged) one recently (Vera) because it was so pilly so I decided to step up a bit on quality. For fall/winter, I like crew necks for layering. I have nice ones from Eddie Bauer, Chico's and JJill. And I am waiting for one to arrive from LLBean because it was the only place that had the dark burgundy I wanted.

12 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I like Eddie Bauer long sleeved tees. They're long, keep their shape and come in nice colors, unlike Lands End which seem to come only in primary colors.

My recent experience with Eddie Bauer and the leather jacket fiasco tempers my enthusiasm. I would avoid buying anything online or over the phone - too many opportunities for them to really screw up. Only buy in person.

12 years ago

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