PSA: J.Crew Easy Knit Boatneck 3/4 sleeved Tops

After @Angie's post about her (now sold out) Marks & Spencer tops that are fitted, machine washable & breathable, I thought I'd share a similar style that I stumbled upon from J.Crew. It's misleadingly called a 't-shirt' but the sleeves are definitely past the elbow:
https://www.jcrew.com/hk/p/sho.....hirt/AJ607

To confuse matters even further, it seems they also have a 'painter t-shirt' with *actual* t-shirt sleeves, lol:
https://www.jcrew.com/hk/p/sho.....hirt/AJ606

I'll admit that I have not tried this brand before, but I'm sorely tempted by the positive reviews & wide colour range (ticks all of my boxes for summer tops). There also seems to be just enough detailing to make the tops interesting enough to be worn alone (like the sleeve slits & the folded sides of the neckline). They seem to also have other styles on sale right now (like a square neckline). Do let me know if you try them out & they work well for you!

PS - Angie's original post:
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....tops-pics/

4 years ago

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I ordered that boatneck! It is a very nice tee and I liked the details, too, but I’m returning it because the coral color was too intense on me. I may try to exchange for white or navy when stores reopen since I have to return in person.

If you want, I can model it for you or take pictures of it.

Suz

(website)

Those look great.

I've been wearing J. Crew boatneck tops for a long time.

Their old linen boatneck was fluid fitting, lightweight, easy to layer over or under, modest. I still have a few of these tops. I wear them tucked or knotted, these days. When I first purchased, I would semi-tuck them.

Another, similar style is this old tee/ top that I keep trying (and failing) to retire. It is a bit boxy and very comfortable. It would be warm for the Hong Kong climate because the fabric is mid-weight.

The quality of J. Crew items varies. Some of their stuff is fantastic and extremely long lasting (esp. coats and Collection items). Other stuff seems a bit overpriced for what you get. It all depends.

Cut is for a straighter narrower frame overall, but pear shaped forum members also find good success with some types of item there. Pay attention to the style and to reviews about sizing because items vary a lot in how they fit and how they are intended to fit.

Some photos of my longer-lasting and much-loved J. Crew non-tee items below.

J.Crew

Linen boatneck T-shirt in metallic

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Top Pick

Linen boatneck tee

Side-zip stripe tee

Cotton skirt in Liberty floral symphony

Western chambray shirt in vintage indigo

Italian cashmere striped long-sleeve T-shirt

Stadium-cloth cocoon coat

Striped crewneck sweater with side snaps

Thomas Mason® for J.Crew tuxedo shirt in blue

Silk cat-print blouse

ETA -- Preppy Pear raises a good point -- the colours at J. Crew are either completely your cup of tea, or they are a bit on the intense side. And different years (of course!) feature different colours, so some years will be a wash for your specific colouring and other years will be brilliant with options.

Zaeobi

@Preppy Pear which colour did you order? The 'bright pink'? Because if so, 'too intense' is exactly what I'm looking for haha - more of a watermelon or salmon instead of a light pink. I'd have to see whether it's warm-toned enough for me though, like Suz says - any photos would be much appreciated!

@Suz That linen option looks lovely, yet alas sold out. I have a low tolerance for linen creases in bottoms (despite being lazy with an iron ) because I find the seat whiskering unflattering, but I usually scrunch up my sleeves anyway so maybe it'll be more tolerable in tops.

That's a shame about the variable quality, but it unfortunately makes sense in today's retail climate. Your items are pretty though - the colour mixing that goes on in the J.Crew catalogues always catches my eye I believe there's a department store here that sells J Crew items (at a ridiculous price though of course, since it's a western import) - I may have to hit it up to see the items in person first. Thanks for the heads up!

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