Why is it so hard to find the perfect white t-shirt?! - YouLookFab Forum

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Why is it so hard to find the perfect white t-shirt?!

Karin L H

Veteran

I don't know how many white tops I've bought over the years that have felt close to perfect in the fitting room, but after a few times in the washing machine, not so much... And even finding any that feel that good... why is it so hard? Where's the perfect one hiding?!

I'm looking for something crispy white, loose fitting, as little see-through as possible, slightly long, not too tight in the neck (preferably v line or a loose round neck)... I don't mind paying a bit more for it if it's actually perfect and will last a long time. Is that impossible to find, really?

(Unfortunately I'm in Sweden so if anyone here does know where it's hiding I might still not be able to get it... But someone might at least recognise this frustration?)

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Karin L H

Traci

Veteran

I'm starting to wonder if we're wanting things that defy physics. I too want structure with drape and a lower neckline. I realized a few days ago that maybe I can't find this shirt because it isn't physically possible. Maybe the lower neckline would flop open and show my chest? If it's draping, what's going to hold it in place? Maybe we can occasionally see these perfect shirts in photo spreads because they were able to capture one moment in time where everything sat in just the right place?

Hopefully someone will chime in and tell us these shirts do exist.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think the white tees from Everlane are about as perfect as I have found yet (esp. for the $15 price). I've searched high end and low end for years.

April

Veteran

TS, I had *such* high hopes for Everlane, but found that their necklines were FAR too low. for me. Maybe they've adjusted their cuts since I tried their tees a couple of years ago, but when I tried them, the neckline of their scoop and V necks were absolutely meant for teens who didn't mind flashing a lot of bra (or no bra at all) -- not for a middle-aged person who minded very much.

KLH, I do think in photos the models are often wearing pinned garments. And the famous women you see looking so amazing in their simple white tees have had them altered. A $20 tee with $25 worth of tailoring. Yes, it's true. And probably worth it, right?

Of course, then you have to solve the Problem of the Yellow Underarm, which kicks in after about the third or fourth wearing.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Those $20 tees are probably $200+.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

I've seen so many women be frustrated over this exact thing...I feel oddly fortunate that plain white tees look terrible on me. I used to wear them long ago, thinking of them as an essential, of course. But they never did work. I do wear the rare tee that is white but has some kind of print or pattern on it to ward off the awful.

If I were someone on whom white shirts looked good, I might consider changing the game a bit and look for a tee cut in a different fabric, one that doesn't have the problems that the typical tee knit can. Silk, linen, satin, polyester even, depending on taste? But maybe you've already tried that?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally Karin, I think we expect too much from a white T-shirt. White woven tops are a better way to go.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I think you'd have to buy a new white t shirt every month to have one that kept its pristine color, shape and drape

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree, it's sort of an urban myth. Or more specifically, the UNIVERSALITY is probably a myth. And there's a selection bias-- not only is there maybe some tailoring going on, and pinning and tucking in photo shoots, and posing, as you say-but the gals who look fabulous in a plain white T... look fabulous in a plain white T.
I do like fressy knit T - style yoo and I mostly wear rayon knits. It's the only way I can get fluid plus drapey. Also despite my long neck I prefer a " wide crew" or high V ( the latter is a HEWI) , so the fabric has to have a tiny bit of stretch or elasticity so even those won't gape. And still they don't have the special vibe of the advertised " essential white cotton T".

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Well, supposedly the Olsen twins started their line The Row in order to make the perfect t-shirt.
http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/the-row/

And yeah it's bonkers expensive, but hey machine washable.

Barneys New York

The Row Crewneck T-Shirt

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1

Marlene1

Intrigued by Angie's white woven top comment. I'd love to see a round-up of white woven tops that would sub for a white tee - sounds like just what I need!

RobinF

Veteran

I agree! I remember I had one many years ago that I loved, the fit was perfect, it wasn't see-through. It was really cheap from TJ Maxx, wore out after many years and I have never found one like it since. I should have saved it and used it as a pattern to make my own!

harmonica

Veteran

We're in the same boat. Never found the perfect white tee. I think Angie answered our question. Look for white woven tee/top instead. That makes sense

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Too bad the Everlanes don't work for you - they aren't too low for my over 50 body at all so I guess it's just our varying body types.

I've actually had good experience with some of the Loft tees as well. Quality is more of a one or two season thing, but I don't mind replenishing something so basic as a white tee.

I agree, white wovens might be a better bet all around. I don't really wear my white tees alone that much myself but once in a while I am in the mood for something that simple.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a small collection of white tees, and none are perfect. My closest one was Splendid and it's now about to be demoted to ranch wear because it's starting to show its age. A sort of V/scoop hybrid neck, slightly fitted, soft and not stiff, and not too long. I should try to find another one. I have a Madewell that's ok but a bit sheer, and an Everlane that's just a little bit too straight cut and not drapey enough. Then I have one from Anthro that is more oversized and very drapey!

Actually, my favorite white tee at the moment is this Find. The neck is a bit low, and the neck detail is distinctive, so it's not all-occasion or all-purpose, but the fit is great and I like the criss-cross detail.

I would pay a little more for the "perfect" white tee, but definitely not $100 or more. They get stained and worn too easily.

LNA V-Neck Strap Detail Cotton Tee

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3

LaPed

Veteran

Okay, to me, the whole point of t-shirts is that they are inexpensive. Low-end style. I wouldn't pay more than maybe $25-30 for something made of cotton jersey -- maybe a bit more if it's organic cotton and has a great original graphic of some sort -- for durability/longevity reasons and because, let's be real, the manufacturer only spends a couple bucks producing and distributing the darn things.

I agree that Everlane is pretty good, but Uniqlo is equally good quality and goes on sale for cheaper. Their Supima rib knits have a bit more structure and drape than the regular cotton jersey. Also, American Apparel. I realize they're totally outré these days, but their unisex fine jersey tee is good quality. I don't like the crew neck, but they're available so cheap that I don't mind chopping the neckline and sleeves to my preferred proportions and leaving them raw edge. You get a nice raw-edged mini-cowl this way. May be too RATE for some, but works for me in any application where I'd be wearing a t-shirt.

I'll theorize that what makes a plain white tee look amazing on the rich+famous is that it's often used as the dash of "lo" in hi-lo style. It's that perfect backdrop for a bit of bling, designer jeans/shoes, and grounds the look and makes it into something we can all relate to and go, "hey, I could do that too!" -- that was part of the allure of the original James Dean jeans+tee formula: it was so seemingly achievable by the masses.

Or maybe the perfect white t-shirt is a black t-shirt.

Karin L H

Veteran

Thanks everyone for all your interesting comments! I looked at Everlane and they look really nice... I'm thinking of ordering a couple..!

Thanks Angie! As a Swede, I'm not sure exactly what woven tee means, how to translate it... The first pic that came on google was the one below, I'm curious if this counts as that, and if so what the difference is to a regular tee? Would love to get a description to know what I can look for when I go shopping

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Jules

Veteran

Woven is like dress shirt or button-down material. Not likely to be found in a tee shirt. I don't think Angie means look for a woven tee so much as consider that what you need isn't a tee after all but something better.

April

Veteran

Woven fabric does not behave like knit fabric. Depending on your shape, this can be a revelation or a frustrating (and expensive) exercise in "what's wrong with me?"

If you're not familiar with the distinction, tee shirts are knits. If you pull them, they have some stretch. Woven fabrics are like men's dress shirts.

On me, even though I am a very petite person, a woven shirt will ALWAYS gap at the bust, even if I size up two or three times, even if it has darts and princess seams and is made for a woman. That perfect crisp white shirt that so many women swear they must have simply does not work for me. I am a very small person and not particularly busty, but I do have a bust and I do have pronounced shoulders, so on me, a tee will always be more flattering than a woven shirt.

I have fought this notion for years because every single person in the fashion industry I admire prefers wovens to knits but on my shape, knits just work better.

So Karin, I share your desire for the perfect tee. You may discover that wovens are better for you but if you don't, don't fret! You're not alone.

Staysfit

Veteran

April, your experience is similar to mine. I find knits more flattering on my figure than wovens.

tammyw

For those who wear Everlane, how is the sizing? Would you recommend going up or staying with normal size?

Karin L H

Veteran

Thanks Jules and April for clarifying things for me!

tammyw, I'm also curious of the sizing of Everlane! I'm interested in ordering but being in another country it feels like a big risk... also I'm often either M or L depending on the clothing, so even if they are true to size it'd be hard for me to know which one to choose..! Hm, tricky..!