Give me a plain cotton tee and a pair of jeans and I’m happy. Heat waves and cold snaps notwithstanding, I could wear the classic combination nearly every single day and not get sick of it.
Forgive me the term, but there’s something undeniably chic about a plain cotton t-shirt. It can be a man’s t-shirt, it can be a crew neck, or a v-neck, it can pocketed or plain, a simple tee is going to look neat and clean and….here’s another buzz word for you…effortless, pretty much guaranteed.
Remember that talk about basics and layering? Keeping a solid collection of dependable basics makes living with fewer clothes possible for me in the first place. And that includes a handful of dependable tees. I have five tees in my drawer right now. They’re mostly v-necks, but lately I’m kind of digging the return to a more classic crew.
But despite all this talk of ease, a great tee can be difficult to nail down. I’ve had t-shirts that have lasted for years and years, and others that seem washed up and rung out after only one season. Anyone who’s bought the same t-shirt in multiples knows first hand that there’s often differences across dye lots. A blue shirt will wear differently than a white one. It comes down to science, mostly. And luck. Then there’s question of wear and body chemistry. For me a white t-shirt is a tricky thing to keep that way, especially if you take a close look at the arm pits. And I’ve ended up with weird stains under the arms of darker tees too. I’ve worn t-shirts backpacking and ended up with pilly spots. I’ve had others develop rips along the hemline. Suffice to say, a cotton t-shirt is not going to be the longest lasting article in your closet. When I do my regular closet sorting, it’s often the tees that need to get replaced first.
An ideal tee is one that’s well-fitting, as long lasting as can be reasonably expected, and somewhere close to the side of the affordable side of the spectrum.
You might swear by picking up a multi-pack of men’s white t-shirts, rolling up the sleeves, and calling it a day. I don’t blame you. But in case you’re looking for something that’s been made with a special effort toward sustainability, here are some of the best I’ve come across. If you have any to add, please do. 
Alternative Apparel: A long-time player in the eco-friendly clothing game, Alternative Apparel’s Ideal Eco-Jersey T-Shirt is my favorite cut in their basics collection––a really classic crew with a well-loved look right off the shelf. (Full-disclosure: I haven’t been able to sort exactly what it means to be eco-jersey.) If you’re more into 100% cotton, they’ve got organic v-necks and organic pima cotton cap sleeves, too. (And if you’ve got a man in your life who needs dressing, they’ve got him taken care of.) Here’s their take on social responsibility. (Made in the USA.)
If you’re just getting started on the road to a minimalist wardrobe, here are the first steps: OneTwo
Three
Four
& Five
If you’re on the hunt, here are a few resources for swimwear, activewear, underwear and even babywear. If you’re experiencing sticker shock, here’s my take on affordability.
47 Comments
I have two everlane gray v-neck tees and they are my go-to for everything! I wear them with jeans, shorts, pencil skirts with a blazer on top…basically my whole wardrobe. I like the gray because it hides potential armpit stains and possible coffee spills throughout the day!
This is great! I've been on the hunt for a good basic white and grey tee for ages now. Normally, my local thrift store delivers, but sadly haven't been able to find anything that works in that dept.
Thank you for posting this! Three years ago I made a commitment to only buy clothes for myself that were either made in the USA, made from ethically managed companies, or purchased second-hand. It's nice to see curated lists like this and finding out about new companies to buy from.
I love a white tee and jeans, but I find that they only look effortless and chic on thin women. Since gaining 30 lbs during my second pregnancy, my go to jeans plus white tee look more sloppy and didn't make an effort than effortless. Sad! But it might be I just need to find a new cut. I'm holding out hope.
Yep. On us larger people it just says sloppy. We also get the short end of the stick on finding ethically sourced clothes.
Great post! I'm still building my capsule wardrobe and will be posting more about it once we move into our travel trailer. But the T-shirt conversation is definitely an important one. It's so easy to get consumed with all types of Tees, but I'm on a mission to find the perfect ones and this post was very helpful! thanks!!
xx
Lauren Jade
Lauren Jade Lately
'Simplify Life, Maximize Happiness'
I used to get the same problem with the strange stains under the armpits. the day i stopped using spray on deodorants and switched to deodorant cream, i've not had any marks at all. I now throw out t-shirts when they get holes in instead of after a few months when the pits get wierd!
tell me more about this magical deodorant cream that makes marks not happen!? i must know.
Hmm. I have to admit that for a long time I blamed my deodorant, but I've found that I can yellow-up a tee whether I'm wearing standard drugstore-variety deodorant, cream deodorant, or nothing at all! Sweat stains aside, I am a cream deodorant devotee! I love Soapwalla and Schmidt's the best!
I used to yellow up all my white shirts, but I started using Adidas cotton tech (no aluminum) deodorant and have never had that problem since. I've been using it for about 6 years. Unfortunately, I can only find it at Walgreens.
Hmm. I have to admit that for a long time I blamed my deodorant, but I've found that I can yellow-up a tee whether I'm wearing standard drugstore-variety deodorant, cream deodorant, or nothing at all! Sweat stains aside, I am a cream deodorant devotee! I love Soapwalla and Schmidt's the best!
totally agree with Emily, it seems the yellow color comes from the aluminium from the deidorant reacting with laundry detergent. i've switched to non-alu deo and it really helps (+ it's probably more healthy) i use the Biotherm deo, which works fine http://www.biotherm.ca/product/DEO-PURE-Natural-Protect,default,pd.html#start=3&cgid=body-deodorants
Think it's really also a question of body chemistry. I've worn natural for years and still get yellow!
Think it's really also a question of body chemistry. I've worn natural for years and still get yellow!
might be, sweat is evacuating toxins from our skin after all!
This series is one of my favorites – actually, I believe it's how I stumbled upon Reading My Tea Leaves. Thank you for sharing!
I recently did a big review! (http://www.yourfonderheart.com/2015/05/the-great-t-shirt-review-of-2015.html?m=1) and though I know madewell doesn't score ethical points, I just love their slub pocket vneck so so much. that and my everlane tees are the ones I wear daily that both look great and stand up to wash and wear. I have had several people tell me their everlane shirts fall apart but for me the opposite is true. they are some of my most well made cotton basics.
Erin,
Have you given linen tshirts a try ? Cotton is a cash crop which requires lots of pesticides and when you go organic, they need lots more land to create that one tshirt. My family does cotton farming and more I see of it, more I don't want to wear one.
I am secretly praying the whole world will fall in love with linen.
Oh man, definitely. A case of the more you know! I love linen—no doubt I would love linen tees, too!
Oh man, definitely. A case of the more you know! I love linen—no doubt I would love linen tees, too!
I am also a big fan of Everlane's tees, and I own identical 6 white V-necks as part of my own jeans + tees uniform : ) However, one thing that troubles me with their transparency messaging is that they don't seem to address the question "Why not use organic cotton?" I've been meaning to send them an email about this to find out…
Years ago a friend of mine said to me I always look "well put together" (not by a long shot ;), but it was nice to hear. My wardrobe is 95% tees and jeans. Mostly I bought v-necks, but now taking care of a one year old I've shifted to crew. He tends to pull himself up by hanging on to the neck rim of a shirt. I don't want to be flashing everyone. 🙂
BeGood's t-shirts are great!! Soft, comfortable and wahes up well. I'll try Everlane again. I bought a couple a few years ago and they didn't last for me, but I've read lately that people love them. Definitely will check out the other sites.
Personally, I'm done with Everlane. Almost everything I've bought from them (and friends have bought from them) fell apart, tore, or got holes after the first few wears. I kept trying them, because I love the style, but after my brand new sweater totally unraveled during my first wear, I was officially done.
Fascinating. I own a fair number of their clothes at this stage—from t-shirts to sweatshirt to dresses—and that's never been my experience! So sorry you haven't had good luck with them.
Fascinating. I own a fair number of their clothes at this stage—from t-shirts to sweatshirt to dresses—and that's never been my experience! So sorry you haven't had good luck with them.
Groceries Apparel is another great eco friendly and sustainable brand that's made in LA!
Awesome! Thanks for mentioning!
Awesome! Thanks for mentioning!
I love Splendid tees. They're just so super soft, I wear the long sleeve versions in the winter and short sleeves and tanks in the summer. Also a fan of their sweatpants. Most of their clothes are made in the USA (not shoes and certain other pieces—always check the label/description). The prices can definitely be a bit steep, but Splendid clothing can frequently be found on outlet retailers such as myhabit, ideeli, etc!
Their sweatpants always look so comfy! Thanks for the recommendation!
Their sweatpants always look so comfy! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the brand suggestions. I haven't heard of a lot of these. I love myself a white t-shirt, but grey has been my go-to t-shirt color since they never pill, and they never get stained 🙂
Ahh, the love of a good tee. I was amazed to find I didn't own any beyond two merino wool ones for hiking and to shove under jumpers in winter. Luckily, I remedied that recently (although I do wish Everyone would ship to the UK, their collection is so simple and elegant) after I decided to write a little about capsule wardrobes (http://www.folklore-blog.com/2015/02/21/capsule-wardrobe-3/) and suddenly realised I should follow my own advice!
Thanks for the heads-up on some other ethical alternatives to the mainstay of high streets and malls; it's great that more people are only buying what they need, buying ethically and from companies who are slowing the whole process down.
Here's to a kinder, slower world 🙂
Great list of t-shirt options. Why is it so hard to find a good basic tee?! Lately been stocking up on Everlane's v-neck tees. Also love the short sleeve and 3/4 sleeved ones from Three Dots.
I SO love the Everlane tees. I'll be getting a few more sometime shortly! 🙂 They really hold up well and have such a great shape.
i'm enjoying these roundups! thanks for all the work you put into them! i love my everlane tee and also the tees i have from Taylor Stitch. i wrote a short post about them here, if you'd like a look: http://janejojulia.weebly.com/blog/taylor-stitch
Do you have any suggestions for fitted t-shirts? I’ve been searching high and low for them (even non-ethically sourced, non-organic), and I can’t find anything. I’m petite, and wearing loose-fitting shirts (which is very much in style) makes me look like I stole someone’s clothes.
Have you taken a look at Be Good? I feel like some of their fits are on the more fitted side! https://begoodclothes.com/
I must say, this post has been an incredibly valuable resource these past few months as I work on my messy closet. Thank you for all this information! How has the Zady tee held up for you? I am considering buying one and want to know if it is worthwhile.
I second Anna’s question; how does the Zady tee hold up? And, how sheer is it comparatively? I can’t seem to find answers anywhere else :-).
I’ve loved the Zady tee. The cotton one is my favorite—it drapes in such a lovely way and it’s super soft. As for being sheer, I’ve never really thought about it. It’s a white cotton t-shirt, so it’s not something I’d probably wear bralass, but I’ve never worried about it either!
Erin, thanks for the reply. I wouldn’t plan to go braless (well, I guess you never know!) but I would likely wear with a nude bra, so hopefully not a huge issue. It sounds like such a lovely tee; you’ve inspired me to purchase the special edition one being sold now! I can’t wait to check it out.
Awesome! Hope you love it!
Would you say the Everlane T’s run true to size, big, or small?
You know, I would say that the different styles really vary on this a bit, but generally true to size.
Green Label Organic t-shirts are amazing. I’ve owned four so far. The other day, one finally developed a hole in the wash…after six years of near-constant wear.
So, I ordered four more today, because they have a free shipping deal if you buy more than $50 of product. One in black, one in a sky blue, two with prints. *sigh*
Can’t wait for my new shirts to come in the mail! Made in the USA, too. 🙂
I was excited to make my first purchase from Everlane and purchased 3 different styles of white tees. I could not have been more disappointed that each tee was entirely sheer! Such a let down! Grana remains my favorite brand of tee, & their white tee is not sheer.
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