enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

TeeOff

My quest for the perfect tee-shirt is never-ending, you guys. Pickwick & Weller closed this spring and that was a bummer because I loved their tees. In an attempt to see what's my current fave, I pulled six from my closet and photographed each of them in the exact same setting. This was a REALLY good idea because I got to see wow, that's a fail, or WOW that's win. Nothing like photos to put things into perspective.

These six tees are ones that I have had for at least two months and have found myself reaching for. All have been washed and dried many times. (None have been ironed since I have no time for that.) All are in neutral colors because I have realized I am so much more comfortable in white and grey than in brights.

Below are my notes for each shirt going from top to bottom and left to right. As I am sure you've guessed, links are affiliate.

Old Navy Slub Knit Crew Pocket Tee $6 (60% cotton, 40% Modal®.) | SIX DOLLARS. These are the sort of prices that trick you into buying 14 in every color. It was PERFECT the first time I wore it but it shrunk in the wash a bit and now it's just too short and a little too boxy to be something I want to wear all the time.

Madewell SkarGorn #44 Tee $40 (100% cotton) | This was my attempt to see if an expensive tee was "better." Nope. It didn't hold up well in the wash and it's just not right.

Everlane the Cotton V $15 (100% Supima Cotton) | Getting there. I like this tee and all the shirts I have purchased from Everlane. This has been washed 10+ times and still has that slouchy fit that I like. Plus, great price and made in the USA.

Madewell Slub V-neck $30 (100% cotton) | Super winner. I have this in white too and love the fit and pocket detail. Holds up really well in the wash and stays soft. I also like the sleeve legth.

Topshop V-Neck Tee $20 (100% viscose rayon) | Another winner. It's not cotton but it's flattering and feels great. The washing instructions say to dry flat, but I tumble dry it and haven't noticed a major fit difference. I am a BIG fan of this one and feel of all of them this tee could be "dressed up" successfully.

American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend V-neck $24 (50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon) | This used to be my tee of choice. It's been washed no less than 75 times since I bought it four years ago. I love that it never wrinkles, doesn't shrink and the grey is perfect. I think my biggest issue now is I wish it was bigger (see how it just fit's too tight? You can see the waistband of my shorts). I should size up.

Lesson learned? Stop buying tees. BUT, when I do need one again, at least I know where to start. I don't care what a tee looks like off the rack. I care what it looks like out of the dryer. It's so interesting to compare them side-by-side.

Any favorite brands I am missing? I'd love to hear.

Posted in ,

48 responses to “the tee off.”

  1. Kelsey, Esp. Avatar

    I think it’s safe to say that the perfect tee is probably a loose, lightweight V-neck, yeah? My go-to “everything” tee is actually from Nike. It’s a “noisy” grey and definitely made to be a workout shirt (which means it’s a bit more form fitting), but it’s a V-neck and it doubles flawlessly as an everyday casual tee. And because it’s intended as a workout tee, it’s made out of their dri-FIT material, which means running around in it on the hot + humid DC weekends doesn’t leave me soaking wet. Super win and super love.
    And that Madewell Slub V-neck? It looks like YES.

    Like

  2. Melissa Marie Avatar

    Right now I am loving Ann Taylor’s Essential Scoop Neck tee. It’s super comfortable and instead of a v neck it’s a scoop neck. I got it on sale for $6 you can’t beat that price!

    Like

  3. Chels Avatar

    I am FOREVER on the quest for the perfect tee, and fail every time. I’ve got a closet full of flops! haha

    Like

  4. Jaime Avatar

    Banana Republic has a classic tee (I love the v-neck) that is AMAZING. They only come in black, white and dark gray – and v-neck or crew neck. I own all three in v-neck, and I own one of the crew neck.

    Like

  5. Natanya Avatar

    Love the comparison! You would probably love the brand BeGood Clothing. They are a socially responsible company out of San Francisco. Organic cotton, sustainable production, etc. And the owners used to work for Gap or JCrew or Madewell, I can’t remember, but they are of a similar aesthetic. I haven’t ordered any pieces yet so I can’t comment on the clothes IRL but it seems like a safe bet. Plus, for the price its totally worth it!

    Like

  6. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    A good tee is so lovely! I’ve been loving a couple Banana t-shirts that I’ve had for a bit and they are so comfortable–can’t remember the names right now, but totally recommend!

    Like

  7. JC Avatar

    I have the same problem with old navy. That any my super long arms mean all their sleeves are too short. My vote is for the Top shop v neck. I like the look of it the best.

    Like

  8. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar

    I love a good t-shirt and I think every wardrobe should contain and least one white one and one darker one. I always reach for t-shirts on my days off. I agree with all the ones that you love; they flatter you very nicely!
    xoxo
    Taylor

    Like

  9. Kim C. Avatar

    I love the basic Mossimo tees at Target. I size up for a slouchy fit and always stock up when they go on sale (I got 2 last week for $7). I think they fit well and hold up well. And if something happens to them, then you’re only out the $7 (or $10 if bought it at full price).

    Like

  10. Jess Avatar

    I like three and four! I just got a couple tees from Express for $12 each and really liked them. V-neck but not too deep 🙂

    Like

  11. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    I really like the t-shirts from JcPenney. I think they’re $5 or $6. My problem is that the collars get funky, like I pulled on them, so they don’t lay flat against my chest.

    Like

  12. Sammy Avatar

    i’m a sucker for the target mossimo $8 tees. v-neck or crew.

    Like

  13. Katie Avatar

    Ooh, love this! Makes me want to take pics in my million pairs of jeans to see which ones are actually cute. Also, I’m with the girls above – I love the target Ts.

    Like

  14. Deirdre Avatar

    Love this comparison, and it shows that neckline and arms determine how well a shirt flatters you. I can’t stand the thin material of Mossimo tees mentioned above. J.Jill has a scoop neck and vneck with just the slightest trim that I love. Also Eddie Bauer v-necks have been at Sam’s Club this season. I bought a gray that is so soft and comes out of the dryer so perfect, I went back and bought more.
    I’d love to see a similar post on the elusive perfect white blouse. I had one in college from Ann Taylor, and keep buying fails that don’t come close.

    Like

  15. Gretchen V Avatar
    Gretchen V

    LA Made has some great tees – super soft and really comfortable. A little pricey, but they last forever.

    Like

  16. Jessika Avatar

    I’m of the opinion that most women’s tees should be 2-3″ (at least) longer. WHY are they so short so often!? Especially now with a kid– when I bend over or sit down, I don’t want to have to be fidgeting with my tee’s back to make sure I’m not cracking anybody. Oh well. 🙂

    Like

  17. Amy H Avatar
    Amy H

    I just bought some tees from Uniqlo. They are super soft and I love the V-necks.

    Like

  18. Margaret Avatar

    J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Necks and Target Mossimo Pocket V-Necks are my two favorites. My Target v-necks are $6 have survived 3 years, one pregnancy and still come out of the dryer perfectly!

    Like

  19. goshery Avatar

    Yes! I was going to same the same thing. They are my favorite tees – I have them in every color!

    Like

  20. regina Avatar

    i am a v neck kind of girl myself…

    Like

  21. Han Avatar
    Han

    Yes, try the Target mossimo ones! I prefer the scoop necks to the Vs, but give them a shot!

    Like

  22. Mel Avatar

    I like the fitted one. And grey and white suit you. It’s goo d to know what you like.
    On a completely different note and quite rude of me to ask such a question but you live in San Diego and use a dryer?!! ; )

    Like

  23. Helen Shields Avatar
    Helen Shields

    Not related to the T’s but I did think of you and little E when I saw ithttp://www.mysocalledcraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/1-576×1024.jpg
    Love the photo idea though for cloths, totally works. xx

    Like

  24. Ashley Avatar

    That is such a great idea! I’ve never really thought about taking pictures of myself in clothes, to make sure they look good worn. Especially seeing the same type of item next to others in a collage.

    Like

  25. Courtney Avatar

    My favorite tees are the Essential short-sleeve V-necks from Gap. They have so many different colors and stripes! They’re also very reasonably priced, lightweight, and hold up well after many washes 🙂
    http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91152&vid=1&pid=455617062

    Like

  26. Lynn Herrick Avatar
    Lynn Herrick

    J Crew vintage or tissue is my pick – they go on sale at the end of every season and can be less than $15.

    Like

  27. Erin Hemmelgarn Avatar
    Erin Hemmelgarn

    Nollie tees from PacSun! Tissue soft and if you follow the directions, they stay that way!

    Like

  28. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    yep! that’s a fail, I know, but I’ve got a lot going on around here. 😉

    Like

  29. Angi Avatar
    Angi

    Target tees are the best! I wear them every day.

    Like

  30. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    My favorite tee is from Target. I think I probably have about ten of them. It’s just a simple, V-neck, pocket tee by Mossimo. Wear them all the time.

    Like

  31. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    My first impression were that shirt #2 and #4 fit you best in my opinion. I was pretty pleased to find that #4 was one of your favs. For myself I prefer the style/fit of #1 and #3. Brand wise I love American Apparel. I usually go for womens cut 50/50 and they are so soft and so flattering and I wash them all the time but they just last forever. But that’s preaching to the choir. Two brands worth checking out: Champions duo-dry. I get mine from Target in the active wear section. Affordable, stretchy, breathable, heathered colors which I love, slight v neck, shorter sleeves but not cap sleeve length. Tilly’s Essential Tees. Dirt cheap, like, $5, super thin and soft, cute pocket detail, wide v neck. Downside is they don’t have a ton of stretch and the sleeves canm be on the short side, so going a size up is a good idea!

    Like

  32. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    I love my tees to be on the longer side as well. But I will say after ditching low rise jeans and falling in love with mid or high rise pants I virtually never have to worry about exposing my back to the world just by existing and moving in space. I honestly don’t know how I wore jeans with non-existently same waist/zippers for so long and a higher rise under a tee makes for a much smoother and shapelier silhouette!

    Like

  33. crystal Avatar

    I second (or maybe third!) Target’s Mossimo tees, although I like the men’s v-neck ones. My VERY favorite tee is a Men’s Hanes slim fit tee in small. Love the fit of that tee and it’s super soft…unfortunately it only comes in white.

    Like

  34. sonja Avatar
    sonja

    cool post! 🙂 for what it’s worth, I also at first glance liked #2 and #4 the best (the two madewell t’s). I was surprised to hear that #2 was your least favourite! 🙂
    I’ve been faithfully reading your site for about a year, and this is the first time I’ve commented — so random, I know! 🙂 enjoy your summer :)!

    Like

  35. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    Old Navy vintage tees! They are so comfortable and in my opinion hold up much better than the perfect and pocket tees. The gap essential v neck is also good.

    Like

  36. Nicola Avatar
    Nicola

    Dryer? Why would anyone in the US use a dryer in the summer when it’s so hot outside? Holy carbon footprint! mind blown

    Like

  37. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    If it helps, we dry Ellerie’s cloth diapers in the sun! But you are right, I could do MUCH better with so many things. Thank you for pointing that out so kindly.

    Like

  38. Rachel Avatar

    Something I recently learned and LOVE! Almost everything on ON’s website can be ordered in a “tall” version, so I have been ordering my tees from them (vintage tee I think?) and getting the tall version so it’s longer. Oh my goodness, best tee ever! Pretty sure you can do the same thing with GAP!

    Like

  39. Janaya Avatar
    Janaya

    I don’t know how I missed that you cloth diaper. So cool! Will you do a post on it at some point?

    Like

  40. Erin Gail Avatar
    Erin Gail

    I usually by tees at GAP or Target but they don’t last forever. lululemon athletica has one called the Every Yogi Tee that is AMAZING. The vitasea fabric is breathable and feels like you’re wearing 1000 thread count sheets all over. Great at keeping shape and feel.

    Like

  41. Anna Avatar

    The Victoria’s Secret PINK v neck tees are my favorite. The perfect length and fit!

    Like

  42. Kelly Avatar

    I had to com back and say thank you! I’ve been having a hard time finding a loose fitting flattering t-shirt. I ordered the everlane v and LOVE it. So thanks It feels like the perfect T and I want one in every color now.

    Like

  43. amy tangerine Avatar

    American Apparel is my go to – they used to have a summer style V-neck and I wish I had purchased a dozen of them in both XXS and XS.
    Cindy’s favorite is Loft. I like them too, but I think I am better with V-Necks. Alternative Apparel makes a great deep V burnout that I have had for 7+ years.

    Like

  44. lathelize Avatar

    Petit Bateau, an oldie but goodie french brand!

    Like

  45. kelsey williams Avatar

    I see what you mean about #2 not holding up well in the wash, but I do really like the cut of that neckline on you.

    Like

  46. lisa valinsky Avatar

    I like that you go for a slouchy fit. I’ve been noticing lately that my tops tend to be snug. Maybe I’ve gained weight, but I also think that I prefer the slouchy, more comfortable fit and look.

    Like

  47. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    I just bought a madewell slub v neck in white and was really disappointed by how see through it was. Did you find that with yours? How does the everlane compare in see thoughness? Thanks!

    Like

  48. Brianna S. Avatar
    Brianna S.

    Just got the Madewell one for $12! Such a steal. Thanks for the tip!

    Like

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