Ah, our enduring love with the tee. Fundamental and versatile, it’s made for your denim as much as your sequin skirt. A simple T-shirt is something anyone can wear without feeling like they’re under the microscope of fashion - it’s the ultimate in innocuous wear. And yet, that casual vibe is what makes it exceptional: ask any jaw-droppingly cool Frenchwoman in a white tee and jeans about her style and she’ll shrug it off: “oooof, this?” If you’re fussy with fabrics and style, then finding a decent tee can be tough, and then there’s the ongoing deliberation between V and round necks. You can’t have enough grey and white for your wardrobe, and you should have navy and black too (these colours cover all our staple jeans). But two tees are never created equal, and choosing between the infinitesimal differences is where the sartorial skill lies. Storytellhers are here to help, with a list of a few of our favourites....
Madewell – £17. These American tees have got a premium look and feel, but for a fraction of the price. An amazing find. John Lewis stocks them but you can order online and have them shipped.
GapBody - £12.95. GapBody are great for lightweight tees that are soft and give great shape.
Monrow - £27.The Outnet is a great place to find this US brand at a discount – lightweight and extra soft, these tees are staples (and we love their range of leisurewear too).
Uniqlo - £4.90. This brand's warming HEATTECH material - with its bio-warming and insulating properties - keeps you toasty. Perfect for layering under other pieces at this price, but perhaps not ideal for a reveal...
J Crew - £27.50. These tees – and the long sleeve T shirts too – are long in the body for extra cover.
Maison La Biche - €55. Steph’s hands-down favourite. 100% jersey cotton so it’s super soft, with a slightly flared out shape and rounded hems. The spin on the basic here is the touch of hand embroidery – often a French slogan or a sweet logo.
Ba&sh - £75. For logo'd tees, we're hankering after the faded pastel shades of this vintage style.
Rag & Bone - £80. Rag & Bone are a go-to for a classic crew neck. They’re made from 100% Pima cotton, so they’re not going to fall apart either. Our savvy stylist friend and wardrobe consultant Nicola Fleming (ex. Theory brand) loves R&B's tees for a splurge, but goes to Madewell regularly for easily affordable tees for her clients.
James Perse - £209. This Los Angeles fashion label isn’t cheap, but that's because it's quality made and will last. We like this Luxe Lotus Jersey tee, made in Japan using a special technique of spinning Suvin cotton. The result is that it's ultra-soft with a matte satin-like touch. The personal stylist Lizzie Edwards (who we interviewed for Storytellhers on perfect workwear) swears by this brand.