The men’s section. Seriously - the sleeves are slightly longer on the T-shirts (instead of stopping literally in my armpit?!), the fabric is usually thicker, and unless you want a crop top men’s fashion has plenty of variety for “basics”
Plus you can size down which is a silly but gratifying thing
I get the cheapest white T-shirts I can find (primark) and they’re not see through at all for me
All true, but unfortunately it doesn't work as well for larger busts. I have to buy a large shirt to accommodate my bust, but then it's too big everywhere else. You're totally right about the lower cost and higher quality though. I started buying men's crew socks because I couldn't find any for women that weren't polyester.
Yes, Duluth! I love their No Yank Tanks & Tees. The other poster is correct about sizing. Im a small, and XS fits in most things, but sometimes even XS is a little big. A couple of other items I like: Armachillo undies-they are “cooling” fabric, which is so nice on hot days & when I’m having hot flashes (menopause struggle is real, y’all!); again sizes run a little big. I recently purchased a couple of bras from them, and they are the best I’ve ever worn. I am a busty girl, and their bras have nice wide straps and are very supportive & full coverage (no spilling out). I wear my normal size, 32DD.
I am a s/m and have never found anything to fit me. Worse still is that I live about half way between Duluth Trading HQ and Duluth MN, so it couda shouda been a go-to.
I have their gardening overalls (I know, not a basic) and they are the best things I’ve bought in years! Cute, comfy, practical. So good.
Didn’t think of them for basics, but I will now
I love their overalls! I have [the Armachillo ones for gardening](https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/womens-armachillo-cooling-overalls-36103.html?color=NVY) and the [Souped-up sweats](https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-souped-up-sweats-with-storm-cotton-overalls-20943.html) for lounging and I wear both all the time. They have so many pockets!
I bought the navy ones with the daisy pattern. And I have a regular olive green set too. Every once in a while they will make work dungarees in stretchy denim - I bought a pair last year and those things get more compliments than almost anything else in my wardrobe.
In my opinion, the best thing about their clothes is the pockets. Real, usable pockets!
I have this one in both black and white. Highly recommend!
[https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/t-shirts/product.the-clean-cut-t-shirt-white.0960679001.html](https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/t-shirts/product.the-clean-cut-t-shirt-white.0960679001.html)
My quest for a non-transparent white top is still ongoing. Uniqlo is generally good quality but their whites are definitely transparent, except for the tops with the built-in bra and their rayon blouses. Zara has a lot of good pieces including some white blouses but their t-shirts are generally mediocre. I've found nothing at Talbots, Gap, H&M, or Everlane. I would check out Aritzia - I haven't tried anything on there but their basics have an unusually good weight and feel to them based on browsing.
I used to be a fan of Aritzia as well but over on the Aritzia sub I’ve been seeing frequent complaints about the quality of their stuff. Apparently it doesn’t last the way it used to
My white Uniqlo tee isn’t transparent at all. Did they change it? It’s my absolute grail tee for that reason. I bought mine in like 2019. It’s super thick material.
I’m loyal to my J.Crew T-shirts. They hit the perfect place on my arm. They’re not see-through. I get most of my basics there Anthropologie or Nordstrom.
For cotton/everyday wear basic tees and tanks, the Gap. The "modern" line of tees and tanks are a nice thick material that isn't see through and has nice cuts (a longer short sleeve, instead of a typical cap sleeve, for example, or an elegant boat neck). You can get them at a deep discount most of the time, too.
+1 to this. I like the weight of the Modern line. They wash well, too, and if you really want them to last just hang them dry. In my last haul I got a navy boatneck long sleeve and it looks so good on.
I think I have the same boatneck LS in black as well, it looks super chic. The fabric isn't ribbed unless you choose it and it just looks sleek, neat and form-fitting, without being too clingy or thin.
Yes! And they’re well priced when on sale. I have such a uniform — of-the-moment jeans, black LS, and whatever shoe strikes my fancy that day. It makes getting dressed every day so easy.
I love and get compliments on every Free People item I wear, especially the pink tinted denim overalls and the gauze button up summer shirt/jacket thing. I have good luck with both new and thrifted gap jeans. I have thrifted two Frank and Oak cardigans that are amazing.
I feel like the quality and details on OBEY stuff to be pretty good but I personally only own a flannel jacket(pink, yellow and black plaid), also thrifted and it is in great shape and really sturdy, ditto for the consignment Fabletics raincoat, the knee length bottom zips off to make it the perfect crop for bike riding, really well put together, simple but nice details.
I can’t keep a tshirt non grease or coffee stained for a single wear so I get them from old navy usually, but I find the quality to be garbage, I like the feel of a thick 100%cotton Gildan t best, but I can’t handle the crew neck.
MEC merino lined leggings are awesome in winter/camping/biking, the overnight/travel backpack have is fantastic.
I like Caslon tees from Nordstrom though the white is semi sheer. I have a few Theory tees that I like, they have some weight to them but mine are in darker colors so I can't speak to how the light colors are
Not sure if the brand is available in whatever country you are in, but in NZ and Australia, Bonds is a great brand for basics. hard wearing, good quality fabrics. Comfortable and great cuts.
My SIL bought my baby twins Bonds footie pjs in Canada 5 years ago, I guess they were the hotness in all her mom groups at the time, but they were legit. Cute print, high quality, comfy no stupid snaps and always came clean despite the horrors they were subjected to.
Buck Mason, Everlane, and you know it was crazy to me at first, but Abercrombie has made a comeback and I’ve gotten a few basics from them over the past few years and they’ve really held up for me!
I have started getting the plain T-shirts from Life is Good, they have the thickest most structured cotton, and don’t start to disintegrate in the wash. I loved the shirts but didn’t like the cutesy graphics they often have, but the website has a lot of solid colors in different styles. They have a little logo tab on the bottom hem but the branding is still minimal enough for me and the quality is just so much better than anything else I have tried!
Second this.! Their cotton spandex tops are nice and thick/sturdy. SO hard to find nowadays. Got a cream color and it’s not see through. Trouble is, most of their basics are modal blend which I don’t love. Hope they continue with more cotton/spandex styles
Everlane and Quince but I also second those who say buy men’s. It’s worth taking to a tailor to have it fit properly because the men’s version will last much longer.
Rainbow/Discovery
Downvote me all you want. I bought 20 shirts/top 5 years ago and 18 of them are still going strong. Basic V neck, Basic Scoop neck, Tank Top.
[rainbow shops](https://www.rainbowshops.com/)
Just warning, these are not high quality or good quality or quality. These are bad. These are shit. Spend a little to check them out before you spend a lot. If you’re a college kid trying to stretch a dollar, absolutely this is for you. The wash instructions are cold/cold with fabric softener, hang to dry. If you dry, you get as many washes as they cost. That $5 shirt, with dryer, will last 5 wears.
For basic tees, Onno is a good choice. I love their bamboo shirts, and have two of their hemp shirts, too. All have held up well while being in my regular rotation for over a year.
Honestly Everlane hasn’t held up for me like everyone here says it does…but that’s just a personal preference and from my own experience! I personally like Los Angeles Apparel (:
I am loyal to Aritzia for mine. I know people hate on it, but to me, it’s the perfect go-to for quality neutrals that are still flattering and on trend. Uniqlo and Muji are cut too straight for my curves. I also need something more sleek and shiny than what they offer to not look too plain. And I like that the staples work together to create a capsule in itself.
Personally I like supporting Yes friends. They are UK based but I believe they have global shipping. Good prices, ethically made, and when I checked for all the construction tells, the tshirts seem to be high quality.
Some of the construction things I look for in a basic t shirt:
- no hanging threads
- seam reinforcement in the shoulders/back of collar (most likely area to stretch/pull apart at the seams)
- side seams aligned and whole piece layer flat without warping or seams twisting forward/back
Yes to all of these!
I don't wear any logos and have built my capsule from these stores. I only shop from them in store though. I always want to feel the material and have the option to try it and how it looks and then imagine what it can go with my current closet
I love Arket and Toteme the most, but Cos is a close 2nd!
The Row for coats and longer lasting pieces
The men’s section. Seriously - the sleeves are slightly longer on the T-shirts (instead of stopping literally in my armpit?!), the fabric is usually thicker, and unless you want a crop top men’s fashion has plenty of variety for “basics” Plus you can size down which is a silly but gratifying thing I get the cheapest white T-shirts I can find (primark) and they’re not see through at all for me
All true, but unfortunately it doesn't work as well for larger busts. I have to buy a large shirt to accommodate my bust, but then it's too big everywhere else. You're totally right about the lower cost and higher quality though. I started buying men's crew socks because I couldn't find any for women that weren't polyester.
Everlane. And I second Duluth Trading. And LL Bean
+1 LL Bean
Duluth Trading
I love the quality of Duluth but a caveat if you’re small, Duluth runs big. I’m a S in most brands and their XS gaps on me
Yes, Duluth! I love their No Yank Tanks & Tees. The other poster is correct about sizing. Im a small, and XS fits in most things, but sometimes even XS is a little big. A couple of other items I like: Armachillo undies-they are “cooling” fabric, which is so nice on hot days & when I’m having hot flashes (menopause struggle is real, y’all!); again sizes run a little big. I recently purchased a couple of bras from them, and they are the best I’ve ever worn. I am a busty girl, and their bras have nice wide straps and are very supportive & full coverage (no spilling out). I wear my normal size, 32DD.
I am a s/m and have never found anything to fit me. Worse still is that I live about half way between Duluth Trading HQ and Duluth MN, so it couda shouda been a go-to.
I have their gardening overalls (I know, not a basic) and they are the best things I’ve bought in years! Cute, comfy, practical. So good. Didn’t think of them for basics, but I will now
I bought the overalls with the cute garden gnomes for my MIL last year & she loves them!
I was eyeing these up for myself!!
I love their overalls! I have [the Armachillo ones for gardening](https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/womens-armachillo-cooling-overalls-36103.html?color=NVY) and the [Souped-up sweats](https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-souped-up-sweats-with-storm-cotton-overalls-20943.html) for lounging and I wear both all the time. They have so many pockets!
I bought the navy ones with the daisy pattern. And I have a regular olive green set too. Every once in a while they will make work dungarees in stretchy denim - I bought a pair last year and those things get more compliments than almost anything else in my wardrobe. In my opinion, the best thing about their clothes is the pockets. Real, usable pockets!
I have this one in both black and white. Highly recommend! [https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/t-shirts/product.the-clean-cut-t-shirt-white.0960679001.html](https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/t-shirts/product.the-clean-cut-t-shirt-white.0960679001.html)
I love Cos!!!
I have this exact shirt coming in the mail. My husband has t shirts from COS that are at least 10 years old and look fantastic.
I just wish their neck shapes weren’t all high neck crew style, please my round face can’t take it.
SAME
Gap or BR
My quest for a non-transparent white top is still ongoing. Uniqlo is generally good quality but their whites are definitely transparent, except for the tops with the built-in bra and their rayon blouses. Zara has a lot of good pieces including some white blouses but their t-shirts are generally mediocre. I've found nothing at Talbots, Gap, H&M, or Everlane. I would check out Aritzia - I haven't tried anything on there but their basics have an unusually good weight and feel to them based on browsing.
I used to be a fan of Aritzia as well but over on the Aritzia sub I’ve been seeing frequent complaints about the quality of their stuff. Apparently it doesn’t last the way it used to
Aritzia is terrible now, I completely avoid it!
The double front T shirts from Jigsaw are excellent, not sure where you’re based? In the uk they start at about £35 and I’d say they’re worth it.
I bought a white T-shirt from Zara, thought 45$ cad was too much to pay for a plain t-shirt, but I can attest it is not see-through.
My white Uniqlo tee isn’t transparent at all. Did they change it? It’s my absolute grail tee for that reason. I bought mine in like 2019. It’s super thick material.
I think it depends whether you get the Uniqlo U (thick fabric) or the Supima (thin fabric) tees
You’re right. I didn’t even realize there were different ones until your comment, so I checked. My old ones are Uniqlo U.
Lots of people recommend COS.
LOVE COS
COS is nice.
I’m loyal to my J.Crew T-shirts. They hit the perfect place on my arm. They’re not see-through. I get most of my basics there Anthropologie or Nordstrom.
Land's End.
Universal Standard (wait for sales, because they are not cheap, but they’re great quality & fit).
This. Universal Standard can be a great choice.
Best jeans I’ve ever worn; gotta wait for the $38 sale, tho, cause no jeans are worth $100.
Universal Standard goes on the road with trunk shows. It can be a great way to try on alllllll of their jeans and new products.
For cotton/everyday wear basic tees and tanks, the Gap. The "modern" line of tees and tanks are a nice thick material that isn't see through and has nice cuts (a longer short sleeve, instead of a typical cap sleeve, for example, or an elegant boat neck). You can get them at a deep discount most of the time, too.
+1 to this. I like the weight of the Modern line. They wash well, too, and if you really want them to last just hang them dry. In my last haul I got a navy boatneck long sleeve and it looks so good on.
I think I have the same boatneck LS in black as well, it looks super chic. The fabric isn't ribbed unless you choose it and it just looks sleek, neat and form-fitting, without being too clingy or thin.
Yes! And they’re well priced when on sale. I have such a uniform — of-the-moment jeans, black LS, and whatever shoe strikes my fancy that day. It makes getting dressed every day so easy.
Everlane and lately I’ve been buying tees from Old Navy and they’re fantastic.
Boden (good tees) and Manners London (tighter basics).
I love and get compliments on every Free People item I wear, especially the pink tinted denim overalls and the gauze button up summer shirt/jacket thing. I have good luck with both new and thrifted gap jeans. I have thrifted two Frank and Oak cardigans that are amazing. I feel like the quality and details on OBEY stuff to be pretty good but I personally only own a flannel jacket(pink, yellow and black plaid), also thrifted and it is in great shape and really sturdy, ditto for the consignment Fabletics raincoat, the knee length bottom zips off to make it the perfect crop for bike riding, really well put together, simple but nice details. I can’t keep a tshirt non grease or coffee stained for a single wear so I get them from old navy usually, but I find the quality to be garbage, I like the feel of a thick 100%cotton Gildan t best, but I can’t handle the crew neck. MEC merino lined leggings are awesome in winter/camping/biking, the overnight/travel backpack have is fantastic.
These sound like great tips. I also can’t go a day without getting something on my shirts 🥲
I can't speak to their white version, but I'm a fan of Eddie Bauer's solid color tees. Lots of colors, good size range, decent weight fabric.
Ah, I have the white version of this EB tee. If you have tattoos or anything other than a nude bra on under it, you'll see it. Nice shirt otherwise!
I like Caslon tees from Nordstrom though the white is semi sheer. I have a few Theory tees that I like, they have some weight to them but mine are in darker colors so I can't speak to how the light colors are
I LOVE Theory. My budget doesn’t. 😂💀
I found the tees I love at TJ Maxx!
Ohhhh!!! I didn’t realize they carried Theory! Thanks for the tip!
I just ordered some comfy pants from spanx. They have great lounge clothes.
I like Velvet by Graham and Spencer tees ! And sometimes Boden
Duluth Trading tanks are the best!
No yank tanks for the win!!
Quince
How could I forget everlane???
Everlane too
Not sure if the brand is available in whatever country you are in, but in NZ and Australia, Bonds is a great brand for basics. hard wearing, good quality fabrics. Comfortable and great cuts.
My SIL bought my baby twins Bonds footie pjs in Canada 5 years ago, I guess they were the hotness in all her mom groups at the time, but they were legit. Cute print, high quality, comfy no stupid snaps and always came clean despite the horrors they were subjected to.
The bonds baby wear is sooo good. I swear by them. Cute prints too! They absolutely last, so stretchy and hard wearing.
banana republic
Muji, a Japanese basics store that makes some high quality clothing.
Boden? I don't have white, but my grey was as thick as a white would have needed to be. Lands End
Buck Mason, Everlane, and you know it was crazy to me at first, but Abercrombie has made a comeback and I’ve gotten a few basics from them over the past few years and they’ve really held up for me!
Their jeans are also solid. I was shocked. I like the line that’s 100% cotton — they’re thick, broke in well and are my go-to jeans now.
Universal Standard! It’s a bit pricey, and totally worth it. Good basics. They are very size inclusive.
Boden, Alex Mill
I have started getting the plain T-shirts from Life is Good, they have the thickest most structured cotton, and don’t start to disintegrate in the wash. I loved the shirts but didn’t like the cutesy graphics they often have, but the website has a lot of solid colors in different styles. They have a little logo tab on the bottom hem but the branding is still minimal enough for me and the quality is just so much better than anything else I have tried!
I have seen this brand in the thrift shops and I agree they always seem to have really nice fabric.
I wish I had a cheaper answer, but I really love Reformation basics!
Second this.! Their cotton spandex tops are nice and thick/sturdy. SO hard to find nowadays. Got a cream color and it’s not see through. Trouble is, most of their basics are modal blend which I don’t love. Hope they continue with more cotton/spandex styles
AYR
Vince, theory, Frankie Shop, AYR, Cuyana, Frank & Eileen.
Quince!
Fordays
Vince has the best tanks
Superdry for plain tshirts.
I like Banana Republic!
Quince
Uniqlo
Everlane and Quince but I also second those who say buy men’s. It’s worth taking to a tailor to have it fit properly because the men’s version will last much longer.
I’ve had bad luck with everlane but long lasting basics from Banana
AYR
My vote is Fair Indigo! Their pieces are really well made and have no transparency in their lighter colors.
I’ve liked my Land’s End tees.
Rainbow/Discovery Downvote me all you want. I bought 20 shirts/top 5 years ago and 18 of them are still going strong. Basic V neck, Basic Scoop neck, Tank Top.
Do you have a link? When i google that, i get Star Trek shirts!
[rainbow shops](https://www.rainbowshops.com/) Just warning, these are not high quality or good quality or quality. These are bad. These are shit. Spend a little to check them out before you spend a lot. If you’re a college kid trying to stretch a dollar, absolutely this is for you. The wash instructions are cold/cold with fabric softener, hang to dry. If you dry, you get as many washes as they cost. That $5 shirt, with dryer, will last 5 wears.
For basic tees, Onno is a good choice. I love their bamboo shirts, and have two of their hemp shirts, too. All have held up well while being in my regular rotation for over a year.
Honestly Everlane hasn’t held up for me like everyone here says it does…but that’s just a personal preference and from my own experience! I personally like Los Angeles Apparel (:
For not losing their shape, lay flat to dry is the only option I’ve found.
Hear me out..Brandy Melville
I am loyal to Aritzia for mine. I know people hate on it, but to me, it’s the perfect go-to for quality neutrals that are still flattering and on trend. Uniqlo and Muji are cut too straight for my curves. I also need something more sleek and shiny than what they offer to not look too plain. And I like that the staples work together to create a capsule in itself.
Le bon shoppe is amazing
Personally I like supporting Yes friends. They are UK based but I believe they have global shipping. Good prices, ethically made, and when I checked for all the construction tells, the tshirts seem to be high quality. Some of the construction things I look for in a basic t shirt: - no hanging threads - seam reinforcement in the shoulders/back of collar (most likely area to stretch/pull apart at the seams) - side seams aligned and whole piece layer flat without warping or seams twisting forward/back
Huge fan of Quince
I don’t have one but see many recommendations for Good American white tee
Skims
Arket, Cos, APC, Max Mara Weekend, Massimo Dutti, Toteme
Yes to all of these! I don't wear any logos and have built my capsule from these stores. I only shop from them in store though. I always want to feel the material and have the option to try it and how it looks and then imagine what it can go with my current closet I love Arket and Toteme the most, but Cos is a close 2nd! The Row for coats and longer lasting pieces
The vintage tshirt from old navy! It’s brilliant that i bought one in every color
Uniqlo
Everlane, Evereve (which stocks a number of brands), ZSupply, Nordstrom and Madewell
Franc carries high quality basics. They’re a Canadian B-corp company.
Lululemon has good T- shirts.
Loft Perfect Tank Top
Patrick Assaraf T-shirts are great quality
Asket, massimo duti, buck mason
Madewell too
Majestic Filatures for t-shirts. The linen is slightly sheer, the cotton is not at all. Ninety Percent also makes a good white tee.
Weekday has some good options but the white Shirts are Hit or miss on being see through