5 Basic T-Shirt Styles To Add To Your Closet Now

Mid-summer is the perfect time to add some basic t-shirt styles to your closet. With back-to-school and fall merchandise arriving in stores already, you’ll find that most summer pieces are marked down. Replace your stained, stretched-out, and shrunk-in-the-wash t-shirts with some fresh ones. Wear them now with your favorite shorts, and later with jeans and a cozy cardigan. Need some help shopping? These are 5 of my favorite basic t-shirt styles…

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Basic White T-Shirt Styles

I’m always on the lookout for clean white basic t-shirts that are slightly shaped (curved on the sides) and not too see-through.

I’m wearing the Supima Cotton V-neck t-shirt from Banana Republic in XS. I really like the fabric and weight of it. It’s soft but doesn’t cling. it’s lightweight but not see-through. Unfortunately, it felt a little too long and narrow on me (I’m just under 5’4″ and 123lbs), but if you’re taller, it might be the perfect white t-shirt for you!

If you don’t mind a little sheerness, one of my favorite v-neck t-shirts is Madewell’s Whisper Cotton V-Neck Cotton Tee.

Amazon has some very affordable 100% cotton options in both v-neck and crewneck.

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I just discovered For Days, a sustainable clothing brand that has some innovative programs to help you reduce waste.

1. Their Trial Kit allows you to try out 5 items for a small deposit (which you can apply to what you keep.)
2. You can send back your worn For Days t-shirts, and receive a discount on new purchases.
3. If you don’t have any clothing from For Days, you can buy a Take Back Bag and fill it with (clean) clothes from other brands. They’ll make sure those clothes don’t end up in the landfill.

Eyelet Trim T-shirts

If you’re looking for something just a little more feminine than a basic t-shirt style, try an eyelet trimmed tee.

I’m wearing Banana Republic’s Eyelet Ruffle Trim t-shirt. I love this style, but the straight shape and hip-length didn’t suit my pear-shaped figure. I think it would be adorable on someone taller.

J.Crew has an Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Slub T-Shirt that’s on sale right now.

If you prefer a more subtle touch of eyelet, take a look at LOFT’s Eyelet Ruffle Sleeve V-Neck t-shirt.

High-neck Tank

I was really excited to see some higher necklines in tank tops this year, as the traditional scoop neck tanks are often too low-cut on me. (For reference, I’m just under 5’4″ with a shorter torso and longer legs.)

I’m wearing Everlane’s Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank in XS. It’s soft, fitted, and not at all see-through.

LOFT has a similar Halter Outfit-Making Tank that comes in 7 beautiful colors.

Cropped T-shirts

I used to put cropped t-shirts into the “too young” category (along with denim cut-offs and mini-skirts) but I’ve found some really cute over-40 friendly versions.

I’m wearing Everlane’s Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee in Pale Pink (XS). It measures 21″ from the high point shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the ribbed neck) to hem.

Athleta’s Organic Daily Cropped t-shirt is similar.

For a slightly longer (21 3/4″) cropped top with a romantic flair, take a look at LOFT’s Puff Sleeve Cropped Statement Tee.

Athleisure Tops And Tanks

There are two tank styles that I am seeing everywhere: 1) the open-back tie-back tank style and 2) the front twist tank.

So, I was quite excited to see something different: Athleta’s Organic Daily Bungee Bungee tank which has a cute drawstring detail in the back. (You may have also seen it in my post How To Buy Running Shoes.)

I also always keep a lookout for Lululemon markdowns, as their quality is amazing. I have several tops and leggings from years ago, that have held their shape and still look great. Look for their We Made Too Much menu online (which is their way of saying sale). If you’re new to Lululemon, you’ll need to size up a few sizes. I wear 6 (for most clothing I wear a 2 or 4.)

Let me know your favorite places to shop for basics!

More style inspiration…