MY CATS SAY MEOW: The perfect white t-shirt

I think the *perfect* white t-shirt is the quintessential wardrobe staple. The appeal of this piece lies in its simplicity yet versatility, easily taking one from day to night to weekend.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect white t-shirt for many years now and for years I have not found it. Sure I have owned the odd white t-shirt, but it's never been perfect. In fact it's been far from perfect. Never would I dare to wear any of my white t-shirts to work, and on a few occasions just catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror wearing one of these t-shirts has resulted in swift outfit changes and the relegation of said t-shirt to the around-the-house-and-pyjamas drawer.

So what is the perfect white t-shirt (in my opinion)? I'm looking for a t-shirt of the perfect length - not too short and not too long. I would like the fabric to be a super soft cotton blend, with just the perfect amount of fluidity and drape. I want it to hang on my body so that it flatters. It cannot be too loose and it has to be a little nipped in at all the right places... but it cannot be clingy! I would like the neckline to be femininely scooped and not too casual. This is important if I am ever going to wear it to work. I might settle for a t-shirt with a breast pocket, but any other feature details such as prints, bows and ruching and it's going back on the rack. The sleeves? Don't even get me started about the sleeves... Most importantly though I want it to be reasonably priced, because after all it is JUST A T-SHIRT. Am I asking for too much?

Net-a-porter's selection of white t-shirts

Do you own what you consider to be the perfect white t-shirt?

If not, once you do find it (if you are looking), I suggest that you buy another and then also the same style in the black and the grey and the blue... at least.

12 comments:

Jenny Ærthøj Storm19 February 2012 at 03:00
I have one from Swedish brand Whyred, and it is in my opinion perfect, but it is not cotton(if thats what you are looking for). They make them a little oversized so I would recomend going down a size (if possible) you can see them here http://www.whyred.se/web/-/show-product/show-product.php?item=prod_prod-s1/349489&group=prod_prod_grp-s1/433.
Rose Amer19 February 2012 at 04:22
I quite like Gap tees and Petit Bateau ones too, but they're not 'perfect', alas...
Marcy19 February 2012 at 05:14
Hanes. Three. Pack. 'Nuff said. Love the blog- you articulate many of the things that I can't.
rachel19 February 2012 at 18:29
I just bought a Jac + Jack t-shirt in black and white, I think they're pretty perfect! Not too long and not too short, a lovely soft cotton and the perfect scoop neck. They're a little pricey for t-shirts but I think it's worth it, the perfect tee is so hard to find! x
mycatssaymeow19 February 2012 at 22:44
In my mind my white tee looks amazing... I would wear it if I could find it :)
lapindelune19 February 2012 at 22:55
I am so wary of spending on tshirts. The most perfect example in my own closet came from Toast.co.uk, whilst a £60 version from apc hasn't lived up to its price tag at all. Not sure if i could consider going further than this.......and I shudder at what The Row tee must cost! So true that it helps to buy in many colours, though! Sadly, my faves at the moment only come in black and white, when I desperately need navy and grey to complete my collection for summer.
Joy20 February 2012 at 13:28
i steal mine from my mom. they're calvin klein basic tees and they fit GREAT.