Buying guide for best T-shirts for women
There are few pieces of clothing in the world that are more versatile than a T-shirt. The classic tee is made of cotton. It has a simple design with a crew neckline and a boxy cut. These days, however, the T-shirt has been adapted into a number of styles, and they run the gamut from casual to dressy and everything in between.
Most T-shirts are now made of either high-quality cotton or cotton blends for better durability. There are a variety of necklines as well, including V-neck, scoop neck, and even square necklines. More recently, clothing brands have experimented with length, which now ranges from cropped to extra-long.
With so many T-shirt styles on the market today, you’re probably wondering which ones belong in your wardrobe.
Key considerations
Wardrobe essentials
T-shirts are largely considered wardrobe essentials. It’s easy to build an outfit around one, especially because they can be dressed up or down. What wearers like most about T-shirts, however, is that they’re usually the most comfortable tops you own. There are countless T-shirts on the market, and many women invest in more than one.
Plain white tees, for example, are considered a staple casual top. Some wearers invest in more than one type of white tee for different occasions. An V-neck tee, for example, looks great with a pair of jeans and casual shoes or sandals, while a plain white crew-neck tee pairs well with any type of athletic pants or shorts.
Neutral tees are also popular. Some women invest in a collection of T-shirts in neutral colors, including navy blue, gray, and black. Light-colored tees are popular for spring and summer months, while darker ones are typically worn in the fall and winter.
Designer T-shirts, as the name implies, are made by high-end brands. Some styles in this category are made with a unique blend that is ultra-soft. These tees are often cut into flattering silhouettes. While they cost more because of the label, only some of them are of significantly better quality than more affordable T-shirts.
Embellishments
Some T-shirts have decals, which are printed, or logos, which can be printed or sewn on.
Printed decals and logos are popular with branded athletic merchandise. They require special care because the print can deteriorate, crack, or fade. It’s recommended that you wash these T-shirts inside out in cold water. While they can be put in the dryer on the lowest heat setting, it’s better to hang them up to air-dry.
Sewn-on patches and embroidered logos are especially common on premium and designer T-shirts. The patches are usually found on one side of the chest or on the sleeves. Some tees have oversize patches that cover the front.
Care
One of the best ways to prolong the life of a much-loved T-shirt is to wash and care for it properly. As always, it’s best to follow the washing instructions printed on the label. Generally speaking, most all-cotton and cotton-blend tees can be washed and dried in machines.
However, keep in mind that cotton is always prone to shrinking. For that reason, consider washing T-shirts in cool water only. They can be hung to dry, which is an excellent line of defense against shrinking.
Because T-shirts wrinkle, many wearers iron them to get a crisp, clean finish. To keep things simple, most irons indicate which setting is best for cotton or cotton blends. If the tee has any decals, however, it’s best to avoid ironing these areas altogether.
If you love black T-shirts but find they fade quickly, consider investing in a black wash-and-dye kit to restore the color.
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Features
Materials
It used to be that the only material used for T-shirts was cotton. Today you can find a wide variety of cotton blends.
Cotton and polyester blends are the most common. The labels on these T-shirts indicate the percentage of each material in the blend. If you’d like a T-shirt that won’t shrink, opt for a blend that has at least 50% polyester.
Elastane or spandex is added to some cotton and polyester blends to add stretch. This helps the T-shirt retain its shape and in some styles accentuate certain areas. These blends are also less likely to fade.
Bamboo and cotton blends earn praise for being extremely absorbent and incredibly soft. There are a few cotton and bamboo T-shirts on the market. Many in this category are also sustainably made or ethically sourced.
Neckline
Crew: The most common neckline for T-shirts is the crew. It’s ribbed and has enough flexibility to slip over the head. One of the downsides of this neckline is that it eventually becomes overstretched and gives the tee a worn-out appearance.
V: This neckline is the second most popular option for T-shirts. It adds a touch of femininity by exposing some of the décolletage, making it simple to dress it up with a necklace. However, V-necks lack the versatility of crew necklines.
Scoop: A scoop neckline is best known for its lower cut and scoop-like shape. These tees tend to have a dressier appearance and work well for layering. Some scoop-neck T-shirts are cut lower than others, so try them on to see if they suit your preference.
Square: Square necklines have risen in popularity in recent years. Their unique geometric shape with sharp angles gives them contemporary appeal. However, they’re harder to find, and some can be too wide and expose bra straps.
Length
Traditionally, T-shirts extended to the top of the hip. More recently, clothing brands have experimented with a couple different lengths, with cropped and extra-long lengths being the most popular.
Cropped tees extend a few inches below the bust. They have a boxy cut and expose the belly. They’re considered a trendy option for athletic, casual, or sporty wear since they pair well with most bottoms.
Extra-long T-shirts extend well below the hips. They’re ideal for women with longer torsos who find regular T-shirts to be too short on them. Some styles in this category have “stay-put” designs to prevent them from rolling up or shifting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cotton is best known for being breathable, which is why 100% cotton tees are a popular choice for warm weather wear.
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T-shirt prices
No matter your budget, there’s a T-shirt that fits it. Tees range in price from $5 to $75, mostly depending on the quality.
Inexpensive: The most affordable T-shirts for women cost between $5 and $15. They’re usually 100% cotton, though there are some cotton blends in this range. Quality is hit-or-miss here, but these T-shirts are cheap enough to replace on a regular basis.
Mid-range: These T-shirts cost between $18 and $35 and include a variety of high-quality cotton styles as well as premium blends. They hold their shape well and will far outlast less expensive tees. Given the good quality and reasonable price, you’ll get the most bang for your buck in this price range.
Expensive: High-end and designer T-shirts cost between $40 and $75. Some styles in this bracket are made with better material blends and have an upscale appearance. However, other styles are no different than mid-range options, so more than anything you’re paying a premium for the label.
To save big on plain white tees, look for value packs. Some are sold in pairs, though deluxe sets may include as many as six.
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Tips
- Save old T-shirts to wear for dirty jobs. Even if they’re totally worn out, old T-shirts make great tops for chores like working in the yard. Products with bleaching agents discolor clothing, so there’s no need to ruin a nice T-shirt when you’re cleaning the house.
- Choose a larger size in all-cotton T-shirts. Because cotton is prone to shrinking, it’s a good idea to buy a slightly larger size, especially if you intend to put the tees in the dryer.
- Donate old T-shirts. Many animal shelters accept old T-shirts to line cages or to sew into pillows or beds for animals waiting for their forever homes.
FAQ
Q. What are the perks of buying tagless T-shirts?
A. Tagless T-shirts are a favorite among individuals with sensitive skin. The elimination of tags also means there’s no chance of chafing. Tagless tees also have a much smoother neckline and sit flat, especially around the back of the neck.
Q. What does it mean if a T-shirt uses “wick-away” fabric?
A. Wick-away fabric pulls sweat and moisture away from the body to help keep you cool. The material then allows the absorbed moisture to evaporate, which means you won’t get weighed down by a sweat-soaked T-shirt. As expected, wick-away fabric is a common feature in athletic tees.
Q. How long will a T-shirt last?
A. If it’s worn on a regular basis, such as a couple times per week, you might need to replace your T-shirt every 6 to 12 months. However, if it’s worn less frequently, you can get up to 36 months or more of wear out of a T-shirt. Cotton tees tend to have a much shorter lifespan than blended tees.
