T-shirt and Basics Brands That Suck, and Others That Don't

Photo via victoriassecret.com.

Whether you choose to dress it up or dress it down, the basic tee, top or tank is essential. Basics are the foundation for almost every outfit. There are few things I love more than styling over an easy, comfy tee. Thus, it aggravates me when a brand's fabric quality sucks. It especially irritates when these sucky tees are branded to be larger-than-life but cannot even survive a delicate wash. Here are a couple of the t-shirt and basics brands that prove faulty and tho who have garnered my loyalty:

T-Shirt Brands That Suck

Photo via victoriassecret.com.

Victoria's Secret - I have a love-hate relationship with Victoria's Secret. I had the pleasure of meeting Alassandra Ambrosio last year, got a lot of free goodies at the press event (which have lasted me to this day) and love their primer and bras. Then I read an article claiming VS tosses all their unworn, returned merchandise and found out (from a makeup artist) that VS discontinued their foundation (which I loved) because a chemical in it caused damage to your skin. Victoria's Secret always leaves me torn. Despite these factors, when their bright, Essential V-neck tees hit the market, I was instantly attracted. I purchased two, wore and delicate washed each twice. These two washes were apparently enough to create holes in the fabric. Shame, because they were quite comfy. My bright tees are now used for sleeping and sweating.

GAP - I adore teal hues and those who know me, know this. A very good friend of mine bought me a loose, crop top from GAP for Christmas in the very teal color I obsess over. I loved it. As usual, I delicate washed it and was ecstatic to see no fuzzies had emerged. This feeling was almost instantly subdued by flaming disappointment when I noticed two holes in the fabric. I still love the color so much I'm trying to come up with a DIY project the remaining fabric.

T-Shirt Brands That Don't Suck
For two of three brands in this category, paying more for a basic proves to be necessary.


Banana Republic - Banana Republic is by far my favorite brand for basics. I have owned three separate tanks from BR for over two years and they still look brand new. Not a single fuzzy or tear has emerged on my beloved tops. (SN: The Republic is also home to my favorite pair of jeans that are just as old, but still get complimented on. If you are a tee and jeans kind of girl, this is a match made in heaven.) Banana and GAP may be under the same parent company, but their basics are definitely not made with the same attention to detail.

Photo via target.com.

Missimo at Target - I love the fit of Target's tanks and tees; when they are on sale (like right now for $5), this love turns into obsession. Despite the low price point, these basics last longer than most. Even if they start to wear after a handful of washes, I don't mind because the cost-per-wear is so low.

Kenneth Cole - I picked up a basic, fitted white Kenneth Cole tee at TJ Max for $15 about six months ago and I still wear it all the time. The quality is good enough to dress up and then stand alone when I dress down. I liked my Kenneth Cole tee so much I picked up another one as soon as I found it again. The only thing that gets tricky is the neck line, which starts to bunch after a few washes. Still, it's nothing a quick steam can't fix.


Got any brands I missed? Feel free to comment below. I'm always looking for a good find!

Luv,

Li