Test Driving the Tees: Results
For the sake of apples-to-apples comparison, I limited the entries to versions of white, v-neck, short-sleeved cotton (and cotton + lycra) tees. I also limited my selections to what I was able to find currently available online. I ordered the Petites version when available, assuming that the regular sizing would have similar length and fit on someone of average height. I didn’t include the Talbots, Banana Republic or Gap tees, as I’d already described those here.
Ratings are in “femmes” from ♀ (yuk!) to ♀♀♀♀♀ (buy up as many of these as you can get your hands on!).
So without further ado, the results!
Caslon Cap Sleeve V-Neck from Nordstoms, $22.
Rating: ♀♀♀
Fabric: 100% Organic Cotton, light-to-medium bodied, very stretchy
Fit: Fitted, snug but not shrink-wrapped, good length – not too long
Construction: Hemmed sleeves and bottom, inset band at neck, tagless except for care tag.
Summary: If the fabric had been a little more substantial and opaque, I probably would have bought a couple of these, despite the cap sleeves (which are a bit longer than BR tees). The cut and fit are quite good, just a smidge too sheer and clingy pour moi. Younger and smaller-busted women might be fine with these.
Chico’s “Lakota” tee, $19.
Rating: ♀♀♀♀
Fabric: 98% cotton, 2% lycra. Very soft, good body, excellent opacity.
Fit: Very good. Skims the body, not baggy or too clingy, elbow sleeves, v-neck is slightly curved, hits above the bra line.
Construction: Hemmed sleeves and bottom, inset band at neck, tagless except for care tag.
Summary: If this had been just couple of inches shorter, I would have given it five ♀’s. For someone of average height it would probably be perfect, hitting right at the hipbone. Very nice tee!
Target Merona Ultimate Tee, $8.99.
Rating: ♀♀♀
Fabric: 100% cotton, very light, sheer
Fit: Fitted, not too snug. A little long, but not bad, sleeves are short, but longer than most cap sleeves.
Construction: Hemmed sleeves and bottom, inset band at neck, tagless except for care tag.
Summary: I guess for $8.99 one can’t expect substantial fabric. Encore, too sheer pour moi, but if you’re OK with a less opaque fabric, this tee would be a great value for the price, very comfortable and cool, well-made.
j.jill elbow sleeve v-neck, $26. (In the interest of full disclosure, the white tees were on backorder until sometime in July, so I ordered the next lightest available color, “crocus” which is a pale lavender.)
Rating: ♀♀
Fabric: 100% pima cotton, medium weight, soft body. If the white fabric is the same weight it would have medium opacity.
Fit: Relaxed, a bit long
Construction: Inset band at neck, wide inset band on sleeves, hemmed at bottom, tagless except for care tag. The shoulder/sleeve and neck/inset seams have visible stitching on the outside, giving this tee a very casual look.
Summary: I was disappointed with this tee, especially for the price (highest of all reviewed). It has the look of something much cheaper, and I’d be surprised if this tee holds its shape after a few wearings and washings. The color was pretty, though.
Ann Taylor, $19.50.
Rating: ♀♀♀
Fabric: 100% cotton, very slightly ribbed texture, medium opacity
Fit: Fitted, a bit clingy due fabric. On the longish side.
Construction: Hemmed sleeves and bottom, inset band at neck, tagless except for care tag.
Summary: A decent tee, well-constructed, fabric has a nice feel. Too clingy for my taste, but someone with less (ahem) padding might like this one.
Norma Kamali for Walmart Organic Cotton, $8. (Note: I posted a picture of the grey, as the white version on their website was indistinguishable from the background.)
Rating: ♀
Fabric: 100% cotton, flimsy, low opacity.
Fit: Baggy, long.
Construction: Inset band at neck, hemmed sleeves and bottom, tagless except for LARGE BLACK care tag.
Summary: For the quality and fit, you could probably buy three men’s undershirts for about the same price.
In general, it seems that almost everyone is cutting their tees longer and narrower than in prior seasons, and relying on clingy fabric for shape. The tees with higher opacity also have thicker and denser fabric, which may not be as cool in very warm and/or humid conditions.
For anyone looking for white summer tees, hope this helps!
~
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Great post! I hope you will continue ” road testing ” clothing items.
You’ve been so helpful that I went out and picked up some white v-necks from BR this weekend.
The Chico’s tee has the advantage of decent-length sleeves too. Thanks for the thoughtful comparison.
WOW! Super Shopper….great consumer report. If you like the Lakota remember what Imogen said in a recent post….we can always hem our shirts to the appropriate length. Oh, I cannot believe I am quoting Imogen. Guess she had more of an impact on me that I thought! Big Hugs,
Thank you for the comparison. I have been impressed with the Chico’s tees in the past, and the sleeve length is nice. I shall do some shopping.
I bought a bunch of beautifully printed tees at Ann Taylor this winter (at the outlet) and unfortunately they faded HORRIBLY after one cold wash. Obviously not a problem with the white, but I thought if anyone bought it, they might think of getting some colored ones too, and should know.
Truly a service to humanity! I guess I’ll have to check out Chico’s. I think the tees are on sale, btw.
I’m glad to see there are longer tees on the market. No one wants to see my midriff. Thanks for the post.
Thnaks for your diligence, Deja Pseu.
Miss J has tagged you with the 10 Honest Things meme. Ifn you feel liek playin’, instructions are on her blog.
I hate that stitching on the J.Jill tees too. I do wear their perfect tanks as layering pieces under sweaters and such, but I will not buy their other tees. They’re just too poorly made.
Excellent advice Pseu!
Chico’s looks good. I just bought a 3/4 sleeve, v-neck cotton tee at Coldwater Creeks and I really like it. Nice cotton, no “show through” of your bra. I’m going to Blog it tomorrow and if you don’t mind I’ll link your post.
Darla
Wow, I’d never have guessed that Chico’s would be the winner!
Thanks for your consumer advice. Does Chico’s only have tiny sizes? That is all I see on the site.
In Italy one often sees a cotton fibre called filo scozia (fil d’Écosse – I’ve never seen it called “Scottish thread” in English), very fine but densely woven. I believe it is a mercerised cotton made from long-fibred Egyptian cotton (there are cottons made elsewhere no that have similar fibre). It was much treasured there.
I love the v that has a slight curve, like an upside-down ogive arch. It is a very graceful form.
What will you do with the t-shirts you don’t like? Scarcely worth sending them back. Gifts to long tall friends, or to charity?
The cost can be a barrier to other test drives.
Julianne – I may, however the “returning” portion of the test is rather time consuming, so I may limit these to one per quarter. 😉
Frugal – Chico’s regularly has sales, I think.
materfamilias – glad to hear you found some that work for you. These are such an indispensable wardrobe item, I think.
Mindy – no midriff = good. However some of these hit at the top of my thighs = not good.
Duchesse – I know Chico’s gets a deservedly bad rap for their gaudy prints and other hokey designs, but some of their basic items are actually quite good.
L – I thought of that, but wasn’t willing to go there if I could find one that’s already the right length. To be continued…
Couture Allure – I used to buy some of their items 12-15 years ago, but did notice that the quality seems to be inconsistent, especially for the prices.
Mardel – I did buy a couple of these Chico’s tees in other colors, where the length is less apparent. I really like the feel and fit of them.
Darla – looking forward to reading your post. I’m always on the lookout for good 3/4 sleeves too!
Sal – me neither, but as the kids say, YMMV. What works for me (elbow sleeves, denser fabric) may be too “old lady” for someone else.
Rose – thanks for the warning. I hate it when pretty colors fade.
Miss Janey – I will give it my honestly best effort. 😀
Imogen – thanks! Did you ever find the white tee you were looking for?
Lagatta – actually Chico’s sizing isn’t all tiny. I wear a Chico’s 1 and I’m normally a US size 8-10. Size 2 is generally 12-14, and size 3 is 16-18 (US sizes). All of the tee’s have been returned. I’d be in a world of hurt without being able to return items that didn’t work!
I just saw 0 to 3 and thought tiny! No, those sizes aren’t tiny at all.
But indeed I was looking at dresses and skirts and rather taken aback by some of the styles. Fine if they can be avoided, and there are good quality basics.
Where are the ones with the SUPER low plunging necklines for moi? 😉
Because of you I am going to dare to walk into Chicos. Thank you for this public service!!!!
LBR – just try not to be blinded by the garish prints, keep eyes locked on the solid colors.
WendyB – Gap, Old Navy and American Apparel all seem to have a much deeper neckline. Good luck!
Thank you for proving that I am not losing my mind. I am neither long or lean and I live in very humid Austin sans T shirts at present!
Bang on about the J.Jill – love the sleeves but one wash and it’s baggy enough to wear only in bed.
What an awesome post! Thanks for doing all the hard work for us!
Wait! I need help with a bra that works with these tshirts! I can’t always hide the headlights with a jacket, especially when it’s 90+.