Wanted: Your Favorite Black Shirt
Posted on April 06, 2006 by Her and tagged consumption, spending
I want the perfect black shirt for spring. I have terrible luck with black shirts. They fade, shrink, pill and stretch. I’ve owned some that did all four. So this spring I am looking for your little black shirt referral. I live and shop in Chicago, so almost any brand is easily available to me. Here are my requirements:
• It must be long enough in the torso to flatter. I’m tired of pulling down my shirt every time I stand up. It should hit just below the hip, and I have a long torso.
• It should stay true to color. I am willing to dry clean but not hand wash. The sink is full of dishes and the last thing I need is a sweater on top.
• It should be made of a flattering fabric. Nothing slinky or clingy.
• It should have a nice neckline for work. My gazongas should stay neatly tucked away between 9 and 5.
• No shrinking or stretching allowed!
Can you recommend a favorite black shirt? It needs to be this season’s merchandise but one that you’ve already successfully worn, washed, and worn again. I’m looking for an honest recommendation for a product I can purchase this spring.
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I have this shirt from Banana. It's kind of expensive but I had a gift card. I've washed it 2x (gentle cycle, inside-out, cold water) and it looks good. here's the link: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5038&pid=362441&scid=362441012
American Apparel is my recommendation as well. I have a couple black shirts from there - they still look like new and I've had them a while. They're budget friendly too - about $15 -. There's a store on Armitage, west of Halsted!
Funny you should ask this today... I'm wearing my favorite black shirt! It's actually a 3/4 sleeved t-shirt, but it has a nice neckline and I wear it to work. I ordered it from LLBean (pima cotton, 3/4 sleeve, boatneck), and it was only $18. I also have it in white.
The Banana Republic shirt looks really nice too.
I apologize if this sounds critical. But shouldn't you be willing to handwash and not dry clean? One costs you money, the other costs you five minutes and wrinkly fingers if longer.
Imani | Apr 6, 2006
I just bought a nice v neck black shirt from Banana republic outlet with cap sleeves. It is very flattering under suits without the bulk of sleeves and provides a little more casual look with a suit. it is also a little longer so it wont ride up when you stand as well as it is very flattering. i wore it today and loved the look of it
Benjamin Bach | Apr 7, 2006
Too bad this wasn't posted by the self proclaimed metrosexual 'him.'
I just got a fantastic black t-shirt, only 99$, with the words La Dolce Jucy barely visible. Most comfortable t-shirt i've ever worn.
I am always on the quest for the perfect t-shirt. I am really picky about the torso length so american apparel's shirts are always short on me. I just got this style of black t-shirt from alternative apparel: http://www.alternativeapparel.com/default.aspx?ID=82&CategoryID=22&ProductID=192&Color=BK
Love it! is is long and the puffy sleeves are very cute. If you are looking for non puffy sleeves I also love the perfect T at the gap. The length is good and it doesn'ty fade and it is $14.00
$99 for a tshirt? I don't have a problem spending money, but $99 for a tshirt? Who cares if it's Juicy Couture?
Seriously - $99! I can think of a lot of things I would rather spend $99 on - I don't care how comfy it is!
I have to say that I'm surprised to see all the Banana Republic recommendations. I think their quality has really deteriorated over the past few years... to the point where I'd suggest getting an Old Navy black shirt and considering it disposable after the season.
But don't tell my mom, she bought be a nice black shirt from Banana this season. Their site is down for maintenance right now so I can't see if its the same one other folks like. Good luck!
If you're looking for T shirts, I like the one I have from American Apparel.
Benjamin,
Since I am the metrosexual, I already know what shirts fit me the best. For the record, it is the MX Shirts from Express Men. Bought only on sale of course the day after Thanksgiving for $25.
Although, if I had "gazongas" then I'd think finding the perfect shirt would be tougher.
For perfect black t-shirts, I have two that I recommend. SOmeone else mentioned The Gap's perfect T, and I love it. It's tagless, and that's a bonus. It's lightweight and very comfortable. Another alternative is Levi's. It has a tag, but it's Levi's...
Mo | Apr 14, 2006
Unfortunately, I'm still searching for that perfect T, but I have to disagree with all the American Apparel suggestions. I love the idea of them, but their quality just isn't there. I got one black tee from them a couple of years ago, and not only did it shrink up and in, it faded and got stiff with regular washing. Then last year I bought another shirt (the softer, thinner cotten they now use for girl's shirts), and while more comfy, it fell apart almost immediately. I'm about to get a shirt from Bella, so we'll see if that's better.
jen | Apr 14, 2006
unfortunately, I will disagree with Joshua K and tell you that the Gap perfect Ts do fade. though I still wear mine, it's no longer really black. this, I believe, is the most frequent problem with the perfect black shirt. good luck, and i'll keep checking back to see if you find a good answer. :)
laura | Apr 14, 2006
i'm going to recommend a different black shirt...but from banana republic.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5033&pid=389622&scid=389622022
the length is perfect, it's great material... best purchase yet this spring.
Miranda | Apr 15, 2006
Another BR rec - I have a men's black T (bought it in X-Small) and have been very happy with it. No fading and, because it's a men's shirt, it's a bit longer than the average women's T. I don't ever have to tug it down. Layers nicely.
I have been happy with my American Apparel shirts except for the fit. The "small" size fits me fine everywhere except the chest. As I don't have much to offer in the, ahem, gazonga department this is a surprise to me.
Brenda | Apr 15, 2006
Caslon from Nordstrom. Not 100% cotton (microfiber blend?), shaped to flatter women, not juniors. Lots of styles. Gap is now selling shirts in the same fabric, not sure what the blend is, but it's kind of buttery. It's not "perfect T", it's something else. Sorry, at a loss for the name.
American Apparel kind of sucks, IMHO. Quality sucks, fit is for teenage girls. The ones I do have don't last long. Try the other reccos.
Mariah | May 24, 2006
I don't know if anybody is still following this thread, but I read a long time ago that if you throw a bit of regular table salt into the washer with your dark clothing, it prevents clothing from fading. I've been doing it for some time, and I think it might be working. Just a suggestion. :)
Cap | Apr 6, 2006
American Apparel makes decent shirts for okay prices. There's a few location in Chicago so you can head there and try out the few selections, or just buy online.
I duno, they're okay w/ me but I'm a guy so my standards may be a bit lower.
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