The unsung hero of our working wardrobe is worth shouting about.
The more minimal a clothing item is, the more important is to nail the details. Nowhere is that edict more prescient than in the case of the humble T-shirt.
Sleeve length, cuff width, neckline, body fit, and fabric composition
The most basic of clothing garments is also the most versatile. Slotting in seamlessly with just about everything, whatever your line of work, there’s a T-shirt that you can wear for your daily grind.
Brushed cotton that feels almost suede-like under the touch provides a luxe contrast to this architecturally slouched construction. Drop shoulders and elbow grazing sleeves clearly signal this is oversized by intention.
With a graphic, but not busy, print you’ll get oodles of week and weekend wear from this long-lasting wardrobe staple. The soft round neck fits excellently along the collar and a classic t-shirt fit strikes the right balance between airy and structured.
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An example of attention to detail they design into their simple classics, Cos’ clean-cut tees are loved by Goldilocks shoppers (myself included) who value just-so proportions. Neatly shaped from full-bodied cotton they have subtle definition throughout and a hip grazing length especially suited to petite and shorter frames.
Flared, floaty sleeves are just one aspect of the exaggerated detailing that makes this Sunspel tee showpiece as well as a building block.
In times when comfort is key, but presentability can’t be spared, reach for cashmere. There’s relaxed elegance in every inch of this light yet cosy cut - from the classic crew neck down to the gently draped sleeves.
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Advertise with NZME.Finely ribbed in a manner that makes it eye-catching enough for solo wear, the slim fit of this charcoal beauty makes it the perfect style for under layering under sweaters, or blazers when you want a slightly more polished combination.
Available in white, grey, and black, this elevated scoop neck tee is a casebook example of how a few small tweaks can combine for a complete rework. While the body of this stretched cotton tee is slim and straightforward the dropped shoulders and wide sleeves add intriguing proportional tension. Keeping the focus up top, a narrowly plunged neckline provides plenty of landscape to play around with necklaces.
Pre-shrunk, hot wash safe and dryer tolerant, this slim-fit tee from Porter James Sports will stay that way. Ideal for those who prefer a tighter fit in the chest shoulders and arms.
A best-selling item from Kowtow’s core collection, the perfectly oversized and boxy fit of this classic allows an easy off-the-body wear, but the heavyweight organic cotton jersey construction ring-fences it from feeling untidy. Not a stripe fan? Never fear - the design is available in five other solid colourways.
For workplaces with tighter dress codes, consider instead shirting in a t-shirt cut. This swirled floral option, with a softly gathered neck and slightly flared edges, is just as breezy to wear.
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