Buy This Instead: The Row vs. Marine Layer
A white t-shirt is a closet staple that doesn't have to be fancy to be great.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, a well-fitting, crisp white t-shirt is one of the few wardrobe items I would consider a must-have. They’re so easy to pair with any number of garments and can be dressed up or down. This versatility is why it should come as no surprise that luxury brands are trying to sell t-shirts for hundreds of dollars that perform the same function as options available for a tenth of the price. If you’re gonna own one, why not the best one, right?
Don’t let this clever bit of marketing bamboozle you out of a big chunk of your paycheck): This is an item that’s simply not worth throwing out the budget for. Yes, there are a handful of steps to follow to help you find the best white t-shirt for your body type and style, but at the end of the day, you should still be able to eat.
If you love … The Row’s Cotton Wesler T-Shirt ($390)
Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen are a consistent source of sartorial inspiration for me. From their Full House days to their boho-chic era and now as the dynamic design duo behind uber-luxury brand The Row, I’m forever copying their outfits. That doesn’t mean, however, I can wrap my head around a white cotton t-shirt that costs almost $400. A white t-shirt should be easy to reach for and care for—can you imagine spilling something on one of these? This is a shirt for people with f*** you money and if that’s you, kudos. For the rest of us, I’ve got a better idea.
Buy … Marine Layer’s Easy Crew Tee ($45)
Marine Layer made their MIDDI debut back in the summer of 2021. What I love about this clothing brand is that their t-shirts require zero “break-in time.” Made from a cotton blend that is 50 percent recycled, they’re soft and comfortable from the first wear and only get better with repeated use and washing. I’ve owned the same stack of three for more than a year now and reach for them every week. They can be thrown in the washer, keep their shape and, best of all, they’re at a price point that may be higher than your superstore multipack but is still accessible, should I ruin one.
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