Spring is Here - Bring Out the Tees!

April 01, 2016

As you know by now, I'm a fan of tees - remember the post, Sporting a Tee for Any Occasion. Now, with spring upon us, it's the perfect time to pull out the tees once again. Yet, as I have discovered, not all tees are created equal. In turn, here are five features to look at and questions to ask yourself to help you pick the perfect tee.

Neckline - Are you more of a v neck or crew neck or boat neck person? If you aren't sure, keep in mind what you are wearing it with. Yes, even with a tee. For example, if you are wearing shorts, maybe you want a crew. On the other hand, if you are wearing jeans, maybe it's a v neck that will work best - remember, it's all about balance.
Hand - How does the material feel? The tee should feel like a second skin; it shouldn't be itchy or scratchy or uncomfortable. Simply put, the tee should be the last thing on your mind.
Fabric - What material was used to make the tee? Although we often think of a standard cotton tee, there are so many options available, such as modal - which is a soft, silky fabric. Be open to trying new fabrics, as different fabrics can take a tee from what you wear during your downtime to what you wear out on the town. And yes, remember tees can be dressed up.
Stretch & Cling - Although a tee is a knit and will have stretch, the degree can vary. Now, how do you like your stretch? One way to answer this is to think of cling. When trying on the shirt, how does it hang? Does it cling to your trunk or offer a looser fit? Which do you feel most comfortable with? Are you catching yourself tugging at the tee to stretch it out? Again, a well-fitting tee should be clothing that is your go-to and shouldn't need to be tugged or pulled once on.
Length - Can you raise your arms without worrying about your hem creeping up? Simply put, can you move freely and be comfortable? A tee should hit you at the right spot on your body that is flattering and allows you to be you. It should allow enough length where it can be tucked in, if you prefer, or to leave out. Or, be the appropriate length to wear under a sweater, for example.