Today I’m excited to talk more about Wardrobe Essentials. You already know I love quality over quantity and investing in classic pieces that will last years to come. Everyone needs a basic tee and today I will discuss Wardrobe Essentials: Best Basic Tees.
A basic tee is essential and I have tried several brands over the years to find my favorites. Today I will compare 3 brands of basic tees – FIGS Tees comparison to J. Crew & Madewell. Let’s go through and compare each basic tee…
Note: This is not a sponsored post; all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links; full disclosures HERE.
Outfit: Madewell Tee XXS + Banana Republic Jeans Size 24P + Vince Camuto Franell Booties Size 6 (my review HERE) + Baublebar Slim Pendant Necklace
All Tees: Style
- V-Neck Style: I love the V-Neck style for my basic tees – this is a personal choice though and there are other neck lines that work very well with basic tees
- Find the style that works well for you
- Other style options include a regular neckline or a scoopneck
- Options: Regular neckline or Scoopneck
- Price range is very similar on all 3 brands – I would expect to pay ~$20-30 for for basic tee that is high-quality and made to last for years
Madewell Tee:
- Petite-friendly fit – the XXS size does fit well
- Medium-weight fabric – the fabric weight is in-between the J. Crew vintage cotton tee and FIGS super soft tee
- Pocket – the pocket on the chest is unique to this Madewell tee. I personally don’t care either way if there is a pocket since I don’t use it functionally to store anything but I do think it does alter the style depending on what color tee you decide on – I notice the pocket standing out more on the blush pink colored tee for example
Baby Alpaca Waffle Knit Infinity Scarf Wine c/o (my review HERE) or How to Wear an Infinity Scare Video HERE
J. Crew Vintage Cotton Tee:
- Vintage Cotton:
- I chose this style over the Tissue Tee because I felt the fabric was very thin with the tissue tee
- I would say the vintage cotton fabric is the thinnest fabric of the 3 tees I’m discussing today though – I highly recommend placing the tee in a delicate laundry bag before machine washing (I also wash on delicate cycle, cold water) & hang dry or low heat drying
- Why do I love J. Crew tees?
- Form fitting
- A LOT of color options – the most color options of any tee I’m comparing today
- Petite-sizing available – I actually did not purchase petite-sizing in my J. Crew vintage cotton tees but it is available (unfortunately in less color options but hopefully that changes in the future!)
Outfit: J. Crew Vintage Cottone Tee XXS + Banana Republic Jeans Size 24P + Vince Camuto Franell Booties Size 6 (my review HERE)
FIGS Super-soft Tee:
Click to redeem FIGS coupon code via this link: 20% off Code “FIGSxSCRIPT”
*Update: I have multiple posts & videos showcasing FIGS. Click here to read other topics:
- *New Update on Quality One-Year Later!
- FIGS Scrubs post + Video Version
- FIGS Jogger Pant Video from IG Stories
- FIGS Rafaela Top & Pant Video
- *New Healthcare/Pharmacist Focused Website: Find Your Script
- I first introduced this tee in my FIGS Lifewear Review
- I have personally worn both my tee and longsleeve tee several times both on casual days running errands and to work as a business casual top paired with a more professional jacket over it
- Why do I love FIGS tees?
- Super soft
- Neutral color options
- Machine washable and washes well
- Loose fitting – it’s not meant to be form fitting
- Cut helps with breathability & moveability either at work or at home
- How does it compare to Madewell & J. Crew?
- Looser fitting – drapey to easily tuck in or leave out
- Softer material
- No pockets
- Similar classic color options – limited to white, black, grey
- The white color was more see-through so I did add a camisole underneath for these photos – my favorite one from LOFT
- I also showcased this super soft longsleeve tee with my first FIGS Scrubs Review
Outfit: FIGS shortsleeve XS c/o + Banana Republic Jeans Size 24P + Vince Camuto Peera Booties Size 6 (borrowed from sister)
What is your favorite basic tee? Let me know in the comments please! And be sure to check out the Valentine’s Day Giveaway for $1000 Nordstrom gift card – highlighting other amazing style bloggers HERE.
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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.