They’re just so light, soft and—most importantly—layer-able, and I know some of you are wary of them because you can’t just throw them in the wash, but I steam them after wearing, and can go a lot longer between visits to the dry cleaners that way (also, a few of those I show here are machine-washable). I like this striped shirt because it looks as crisp as cotton, but hangs really nicely. It—and lots of the shirts here—come in several other colors, so do click through if you like the execution but not the hue.
A boatneck top that’d be great layered under a V-neck sweater.
This shirt is washable, and also has stretch, which is handy.
I always love blue and black together, and the print is so pleasingly graphic here.
An elegant band-collar shirt that’d elevate jeans and boots.
The tonal stripes here are a nice, subtle touch.
I especially like the pleated black on this shirt.
This three-quarter sleeve boatneck has a decidedly French feel.
A nice dark floral that’d be great peeking out from under a blazer.
This stretch silk tee is so versatile that I’m considering ordering it in multiple colors.
I like the elastic at the wrists here, and the cut is so flattering.
A band collar popover in a chic and versatile grey.
And finally, a silk cami is just a good thing to own: it keeps sheer tops from being too sheer, and is very sexy when paired with a slouchy cardigan, among other things.
I love silk shirts, sweaters, dresses – anything silk. I get mostly Equipment shirts, and have had no problem washing them with the machine set on gentle/cold water, hang to dry. This probably wouldn’t work for the shiny finishes, but silk is tough! For static, try wiping it down with a scent-free dryer sheet inside & out.
I love to wear a silk blouse tucked into jeans with boots as a put together casual go to. Great list of recommendations here – but don’t need a thing 🙁 – will wait until after Christmas sales and scour department store clearance racks.
Does anyone use dress shields? I bought some disposable ones a while back and didn’t use them much because they seemed a bit too big. I’ve always meant to get around to making some washable ones but sewing buttons drives me nuts.
Silk has been around as a textile for ages – well before the invention of dry cleaners! It’s a surprisingly durable textile. Just hand wash, hang to dry and iron using a press cloth and low heat. Dry cleaners beat clothes up unmercifully and use chemicals that are terrible for the environment.
Unfortunately, in my world, “just” hand wash is right up there with “just” get it tailored.
Eloise, I get you on the hand wash aspect, but with me, I usually just put the item in question in my Wacoal lingerie wash bag and wash it on the gentle cycle. With my silk scarves though, I use Soak no-rinse detergent. Soak is Canadian, by the way. It’s not enough that Canadians create raspberry Whippets and red-haired heroines in puffed sleeve dresses: Canadians also facilitate the laundering of sweaters and cherished Liberty of London scarves. Meanwhile, Q.Morgendorffer and his lovely wife are here, so off I go to partake of some fried shrimp po boys.
I love Soak, too, and use it to hand wash my beloved wool with leather trim sweater by Anna. I didn’t know it was a gift to the world from Canada, however. Add it to the list (Trebek may he RIP, YouTube videos by Heather Robertson, Montreal-style bagels) of Canadian things that made or make my life better.
I’d add bags from Some of the Parts and perfumes from Jazmine Serai to the list of good Canadian things.
Silk camisoles are the best, especially in winter under slightly itchy sweaters and as a non-clingy extra layer for both warmth and body temp control. I never get as sweaty when I wear them. I wash them in a mesh bag on the hand wash or delicate cycle in cold or tepid water with lingerie detergent, hang dry.
How do you handle the static situation? I dread silk shirts in the winter because I feel like everything is so dry that it’s an instant and uncomfortable staticky mess. Maybe it’s just me? 🙂 Any tips or tricks?
I love a silk shirt. Both the Everlane and the Quince shirts are right up my tomboy alley and both come in great colors. And a thank you to you and Jenn, Kim, for hosting last night. Always lovely to see GOACA “girls” and have a chat. And an additional Side Note: I found out this morning that Austin is fixing to go from Stage 3 to Stage 4 because of the spread of Omicron. Do stay safe, everyone!
Kim, Didn’t you recommend a small steamer some months back? First day after Booster and my body and brain are suffering. Don’t need it for travel but if it works well for home use I need it! Thanks!
I bought this one earlier this year on Kim’s recommendation. I haven’t traveled with it, yet, but works fine at home: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08N5LXQ4P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=girlofacertainag-1-bg-20
Lulu – Congrats on getting the booster. I got mine last Friday, so I can commiserate. The first 48 hours were not fun – but so worth it. Hang in there!
I love that Rails shirt a great deal.
I am wearing the silk Quince shirt right now… under a sweater. I started wearing my nice silk shirts under sweaters back in 2020, when I realized they were easy to hand wash (and I was trying to avoid laundromats), and have kept it up. That said, I’ve had no issues throwing the Quince shirt into the machine with regular Laundress detergent.
A thin Uniqlo heattech tee underneath adds warmth and a washable layer…so I don’t have to wash my silk shirts as often.