I actually prefer a linen tee: they just hang better than their cotton or cotton-blend counterparts, in my opinion, and I like that they’re usually a little bit sheer (sometimes the white ones can be more than a little sheer, so steer away from white if that isn’t your thing). And they’re cooler in the summer months, too. Linen tees often cost a little bit more, but I’ve managed to find some cheapish options, as well as a couple of more splurgy ones. This scoopneck number from Everlane is near the top of my list.
And I really dig the yellow micro-stripes here, and the slightly longer sleeves and drop shoulder too. It’s also the cheapest one I found.
J. Crew’s V-neck pocket tee comes in a multitude of colors, so if you’re a V-neck tee devotee, here’s where to stock up. Also, it is available in sizes up to 3X.
This crewneck is about as satisfyingly straightforward as it gets.
And this magenta tee has a nice, collarbone-revealing neckline, which is good for those of you who, like me, must always reveal their collarbones.
The roll-cuff sleeves here would be quite arm-flattering.
Meanwhile, I like that the flutter sleeve on this tee isn’t overly fluttery.
And finally: a cute and tomboyish option.
I just ordered that mustardy striped one. It looks great, hangs perfectly, but so itchy! Is it just me? I always find linen too itchy to wear next to skin. I thought I’d try again, maybe it would be different this time (can one be codependent over a fabric?) but, no. What gives? Does it get less itchy after you wash it, or is it just my skin?
I can’t believe I know the answer to this! In a different life, I was a posh shop girl in a fine linen shop selling Italian sheets and French tablecloths. (Side note: if you can afford it-I can’t-get-Sferra sheets in the Celeste line.) You are not imagining it, but there’s a happy ending to this. Linen is special as a fiber in that it starts out stiff, but fluffs out with age. Antique sheets made of linen are some of the most velvet-y ones you’ll ever feel. So, maybe, while your linen stuff is new, either a) wear s camisole underneath or b) don’t wear while it’s new, but wash it with your other delicates each week until it reaches a softer stage. Personally, I’ve noticed that the more nubby linen seems to yield to more softness down the road, but that may just be me.
Thanks! I’m going to take this as an experiment and see how many weeks of washing it takes for the shirt to be good to go 😉
Not just you, I find linen Ts itchy, too. I use liquid fabric softener when I wash them, which helps. Not sure if that’s a no-no in the world of linen care, but it makes them wearable for me.
If I get near a J Crew store soon I may try on the roll sleeve (yellow one) in blue. Unfortunately that v-neck looks way too low cut and the pocket is illogical. However the idea of linen has appeal. Also love the happy colors.
Banana Republic has a v-neck linen tee, no pocket, on sale for about $20 in a bunch of colors and it’s pretty nice. I just got a white one. Although, tbh, I still really really love the cotton v-neck pocket tee from Madewell for comfort, which I have in four colors and going for five…
Also, a friend recommends Garnet Hill’s linen tunic, from flax grown in France, and Maine’s South Street Linen, which is not too sheer or too heavy.
Thanks for the hot tips!
I totally have a thing for linen tees – love the drape, the softness, and the slight sheerness which can really be kind of sexy. In my experience they do tend to shrink a fair bit with the first wash, so I often will size up. Actually already own two from this list – the Everlane and the Jcrew roll sleeve. I have also found some pretty good ones at Pure Collection and Ann Taylor.
I have that J Crew v-neck in a couple of colors from a few years ago, and the V-neck is not as low as it looks there, though who knows, they could have changed the cut. I think they did redesign all their t-shirts at some point recently. Anyway, the ones I have are great!
I do not own a single white T shirt although I long for one….because I need it to be opaque. I am just too self conscious to have my big old bra showing through. I would SO appreciate it if you could steer me towards one. Plain white, no pockets or other fussy details. Thanks!
I love a linen tee. And, I agree, linen seems to keep one cooler and also seems to hold up better in warmer, more humid climes. I find myself hankering for not only the black tee from & Other Stories, but the weird camo pants it is shown with….hide my credit card!!
Those camo pants are great! The cut is excellent and the print doesn’t look too military or like you found them at Cabela’s.
I tried to order both the tee and the camo pants (so glad to read your comment!), but the site would not let me put in a different billing address. I’ll try again later and call if it continues to not work. No doubt I’m doing something wrong rather than being a site issue. Oy and Egad!
FYI, & Other Stories stuff tends to run small, so I sometimes order pants in two sizes.
I love a good linen tee for summer. As long as they wash up well and don’t lose their shape. J Crew is my staple.