A classic white T-shirt is a basic staple. Like a little black dress, it's one of those wardrobe essentials that countless fashion editors and stylists recommend as a key piece to have in your closet.
Still, I've never been able to find a white T-shirt I truly loved. Most of the inexpensive ones I've picked up from fast-fashion retailers end up looking too sheer and shapeless after a wash or two. I wanted something high quality enough to pair with a blazer and trousers for work or throw on with straight-leg jeans and comfortable sneakers on the weekend.
Enter: NAADAM The Tee ($38). I've heard good things about the sustainable fashion brand's cashmere, so I was intrigued by its version of a simple cotton T-shirt. Keep reading for my review of NAADAM The Tee. Spoiler alert: I'm a fan.
What's the Criteria For a Good White T-Shirt?
A white T-shirt is endlessly versatile, so my ideal option would look equally good with everything from denim cutoffs to flowy maxi skirts to linen trousers. The material should be soft and comfortable, and most importantly, not see-through. A skin-tone bra shouldn't peek through the fabric.
To test NAADAM The Tee, I wore it with a few outfits for different occasions. First, I paired it with drawstring shorts for a sunny backyard barbecue. Later, I wore it to dinner with a pair of linen trousers, a belt, and sandals.
What I Like About NAADAM The Tee
From the minute the T-shirt arrived, I was struck by the quality of the fabric. On the product listing, NAADAM says the fabric is "made from cotton, feels like cashmere" - and they're not wrong. This T-shirt is so soft, it almost feels like microsuede. The softness combined with the heavier weight cotton really makes The Tee feel like a high-quality piece of clothing. The added heft of the fabric also keeps it from looking sheer.
NAADAM actually markets The Tee to both men and women and offers unisex sizing. The brand recommends women order one size down from their typical size for a relaxed, but slightly fitted feel. I ordered a size small instead of my usual medium, and felt it suited me well. The T-shirt fits boxy, creating a slightly retro look - especially when tucked in and belted. It added a slight '90s feel to my outfits, which felt on-trend in a subtle way.
Unlike a lot of other women's T-shirts on the market, The Tee is not cropped. As someone with a longer torso, I loved this cut. It was long enough to tuck into any pair of pants or skirt and was appropriate to wear to the office.
What to Consider Before Trying NAADAM The Tee
Before ordering NAADAM The Tee, consult the unisex size chart. I thought the brand's recommendation to size down from your usual size was spot on - a medium would have definitely fit oversize on me. While I loved the fuller length of The Tee, people with shorter torsos might find it a tad too long.
The organic cotton fabric also has slightly more heft than the material of typical T-shirts, but I actually preferred the heavier weight. It made the shirt feel more elevated and luxurious than a run-of-the-mill tee. That said, if you find yourself overheating easily in hot weather, you might want to reserve this T-shirt for cooler days.
Who NAADAM The Tee Is Best For
I'd recommend this T-shirt to anyone willing to spend a little more for a closet staple they'll wear over and over. It's well worth investing slightly more than average fast-fashion prices for a T-shirt this comfortable, soft, and high quality. I have no doubt that it will hold up over many washes and more than pull its weight in my closet. Those with shorter torsos might find it a bit too long, though.
Additional Details About NAADAM The Tee
- The Tee comes in seven neutral colors: white, ecru, sage, heather gray, fossil, navy, and black.
- It's available in unisex sizes from XXS to XXL.
- The brand recommends hand washing the The Tee in cold water and laying it flat to dry.
Where Is NAADAM The Tee Available?
You can order NAADAM The Tee ($38) on the brand's website.
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