FashBlog.com

In my dresser drawer, I have four white tee shirts. They were originally from the little boys' department, and were bought together in a cellophane package. These tee shirts have been stained and bleached and stained again, and they're pretty much at the point where they can't be worn in public anymore. But on days like today, when I have nowhere to be and nothing to do except sit at home, get some work done and maybe clean the house a little- on days like today, these white tee shirts are the single most comfortable things I can imagine.

I'm not sure if there's any item of clothing that I love quite as much as a white tee shirt. Paired with a flowing peasant skirt, casual sandals and a few beaded necklaces, a slim-fitted white tee shirt can make an effortless outfit. If you have something in your wardrobe that is difficult to match- such as, for example, beige and red plaid pants or a brilliant turquoise skirt- then a white tee shirt is by far the best way to turn those single pieces into functional outfits.

White tee shirts are also great for those situations where you need something to wear underneath something else. I own a few nylon tops that are slightly see-through, and putting a white tee shirt underneath not only keeps them modest, it also creates a casual, contemporary layered look. White tee shirts also work great beneath cardigans or pull-over sweaters; that extra layer helps keep you warm while keeping the texture of the sweater away from your skin.

Finally, and this can't be discounted, the white tee shirt has the coolness factor. Like most people, when I see a guy in a white tee shirt and jeans I'm immediately reminded of James Dean, with his black leather jacket slung over one shoulder and a pack of cigarettes rolled into one sleeve. When my boyfriend wears a white tee shirt, he immediately looks tan and healthy and absolutely amazing.

It's funny that I can't wear white in any other situations. I have a few white blouses and tops, and somehow they always manage to make me look washed out and a few pounds heavier than I actually am. White tee shirts, on the other hand, have a fresh cool look that makes natural skin tones glow.

If you love white tee shirts as much as I do, you're probably already aware of how easily they can be worked into any wardrobe combination, and how comfortable and easy to wear they are. If you're new to the idea of white tee shirts, it's time to find some good ones. So where do you look?

First of all, all white tee shirts are not created equal. Don't buy a tee shirt that feels like tissue paper; all it will do is show your bra and develop holes the first time you wash it. At the same time, don't choose a shirt that is made of extra-heavy cotton, as those tend not to breathe very well, and even after multiple washes they don't conform to your shape as well as they should. The single best texture for white tee shirts I've found are the kind that come in multi-packs and that are made from 100% cotton. You can probably find them in the women's department; they're also sold in men's and children's. You may have to experiment a little to find the tee shirts you like best, since there are a few different brands (such as Fruit of the Loom and Hanes). For best testing results, try a pack from each department, since you'll find that women's shirts are cut slightly differently than men's (I prefer the straight cut of the boy's shirts), and a child's large is a different size than a women's small.

Finding the perfect white tee shirts is a great way to expand your wardrobe exponentially. The fashion possibilities of a white tee are perfect for anyone and can fit into any lifestyle, be it casual or professional. Most importantly, having plenty of the right white tee shirts on hand will give you something to wear on those lazy days at home without feeling like you look like a slob. You'll feel great. Trust me.
-by bjp