You wear a good basic T-shirt more often than almost any other piece in your wardrobe. That makes it all the more worth taking a close look: at the neckline, the fit and the fabric. Here you'll find out what matters and see four shirts in action.
Cut and neckline
The crew neck is the classic. It looks calm, fits under jumpers and shirts and is the safest shirt for men. The V-neck visually lengthens the neck and upper body and looks particularly good under an open cardigan or blazer. When it comes to fit, you can choose between close-fitting, straight and relaxed. A close-fitting version is more practical for layering, a relaxed one for summer.
The fabric
Most basics are made from single jersey: thin, smooth and stretchy. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and without genetically modified seed. It is soft and breathable. Rib knit with TENCEL™ Modal feels smoother and sits closer to the body. If the label says GOTS, the rule is: with the "organic" label, at least 95 % of the fibres must come from organic farming; with "made with organic", at least 70 %. The certificate that applies to a shirt is shown in the "Production" tab on the product page.
Look 1 · Men, classic
White crew-neck shirt with jeans
White shirt, blue jeans, white trainers. That's all you need. When it gets cooler, add a denim jacket or a knitted jumper on top. A tip when buying: the shoulder seam should sit exactly on the shoulder bone.
Look 2 · Women, everyday
V-neck in a soft colour
A basic doesn't have to be white. A soft lilac or peach brings colour to your face and still goes with jeans, linen trousers or a skirt. Loosely tuck the front of the shirt into the waistband and the look instantly appears a little more polished.
Look 3 · Under a blazer or blouse
Rib shirt as a smooth base
A close-fitting rib shirt doesn't add bulk under a blazer or an open blouse. The blend of TENCEL™ Modal and organic cotton feels smooth. That makes it the ideal companion for layering.
Look 4 · For everyone
One shirt, two wardrobes
A unisex cut sits straight and a little looser. It goes with shorts in summer and under a hoodie in autumn, whoever wears it.
How to keep your shirt looking good for longer
- Turn inside out and wash with similar colours at a low temperature.
- No tumble dryer: cotton can shrink in it. Better to pull it into shape and dry it on a hanger.
- Wash white shirts separately so they don't turn grey.
You'll find all the details in our care instructions. You can read how organic cotton differs from conventional cotton in our material guide, and this article explains exactly what the GOTS label checks.
