When it comes to great clothing basics, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect items. Whether it’s a pair of jeans that goes with absolutely anything, a jumpsuit that can be dressed up or down, or a jacket that can take me through every season, the shopper in me never sleeps. For the past few years, I’ve been spending $90 (yes, $90) on what I thought was the “perfect” basic T-shirt. I thought I had found the holy grail of T-shirts, so I kept repurchasing it year after year, even though my wallet screamed in protest. I recently decided to start looking for a better, more affordable option, and I stumbled upon an absolute gem: Old Navy’s Short-Sleeve UltraLite Cropped All-Day Rib-Knit T-Shirt ($12).
When I first received it in the mail, my expectations were definitely low. I’ve purchased a ton of basics over the last few months, and nothing has compared to my beloved high-priced T-shirt. However, as soon as I opened up my package, I knew this top was going to become one of the most worn items in my closet. The material is extremely soft and stretchy, and it feels way more expensive than it actually is. But the first time I tried it on is when I knew I needed to purchase it in more colors immediately.
This shirt is a ribbed-knit crew neck, with short sleeves and a cropped, curved shirttail hem. The curved hem instantly became one of my favorite features, because it gave the shirt a little something extra. The T-shirt’s cropped length went perfectly with the leggings I was wearing at the time, and when I tried it on with my high-waisted jeans, I knew I’d found the perfect outfit.
I’ve been styling these shirts with practically everything I own, but my favorite way to wear the gray color has been with a pair of jeans and sneakers. I’ve been styling the black T-shirt with trousers and a cropped leather jacket, and it’s made my outfit look so chic and put together.
When it comes to keeping these T-shirts in tip-top shape, I wash them on cold and toss them in the dryer. I’ve noticed that they are extremely durable: I haven’t had any issues with pilling, holes, or shrinking. They honestly look just as great as the first day I got them. I truly can’t believe how affordable they were — I’m fully ready to retire my expensive T-shirts in favor of these amazing ones from Old Navy.
As for sizing, I purchased mine in my usual XS and it fit perfectly, so I would say these run true to size. They come in sizes XS-4X, as well as regular, tall, and petite.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect basic T-shirt that looks great and won’t break the bank, do your closet a favor and grab one in every color before I buy them all.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Renee Rodriguez
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