This summer’s best T-shirt (just add leopard print)
Photos: Neil Mackenzie Matthews
T-shirt, fancy trews and Birkenstocks. Summer in the city, sorted.
There are days when the oversized cotton button-downs are left hanging and it’s time to bring out the best T-shirts. In the photo, I’m wearing the French Sleeve T-shirt from Muji. Obviously, it’s not on the Japanese brand’s notoriously rubbish website, so you’ll have to go in-store. Earlier this year, reports announced that the European arm of the Japanese retail company was going into administration and there would be a ‘planned strategic restructuring of the business’ but no shop closures. Fortunately, a deal has been secured and we can continue to buy stylish stationery and pared-down basics on the British high street. Perhaps the company might like to restructure its website. Now there’s an idea…
Anyhow. I’m into this easy-breezy T-shirt shape. The looser fit works well on hot summer days, and I like the French sleeve and higher neckline. The upper chest area always catches the sun and this is one way of protecting it. While I’m quite good at slapping SPF on my face these days, it’s easy to leave the neck and chest for fear of smudging cream all over your clothes – hence, that part of my body is now leopard print (speckled with dark spots), too.
Some retailers, such as Everlane, call this style an Organic Cotton Muscle Tee ( their design is very similar to Muji’s version), as is Me+Em’s Cotton Muscle Sweatshirt Tee, So, let’s go with Muscle Tee. It feels a bit misleading wearing one when my arm muscles are withering away – but no-one’s looking, I am too lazy to go to the gym and I gave up Arm Paranoia years ago.
Other noteworthy styles can be found at Vince where there’s a lovely Cap Sleeve Crew Neck T-shirt, Uniqlo has a pretty cool linen T-shirt ( there is a cotton French sleeve tee but it’s sold out online) and, slight variation on a theme, I quite like the look of Me+Em’s Sheer Draped Tank Top in chocolate brown. (Not sure why it’s called ‘ sheer’? It doesn’t look diaphonous). Oh and for classic T-shirts, Manhattan Brother introduced me to the American label Buck Mason when I was over in NYC. So, I’m gradually replacing my ancient stock of American Apparel tees, with the Slub Easy Crew in Faded Black.
And here I am in NYC wearing the Muji Muscle Tee with a linen skirt:
The Muscle Tee in NYC.
More tees, trews and comfy shoes. And don’t forget to check out all the new style updates in the SHOP.
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STYLE NOTES
First outfit: T-shirt from Muji. Leopard print trousers are a few years old from Jigsaw (similar HERE and HERE). My old Birkis.
Second outfit: T-shirt as above. Linen skirt from Ren London a few years ago. My new Birkenstocks. Some items are gifted.
Discussion (12 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
With regards leopard print I’ve got a tote bag not dissimilar to Ganni one, silk shirt, leggings in Olive but no trousers. I prefer on top half with neutral skirt or trousers. Leopard and olive green a good combination.
Sara says:
The New York photo is just lovely! Your look, combined with the street scene, pretty perfect. Good info re t-shirts, but can anyone recommend one that is not too tight in the body but with a narrower bottom edge? I like longer ones, worn untucked now that my middle is not what it was but I really dislike the bottom either dangling or voluminous. So pleased to read that you too, Alyson, have given up arm paranoia; at 73 I want to wear what is suitable for the weather and if it’s hot, bare arms. Mine are still skinny but have wrinkly bits that used not to be there. I’ve given up caring if it’s “suitable” to display them. If I look like an old crone, so be it! Style and comfort are not enemies and most definitely the former is not the province only of youth. Off to look for suitable t-shirts in the eternal hope for some summer – in the north west? Am I mad?
Tam says:
I have a couple of the Uniqlo airism drape t-shirts and think the fit is pretty similar to the one you describe. Not cotton but I find them comfortable & the crew neckline is (for me) that goldilocks fit – not too tight & not too loose!
Julie Hudson says:
I’ve just bought two lovely tees from Mint Velvet, down from £29 to £19.
About baring arms, I find just don’t wave to people and bat wings don’t waggle too much!Julie O says:
Thank you for bigging up Muji and I’m delighted they are not going out of business. I have four of these t-shirts in my wardrobe and they are perfect in weight and style. The French sleeve is such a good length. I’ve put all my friends on to them too, but agree that it’s easier if you can nip into a shop to buy.
I LOVE Muji! It’s brilliant for basics and I’m pleased the business-side of things is sorted, for the time being… (I’m always wary when this happens; everything crossed!)
apatontheback says:
Agree, thank you for the Muji seal of approval. Their tees are my absolute favorites (great for my narrow shoulders and the fabric is never see through). I bought that same t shirt while in Japan. Perhaps they will listen to you re improving their website… 🙂
Jenni says:
A Muji fan here, too. Not only are their t-shirts excellent but their linen shirts are cool and comfortable to wear, wash well and last for years.
Susanna says:
I tried the black T shirt (Uniqlo) with bright print wafty pants “look” yesterday and got so many positive comments. Felt very cool and yet covered too, on a hot day. Tomorrow I’ll give the T shirt and swishy skirt look a try, with my faithful Josef Siebel Tonga sandals (I swear, if they ever stop making these I will cut off my feet!). Thanks for the inspiration. The simplest dressing is best for high summer.
Kath A says:
I have the exact t-shirt in navy and black. They are on high rotation all year round here in Sydney. Im devastated that I splashed oil down the front of the navy one and cant get the stain completely out. 🙁
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Looking good Alyson as usual.
Like you I’m favouring higher neck t-shirts this summer. Want to keep the chest covered and not add to age spots. This also looks more modern I think as well as providing coverage. This spring I got some white ones with short sleeves from Jigsaw. Good to layer under big striped cotton shirts initially. Got another high necked more muscle shirt one in lemon yellow from Zara. Useful to layer under knitwear filling in neckline. Other good ones the Uniqlo U range in colours with a thick neckband and higher neck, these are excellent basics.