Thrift Thursday 02: White T-Shirts

“White T-shirts are tough at resale, and I will happily pick up any tips you have on these,” is what

Tina Boetto

said in the comments a couple of weeks back.

Tina — whose taste, newsletter, and work I really like — gave me the perfect excuse to write this week’s Thrift Thursday. TY, Tina.

Last year, I did a whole white T-shirt post. It’s still a good one! I was inspired by a line from Fantastic Man (“warm blankness that we know and wear”) and the charm of Marlon Brando in a white tee. I listed my favorites (Leset, Pretties, Hanro, Re/Done x Hanes — and even The Row, which I found on eBay, obviously), and linked secondhand finds for almost all of them.

Before I forget, please help me understand: what is the deal with Brandy Melville? I’ve heard they’re basically “Brandy Hellville” — and I believe it — but why do their T-shirts fit me better than almost anything? I feel bad saying it! I’m sure they’re evil! Also, that store is… strange. I  felt deeply uncomfortable there. Is it all one size? It’s quite small. Why was I the oldest person in the shop? Why was I in the shop to begin with? 

Still buying my white tees secondhand. And yes, it’s still hard!! Very hit or miss — unless you:

1. Know what fit you want and find one that’s new with tags (NWT), or

2. Pester the seller until they swear on their life there are no yellow stains, no holes, no pilling, no mystery smell.

My most-worn ones right now are:

– Leset’s Margo
– A ribbed Re/Done (I dunno how I can find the one I have — I got it on resale)
– The baby tee from Pretties

Lately, I’ve been watching: Flore Flore, Gil Rodriguez, La Ligne.

Flore Flore really is beautiful quality — I’ll give them that. But I’m still not ready to spend €90 on a T-shirt. I continue to believe that the perfect one is waiting for us on Vinted Italy for €6.

Here’s a recent tee I got for €3 from Vinted (Italy). Cropped baby V-neck! How is it any worse than the Jill Flore Flore one for €95?

And this Colette one was mine till last week! But I gave it to HIM! Colette!!

I think that’s all for the intro — so below are my suggestions for you. Remember you can always send offers and please triple-check the condition before buying. Ask questions. Zoom in. Don’t trust “very good condition” blindly. You deserve a white tee that doesn’t betray you in sunlight.

1. Acne Studios — €40 (NWT)

2. Acne Studios 2 — €40 (NWT)

3. Pretties — €30 (the one I have; I’ve worn in three summers in a row)

4. Kule — €30 (in case you like it when your tees have words)

5. Sunspel (V-neck) — €40 (we love Sunspel)

6. There are one million options from Petit Bateau. I like this brand!

7. Oh, Filippa K is also very good! €30.

8. I love Hanro!!! This one is €8. This one is €22.

9. Wardrobe.NYC quality is very good! This one is €18.

10. Helmut Lang! New! €40! I have the same model in black — very flattering.

11. And here’s a Helmut Lang (unused) crew neck for €45.

12. And you can “impress your parents” for €60.

13. Here’s a “baby” tee for €3. Hurry! You can save loads instead of buying the Cou Cou intimates one.

14. Vintage tee meets polo! Oh, now I want it! €15.

15. Here’s one from Sandro. €20! Should I get it cause my brother’s name is Sandro?

16. Here’s a loose one from agnes b. for €30.

17. And here’s a nice cut from Jil Sander for €40.

18. And to end on an unsual note: an explicit Italian political t-shirt from the late 90s, €35.

Anything you like? Let me know! And if you found this helpful, you can always support me and offer me coffee.

P.S. Lately I’ve also been drawn to heather grey / melange T-shirts. They just… suit me better? Or they’re more forgiving. I don’t know. But if you want a grey tee list, I’ll make you one.

Have a good rest of the week,

Anni