Poll Results: T-Shirts and Suits Go Together Like a Horse and Carriage
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Looking for the best work-appropriate T-shirts? As of 2025, some of our favorite dressy T-shirts for work are from Amazon Essentials, Theory, Everlane, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Nic + Zoe, and Vince — also check our posts on opaque white tees and the best plus-size tees for work!
Last week, we asked whether t-shirts could be worn under suits — and if so, if they needed to be fancy.
{related: stylish tops for under suits}
As always, the poll continues, but the initial results are in:
– 55% said a simple, classic, and mundane t-shirt was fine to wear under a suit (similar to the one pictured)
– 34% said it should be a little fancy — satin detailing, a nice fabric, a rich color, etc.
– 5% said it made no difference what kind of t-shirt as long as the suit buttons up
– 3% said t-shirts weren't acceptable to wear beneath suits, ever.
Some of our favorite t-shirts for layering at the office include these:
Looking for the best work-appropriate T-shirts? As of 2025, some of our favorite dressy T-shirts for work are from Amazon Essentials, Theory, Everlane, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Nic + Zoe, and Vince — also check our posts on opaque white tees and the best plus-size tees for work!
{related: how to elevate a simple t-shirt}
Just hunting for a basic weekend tee? These are some of our favorites (there is some overlap, but in general they're looser and have more casual details such as pockets and shirttail hems…)
As of 2024, some of the best weekend women's t-shirts include Caslon, Madewell, Amazon Essentials, Fishers Finery, New Day, Rag & Bone, Frame, Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, James Perse, and Velvet.
Oh please, oh please, someone tell me where to buy short sleeve t shirts (to protect my suits from underarm sweat) with a low scoopneck (to not distract from the suit jacket) in a fine, flat weave (to lay flat against my jacket) in a plethora of colors (to match my suits.)
Kind of like Armani’s gorgeous t shirts, but for much, much less than $400 apiece.
I have some Tahari T Shirts that would fit the bill, but I got them rather randomly on a shopping trip. But try to look for the brand — they don’t pile or stretch in the wash and they’re high enough to cover but low enough to not distract, as you say.
Theory. Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, they are the best t-shirts (actually I love ALL their stuff); kind of expensive (but not $400).
I completely agree, i actually just found a couple of basic Theory shirts for about $25 at Off 5th, and am always wearing them – just saw the same shirt on neimanmarcus.com for 75 so you can definitely find ones at a discount!
Eddie Bauer scoopneck tees are incredible, and come in a huge array of colors. They also do a 3/4 sleeve in the same style.
I picked one up at Anne Taylor Tuesday. It is a thicker weave, so it looks a bit more sweater like than Tshirt like – but the style is as you described. I think it was on sale for $20, so it probably retailed for 35ish?
Cheap great short and 3/4 sleeve tees in great bold colors from Eddie Bauer
Michael Stars
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=20768&N=1200068&pCategoryId=3939&categoryId=3839&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_3839&loc=TN&defaultColor=Pond&defaultSizeType=Regular
BCBG makes some great cotton t-shirts in very rich colors. The cut is also incredibly flattering, so I love to wear them when I’m meeting someone after work and can show off the shirt without the suit jacket covering it up! I have gotten a few at their outlets for about $30 each. I think they retail closer to $80, though. Another low budget option: Express occasionally has some great cotton shirts. You can only wear them a few times under the suit – they have to brand new to look nice enough, in my opinion – but they are super-soft and make for great sleep shirts once you retire them! I really love the colors. On that note, I think Express makes the best spaghetti-strap tops as well – nice material that gives you some support and is long enough to easily tuck into your skirt.
If I may ask, where have you found BCBG outlets? Would you happen to know of any in the NYC area, by any chance?
The ones that I have been to are in TX – the Tanger Outlet Malls in San Marcos and Round Rock. You can find locations at their website: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/; looks like there are two in NY, though none in NYC.
Thanks for the information! It looks like the Deer Park, NY location is pretty close to me AND they have a kate spade store! Now I just have to plan the outing… :)
If I may ask, where have you found BCBG outlets? Do you know of any in the NYC area, by any chance?
Plain Jane T-shirts under suits in spring or summer are just the best and great looking. ( Don’t muck up the look w/any jewelry!). The Gap, Banana and J.Crew are my pet sources, but I pick up things on sale @ dept. stores too.