I couldn't live without a classic white shirt. So many great options and it's all about the fit. thank you! Though I'm one for making investment purchases and holding on to them forever, white shirts I replenish often and downgrade the old ones to beach or knocking around wear. Regardless of what you pay, white cotton will eventually yellow with wear.
So I have a question regarding white shirts. Am I the only one that gets yellow armpits after a few wears that cannot be washed out? I tried a lot of products promising not to damage clothing and they don't seem to work.
The aluminum in deodorant is what causes the yellow. Should come out with vinegar (either spot treat or add to wash). Also usually comes out if you dry clean
To prevent stains I wear undershirts. Numi has ones that are cut pretty low and come in a variety of sleeve lengths (+ cropped). I also wear the airism and heat tech undershirts from Uniqlo. That plus changing my deodorant (I use roll-on Certain Dri) and haven't dealt with armpit stains in quite some time.
I absolutely love all shirts, but struggle with styling them. For example, the Jil sander one looks amazing on you and you hiked up the bottom a bit by sticking your hand in your pocket. But obviously we can't have our hand in our pockets the whole time and half tucks don't always work, due to the fabric. Hopefully I'm making sense.
Love this! White shirts are my love language, and I write about them often throughout the fashion essay collection I am pitching book agents — they were like superhero capes, making me confident, in early years; they are oversized comforts, as parenting and aging took hold, in more recent times.
I have this white button down shirt from Ann Taylor from years back, and I don’t know exactly how to describe it—soft? a little flowy? It’s not 100% silk or gauze. It’s not thin. It is white white. And I just love it. It drapes and blouses beautifully, and is a great wardrobe contrast to a crisper more structured white button down. But it’s on its last legs, and I cannot find a similar replacement. Any ideas for white shirts of this style?
I haven’t looked at their white shirts and blouses in person for a long time and so, I can’t vouch for their current quality. But Anne Fontaine created and keeps her eponymous line primarily focused on the French white blouse, including styles similar to what you’ve described. Bon chance!
I couldn't live without a classic white shirt. So many great options and it's all about the fit. thank you! Though I'm one for making investment purchases and holding on to them forever, white shirts I replenish often and downgrade the old ones to beach or knocking around wear. Regardless of what you pay, white cotton will eventually yellow with wear.
Such a great idea to transition them to beach shirts!
So I have a question regarding white shirts. Am I the only one that gets yellow armpits after a few wears that cannot be washed out? I tried a lot of products promising not to damage clothing and they don't seem to work.
Great recs Elle! This article is also helpful! https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/pit-stains-on-white-tee/
The aluminum in deodorant is what causes the yellow. Should come out with vinegar (either spot treat or add to wash). Also usually comes out if you dry clean
I’m also interested in learning more about caring for white shirts. This is generally why I avoid them.
To prevent stains I wear undershirts. Numi has ones that are cut pretty low and come in a variety of sleeve lengths (+ cropped). I also wear the airism and heat tech undershirts from Uniqlo. That plus changing my deodorant (I use roll-on Certain Dri) and haven't dealt with armpit stains in quite some time.
I absolutely love all shirts, but struggle with styling them. For example, the Jil sander one looks amazing on you and you hiked up the bottom a bit by sticking your hand in your pocket. But obviously we can't have our hand in our pockets the whole time and half tucks don't always work, due to the fabric. Hopefully I'm making sense.
I embrace the oversized silhouette. Cuffing sleeves and playing with buttons, open/closed at top and bottom make a huge difference.
Love this! White shirts are my love language, and I write about them often throughout the fashion essay collection I am pitching book agents — they were like superhero capes, making me confident, in early years; they are oversized comforts, as parenting and aging took hold, in more recent times.
Hope this gets picked up! Would be a great read.
Love this one. Jil Sander is on wish list now. I’d also add that the Marie Marot “Jackie” is an excellent classic.
Oh the best! Bummed I missed Marie Marot in this edit.
This is great, Ali! What do you think of a white button down with a formal skirt for a black tie event? Good idea? Any skirt suggestions?
Love it! So classic.
I have this white button down shirt from Ann Taylor from years back, and I don’t know exactly how to describe it—soft? a little flowy? It’s not 100% silk or gauze. It’s not thin. It is white white. And I just love it. It drapes and blouses beautifully, and is a great wardrobe contrast to a crisper more structured white button down. But it’s on its last legs, and I cannot find a similar replacement. Any ideas for white shirts of this style?
A few silk ish options in this post! Such a great style.
I haven’t looked at their white shirts and blouses in person for a long time and so, I can’t vouch for their current quality. But Anne Fontaine created and keeps her eponymous line primarily focused on the French white blouse, including styles similar to what you’ve described. Bon chance!
Love a white shirt but I’m messy and clumsy and can never get the stains out.
Great info on the classic white shirt!!
Gorgeous edit Ali, those old Celine pants with the fisherman’s…so good!
Thank you! Those pants I am going on 6 years with. love them!