Tops & polos

The women's T-shirt: a basic to be chosen with care

At first glance, the T-shirt seems to be such a common garment in a wardrobe that one no longer pays attention to the details that make all the difference.

The material

Firstly, the material: mostly made of cotton, T-shirts are known for being comfortable, light and flexible pieces that allow great freedom of movement and suit all seasons. Cotton is a breathable material, and T-shirts are therefore very pleasant to wear in summer, while in winter, they provide the ideal softness to insulate the skin from the wool of a women's sailor jumper or a cardigan.

However, there are different qualities of cotton and different manufacturing methods. Consequently, some T-shirts are a bit thicker while others, thinner, are also more flexible. SAINT JAMES offers women's T-shirts in cotton jersey, but also short-sleeved Breton shirt T-shirts in linen jersey, a very light and valuable material in hot weather.

The cut

There is a variety of cuts for women's T-shirts, to be considered based on one's body shape and the outfits with which they are planned to be paired.

The length can vary from one model to another: most often, the T-shirt stops at the hips, but it can also be shorter or longer. When it is shorter, it pairs very well with high-waisted jeans or skirts. If you are petite, opting for a short T-shirt allows you to balance your silhouette. Indeed, a short women's T-shirt gives the impression of longer legs, while in this case, a long model, stopping for example at the top of the thighs, will tend to compress the figure.

The sleeve length is also of great importance. From vest tops to long-sleeved T-shirts, there are many possibilities. It all depends on the season; a long-sleeved model is better suited to winter or the transitional seasons, even if it can be appreciated during summer evenings. Three-quarter sleeves are very feminine and suit both a classic style and a more casual style.

The neckline can be round or V-shaped; the former is better suited to slender silhouettes, while the V-neckline better highlights more generous busts.

Women's T-shirts can be worn close-fitting, to be more discreet under a jumper or sweatshirt, but some cuts are looser and bring fluidity to an outfit. It is above all a matter of personal preference! In any case, very fitted T-shirts are not reserved for slender and petite frames, but also suit curvy silhouettes very well, especially when tucked into women's trousers or a high-waisted skirt.

Women's T-shirt: some outfit ideas

The T-shirt pairs with all pieces, all styles and all outfits, provided a few simple rules are followed. For example, when the T-shirt is fluid and slightly oversized, it is better to pair it with a more fitted skirt or trousers to structure the silhouette. It pairs very well with "stronger" materials, such as denim or leather.

Associated with an elegant piece like a long pleated skirt, it allows one to break the codes and brings originality and modernity to the outfit. Worn with leather trousers or a leather skirt, it softens the whole look, and brings a small "rock" touch when slipped, fluid and oversized, under a blazer.

Finally, do not hesitate to add accessories to your outfit: you can dare to wear any style of jewellery, and notably a necklace, with a T-shirt.

How to wear a women's polo shirt?

The polo shirt is a piece inspired by the shirt worn at the beginning of the 20th century by English polo players in India. It then reached the world of tennis, notably thanks to René Lacoste, then became more widely available but was long associated with a rather chic and preppy wardrobe.

However, over time it has gained originality while remaining faithful to its highly recognisable cut thanks to its collar, which distinguishes it from the T-shirt. Two-tone collars, deep V-necks in the spirit of a women's fisherman's smock (vareuse), buttoned in the back, SAINT JAMES women's polo shirts innovate and are sometimes embellished with chest pockets, or feminine embroidery and other details that give them all their singularity.

The polo shirt lends itself well to a casual-chic style, but can also be adapted for an outfit full of character. For example, it can be worn with mom or boyfriend jeans, paired with an oversized blazer, a safari jacket or a denim jacket. The women's polo shirt can be associated with short, high-waisted velvet shorts, which are very feminine: its unisex appearance will then provide an interesting nuance.