Model T

Any color you want, as long as it's black. Wait! That applied to Ford Model T cars, not to my t-shirt collection. Although, I will admit to owning four black "luxury t-shirts" -- five if I count the charcoal v-neck. In addition, there's the $9 Merona charcoal with black stripes v-neck that's become a staple.

For several years, Splendid has been my preferred t-shirt brand -- finally a perfect t-shirt! No others fit, feel, and hold up as beautifully as my Splendid t-shirts. They're very pricey, and the basic colors don't go on sale often, but when they do, I buy a few. The lightweight jersey (of cotton and modal) is a perfect weight for the Kohala Coast, and works very well for layering when I travel or visit friends in cooler Waimea. I have a few in heavier cotton knits, and several styles (scoop, v, and crew neck). Unfortunately, a couple of my Splendid Ts have landed accidentally in the dryer, and those two shrunk -- just a little. To prevent this, I purchased more net bags (the kind I use for delicate wash), and only wash my good t-shirts in these bags. That way, I don't miss the shirt when I'm sorting the washed clothes into piles for line or machine drying.

I've nearly given up on finding the perfect white t-shirt, because none retain their pristine whiteness for much time beyond the initial wearing. Haven't tried a white t from Splendid yet, because I fear they could be see-through. I will when I find the right one on sale ...

Experimenting with other brands that have good reviews, I have a handful of t-shirts by Eileen Fisher, Lafayette 148 New York, Vince, Elie Tahari, Calvin Klein, and 2 decent Target Merona v-necks. In my experience, none is equal to Splendid for luxurious (but not over full) drape, fine fabrics, flattering cuts, and consistent quality construction. Of course, part of the higher price is because Splendid t-shirts are made in the USA, unlike these other high end brands. I feel good about supporting American workers ... as long as corporations are not creating a new generation of sweat shops here at home.

11 of these 23 t-shirts are made by Splendid

Since late last summer, there's a newcomer in the t-shirt business, with a mission to craft and sell a luxury shirt that's made in Los Angeles from 100% cotton that's grown in the U.S., primarily California. Pickwick & Weller is working hard to earn customers and gain widespread recognition. Currently, they offer a couple promotions that show up on nearly every ad-serving page that I visit on the web. Follow my link, and register on their site, and soon you'll get a (buy one, get one) free t-shirt offer. Two of my t-shirts are from Pickwick & Weller, and I intend to try a couple more in a smaller size. Returns are free, but when I received my order, I decided to keep the oversized comfy ones for lounging around the house and to order a few more in a smaller size. I'll report back when that happens.