The Underrated Yet Extremely Essential Basic I'm Buying on the Cheap

There are some fashion items that are so rudimentary that I can never remember to buy them, and when I really need them and tell myself to order them, I forget as soon as I see a bright, shiny object to order instead. Know what I mean? In this case, the thing I always forget to buy but always need (this time of year especially) is long-sleeve T-shirts—both solid and striped. The ones I wear the most usually have a crew neck, and I find that owning a combination of fitted and oversize ones will do you the most service.

My observation is that long-sleeve T-shirts often get overshadowed by short-sleeve tees, sweatshirts, and sweaters. But when you need to layer or when you need something that's not too warm but not too light, your best bet is a long-sleeve tee. In case you need to be reminded just how essential they are to an outfit, I found a whole slew of examples for you. And in case you need to stock up on them, I'm sharing 18 of my current favorites, most of which are under $100. Scroll to be convinced.

The Outfit Ideas

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

Style Notes: When shopping for striped tees, go for an oversize one for the most current look.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: For ballerina vibes, opt for a scoop-neck second-skin tee.

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(Image credit: @christietyler)

Style Notes: When your bottoms are loose, it's always a good idea to pair them with a slim tee (and vise versa).

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Style Notes: Shorts and a long-sleeve tee will always be a go-to early fall outfit combo.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Style Notes: A cream-colored tee looks especially chic with checked trousers.

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Striped tees are great with jeans but even better with leather pants.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Style Notes: Stock up on close-fitting tees for layering.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Just another great example of slim on the bottom, loose on top.

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Style Notes: Want a tee that's a bit more dressed up? Get yourself one with shoulder pads.

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: Neutrals are great, but having a couple of colorful ones on hand is also recommended.

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of a cool neckline.

The Best Long-Sleeve Tees

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.