If you are a t-shirt gal, you most likely by now know that not all tees are created equally. I live in t-shirts most days, and I have tried so many over the years, especially through the course of this job. So many. I’ve tried Madewell, J.Crew, Everlane, Alternative, American Apparel, Nordstrom brands and I’ve found a few that were fine. They were fine.
5 Reasons Why James Perse Tee Shirts Are Worth It
I used to think “There’s no way I’m going down the higher-end tee road, no way. People must be crazy to spend that on a t-shirt.” I was there. Not too long ago. And then I got my first James Perse tee shirt a couple of years ago and, welp, here we are. I don’t know what kind of magic they do to their cotton fabric and construction of this seemingly basic item, but it must involve unicorns or witchery. And I’m here for it.
- the sleeve length is way more flattering than all the other tees I’ve tried
- the fabric is sheer enough to be interesting & cool, but not too sheer to be revealing
- the body shape is flattering and doesn’t highlight my soft stomach area
- they don’t get weird holes in them
- they just look cooler all-around than any other tee
The White James Perse T-Shirt I Have & Love
The Crew Neck Slub
at Shopbop | at Revolve | at Nordstrom Rack (*restocked!)
This is my favorite style overall. This tee is light enough to layer under a cami, which is one of my favorite tricks stolen from Shana. It’s a great way to make a pretty top a little more casual or a little more cool, but warmer. Perfect for tying at the waist and wearing with skirts, and high-waist pants and jeans.
tee (1) at Nordstrom Rack | Mother jeans (same fit) | sandals (on sale!)
The U-Neck (Sometimes Called The Deep V):
at Nordstrom Rack | at Amazon | at Hautelook & at Overstock (limited sizes/colors)
This style is great, but trickier to find well-stocked right now in white. There are some other colors on deep discount linked above though!
tee (1) | Mother jeans (same fit) | sandals (SO SOFT & on sale!)
I also have both of these t-shirt styles in black, and they are fabulous. They are less sheer, too, as I don’t think they are the same slub cotton as the white, but they hold up well, fit well…they’re great.
My White Tee: James Perse T-Shirt Outfit Ideas
I won’t bombard you with all the times I wear these tees, but here are just a few of my favorites! It’s not lost on me that I wear a lot of leopard print…
White Tee + Leopard Print Midi Skirt
tee (1) at Nordstrom Rack | skirt (similar) | heels (same brand)
White Tee + All Black & Leopard Print Sneakers
tee (1) at Nordstrom Rack | AG jeans (v similar, on sale!) | sneakers (similar or these) | bomber jacket | purse (similar)
White Tee Dressed Up With Jewelry & Accessories
tee (1) | skirt (similar) | necklace (similar)
Shop James Perse Tee Shirts
xo,
L
For down-to-earth talk with a side of funny, be sure to follow me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle. Some days there will be dance parties, some days there will be recipe ideas, some days there will be fashion, and some days there will be none of that… just a Portland mom trying to get through the day. All are welcome. xo
I agree these t-shirts are the best! I only buy mine from Nordstrom Rack so they’re not all that expensive. I also like Madewell and some J Crew t-shirts, but the James Perse t-shirts are much softer and much more flattering.
Yes, I got two of mine from Nordstrom Rack, too! I wish they weren’t in such low stock there right now. Hopefully they’ll come back in! Agree the fit is just somehow magical! The jcrew and madewell tees I thought were great until I tried these.
I totally agree with this! I snagged 2 James Perse tee’s a couple years ago at Marshall’s and they are my most worn, most flattering tee’s. I am hooked!
Is the hem on the crew neck curved? And only on the crew?
I think in the case of my two tees here, yes. Only curved on the crew.
You look so great in that scoop neck and those JEANS!!! Love em!
Thank you so much! I love the tied tshirt since I have a shorter torso. It seems to help so much!
How do the sizes run? I wear an x-small in Madewell but this looks like I might take a small.
I think they run a little bit small in the crew neck. I’m wearing a 1 and I’m typically a small, but I think sometimes was an XS in Madewell tees. The scoop neck tends to run a little larger though and I could go down to a 0 if I wanted it more fitted.
Well, you got me in a weak moment, haha. I ordered a light blue U-neck from Overstock.com on super sale. If it’s good, I’ll definitely stalk sales for the white one. Can’t see myself spending full price on this no matter how magical, but it’s good to know they go on sale frequently!
This is so true! My friend briefly worked for James Perse and gave me an amazing olive u-neck, which was my first expensive tshirt. That made me think that all $$$ tshirts were special, so a year later I bought an expensive black tshirt by a different brand (I can’t remember which one). That black tshirt developed two little holes within a few months, but I’m still wearing my olive James Perse years later. Another magical James Perse property is that my shirt hasn’t stained, which is highly unusual for me. I think maybe spills are easier to get out because the fabric is so thin? Anyway, these are great tshirts.
Thank you for doing this!!! I’ve needed a comparison of white tees for awhile! I’m so tired of buying them and having them stretch out and look sloppy or develop little holes! I just needed to know if the James Perse were really that much better! Thank you!
Great article… I’m glad someone thought of it. I too am hooked on James Perse and won’t buy any other brand of t-shirt. I have many… many of his t-shirts (and other garments), but as much as I love the cuts and fabrics, I do get those “weird holes” everywhere in every single one of them no matter how careful I am. I’ve come however to begrudgingly accept this as the price for style and comfort… sigh…
Ah I know that’s frustrating. I JUST learned the other day that unzipped zippers might be the cause of holes/rips in your other laundry! Try zipping hoodies and pants up and hopefully that could help!