The Best Basic Tops for Every Day Wear

A round up of the best basic tops, tanks, and T-shirts I wear every day. They’re a great first step for layering, or wear alone for casual comfort!

Every Day a Different Tee

I am a T-shirt and jeans girl TO THE CORE. But, like, make it cute! Over the years, I’ve found several pieces that I go back to and purchase again and again, some in more colors, others in a variety sizes for a different fit. I don’t discriminate towards oversized, fitted or cropped; they all have their place, and this list includes it all.

Kim’s Favorite Basic Tops

A big pack of basic tees aren’t always known to hold up well after many washes, but these have been put to the test, and I love sharing these recommendations with you! I’m also including my size and ‘fit’ tips* below, so you can be sure to confidently scoop up a few for the summer season ahead.

*I’m 5’4″, 120 lbs. I float between medium or small, or size 4 or 6.

Basic Tops

1. Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top, $30

Not too cropped, not too tight, the ribbed fabric is very forgiving, and there’s a built-in bra. I have these in classic black and white, but I may go back for this citron yellow! I tried on a small and medium, but the medium was a nicer fit across my chest. The length is cropped, but still modest enough to wear with a lower rise jean.

2. Air Muscle Tank, $30

My go-to tank for the summer. I have several colors, all of them light as air and super breathable. I’ve worn this in small or medium; the small fits TTS and the medium has a little more room, which I like with a tucked in look.

3. Halter Neck Sleeveless Bra Top, $30

Just like tank #1, the ribbed fabric of this tank is excellent. It also has a built-in bra, and the neckline is nice enough to elevate it from every other tank! Small and medium both fit, but I picked them up in a medium due to a better fit across my larger chest.

4. Boyfriend T-Shirt, $46

The GOAT. I tell all my friend that this is the T-shirt I reach for over and over (and over). I love the sleeve length, the stretchiness, the slightly oversized fit – but it looks especially cute tucked into a pair of jeans with chic sandals! It’s already oversized, so I don’t recommend sizing up. I have several of these in a size small.

5. Bodysuit Tank Top, $25

I get nervous when ordering bodysuits online, because I have an especially long torso. I’m happy to report that these are lengthy enough for me, and the stretchy fabric is SUPER flattering! I recommend going up one size, which is still form-fitting to the body, but not skin tight. I wear a medium.

6. Long Sleeve Bodysuit, $29

This is the long-sleeve version of the tank bodysuit above! I have this in the colors Tiramisu and Ruby, but I will say that I always get compliments when I wear the Ruby. It’s so vibrant and fun! For the same reason as above, I recommend stepping up one size. I wear this in a medium.

7. Max Shirt, $125

I was lucky enough to score a vintage Ralph Lauren denim shirt that is near identical this. A lot of denim shirts can either be too thin or too thick – but this is a happy middle ground. The mid-blue wash is perfect for pairing with anything, from wide-leg pants to straight jeans. I’d recommend sizing up two sizes for an intentionally oversized look and only buttoning the middle 2-3 buttons. (Trust me on this!)

8. Ultra Stretch Cropped T-Shirt, $15

I have several more of these in my virtual shopping cart right now. The fabric has slight stretch, and the sleeves are a touch longer than a traditional cap sleeve – hitting at juuust the right spot. The crop hits right above the belly button and looks great with a pair of your highest rise jeans. Size up: I wear a medium.

Looking for more? I’m always sharing my seasonal style favorites right here, or check out our Amazon storefront.