If comfort and quality are criteria that apply to all your clothing purchases, we explain how to respect them when it comes to complementing your wardrobe with good basic T-shirts .
A little history about the T-shirt
The true origin of the T-shirt remains hypothetical. According to some sources, it is a borrowing from the clothing of Royal Navy sailors. According to others, it comes from the adaptation of a short-sleeved version of the undershirts worn by European soldiers during the First World War.
In any case, from 1919, the T-shirt was part of the US Navy's regulation underwear . In the 1930s, it became a separate garment. It would definitively gain its universal status following the landing of American soldiers in 1943.
The quality of the fabric of a good basic T-shirt
An essential criterion
The quality of the fabric is one of the essential criteria for finding a good basic T-shirt, because its resistance and comfort depend on it. We recommend, for example, choosing knitted materials with long fibers, such as Supima® cotton . This Rolls Royce of cotton combines durability and great softness.
Organic cotton gives you the guarantee that your skin will not come into contact with potentially toxic chemicals. Finally, Tencel™ Lyocell regulates perspiration while being silky.
The quality of the fabric at Talc
At Talc, we choose quality and comfort by designing our T-shirts with Tencel™ Lyocell and organic cotton or Supima® cotton. You therefore benefit from the optimal comfort of these materials that are both soft and thermoregulating. In addition, all our basic T-shirts benefit from the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label , guaranteeing that they are completely free of toxic substances.
And as a bonus, since they're also pre-washed before being offered to you, they won't shrink during their first run through your washing machine. 
The cut of a good basic T-shirt
A quality indicator
The cut of a basic T-shirt is of course an important element to take into account when judging its quality. So, if you notice that its base is looser on one side than the other, this means that there was a problem when it was made. As a result, its fall will not be balanced and you will have the impression of being dressed in a sack. Also be careful with tubular T-shirts (without seams on the sides), they tend to "twist" and harm your comfort.
A large choice of cuts
Basic T-shirts come in different cuts, to choose from depending on your activities.
- At Talc we opt for fitted but not tight cuts, because it is the best compromise between relaxation, elegance and comfort.
- The relaxed shape will be more suitable for sports activities or if you opt for a loose look.
- Finally, the oversized cut is one of the most current trends. Be careful, however, to rebalance the volumes across your entire outfit.
Choosing the best cut to flatter your anatomy
Although the basic T-shirt is one of the most common pieces of clothing available, certain cuts will suit you better than others.
First of all, the rule is that it should fit your curves without sticking too much to them. This is the only way it will enhance your physique.
If you are thin, opt for fitted cuts. If you have rather square shoulders, opt for a T-shirt that will highlight your torso without being too tight.
The finishing touches of a good basic T-shirt
Quality is in the details
To make sure you're getting a good basic T-shirt, pay attention to certain details, such as the neatness of the overlocking (the zig-zag stitching visible on the reverse side of the garment). This is done to make the seams stronger and more elastic to prevent the fabric from fraying, thus increasing the longevity of your garment. The neater it is, the better the quality.
The neck tape is also an element to consider. This insert, located at the nape of the neck, protects the fabric from perspiration. That of a good basic T-shirt is distinguished by its regular and clean shape.
Special attention to the collar
The collar of a good basic T-shirt should be thick enough to keep its shape, wash after wash, but also elastic enough to allow the head to pass through. It should surround the neck symmetrically.
You are sure to combine all these qualities with a neckline with a ribbed finish, which is both flexible and aesthetic.
The colors and patterns of a basic T-shirt
How to select the color of your T-shirt?
If your basic T-shirt is well-made, you will highlight its shape and finishes by opting for classic tones like white, black or beige. A light T-shirt under a dark jacket creates an outfit that adapts to many situations, for a look that is both distinguished and casual. On the other hand, if your T-shirt is colorful, it will become the centerpiece of your outfit. In this case, combine it with more discreet elements, like dark jeans and a classic-cut blazer.
For patterns: look for simplicity
A printed T-shirt will definitely add a touch of fantasy and allow you to express your originality, but be careful because you might get tired of it... If you absolutely want to wear a patterned T-shirt, choose simple or "all-over" shapes (printed on the entire garment). Also think about the sailor's shirt which, with its stripes, is both sober and timeless.
At Talc, we choose simplicity and sobriety by offering you plain T-shirts in universal colors that are easy to match. You are therefore sure to never get tired of them...which is good because they will accompany you for years!
