Finding the perfect plain T-shirt in Bangkok
We go in search for the holy grail of menswear.
9 years ago
Muji (B490) (BK Pick, see above)
The material: Body 100% cotton. Neck 95% cotton; 5% polyester. This really feels a cut above everything else we tried. Though thick, it still moves beautifully, and hangs effortlessly on the frame.
The fit: On the small side but the proportions are excellently balanced. The sleeves are both a nice length and a comfortable fit, neither wrapping themselves round the arm nor sticking out like shoulder pads.
Verdict: A clear winner, though the choice of colors is limited.
3/F, Central Chidlom, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-793-7777 (ext. 3306). BTS Chidlom
H&M Divided (B199)
The material: 60% cotton; 40% polyester. This shows: the fabric has a shine to it, while also feeling slightly like latex.
The fit: Bang on the money; not too tight while still showing form in the body and sleeves. The neck ringer is much thicker than the Basic line, though.
Verdict: A passable budget buy.
4/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-6738. BTS Siam
H&M Basic (B299)
The material: Like the Divided line, 60% cotton and 40% polyester, though 50% of that cotton is apparently organic. It definitely feels different to the Divided T (and the shine is gone), but it too has an elastic-y quality that’s not too comfortable, always feeling like it’s being stretched.
The fit: Tight, with very form-hugging sleeves. In fact it feels more like an undershirt. You’d have to be pretty comfortable with your body to wear this, and going up a size means other problems in shoulder width and length.
Verdict: The 33% extra price might please your social conscience, but doesn’t get a nicer T.
Uniqlo Supima Cotton (B390 for 2)
The material: 100% cotton. Much more durable than Uniqlo’s budget option, and also with a more classic quality it’s the least stretchy we tried.
The fit: Quite classic. Both the arms and body fit loosely, without hugging anywhere on the frame, but thanks to the quality fabric it still falls naturally. Length is well proportioned to chest width.
Verdict: Good for anyone who wants to disguise a few pounds.
1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7787. BTS Siam
Uniqlo Cut & Dry (B190)
The material: 77% cotton; 33% polyester. Straight from the packet (these Ts are vacuum-packed and, once open, non-returnable) it is beautifully soft and hides its polyester underpinnings well. Sadly, this does not last, and after a few washes the T-shirt has severe problems with bobbling and the fabric takes on a stiff, cardboard-like character.
The fit: Small, but actually not bad compared to some of Uniqlo’s other range. A medium is recommended for chest sizes 88-96 we find the smaller end of that more accurate. The neck is nice and thin, while the armholes shouldn’t embarrass even the puniest of biceps.
Verdict: A nice buy for a few wears.
Gap Essential Crewneck (B550)
The material: 100% cotton. Though quite thin, this gives it a nice, unstiff, drape-y look.
The fit: Long in relation to the width (easily the longest size S we tried), but the sleeves and neckline are both a nice shape not too baggy, not too tight. The shoulders also feel very comfortable, with that thin fabric falling smoothly.
Verdict: One for the slim Jims.
2/F, Central World, Rajadamri Rd., 02-610-9952. BTS Siam/Chidlom
TTopcollar (B450)
The material: 100% cotton and very soft. It’s also thicker than other brands, but still pretty giving.
The fit: The cut from this new local brand is simple, a little looser than your standard size, so a fit for most body shapes.
Verdict: The price is a little bit higher, but you can rest assured you’ll get more than a few wears out of it—plus, there’s the feel-good factor of wearing local.
J-Avenue Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 092-257-4911. BTS Thong Lo
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