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- Every wardrobe needs some great basics that can lay the foundation for plenty of outfits.
- Brands like Everlane, Pact, and Universal Standard have taught us that high-quality basics don’t have to cost so much.
- Here are five companies we come back to again and again when we need to add new T-shirts, jeans, and more versatile staples to our wardrobes.
We’ve all had those moments, standing in front of a closet full of perfectly good clothing, but still unable to find an outfit we like. In those "I-have-nothing-to-wear" moments, you pull out the basics — classic, reliable pieces you can always count on to look and feel great. The super-soft, plain-white T-shirt. The jeans that hug you in all the right places. The tailored blazer that makes it look like you put a lot more thought into your outfit.
Great basics are — or, should be — the foundation to your wardrobe. When you have a few simple pieces you love, getting dressed in the morning is much easier. Just about every brand offers its own take on the basics, but these are the ones we always come back to. Combining high-quality materials, affordability, and flattering styles, these companies make the better basics you’ll want to wear every day.
Keep reading for five brands that make great, everyday basics you need in your closet:
Everlane
Facebook/Everlane
Shop modern, minimalist basics at Everlane
Best for: Minimalist, modern pieces that go with every budget and style
Why you’ll love it: There’s a lot of hype around Everlane, and we think it’s well worth it. Prior to working at Business Insider, I had never bought a piece from the brand, but after hearing my teammates’ consistently rave reviews, I bought two pieces that quickly became outfit go-tos.
One of my colleagues recently shared a similar sentiment after trying his first Everlane pieces, and for good reason. Everlane is strongly focused on transparency, giving consumers the cost breakdown of pieces, down to the factory where the piece is made and where materials are sourced. Beyond the brand’s sustainable, ethical practices, its clothes and accessories really deliver on quality and style. You’ll find simple T-shirts, sweaters, work pants, and more in universally flattering fits and a wide range of colors — there’s really something for everyone.
Learn more about some of our favorite Everlane clothes and shoes:
- Cashmere Crew sweater review
- Authentic Stretch Denim jeans review
- Day Glove ballet flat review
- Cashmere Turtleneck sweater review
Universal Standard
Universal Standard
Shop size-inclusive basics at Universal Standard
Best for: Modern essentials that are universally-flattering on all body types
Why you’ll love it: Universal Standard was born out of two women’s frustration with the lack of stylish clothing options out there for plus-size women. That’s why they set out to make amazing basics that look great on all women and, more importantly, make every woman feel great in her skin.
Overall, the site boasts a modern, stylish collection full of what we’d consider staples, but if you’re really looking for the basics, head to the "Foundation" section — it’s full of a range of simple tanks and tees that make great base layers for any outfit. If you’re not sure what you want, Universal Standard also offers the option to purchase a kit — it’s a curated collection of some of its best-selling pieces catered to your lifestyle, like workwear and activewear.
Learn more about some of our favorite Universal Standard pieces:
Pact
Pact
Shop soft staples at Pact
Best for: Cost-conscious and environmentally friendly basics that are soft, lightweight, and simple
Why you’ll love it: Pact doesn’t think being cost-conscious and environmentally conscious should be mutually exclusive. That’s why the brand is committed to making super-soft, comfortable products using organic cotton in Fair Trade factories. While organic is usually synonymous with expensive, Pact’s products are very affordable — leggings cost $20, T-shirts go for $25, and hoodies for $50, to give you a sense of pricing.
Pact has a wide range of products for men, women, and kids — you’ll find clothing, undergarments, and even bedding — though within each category, the selection is small. For example, men can choose from three T-shirt styles and there are just four dress styles for women, all offered in a few colors and patterns. If you have trouble making decisions, you’ll appreciate Pact’s thoughtful selection of just the basics.
Learn more about some of our favorite Pact pieces:
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- 9 incredibly inspiring memoirs written by women to add to your reading list
- The best sheets you can buy for your bed
- 11 San Francisco-based clothing startups that prove New York City isn’t the only capital of fashion
SEE ALSO: 11 San Francisco-based clothing startups that prove New York City isn’t the only capital of fashion
Source: Business Insider – rrosmarin@businessinsider.com (Remi Rosmarin)