Back to basics, by

2019-10-06 -

The question I am most frequently asked (in a professional capacity) is “Where can I find the perfect T-shirt”? The request speaks volumes. Mastering the basics is crucial to feeling confident in how you look. Luckily, the main focus for a growing number of labels is to tweak and perfect enduring staples.

Les Basics, Sunspel and Håndvaerk are three brands worth exploring. British heritage brand Sunspel has mastered the T-shirt (sleeves not too wide, a fit that’s slim but not clingy, and not too long in the body), and updates its spectrum of colours seasonally. Its sweatshirts and polos are worth investing in too.

New York label Håndvaerk is also great for jersey basics; its mantra is quality over quantity, so expect to pay a bit more for items that are built to last. Les Basics is its British equivalent (even though it sounds French). Other brands have launched “basics” collections, tightly edited capsules of modern essentials.

Cos Essentials (which also makes the perfect white shirt) and Filippa K’s “Easy as That” are two of my favourites. As is Everlane Uniform, a new collection from Everlane of 12 everyday pieces with a 365-day guarantee; each item has been tested to simulate a full year of heavy wear and tear.

And don’t forget the great allrounders, Gap, M&S, J Crew and Arket, which can be relied upon to get the basics just right.

Slim medium worn jeans

£59.95, gap. co.uk

Waffle long-sleeve Henley

£22.95, gap.co.uk

Cotton Riviera polo shirt

£90, sunspel.com

Chocolate centre-bar belt

£24.95, gap.co.uk

Classic slim fit white shirt

£55, cosstores.com

Lyon wool coat