The Best Black T-Shirts for Summer
Finding a black shirt in summer can be a challenge, even if it seems like one of the most basic types of tasks as in summer, blacks basic appeal becomes replaced with the breezier white. However, this does not diminish black's importance and this once all important color still is just as important as it once was during fall and winter. During the summer though, you will have to pay special considerations to finding a lightweight black top as black tends to absorb heat and without some care and consideration, you can end up extremely warm. This is why it is so important to not wear those black tops from seasons pasts but to go out and indulge in some new lightweight tops. Try these traditional stores for a safe bet.
If you are aiming for a preppy look and have a bit of cash to spare, check out JCrew. Jcrew's Tuxedo Shell is a great buy for summer because the easy cotton, lace, lack of sleeves, and keyhole back make for the perfect shirt for nicer barbeque. The shirt also retails for only $45 and unlike most dressy shirts, it is machine washable. Their Lace-front top is also a great buy. Black lace is far less traditional than the more tired white lace and is easily paired with just about anything. The shirt retails for $88, not bad for such a delicately made shirt - however, for such delicacies, there is a price and that is in the fact that this beauty is dry clean only. For a simpler t-shirt though, try JCrew's Whisper linen V-neck tee, a cult classic. This shirt is semi-sheer, soft and light, with a body skimming fit. Best of all, it retails for only $24.50 on sale and can be hand washed. For those not so inclined to the plain tee, try the Whisper Linen scoop neck tee for a similar feel at the exact same price. For an interesting rift on the traditional black tee, try the summer appropriate equivalent - the faded black. JCrew's Finespun draped tank provides exactly this twist. The fit is loose and it retails for a smooth $39.50.
For the budget conscious, turn to Forever21 for your best basic blacks. Though long sleeved, their Long Sleeve Lace Top is shear enough to be suited for even the hottest of summer nights. Pair with a black tank top and you are well on your way to a very hot look. Even hotter is the price on the shirt, retailing for a cool $13.80. The Holey Tee is much the same, but with shorter sleeves. Though it may look more suited to a fall night, this shirt is breezy enough for August. The shirt retails at $22.80. If you're more into tank tops and don't need solid black, try the Beaded Asymmetrical Tank. This shirt is super cute and features a white and black beaded pattern on the straps. Even better, the shirt is loose and will skim your curves, great especially if you have not exactly kept in bikini ready condition this summer. The Draped Halter Top is another great choice - with its cowl neck and stretchy fabric, it'll make getting ready for a nicer occasion during the summer a cinch. The price, $13.80, only sweetens the deal. To stay within the black family and pop something cute over a top, try the Smocked Short Sleeve Cardigan, featuring a V-neck, and an easy lightweight feel. The cardigan retails for a mere $6.80.
The Gap is a great place to pick up some basics suited to everyone in the family, tall or small and it has a multitude of great styles for summer in black. Their Pima sheer yoke t in true black knit, for instance, is currently on sale for $12.99. The shirt is an interesting take on the standard black shirt with a light knit and sheer shoulders and back. The Gap's traditional soft black tee is also a great buy - it's cheap and will work with approximately any outfit. The shirt is $19.95 and also comes in regular, tall, and petite variations. The Pleated Shoulder T is also a great choice. Retailing at $24.95, it has fun detailing like a round banded neck and pleated detailing around the shoulder seam.
Regardless of what shirts you end up picking up, remember to be careful with delicate summer knits that tend to not hold up quite as well in the wash. Read your wash tags carefully and go out and rock your black shirts in a sea of white!
