Aloha, Lovecat! This is how I dress when it’s cold and rainy during our “winter” in Hawaii. And I address the question: “Are luxury tees like James Perse T-Shirts worth the money?“
{ Architecture of an Outfit VID / OOTD: All black James Perse V Neck T, Lace Tights, High Waisted Bandage Pencil Skirt, Suede and Rubber Wedge Booties, Bomber Jacket and Gold Armswag. }
I wore this a couple weeks ago when the weather was booty here in Honolulu. It’s not cold for most of you, but it was freezing for me. So glad I saved my lace stockings from when I used to live in Detroit. WIN.
EDIT:
Are Luxury Tees Worth The Price?: A Quick Review of my James Perse T-Shirt
So, after winning a ShopBop giveaway last month, I was finally able to snag my first James Perse T-shirt. Given the $50-65 price tag, I’d never justify nor entertain the idea of buying one. Why you try to gut me, luxe T designers? I’ll cut you.
But seriously, dude, why so expensive?
If you never feel one or try it on, you won’t get it. They are, just as the description and label infers, luxuriously comfortable and soft. Immediately out of the packaging, I could feel a difference between my $5 regular cotton Ts and my slightly more pricey $20 American Apparel T. The weave is more delicate with finer thread, so the cotton feels more silky or creamy against the skin. Think a smooth pudding versus a creamy oatmeal. Or satin versus muslin. That’s the difference between James Perse and a normal Hanes T.
Question: Are James Perse Tees worth the money? Let’s see.
Secondly, the shirts are manufactured Stateside. Not in some cramped, dark, horrible factory in Bangladesh or China or Southeast Asia. (Granted, there may be issues concerning the working conditions of American clothing manufacturing facilities which need further looking into… But US made is important.) US made products are usually more expensive, especially from luxury brands. However, some of that high price tag goes to supporting American manufacturer jobs. At least you’d hope.
Thirdly, after 3 wears, the fabric still didn’t pill or ball up even with friction of my tote bag and wearing jackets over it. This means high marks from me, since Ts Ive bought from other companies that charge $60+ for Ts (Ahem, MinkPink!) ended up pilling and showing wear in the pit region after only two wears.
With how amazing the fabric feels on, and against my skin, I feel like I understand the high price tag of some of these T Shirts. Will I pay $65 for a plain T if I didn’t have a gift code for it? Probably not without great debate… And I’d probably super lurk and cyber stalk the item until it goes on sale and snag a couple instead of paying full price. But the bottom line is that I get it. Would I pay $100+ for a basic T? Absolutely not, but at the $45-65 range, it’s reasonable. And besides, if its something you’ll wear regularly, you might as well get something of quality that will last and wear well, rather than something cheap like a $10 T shirt that will start looking grungy, worn out or gross after 6 washes and you have to demote to cleaning rag status or donate. (What chic thrifter will want a worn out T, anyway?)
One con to these luxury tees, price notwithstanding, is the care involved. My James Perse T is no throw-it-in-with-the-socks type. You have to read the care label and wash accordingly and with care. I put my tee in a lingerie mesh bag and washed it on gentle cycle with my lacy unmentionables and bras. And, instead of throwing it in the dryer, I hung it on a velvet flocked hanger and let it air dry. (Lying flat would’ve been better, but we don’t have space for a drying rack in our house.) It should be steamed, not ironed, to preserve the integrity of the tissue-thin cotton.
James Perse Tee, Bamboo Sky Collar Necklace, Mikinola Bandage skirt, Sketchers Booties
Most people will not go to these lengths to care for their Ts. And, in that case, I’d say your shirt won’t last as long. But is it still worth the price? Mostly.
For those whose throats constrict just thinking about splashing out that much for a mere T-shirt, but still want a good quality USA made T, American Apparel shirts are pretty good and only cost $20ish. I’ve had my deep v cotton T for ages (maybe 5+ years?), and it still feels great, but that piece is pilled to sh*t and the v is too sexy-deep for a busty girl like mahself to bust out without a tank under (a whole OTHER problem with Amurrican Appurl altogether). If you can’t justify either of those for a T-SHIRT, stick with Fruit of the Loom. They’re comfy. But they’re still lumpy oatmeal and not silky chocolate pudding. Just sayin’.
Point is: yes. I can see the reasons behind the price. Will I be willing to pay it for real next time, yes, if it’s in the budget. But I’d rather wait for it to go on sale. Do I want more James Perse Ts? You bet your ass I do, toots.
OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE
Luxe T, James Perse. High Waisted Bandage Pencil Skirt, Mikinola Boutique (@mikinola on Instagram). Bomber Jacket, Chloe K (?). Lace Tights, Target. Suede Wedge Booties, Sketchers. Gold collar necklace, Bamboo Sky. Gold Tribal earrings, Bamboo Sky. Screw bangle and mini spike bangle, CC Skye via ShopBop.
ALTERNATIVES
TOP: James Perse V neck T-Shirt (exact same)
SKIRT: High waisted bandage pencil skirt, & HERE
JACKET: Bomber Jacket, & HERE
SHOES: Suede Wedge booties (high end) & HERE
NECKLACE: Gold collar necklace & HERE & HERE
BRACELETS: CC Skye screw bangle (exact), CC Skye Spike Bangle (exact).
EARRINGS: Gold triangle earrings & HERE
MUSIC: Broke For Free – “The Gold Lining”
LINK: Watch on YouTube Page
How is your week going so far?
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx
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Hey Ms. Mae,
Aubrey here. I have to say that in the past couple of years the quality of the ‘JP’ has dropped significantly. I would suggest “ATM” by Anthony Mellilo (sp?) as a better choice all around. You’re looking gorgeous as always.
xoxox,
Aubrey