In a recent conversation with a friend, she asked me “where is that shirt from?” I immediately gushed and went into full detail.
You know when you’ve been looking for a clothing item that feels like a needle in a haystack.
That was me for a long time.
Post-pregnancy, and after doing some body image work I came to a conclusion: I don’t like to wear tight fitted clothing on my stomach. My stomach is one of my “things” (many of us have that “thing” on our body, right?) and I’ve realized wearing looser fitting clothing around my stomach makes my body image experience calmer and gentler, which I’m here for.
For so long I wore tight fitted clothing, and in divesting from beauty standards, finding more self worth outside of my appearance and doing body image work I’ve found more acceptance with the idea that I don’t have to wear tight fitting shirts if that doesn’t feel good for me. For right now, and in this season. Things can always change.
Enter onto the scene the hunt: long sleeve and short sleeve shirts that are fitted in the bust and arms but not in the stomach and are not over $100.
And guys, I found some great items and want to shout them from the rooftops. They may not be perfect for all bodies - but they’ve worked for mine, and if they help even one of you - I’d be thrilled! Let’s get into it:
My favorite long sleeve shirt (Lululemon, $58)
This shirt is so good, I’ve snatched it in 3 different colors. It works for not only work outs, but also for casual wear. The white is not see through at all and washes well. I love that its a relaxed fit and completely comfortable for me. It’s more fitted in the arms and bust (without being tight) and perfectly hangs from there. It can be tucked in and worn with a belt or left out (with a curved hem). It’s the shirt I’ve found myself reaching to wear daily.
My favorite short sleeve shirt (Uniqlo, $15)
I had first heard about this shirt from an influencer, and the price tag ($15!) and seeing photos of it, I decided to give it a try. And since then I’ve bought it in multiple colors and influenced many a family member to give it a try. My MIL said “that’s from Uniqlo for $15? It looks so much higher end!” and I agree. The thickness of the material, and how it holds its structure, the opaqueness of the white color, and the price tag - it may be the perfect t-shirt. Also, spending more than $15 on a white t-shirt that will ultimately get armpit stains + other liquids stained on it from my toddler makes the most sense for my life these days. I also love this shirt as an under shirt and find it sits high enough that you can achieve the little sliver of white t-shirt underneath, which is a look I love. A note: I find it never is available online, yet there are always multiple sizes and colors available in store.
As much as these are silly materialistic things, I really have found that wearing clothes that are comfortable on my body help my body image experience immensely. And there is nothing silly about that.
*To note, I was very disappointed with the lack of body diversity in these shirt images on their websites. Uniqlo and LuluLemon, please join us in 2024 with some more body diversity in your marketing plz and thank you!
Do you like hearing this type of content? If so, I’ll share my favorite comfortable pants next. What’s your needle in the haystack shopping item? I’d love to hear!
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