Tag: annalise mantz

A classic white T-shirt is a basic staple. Like a little black dress, it’s one of those wardrobe essentials that countless fashion editors and stylists recommend as a key piece to have in your closet.

Still, I’ve never been able to find a white T-shirt I truly loved. Most of the inexpensive ones I’ve picked up from fast-fashion retailers end up looking too sheer and shapeless after a wash or two. I wanted something high quality enough to pair with a blazer and trousers for work or throw on with straight-leg jeans and comfortable sneakers on the weekend.

Enter: NAADAM The Tee ($38). I’ve heard good things about the sustainable fashion brand’s cashmere, so I was intrigued by its version of a simple cotton T-shirt. Keep reading for my review of NAADAM The Tee. Spoiler alert: I’m a fan.

What’s the Criteria For a Good White T-Shirt?

A white T-shirt is endlessly versatile, so my ideal option would look equally good with everything from denim cutoffs to flowy maxi skirts to linen trousers. The material should be soft and comfortable, and most importantly, not see-through. A skin-tone bra shouldn’t peek through the fabric.

To test NAADAM The Tee, I wore it with a few outfits for different occasions. First, I paired it with drawstring shorts for a sunny backyard barbecue. Later, I wore it to dinner with a pair of linen trousers, a belt, and sandals.

What I Like About NAADAM The Tee

From the minute the T-shirt arrived, I was struck by the quality of the fabric. On the product listing, NAADAM says the fabric is “made from cotton, feels like cashmere” — and they’re not wrong. This T-shirt is so soft, it almost feels like microsuede. The softness combined with the heavier weight cotton really makes The Tee feel like a high-quality piece of clothing. The added heft of the fabric also keeps it from looking sheer.

NAADAM actually markets The Tee to both men and women and offers unisex sizing. The brand recommends women order one size down from their typical size for a relaxed, but slightly fitted feel. I ordered a size small instead of my usual medium, and felt it suited me well. The T-shirt fits boxy, creating a slightly retro look — especially when tucked in and belted. It added a slight ’90s feel to my outfits, which felt on-trend in a subtle way.

Unlike a lot of other women’s T-shirts on the market, The Tee is not cropped. As someone with a longer torso, I loved this cut. It was long enough to tuck into any pair of pants or skirt and was appropriate to wear to the office.

What to Consider Before Trying NAADAM The Tee

Before ordering NAADAM The Tee, consult the unisex size chart. I thought the brand’s recommendation to size down from your usual size was spot on — a medium would have definitely fit oversize on me. While I loved the fuller length of The Tee, people with shorter torsos might find it a tad too long.

The organic cotton fabric also has slightly more heft than the material of typical T-shirts, but I actually preferred the heavier weight. It made the shirt feel more elevated and luxurious than a run-of-the-mill tee. That said, if you find yourself overheating easily in hot weather, you might want to reserve this T-shirt for cooler days.

Who NAADAM The Tee Is Best For

I’d recommend this T-shirt to anyone willing to spend a little more for a closet staple they’ll wear over and over. It’s well worth investing slightly more than average fast-fashion prices for a T-shirt this comfortable, soft, and high quality. I have no doubt that it will hold up over many washes and more than pull its weight in my closet. Those with shorter torsos might find it a bit too long, though.

Additional Details About NAADAM The Tee

Where Is NAADAM The Tee Available?

You can order NAADAM The Tee ($38) on the brand’s website.

Rating: ★★★★★

As a New Yorker, walking is my primary mode of transportation. Even if I’m taking the subway or the bus, I have to walk to the station or stop on either side of the journey. On weekends, I routinely walk five miles or more per day just running errands and bopping around the city.

Suffice it to say, I can be a bit of a tough critic when it comes to comfortable walking shoes. So when I had the chance to test the Cariuma Oca Low Off-White Canvas Sneaker ($85), I was intrigued — especially because the high-top model of this sneaker made our list of the best women’s sneakers for 2024.

As soon as I got my hands on a pair, I slipped them on with a pair of my favorite jeans, a crew-neck sweatshirt, and my go-to puffer coat and headed out on a Saturday afternoon walk. Keep reading for my full Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker review.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Sneaker?

When I shop for casual sneakers, I first look for a clean, minimalist design that I can style with a variety of different outfits. They have to be comfortable — with enough arch support to keep my feet from hurting and a grippy sole that won’t slip on wet sidewalks. I also look for durable materials that will hold up over several seasons, so I can get the most use possible out of a pair of shoes.

To put the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to the test, I wore them several days in a row — on quick grocery store runs and longer coffee strolls with friends — to see how they performed in my typical routine.

What I Like About the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker

From the first time I laced up the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers, I was pleasantly surprised by just how comfortable they are. The organic mamona oil and cork insoles offer plenty of support, although they are a bit firmer than a typical foam insole. The canvas in the top of the shoe conforms nicely to the foot without feeling too tight or restrictive, and overall, I found they run true to size.

Cariuma’s classic design sensibility was another plus. Although I tested these sneakers in January, I could see the simple, minimalist sneakers working equally well with a sundress, denim cutoffs, or even a beach coverup in the summer. The off-white canvas is a particularly versatile colorway — and because I want to get as much use out of everything in my closet as possible, that’s a major perk.

I also appreciate Cariuma’s commitment to sustainable production practices. The brand uses organic cotton to produce its canvas, and the mamona oil in the insoles is a plant-based alternative to petroleum. Plus, Cariuma has pledged to plant two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of shoes sold.

What to Consider Before Trying the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker

While I personally found the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers comfortable, they are a relatively flat-soled shoe. If you know you need a lot of arch support, they might not be the best option for you.

The first time I wore them, my feet did feel tired at the five-hour mark. By day three, I had fully broken them in, and the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers felt like my old favorites. That said, it’s worth noting that you may have to spend a few wears breaking them in to make these sneakers feel completely comfortable.

Who the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker Is Best For

I’d recommend the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to anyone looking for a simple, everyday sneaker for running errands or casual walks, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, sustainable option.

Additional Details About the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker

Where Is the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker Available?

You can order the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker on Cariuma’s website.

Rating: ★★★★☆