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Summer Looks from Uniqlo: Drape Crewneck T-Shirt & Supima Cotton Tee

uniqlo drape neck tee in pink as worn by a model of east asian heritage

One of the things I’ve been on the lookout for is a loosely draping T-shirt for summer. I don’t want it to cling to the body because of hot weather, but I also don’t want it look baggy. Behold: the Drape Crewneck Short Sleeve T-shirt at Uniqlo.

It reminded me of this other T-shirt that I picked up from Uniqlo last year (or at least I think it was last year). Perhaps this is the updated iteration. The old model is the light gray one in the photo below.

unqiqlo-drapetee-comparison

I’m wearing the XS here in the 2017 version.

uniqlo-modeling-drapetee

In 2016 version the front hem curves a bit — not sure if it was like that from the beginning or if this resulted from wear over time, but I prefer the straight hem of the 2017 version. I also like the crewneck shape of the newer one better, which is less rounded.

I like the updated version — it feels nicer. The fit is tighter than last year, but still loose and comfortable — and good at hiding a belly bulge. The shirt is 65% modal (a type of rayon) and 35% polyester. It’s very smooth and soft to the touch. Last year’s composition was modal, polyester, and crupro, which I had to Google. Like modal, it’s also a regenerated cellulose fiber.

The tee is priced at $14.90 but is sometimes on promotion for $9.90. I picked it up in both black and navy. It also comes in white, gray, light gray, pink, and light blue. However, I’m a bit wary of the lighter colors as the light grey from last year didn’t lend itself well to stains.

We’ll see how well it wears, too. Last year’s version hasn’t worn that well after a year. You can see that up close:

uniqlo-drapetee-closeupafter1year

I also tried on the Supima Cotton V-neck shirt, which someone mentioned to me on Instagram after I reviewed the Everlane Cotton V. Compared to the Everlane V-neck, which is also made out of Supima cotton, the fabric of the Uniqlo tee is thicker.

It ran small. I’m usually an S, sometimes an XS, in Uniqlo tops, and I had to size up to a medium for this shirt. It’s also more fitted than the Everlane one. At $10, the Uniqlo one is a good value if it works for you — and it comes in six colors, but I much prefer the Everlane one, which is a little more ($15), ethically made, and cut looser and thus better (at least for me).

If you’re interested in these tees (either of them), I suggest you get them sooner rather than later. Uniqlo is already putting their fall clothing on the floor.

This is post is part of a series of reviews on Uniqlo 2017 summer clothing. Links here to reviews of Uniqlo’s High Waist Belted Flare Midi Skirt, their Smart Style Ankle Pants, swimwear and more.

UPDATE 12/10/17 – I’m trying to be better about making ethical shopping choices, so I’m updating posts with info about how things were made. Uniqlo has said it’s putting better processes in place after it was cited for abusive practices in 2016, so it does appear to be making an effort.

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