The Best Basic Tees and Tanks, Beyond Gap and H&M

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Welcome back to Editor's Essentials, a new Wednesday feature in which editors from around the Racked network discuss their all-time best buys. Today we're sharing our favorite basics—nope, not the endearing Starbucks-swilling sorority pal who "literally almost died" over Oprah Chai—think essential tees, tanks, and long-sleeve cotton tops. These are the sturdy standbys you'll find us pairing with our go-to jeans, favorite leggings, and slipping into more dressed-up looks.

To narrow it down, we omitted the brands you likely have in your drawers now (honorable mentions to the Gap, H&M, American Apparel, and Old Navy's $10 'Tami' style), in hopes of unearthing your new fave. The best cuts for petites, brands for saving and splurging, plus sheerness-ratings, after the jump.

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• Image via Everlane
• Jenny Berg, Racked Chicago editor: I love the featherlight feel of Club Monaco’s 'Sunny Tees' ($39.50). The lighter hues are
• Julie Davis, Racked Philadelphia editor: J.Crew's linen tees are my go-to. They embody everythin
• Natalie Alcala, Racked Los Angeles editor: For cheap basics, I reach for Brandy Melville's one-size-fits-all options. Their cuts are perfect for p
• Caitlin Petreycik, Racked New York features writer: I've had good luck with Everlane's tees. They're $15, the sleeves are a non-awkward length, an
• Izzy Ginspan, Racked editorial director: I'm a fan of Alternative Apparel's 'Favorite' t-shirt ($38). It's really
• Kristen Philipkoski, Racked San Francisco editor: I’m in love with with Marine Layer’s V-neck cotton and recycled beech wood
• Susan Stapleton, Racked Vegas editor: I'm a huge fan of the
• Anna Caplan, Racked Dallas editor: I'm a big fan of Splendid t-shirts and tanks. They are super-soft and flattering; mu
• Alison Baitz, Racked DC contributor: I'm always struck by how insanely soft Vince's
• Natalie Alcala, Racked Los Angeles editor: Two years ago, I visited the LA factory of a new basics label
• Ashley Brozic, Racked Miami editor: I'm a huge fan of Madewell's slub v-neck pocket tee ($25). The cotton is quality
• Jackie Goldstein, director of operations: I discovered the soft, flexible, perfect Cosabella tank top ($76.50) at the ripe age of 14 and I have never looked bac
• Tiffany Yannetta, Racked New York editor: I got this Alice + Oliva tee shirt as a