Soft graphic tees in size 20/24... that don't suffocate me
January 19, 2023 3:40 PM   Subscribe

I love graphic tees but have never found the perfect one. I've tried lots of sites that do custom graphic tees, from RedBubble to Etsy, and I have found all of these elements (soft, plus, low neck) but never in combination. The plus-size options tend to be thick "unisex" fabric even when they have V-neck styles.

I have occasionally caved and bought a regular shirt but I can't stand the feeling of choking they give me. I have come to terms with the fact that it has to be V-neck or scoop neck. (I do love a scoop neck.)

Looking for anyone with personal experience that has found T-shirts in size 22/24, is soft, and doesn't have a high neck. One million bonus points for feminist messaging.
posted by Threeve to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total) 11 users marked this as a favorite
 
Have you tried Torrid? I love a LOT of their stuff, and they offer various graphic t-shirts.
posted by annieb at 5:02 PM on January 19, 2023 [6 favorites]


You might like the Life is good line.
Their website is easy to search and sort and includes up to XXXL (22).
And they also have some relaxed fit.
posted by calgirl at 5:44 PM on January 19, 2023


My experience is based on working in a very small place that custom printed shirts -
So, virtually none of the places that do printed graphic tees are making their own t-shirts. They're just getting them from a wholesale supplier and then printing them.

Therefore, take a look at the big plain t-shirt manufacturers, see if you can find a style that works for you.
Then either ask the custom graphic Ts place to use that style, or even send them the t-shirt you want printed onto.

Look at something like Hanes tshirts -

https://www.hanes.com/women/tops/t-shirts.html?neck_design=10366&silhouette=9814&size=3301&sleeve_length=10351

I think the Tri-blend, V-neck t-shirt is probably closest to what you're looking for.
You may be able to try it on in person to confirm that style works for you.

Heaps of the custom graphic T places use Hanes, but they often aren't buying a variety of styles in plus sizes, but if you email and ask if they can provide you that exact style and size, and you don't mind waiting until their next t-shirt order, many of them will be willing to provide that shirt for you.


Next, you won't get the same print quality on a Tri-blend shirt, which is the soft, stretchy fabric I think you're wanting, as on a 100% cotton shirt (which will be more likely to be that non-stretchy, unisex fabric you're describing).

There's examples of the print difference on this page:
https://www.realthread.com/blog/what-exactly-is-a-triblend

So make sure that that is a tradeoff you're happy to make - but personally I still like that look.

Hope this helps. :)
posted by Elysum at 5:54 PM on January 19, 2023 [5 favorites]


At Tee Public you can choose "Female Fit" and then "Curvy T-shirt" under "Style" and you will find their well hidden plus sizes. The shirts are nice, but don't come in the same variety of colors the other styles do.
posted by tangosnail at 8:41 AM on January 20, 2023 [1 favorite]


Yeah I got a Teepublic "slouchy V-neck" and a "curvy V-neck" to try and find a tee that fit me. They're both loose and the slouchy one in particular is very thin - the other is also definitely a light cotton rather than a heavy.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:52 AM on January 20, 2023


Response by poster: The TeePublic "curvy fit" shirts all have high necks, as far as I can tell. The slouchy ones don't have my size. If you can find this combination somehow I'd be grateful!
posted by Threeve at 1:07 PM on January 20, 2023


I have this exact same problem! Lots of cool plus-size t-shirts exist but almost none of them have v-necks. I seriously dislike crew neck shirts because they make my boobs into a huge expanse. I went through all my pinned clothing stores for this question and came up empty on v-necks.

I recently bought a very roomy, scoop neck t-shirt from a company local to me, Sabaku. I have a 48" bust and the XL is really roomy on me. The 1X are advertised as having a 52" bust. The designs are kinda "ladies of a certain age" but you could see if there's anything you like.
posted by See you tomorrow, saguaro at 9:10 AM on January 22, 2023


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