fashion

'Oversized T-shirts make me feel frumpy. I just found the most flattering alternative.'

Want to support independent women's media? Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

God, I love the idea of oversized T-shirts.

My friend, colleague and fashion editor Tamara Holland says they're the key to her style.

When she wears a boxy tee, it looks stylish. When I wear one? Frumpy.

Watch: Would you rather be underdressed or overdressed? Our fashion experts can't agree.


Mamamia

A bit of context: I'm a size 12 on the top with an hourglass shape. You'll never catch me in a pair of jeans; my uniform involves bias-cut midi skirts and a shirt or top with sleeves — tucked in, like any self-respecting Millennial.

I've bought countless oversized T-shirts, hoping to nail that comfy, cool girl aesthetic. But enough is enough.

If you're like me and have been searching for an excellent alternative to the oversized T-shirt silhouette, I think I've found it.

A picture of a woman in black T-shirt and print skirt.Woah. Image: Supplied.

Like most things I buy, this particular T-shirt found me via the algorithm.

It's called the Sneaky Link Jaz Hand Ruched Tee; you might have seen it referred to as the "world's most flattering T-shirt" in the viral Girls With Gems Instagram videos.

Down the marketing funnel I went. Link in bio? Click. Sign up to the newsletter for exclusive offers? Gladly.

Reviews like, 'YOU NEED THIS', and, 'order in every colour', had me adding to cart, but the price kept me from checking out.

Because, and stay with me…

$159 for any item of clothing is expensive, let alone a T-shirt.

That's why I waited until it went on sale for Black Friday, comforted by the knowledge I could return it or exchange for store credit if it didn't live up to the hype.

But I needn't have worried, because this top makes me feel ridiculously good about myself.

Selfie of Amy wearing the viral T-shirt.Snatched and smiling. Image: Supplied.

Picture of Amy wearing the viral T-shirt. Obsessed is an understatement. Image: Supplied.

OK, so why don't I regret my purchasing decision?

  • The thick, soft stretch fabric (73.9 per cent viscose, 20.1 per cent polyester, 6 per cent elastane) feels premium and sculpts, without sucking you in.
  • Sleeve perfection — the short sleeve hits just above the elbow and flares out to sit away from the body.
  • The ruched waist detail comes in at the perfect point (no bulky tucking required!) and shapes the torso along with the curved hem.
  • You can easily dress it up with jewellery, a belt and heels, or styled down with fashion trackies or a pair of thongs.

Girls pose in the viral T-shirt.Image: Sneaky Link.

ADVERTISEMENT

I get it's pricey, though. The good news is there are a bunch of gathered, cinched-waist T-shirts with fitted and more relaxed fits on the market.

Case in point: a colleague came into the office earlier this week wearing a similar $25 style from Glassons.

Whether it's the bougie Sneaky Link clothing one or something more affordable, I've rounded up a bunch of cinched waist tees that will look spectacular on you.

Glassons Cinched Short Sleeve Top, $24.99.

Image: Glassons.Image: Glassons.

Cotton On Blair Batwing Short Sleeve Tee, $24.99.

 Image: Cotton On.Image: Cotton On.

Target Gathered Ponte Top, $30.

Image: Target.Image: Target.

De Gail Margaux Boxy T-Shirt, $39.

Instagram image of woman in white tee. Pro tip: Tuck it into your bra for the cinched look. Image: Instagram/@tahliaaa_xo.

Forever New Saskia Boxy Tee, $54.99.

Image: Forever New.Image: Forever New.

Decjuba Maisy Structured Tee, $59.95.

Image: Decjuba.Image: Decjuba.

ADVERTISEMENT

Calli Tucked T-Shirt, $79.99.

Image: The Iconic.Image: The Iconic.

Kookai Nova Vee Neck Tee, $80.

Image: Kookai.Image: Kookai.

COS Knot Detail T-Shirt, $89.

Image: COS.Image: COS.

Henne Bria Jersey Tee, $119.

Image: Henne.Image: Henne.

Sneaky Link Jaz Hand Ruched Tee, $159.

Image: Sneaky Link.Image: Sneaky Link.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.

Calling all past 3 months retail shoppers!

Complete our survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

Take survey →

00:00 / ???