Fashion Revolution Love Story: An Ode to a Humble T-Shirt
Care for your clothes, like the good friends they are – Joan Crawford
This year, Fashion Revolution has suggested several ways to get involved, one of which is sharing a fashion revolution love story. “We love fashion. We love how clothes can make us feel, and how they can represent how we feel about ourselves. They’re our message to the world about who we are. Rather than buying new, fall back in love with the clothes you already own. Share your story about an item of clothing that means a lot to you. The more we love our clothes, the more we care for them, and the longer they last. We are asking fashion lovers from all over the world to join the fashion revolution and create a love story.” Want to see more clothing love stories, or get involved and share your own fashion revolution love story? People are sharing on Instagram or Facebook this week with the hashtags #lovedclotheslast and #fashionrevolution.
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Dear cream coloured peasant style t-shirt,
You are such a sweet, yet innocuous garment. I bought you about six years ago now in the first big clothing “shopping spree” I ever had. There I was, just out of college and in desperate need of some clothing. I had a job and money to spend, and after so many years of hand-me-downs which were on the verge of wearing out completely, combined with years of a negative body image, in which I didn’t wear nice things, I was ready for some new and pretty clothes.
my most recent outfit featuring this peasant style top
On that day, while browsing the sale racks, I found you. In fact I found two of you. I bought two of the same shirt, because I thought that I would tie dye one. I am very glad that I never got around to doing that- because, well, tie dye isn’t really my thing and I am sure that wouldn’t have lasted long in my closet, and also because I can now wear “you” twice as often. I was drawn to you that day because, quite simply put: you were perfect. Basic, but different. Classic, with a twist. Vintage in style, yet made of comfortable knit. Long enough to tuck in and loose enough to be blowsy, but soft enough to drape. And on top of all that- you are a wonderful shade of cream that magically seems to coordinate with everything I put you with.
anne of green gables worthy puffed sleeves
You work surprisingly well underneath my pinafore dresses, and make me look as though I belong in The Sound of Music (this is always a good thing). When I pair you with a full skirt, I look like I’ve stepped out of a 1950’s picnic. You work with all of my casual outfits, and function surprisingly well as a “shell” too, underneath blazers and cardigans. You are so neutral that you go with everything, and your “puffed sleeves” have just the right amount of puff without being overdone. When in doubt, I always know I can fall back on you.
Because you are cream, of course, I have spilled all manner of things on you- curry, spaghetti sauce, beet juice and many other staining kinds of things. And yet, every time, the stains have come right out- I don’t know how you do it- but I’m glad you do!
I bought you cheap from a fast fashion brand. You were probably less than $15.00 brand new, less than $5.00 on sale. All of the clothes I bought that day were on sale. That day, I bought cheap clothes, because I didn’t know differently, and I don’t think I could afford anything else either. Because you are so cheap, I am actually surprised that you have lasted this long. Yes, I do have two of you, and yet I thought you would have worn out years ago. I wear you at least once a week. . . probably twice a week, which means that I have worn each individual shirt at least 150 times in the last six years (but probably more). Look at how many times I have featured you here on the blog in just over one year!
You were made in Bangladesh. I don’t know who made you. I wonder who cut out your fabric, sewed your seams, gathered your puffed sleeves and trimmed your errant threads. At the site of the Rana Plaza factory collapse four years ago, in the rubble, tags were found bearing the logo stamped on the inside of your collar. Were you made in that factory? I wonder about the garment worker who made you. Was she or he there that day? Where are they now?
I didn’t know about fast fashion in those days when I bought you. If I saw you today, I would have to pass on by. And yet, despite your questionable history and supply chain, you have without a doubt been one of the best garments I’ve ever purchased. If I was told to choose a favourite garment from my wardrobe, and pick something to write this “Love Story” about, my first thought would be something showy and exciting. Perhaps my grey fur coat, or a true vintage dress or a pair of pretty shoes. . . but in reality, while those are the fun things in my wardrobe, I don’t wear them all that often. At least not when compared to you!
I wash you in a cold gentle wash, and hang you to dry, to try and keep you in good shape. But, the other day I found a hole. It is near a seam, so I think I can mend it. But, I started to wonder- what ever will I do when you are gone? I know that I can never replace you, and you will surely be missed as one of my most loved garments of all time. As much as one can “love” a piece of clothing, I do love you, my humble and ordinary cream coloured peasant t-shirt!
Love, Nicole
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What is your favourite garment in your wardrobe? How long have you had it, and what is the story behind it? I’d love to hear your fashion revolution love story too!
April 25, 2017 @ 6:27 am
Awesome story! It really is a cute and classic garment, and I think it’s interesting that you’ve worn it so often, in posts that I’ve read and enjoyed, but I never realized it was the same top. That’s versatility!
April 25, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
Thanks Jessica! It is a surprisingly versatile garment 🙂 At first I was worried that it would be boring to write about a t-shirt, but the more I thought about it, I realized it was the perfect thing to write about!
April 25, 2017 @ 9:31 am
I think it’s great that you’re involved in this fab #whomademyclothes thing, I’ve seen a few companies I buy from get involved with this, which is reassuring. I wish I’d had more time to get involved with this – maybe next year if it’s an annual thing? It’s fallen on a particularly manic week for me!
April 25, 2017 @ 12:38 pm
Yes, it is an annual thing, and always falls somewhere around April 24 (the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse) Hopefully next year you’ll be able to get involved! I hope your manic week goes well whatever you are up to 🙂
April 25, 2017 @ 10:24 pm
hello there,ciao…nice post!…the outfit wearing also the harem-pants and shoes is a charming work of Art…cheers!
April 26, 2017 @ 4:50 pm
Thanks Aure! The harem pants are one of my favourites too 🙂
April 26, 2017 @ 5:13 am
A beautiful love story. I don’t even know what my favourite piece would be, but I feel similarly that often it is the basic pieces that last and last and are somehow just right that have a big impact on my wardrobe. At least, I know I miss them when they are gone!
I think that clearly you need to find a similar pattern (or take one from one of these when they finally depart) and make your own for the future!
April 26, 2017 @ 4:52 pm
I guess that is why they are “basics”- they are just so good to go with everything. I have been thinking that I will make a pattern from this one, once it dies- that way it will live on! 😉
April 27, 2017 @ 9:47 pm
I was going to make the same suggestion as Tanith—if you make a pattern of your favorite blouse, then you can make it in all of your favorite colors! That’s one of the best aspects of sewing, I think.
April 28, 2017 @ 12:02 pm
I agree! That is my favourite aspect of sewing too- the ability to customize and create exactly what you want!
May 15, 2017 @ 10:41 am
What a lovely story, I so enjoyed reading through the journey of this garment!
May 15, 2017 @ 10:04 pm
Thanks Christina! It was an interesting topic to write about, and was quite a different style to write in too. I almost felt like I was doing a creative writing assignment in school 🙂