The 13 Best Basics Brands, According to BAZAAR Editors

Welcome to The Everyday Edit, a series where BAZAAR editors and fashion insiders share the items—earrings, jeans, jackets, and more—that are so good, they’re in daily rotation.

Who among us hasn’t searched for effortless straight-leg jeans or a clingy, but not too tight, white T-shirt? Shopping for clothing basics gives us all Goldilocks syndrome. There’s no shortage of brands with “perfect” tees and tanks, but finding those that are just right is a matter of research, wear-testing, and more research. But the payoff—foundations for multilayer, all-season outfits—is worth the effort.

To shorten the distance between you and your true staples, BAZAAR editors are sharing the 13 labels that house their forever basics. (“Forever” isn’t quite hyperbolic: Some of the recommendations ahead have been in use for a decade-plus.) Read on and shop the basics clothing brands with the highest-quality pieces, including blazers, crew-neck sweaters, and one T-shirt that earned three separate endorsements.

“Anine Bing is my go-to for everyday basics that feel elevated. I love everything, from their plain white shirts to vintage-style everyday jeans, neutral blazers, boots, and sneakers. The collections transcend seasons and are ideal if you’re looking to simplify your wardrobe while still considering quality, style, and comfort.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

“I love Éterne for basics. The T-shirts, turtlenecks, and cozy sets are all cut in cool and interesting ways, but still serve as basics in your wardrobe to layer with everything from jeans to suiting.” —Kerry Pieri, digital fashion director

“I was a longtime devotee of novelty knits—you know, silly patterns, kooky designs, yada yada—until I discovered the pristine, soothing beauty of Lauren Manoogian. Lauren is a savant of knitting patterns, and her sweaters are so subtle, so thoughtful, so luxurious. Seriously, I never thought wearing a beige turtleneck would cause people to stop me on the street and ask, ‘Where did you get that?!’ But here we are! This is now my life!

“They are all hand-knit in Peru and feel and look like something two or three times as expensive. I pull one on instead of a sweatshirt when working from home or flying, and wear it with jeans when I’m going to a dinner where I want to look creative but imperious.” —Rachel Tashjian, fashion news director

“I’m a self-proclaimed sucker for SKIMS. I recently bought black and white versions of the brand’s Cotton Jersey tee—it’s so comfy and hugs my curves in all the right places. I reach for one of these tees every other day when building my outfits and pair them with wide-leg denim, under trench coats, with a pair of trousers—you name it.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

“My favorite basics brand is Uniqlo, particularly the Uniqlo U collection. Years ago, I stumbled upon the collection while on a trip in Tokyo and ended up buying a stack of their white shirts. They’ve been my go-to ever since, as they’re the ideal weight (heavy, but not too heavy), crisp, and team nicely with suits and jeans. They come in a host of colors, but I always reach for a white or black option.” —Nikki Ogunnaike, digital director

“Uniqlo tends to be my final destination on the hunt for well-made, tailored basics, whether I’m looking for a decent pair of straight-leg jeans or a simple ribbed tank top. Their ethos is all no fuss and high quality, with an anti-trend approach that ensures your pieces will stand the test of time.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor

“As long as I’ve worked in fashion (over a decade now), it’s been a sort of industry-wide secret weapon. I do think they’ve had some stocking issues this year, but it’s still a solid option for things like white tees.” —Izzy Grinspan, deputy digital editor

“Blazers from slow-fashion queen Maggie Marilyn are a staple of my pandemic year-three wardrobe. They’re made with organic cotton and FSC-certified viscose linings, so they’re good with the planet, and have fancy bells and whistles like button godets or belts that dress up a pair of her perfect white jeans for in-office days.” —Alison Cohn, deputy fashion news editor

“I have been loyal to this one brand for virtually all my basics and intimates. While pieces here are definitely pricier, each one I’ve invested in has lasted years and been on a nonstop rotation in my daily wardrobe. Their pieces are my favorite neutral staples for cozy indoor lounging (incredible during quarantine), work, working out, and going out—and can easily be paired and layered in any kind of outfit. The material is also ridiculously soft and seamless, and feels like second skin, while still maintaining its shape, color, and elasticity through dozens of washes and wears.” —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant

“What I love about the brand Leset is how you can wear each piece for a night in or a night out. The cardigans are my absolute favorite—so soft, and I can pair them with the matching pants or layer them over a dress!” —Remy Schiffman, ShopBAZAAR assistant merchandising editor

“When I’m not shopping at Uniqlo for basics, I often snag tees, bodysuits, and more from Nordstrom’s in-house brand, . Most of these items are available for $100 or less and versatile enough to wear with just about anything. And now that spring has arrived, I’m eyeing a few of their trousers, dresses, and jackets too. Nordstrom is already one of my favorite retailers for everything from beauty to home accessories, so it’s a no-brainer for stocking up on wardrobe staples as well.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

“I love the sophisticated separates from Los Angeles–based brand Sablyn. They make me want to live in their effortless monochromatic looks. The lightweight knits and silk slipdresses are prefect layering essentials for spring.” —Jessica Rawls, ShopBAZAAR senior fashion editor and brand manager

“My love of AYR’s basics is deep and well documented. At my last count, I own two T-shirts and three button-downs, soon to be four when my next order arrives. AYR’s renditions of the Breton-stripe top and Oxford shirt have a slightly relaxed fit that I love, and the fabric quality is so much better than others I’ve tried. I’ve owned each of the tops above for at least a year and haven’t noticed any pilling, fading, or tears.” — Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

“H&M is one of my favorite places to shop for basics. There are basics for all occasions and budgets. The Premium Section pieces are made with high-quality fabrics that’ll last, and their Divided basics are perfect for lounging or everyday wear.” —Mariah Morrison, senior social media editor

“Emerging label Alice Pearl, founded by our very own editor Jessica Rawls is the brand of our terry cloth dreams. The matching sets and jumpsuits are so soft and comfortable, and the fits incredibly flattering. Thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core—you can wear these versatile pieces in so many ways, for everyday ease, beach cover-ups, and mix-and-match looks.” —Minna Shim, ShopBAZAAR senior content and social media editor

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Halie LeSavage

Fashion Commerce Editor

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper’s BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.