Here's the truth...I've had to slowly warm up to Tees by Tina. it wasn't love at first sight. One of my favorite reps decided to carry the line years ago, and she convinced us to try it in the store. I was hesitant. I'm not super keen on synthetic fabrics (mental block from memories of the horrible synthetic fabrics of the 80's). I thought the name was a little goofy too, and I made fun of the model pics (equally goofy). I know, picky picky (and a wee bit hater of me.) I was 100% blah about the line.
Then it started to sell really well, and it gave me pause, and forced me to wonder WHY? That's how I came to appreciate why and learned that yes, I do in fact really like this line (still don't love the name though). It was started by Tina Stephens, who apparently was a pilates teacher but decided to design a handful of seamless pieces because she couldn't find what she wanted out in the market. The line grew from there. It's a really well run company, and I love that it's family owned. I've never met Tina but according to the rep that got us hooked on the line, she is SUPER sweet.
The key is that the tees and tanks don't roll, they are a great length and they don't bunch up along the waist or roll oddly. They are one size fits most and it's really true, it does manage to fit most. I wash my tanks solo in a garment bag in cold water, and hang them dry (they dry quick) and if you follow this, they look like new wash after wash. Yes, the fabric is synthetic, but synthetics aren't gross anymore, they actually feel really nice, wear really well and the knit that Tina uses is of such a great quality that I am converted.
The bonus? They are made in the USA. That's cool.
All I know is having a stack of the basic tanks and camis at the ready make getting dressed easier. They smooth everything out (including bra lines), and they layer perfectly under everything. I don't personally wear them solo, but someone could if they were feeling bold and sexy. They are priced super reasonable too, which makes having a big stack of them actually feasible (another bonus.)
I also love the new Tina Stephens Made In Italy group--born out of Tina's adventures in Italy. The pieces are great, washable, and easy to wear one season to the next, not to mention being perfect travel attire. Keep an eye out for the infamous Ruana cashmere poncho that is due in next week in new colors (another area that Tina branched off into was a spattering of cashmere pieces). We get this style in every year and it's fantastic. Soft light-weight cashmere in a style that can be worn like a poncho or a scarf. It's ingenious and versatile (I give at least one of these as a gift every year-they make wonderful gifts.)
And that my friends, is how I came to totally love TBT, slowly but surely.
Signed, ME {lv}
