The Best Basic Tees and Tanks, Beyond Gap and H&M

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Welcome back to Editor's Essentials, a new Wednesday feature in which editors from around the Racked network discuss their all-time best buys. Today we're sharing our favorite basics—nope, not the endearing Starbucks-swilling sorority pal who "literally almost died" over Oprah Chai—think essential tees, tanks, and long-sleeve cotton tops. These are the sturdy standbys you'll find us pairing with our go-to jeans, favorite leggings, and slipping into more dressed-up looks.

To narrow it down, we omitted the brands you likely have in your drawers now (honorable mentions to the Gap, H&M, American Apparel, and Old Navy's $10 'Tami' style), in hopes of unearthing your new fave. The best cuts for petites, brands for saving and splurging, plus sheerness-ratings, after the jump.

"Comfy enough to sleep in, durable enough for a workout, and chic enough to wear out on the town" >>