Reviving this thread for two reasons:
First, I'm happy to report that all my Stafford Signature (JC Penney) and Kirkland Signature (Costco) are wearing well...they look brand new and I wear these dress shirts almost every work day. I've only worn the Lands End shirts a couple times (more colorful varieties) and don't have any problems with them. Initially, I was somewhat hesitant about buying the Kirkland shirts due to quality problems I read on the Internet. However, those postings were a couple years old and Costco must have corrected the quality problems because I haven't seen "button hole" or "stitching" issues on any of their shirts. For $17 you really can't go wrong with these shirts...and they've added a lot more styles/patterns over the summer.
Seconds, I'm having something of a T-Shirt dilemma. I bought several t-shirt...oh, about 8-10 years ago and over the past couple years they are finally pulling a Patsy Cline (i.e., falling to pieces). For the record, I have never liked any of the name brands such as Fruit of the Tomb, Hanes, Jockey, etc. While I love the feel of cotton on my skin, I can't seem to find one that fits properly due to the George Costanza effect (i.e., shrinkage) along with the fact they simply don't hug your body like I feel they should. My dress shirts appropriately hang loose away from the body, but I want my T-shirts to feel as though I were being snuggled under the covers by my wife on a cool-crisp morning. I don't "Feel the Love" with any of the 100% cotton T-shirts.
Years ago I purchased several Towncraft 50/50 (polyester/cotten) T-shirts from JC Penney to wear under my military uniforms. My last purchase was about 8-years ago since these things wear a long, long time. They were not only soft like cotton, they were also extremely lightweight and somewhat elastic, so they adapted to my form and not vice-versa. And they certainly didn't shrink. Plus, they were extremely durable. They were the only T-shirt I would wear. Anyway, imagine my dismay when I went into JC Penney over the weekend and could not locate my T-shirts. Just like with the JC Penney Executive suit (made by Hartmarx), they no longer carried this brand...and it appears that Towncraft no longer makes this T-shirt.
Well, I would up purchasing a six-pack of 100% Kirkland T-shirts from Costo and, after washing them, I hate them...hate them...hate them...hate them. Okay, perhaps hate is a strong word...but I dislike them just as much as the name brands. I went online and it's impossible to find them. However, I did find a group of disgrunted Towncraft 50/50 customers who have been on a quest to find them and/or a suitable replacement. All I can say is that if you've never worn these T-shirt then you don't know what you're missing. If you have, then you will understand why some men are still in "Search of the Holy Grail" for these things. They were awsome.
Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions. They must be:
1. Cool comfortable cotton feel.
2. 50/50 blend with some form fitting elasticity.
3. I had the crew necks (military thing) but V-neck is fine.
Thanks!
Ask Tug: The quest for the Towncraft Undershirts begins | Undershirt Guy Blog