Cotton Check ShirtClick here for product page
Item 23050
Regular: $64.00
J.Crew describes this top as the following:
Wear it year-round—our classic check print (borrowed from our men's collection) in crisp cotton and tailored just for you. For a looser boyfriend fit, we recommend ordering one size up. Long sleeves. Import. Machine wash.When I first saw this top online, I knew it would be a matter of time before it would be mine. However, I wanted to try it on in-person first. Imagine my surprise to see this top selling-out fast in J.Crew's stores and now wait-listed online (until mid-April) in most sizes and colors. After some searching, I finally was able to track down the Vintage Navy version in size 0.
As far as sizing goes, I find it true to size. But here's the thing... it's true to size in the shoulders and arms, but it is a bit boxy around the body. That is because the shirt is cut as a "looser boyfriend fit". That means it is not fitted like the Perfect Shirts (refer to the "Product Review: Tiny-Buds Perfect Shirt" post as an example). I honestly do not know why J.Crew recommends ordering a size up. I would ignore that suggestion.Although the shirt is ever-so-slightly boxy, it still looks quite nice on. Especially when the sleeves are rolled up or under a white cardigan.
Another thing about this shirt is the sleeves, which I find to be a little short. Maybe a half-an-inch longer would have made the sleeves the right size. (I should add that my arms are normal length. I never had an issue with sleeve-length with J.Crew's items before.)As for the fabric... it is standard cotton. Nothing extraordinary about it. It also explains why the starting price point is a bit lower than some of their other button down shirts. The print is a standard cotton check that makes it a timeless piece— usable for seasons to come.
Overall: I like the shirt and I would recommend getting it. Especially if it goes on sale.
Lastly, there are some other reviews & real-life images of this shirt that you should check out if you are considering this shirt:
- GigiOfCa's "J Crew - cotton check shirt" post
- GingerSnap's "Blogger Inspiration- J.Crew Cotton Check Shirt" post
- Patina's "Jcrew's Cotton Check Shirt and Olive Jackie OOTD" post
- RatsOnParade's "OOTD: Field Jacket & Cotton Check Shirt" post
Off topic, but what do you all think about the "Long Beach Cardigan" in navy and the "Cotton Nico Skirt" in faded black? Is either one or both a good buy? I'm thinking about asking for them for my February birthday or just getting them myself...
ReplyDeleteI love this shirt! But I found a look-a-like at Target for a fraction of the price. Gray and white check so I bought it. I am going to completely copy all the looks I have seen with this shirt! Sure I would rather have the Crew one, but I saved some $$ :)
ReplyDeleteI have and love this shirt. I was going to get it in the grey too but it's backordered forever.
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ReplyDeleteGreat review Alexis! I purchased the blue one the first day it arrived in the store and really like it a lot . I have a Navy blue Boyfriend Blazer from Gap and the two of them look great together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout-out, Alexis! :) The one thing I've found with this shirt (at least the blue/white check version) is that it's a big "loud" - as in, it's great when worn with something else like a jacket or a cardigan, but on its own, whoa baby - look out! An SA at the local B&M had it on - just worn alone - and there was something about it that didn't look quite right. Like the check pattern was too big or something. Otherwise though, the fit is perfect and I loved the gingham pattern. Great to see a review of this one!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone received the Suckered Gingham Perfect Shirt #23310? any comments? It looks a little more fitted and the print is smaller than the Cotton Checked shirt.
ReplyDeleteiwish4jcrew, do you have any more info? Like which label it's sold under? I like this shirt, but don't love it so a cheaper version would be nice :)
ReplyDeleteIWish4Jcrew & MommyDearest: I actually saw that Target look-a-like top too! It is actually very nice. I believe it was from the Merona Collection and the price was just $17.99. It didn't come in the vintage blue shade, but it did have the Light Slate (grey) version. It look almost the same except for the buttons and the two pockets on the chest (which blended in very nicely).
ReplyDeleteLaura: I can't believe how long it is back-ordered too! :)
Jeane & FFM: Congrats on having the shirt too! They really do seem to work well with a lot of outfits. :)
RatsOnParade: Thanks for the tip! I was planning to wear the top under jackets for now, and sleeves rolled up for the Spring. I will definitely be careful how I wear it alone. :)
I LOVE this shirt, love it, almost fell over when I saw one in my store the other day, but the sad fact of the matter is that I could never make it work. I've tried these kinds of shirts before and I'm just not comfortable; I rarely wear button-downs and ... I don't know. I can't articulate it, but this is one of those shirts that I feel like you have to have the looks and air of a J Crew model to pull it off. Sadly I have neither. LOL
ReplyDeleteI have this shirt in the slate. In fact, I ended up wearing it today with an aubergine cashmere cardigan from Ann Taylor and dark jeans.
ReplyDeleteI like it, but I do prefer the sleeker fit on the perfect shirts. I ordered a 4 which is my usual size in the perfect shirts, but could have easily sized down. If I had followed their recommendation, I would be swimming in it. The fit is nice in the shoulders and sleeves and the sleeve lenght is perfect on me, but the body is very boxy. I also think the quality of the fabric in my other J Crew shirts is much better. This one wrinkles more and never looks quite as crisp when it is pressed.
Still, I really like the print in this color (the navy/white is very loud for my taste) and this is darling under a burgundy, red or gray cardi.
I like this shirt, but there's about 10 other places I could find something identical (ranging from vintage/thrift to high end designer). I can't believe there's a waiting list until April for this shirt. It's just a plaid check shirt!
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ReplyDeleteI tried this shirt recently and was unimpressed. I found the large check rather garish on me and the fabric and fit were nothing special. I was quite disappointed as I read so many rave reviews but no crewlade for me on this one.
ReplyDeleteLooks like something from the western supply store. Or a nice tablecloth for your picnic table.
I love this shirt and am glad I got it in both colors. I usually wear the navy with more casual outfits and I've paired the grey one with the pink perfect skirt. I think it's versatile (to a certain extent) and I agree w/ ratsonparade that the shirt looks best layered rather than by itself.
ReplyDeleteI have the shirts in both colors and I am in love with both. I wear one of them once a week. They go with almost all my sweaters. Very different from all my other J. Crew shirts.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you having this blog, Alexis, I have one being shipped to me from a fellow JCA through the Great (Weekly) Exchange. Thanks to Adrienne for selling me hers -- and at a great price!
ReplyDeleteI like the shirt, but it reminds me of shirts I had from Abercrombie back in the late 90's!! There are a lot of look-alikes that I might go for, although I'm sure the JC one is a nicer fabric and fit than most cheaper ones!
ReplyDeletetres tippy, ITA. The shirt is fairly unimpressive alone, but it layers very well.
ReplyDeletexoxox, my first impression of the checked shirts was similar to yours, but I'm surprised at how much I wear them and how many compliments I receive on them.
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ReplyDeleteI was just about to do a post about this shirt and the gray version I found at Target on my blog this morning. LOL Great minds think alike!
ReplyDeleteI do own the J. Crew version in Navy and I love it. It is great for casual Fridays. Like FFM, I have the Gap BF blazer and I pair it with that and dark trouser jeans with flats. I always get compliments at work. Best part is that I have worn this shirt at least a dozen times now and it seems to be holding up quite well in comparison to some of my other blouses/ tops from J. Crew. So worth paying full price for.
Lindsey B,
ReplyDeleteThat is why I am not even remotely interested in checked shirts. Reminds me of the 80's and 90's. I am staying far away from this pattern and trend!
I agree it's a really nice-looking shirt. But IMO it's an odd balance of casual (the cut and pattern) and more dressy (the finer cotton) that doesn't work for me. Since it's boxy, I imagine it wouldn't look terrific untucked (for a casual office environment, for example) as the Perfect Shirts do. I'm not a tucker, so I decided to pass on it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did find an identical flannel version at The Gap before Christmas and it has become my new weekend casual cozy shirt. I love the smaller-scale check and it looks great untucked with jeans and boots.
Thanks for the shout-out! Obviously, I have this shirt and I have to say that I really love it. It's great for layering now...but it's going to be even better on the summertime with shorts or worn like a jacket over a cute sundress! If you are considering this shirt, go for it! ...if you can find one! My local store has been sold out.
ReplyDeleteHave this in blue and I love pairing it with a cardigan. Also looks great worn under my bayberry trench coat. Initially I thought the cotton was rather thin for my tastes but it washes well and is so soft. Mine is a bit large - my size was sold out, still I love wearing it. It's definitely a bold piece.
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, thank you so much for posting Alexis! Found it online, as well as a red/pink and bright blue one under Mossimo label. For $18 it will be mine! :)
ReplyDeleteI knew I had to have this when I tried it on and I bought it that day. I love it. I have the navy and haven't seen the grey, but would love to add it to my wardrobe someday. I sized down, too.
ReplyDeleteThe shirt is a no go for me, reminds me of my childhood "Go Western" outfit worn down here deep in the heart of Texas.
ReplyDeleteI bought the navy/white checked shirt the minute it was in the stores! I had been envious of all the cool men's shirts. I wear this shirt all the time. It is so versatile and looks great w/ some junkie jeans and topsiders, or with slacks and a sweater. Wish they offered it in red/white!
ReplyDeleteI have this shirt in the navy, and love it! I think it got so much attention and sold so well partly because it's reminiscent of J Crew's classic/preppy era, and lots of people still want that. Menswear fabrics in Women's cuts will always be a hit. I have that suckered shirt in hydrangea on my wishlist!
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ReplyDeleteiwish4jcrew and Alexis,
ReplyDeleteThank you both so much! Got it on the way home, and the sleeves are long enough :)
Thanks for the link love, Alexis :-)
ReplyDeleteiwish4jcrew - I saw that Target blouse yesterday. I didn't try it on, but it looks pretty good. I'll be posting about it tomorrow.
Causal-Crew, I have the suckered gingham shirt in blackberry. It's very similiar to the cotton check shirt but smaller checks. I have the 2 in the cotton check and 4 in the suckered gingham. Also, the suckered gingham does not have the suckered look IRL like it does on the webiste at all.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Carrie, your information is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteFor those who like this pattern, Club Monaco is offering a pencil skirt in a large gingham check. It should be available in stores in March. The style is similar to J.Crew's cotton perfect pencil skirt from summer 2008 with the slant pockets just under the waistband. As far as I know it will be available in gray/white, not sure of the other colors.
ReplyDeleteGot this in both colors and I do really like it. Sleeves are a touch short on me as well. The fabric is more casual and I think it matches the style quite well. It is just a refreshing look. The grey will be esp. beautiful in the Spring but I love it with the light berry and plums of this season. The blue is fun for Summer in so many ways and of course works right now. This is a super versatile and although somewhat run-of-the-mill shirt, it's somehow kinda "different". Maybe 'cause it's for women?? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteGreat Site, Explore shirt white. Shop online at The Shirt Factory for a wide selection of linen shirts, polos, plain t-shirts, trousers, and kurtas.
ReplyDeleteGreat Site, Explore plain shirt colours. Shop online at The Shirt Factory for a wide selection of linen shirts, polos, plain t-shirts, trousers, and kurtas.
ReplyDelete