JGIC Product Review: My Go To Guy - The Washed Favorite Shirt

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us. In this review, he looks at J.Crew's Washed Favorite Shirts for men:

Everybody should have a go to guy; that person that you bounce ideas off of, share a beer with and is the one you can count on to get you out of a tough situation.  My go to guy is the washed favorite shirt by our friends at J.Crew.  He fits me perfectly; not tight and poor quality yeah I'm looking at you Zara; the fit is always the same with odd sleeve length or varying cuts (eyes cast towards BR); they always wash up beautifully and keep their shape *cough Gap* and it's easier to find a deal *nods towards Ralph*.  Maybe they don't offer real shell buttons and some logo on the chest, but do you want to advertise something you had to pay for?

My bromance with the washed favorite shirt began years ago when I picked up a white button down in what was then the 'new' J.Crew cut shirt.  This 'new' cut is known known as the classic.  That white button down has worked with ties and v-neck sweaters, dark washed denim and even worn untucked with shorts and a pair on sneakers in the height of summer.  I checked the label of my good buddy and he's from 2007 and still going strong.  Yeah he's slightly worn and a little frayed and while he may only come out on weekends now, he's the first one.

Lately some new guys have shown up.  Okay, in all honesty there are more than 25 of the guys hanging upstairs in the closet, all washed favorite shirts.  Quite the collection I know, but in my defense it has taken several years to amass my army of J.Crew shirts.  And you must admit, for me J.Crew nailed the name, washed favorite shirt.  I've got gingham, micro in red and black; blue and a purple in medium gingham #47358, plaid #94694 and many more, some end on end action #25314, a stripped one in grey and yes there are solids too #68015.  So many of the shirts are from the past few seasons, but the cut and the quality remain the same.

J.Crew does offer a light weight option in the spring, but I find that the fabric wrinkles so much easier than the standard weight cloth.  If I'm going to spend all that time ironing it better last longer than the drive to work.  While the style guys at J.Crew might be recommending the rumpled, wrinkled look I prefer to look at little more polished when I'm being professional, earning my keep.  The standard cloth that J.Crew uses works great for me, either pressed with a tie and maybe a sweater or blazer or hung to dry and then just tossed into the dryer to soften the crunchiness and wear on the weekend.

The washed favorite shirt works for me and is my go to guy.  Whether button down or point collar, with a tie looking polished and professional or all rumpled with rolled up sleeves on the weekend it can't be beat.  And like so mnay of us do buying them on sale is even better.  Because of the fit there's no need to worry if it will fit.  Right now I'm eyeing up the golden beach tattersall #94686 (got to love a name like beach at this time of the year.)  And by the way all the oxfords, tartans and secret washed shirts have the same cut.  The flannels and workshirts are okay, but are slighty looser and usually feature two chest pockets with exterrior buttons that leave nipple marks when worn with a sweater, not a cool look for me.  So I'm sticking with the washed favorite and all it's close cousins, in my mind it just can't be beat.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his in-depth look at the classic staple of washed favorite shirts!
 
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Washed Favorite Shirt for Men? Do you own any of their shirts? If so, please share with us your review. :)