The 9 Best Basics Brands, According to BAZAAR Editors (2024)

Welcome to The Everyday Edit, a series where BAZAAR editors and fashion insiders share the items—earrings, jeans, jackets, and more—that are so good, they're in daily rotation.

As Bazaar editors, we’re always reporting on what’s new and trending but we’re equally obsessed with discussing the brands that deliver consistent, hardworking staples like the perfect T-shirts and tanks, everyday denim that looks as good in the office as it does on a date, and blazers that make you feel like you could accomplish anything.

So naturally, we’ve pooled our efforts and expertise to come up with a comprehensive guide to the best brands for basics, with something for everyone regardless of taste or budget. These dependable labels are names you will come back to repeatedly for everything from sweaters to shirting—because trust us: Once you’ve found your wardrobe go-tos, the pieces you can wear in a multitude of ways, getting dressed will suddenly feel as easy as, well, it should be.

Elyse Walker

“Influential retailer Elyse Walker has been bringing the best of the best to market for 25 years. So when the time came to launch her own in-house label, stocked at her namesake boutiques, you better believe she married world-class standards to timeless, fan-favorite design. From the simple (sleeveless sweater dresses) to the standout (mermaid silk slip skirts), your foundational wardrobe heroes are all here.” —Freya Drohan, contributing commerce writer

Buck Mason

"Buck Mason marries the laid-back aesthetics of Southern California with the design functionality you need in a city like New York, which is why it's one of my favorite brands for wardrobe basics. At the moment, I'm loving the linen Eastend dress which features adjustable straps and hidden pockets—I can wear it alone for a sexy back reveal then layer underneath the California cashmere v-neck (I have it in navy) when the evening breeze starts to roll in." —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor

Skims

"I'm a self-proclaimed sucker for Skims. I recently bought black and white versions of the brand's Cotton Jersey tee—it's so comfy and hugs my curves in all the right places. I reach for one of these tees every other day when building my outfits and pair them with wide-leg denim, under trench coats, with a pair of trousers—you name it." —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

The Frankie Shop

“The Instagram account that taught a generation of city-dwelling women how to make basics look anything but. Few brands unite everyone from supermodels to editors to your cool neighbor across the hallway like this Lower East Side–born mecca for muscle T-shirts, languid suiting, and epic outerwear.” —FD

Uniqlo

"Uniqlo tends to be my final destination on the hunt for well-made, tailored basics, whether I'm looking for a decent pair of straight-leg jeans or a simple ribbed tank top. Their ethos is all no fuss and high quality, with an anti-trend approach that ensures your pieces will stand the test of time." —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor

"As long as I've worked in fashion (over a decade now), it's been a sort of industry-wide secret weapon. I do think they've had some stocking issues this year, but it's still a solid option for things like white tees." —Izzy Grinspan, deputy digital editor

Aritzia

“Aritzia’s workforce structure is more than 85 percent women. So if any company is going to solve the riddle of what women want to wear, my money is on this one. Time and time again, the Canadian brand is a sure bet when it comes to substance and style, like bodysuits for layering, three-piece suits, loungewear you’re not ashamed to be spotted out and about in, and of course, the iconic Super Puff puff jackets, for when the cold snap arrives.” —FD

Leset

"What I love about the brand Leset is how you can wear each piece for a night in or a night out. The cardigans are my absolute favorite—so soft, and I can pair them with the matching pants or layer them over a dress!" —Remy Schiffman, ShopBAZAAR assistant merchandising editor

Favorite Daughter

“Sisters and social media favorites Erin and Sara Foster got famous by being funny, but there’s no messing about when it comes to their clothing label Favorite Daughter. Come for the wit and humor in collection launch videos, and stay for the quality and reliability of the pieces, which have been put through rigorous fit tests to work for any and all body types.” —FD

Toteme

“Once upon a time, before Instagram was even in its nascency, Swedish fashion blogger Elin Kling caused us all to become obsessed with a clean, effortless, and elegant approach to everyday dressing. Fast-forward to now, getting inspiration from her 10-year-old label, Toteme—with its poplin shirting, flattering knits, and perfectly nonchalant pants—has never been easier.” —FD