8 luxury basics brands our style editors say are worth the splurge
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Buck Mason, Jenni Kayne, Eileen Fisher
This is not meant to be a flex, only a statement of fact: my skin is easily irritated by cheap polyester. Luxury basics made with Pima cotton, extrafine merino wool, mulberry silk, and other fine fabrics are what I need to dress simply and comfortably.
Until you feel the difference between natural textiles and synthetic ones, you may not see the point in spending $100 on a plain white tee. Since our style editors have tested a ton of the best women's clothing basics over the years, we can tell you which brands make it worth it — with small batches, hand-finished details, local craftsmanship, and quality materials that age gracefully.
We're not saying you need to spend The Row money. But it's possible to achieve that same chic, minimalist style that transcends fashion trends. Here are eight brands with the best luxury clothing basics we've ever tested.
Buck Mason
My skin decided for me that Buck Mason makes the very best luxury basics. The modern American styles include durable 100% cotton denim, lightweight linen dresses, and merino wool loungewear. Basically, this place is the mother of all natural textiles. The easy, West Coast-inspired basics feel gentle on your skin, and they'll look great for years with the proper care.
Not all of its clothing is made in the USA, but Buck Mason's own Pennsylvania knitting mill produces some of the most comfortable cotton T-shirts found on the domestic front. This kind of heritage craftsmanship and investment in local industry makes Buck Mason's luxury basics feel even more special.
And here's a savvy tip: don't just look at the women's section. Buck Mason's men's clothing is what the brand is known for, and you can find tons of oversized T-shirts, sweaters, and other staples made from premium materials. For those who love structured cotton, women's style editor Samantha Crozier swears by the men's Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee (also available in a cropped length for women).
Editors' picks:
M.M. LaFleur
M.M. LaFleur ranks first in our guide to the best luxury women's workwear brands, so it's a natural choice for anyone in need of permanent fixtures for their office uniform.
M.M. LaFleur has functional luxury basics designed to move with your life — whether you're heading to the office, traveling to a conference, or grabbing lunch with a client. The brand's pieces come in polished designs that are both modern and timeless, and it uses premium materials like organic Pima cotton and Merino wool that will elevate your weekday routine.
Even though the silhouettes are basic, the intent is not: you'll find machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, packable staples like the Paige Tank or the brand's inaugural Foster Pant (which comes with adjustable hems that our petite editors loved).
Editors' picks:
Eileen Fisher
For petite and plus-size luxury basics, Eileen Fisher is your gal. Our own style team, made of women of all different shapes and sizes, will always strike gold at Eileen Fisher when one of us looking for the perfect pair of simple black dress pants or a comfortable silk top.
Eileen Fisher is a benchmark for size-inclusive luxury wardrobe basics that feel as good as they look. The brand excels in conscious natural textiles like recycled wool cashmere, organic cotton, and luxe textured silks — all designed for everyday wear with a refined edge. In particular, Eileen Fisher work dresses drape beautifully and feel comfortable all day long. We also love its transparency around its material sourcing and supply chain, which, to us, further justifies paying a premium on its endlessly versatile pieces.
Editors' picks:
Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne is a buzzy name in the quiet luxury space. Its influencer network includes people like Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Richie Grainge, and the California cool-girl brand is an emblem of understated style with an emphasis on comfort.
I tested its Grade-A Cashmere Cropped Cocoon Cardigan ($445), which feels cloud soft and drapes perfectly. The V-neckline is the perfect depth to make boxy shape a bit more feminine. It's made with a lofty, chunky knit and ribbed hems that give it structure. This cardigan doesn't necessarily look unique at first glance, but it's certainly softer than other luxury cashmere brands I've tried.
As the resident cashmere-obsessed style editor, I've been asked if Jenni Kayne is worth the high price. I always point my friends to JK's Knitwear section first, if they're serious about putting consistent quality over trends. Jenni Kayne's signature softness spills over into its luxury base layers, giving the Merino Tank and Cashmere Chandler Long-Sleeve Tee a smoother feel akin to its viral sweaters.
Editors' picks:
Leset
If you love a matching moment, Leset offers luxury basics that conveniently come in twos. This way, you can pair pieces together and have a subtly stylish outfit ready in no time. The label has become a favorite among style editors who know the value of dressing comfortably — its elevated basics feel refined without trying too hard.
Leset creates minimalist silhouettes out of premium fabrics like Italian-made merino wool and 100% cotton. The brand excels at pieces you can dress up or down — from dainty Pointelle tank tops to buttonless, zipperless pants, and of course, the titular Le Sets. Beyond the basics, you can also layer the loungewear with its versatile longline jackets and casual dresses.
Editors' picks:
Cuyana
Cuyana embodies a "less is more" ethos, advocating for a closet that's full of fewer, but better pieces. "Better" here means classically beautiful pieces that are thoughtfully made every step of the way. Other than its luxury basics, we're also fond of what we consider some of the best work bags for women.
This luxury basics brand is pricier and has a smaller selection than others we list here, but Cuyana prides itself on the idea that these will really be all you need (remember: fewer, better). For example, its high momme-weight silk camis are finished with a sophisticated sandwash effect, making them more durable for longer.
I found the Fleece Barrel Pant essential to my comfy-cute travel wardrobe, which, besides their trendy shape, are fabricated with 95% Supima cotton and 5% elastane (AKA, just the right amount of stretch for someone like me who likes to sit fully cross-legged in her seat).
Read more in our full Cuyana review.
Editors' picks:
Donni
Donni's clothing is my idea of what an affluent Brooklyn mom puts on to go pick up her kids from school. I guess it's because I keep seeing the viral Kick Flare Pants on mom influencer-types — usually styled at home with clogs, but they look really chic dressed up with some lived-in loafers, too.
Each of Donni's elevated basics have a laid-back feel, which seems to resonate with new moms with fluctuating figures especially. Donni nails that comfort-forward vibe, without making it seem like you have to choose between personal style and softness. Rooted in wearability and high-quality materials, the brand's signature loose-fitting styles feel approachable for people who want to throw on an easy outfit that still reads as cool.
Donni cuts its clothing in Los Angeles and sews them from fabrics like 100% organic cotton and silk charmeuse. Both sumptuous in texture and endlessly wearable, Donni's special power is creating a relaxed silhouette that doesn't look too frumpy. If you ever see a style you like in your size, I suggest you act fast — I've witnessed Donni sell out of its bestsellers in less than a day. If you do miss out, keep checking back, since it drops new styles on a monthly basis.
Editors' picks:
Dissh
From what I've learned, the fashion in Australian cities is somewhat similar to what I see in New York — in that the people want to dress cool with just the right amount of polish. It can be hard to dress edgy in warm weather, since I try to avoid all-black outfits while in the sun. That's why I look to Dissh for summery luxury basics with enough intentional details to not feel boring.
With Dissh, you'll find relaxed, beach-inspired pieces made with breathable, high-quality fabrics. I wore a Dissh maxi dress to a September wedding in Rhode Island, and felt at ease even as I broke out in a sweat on the dance floor. If you want to pack for a vacation efficiently, take along some of its airy cotton and linen-blend luxury basics, and you'll be fully equipped with a stylish outfit worthy of a grid post. Dissh offers basic ribbed tanks, flowy skirts, and breezy button-downs in neutral colorways that are easy to layer with once the temperature cools off.
Editors' picks:
Are luxury basics worth the investment?
Think about it in terms of cost-per-wear. The more often you put on a basic tee, the more you are raising its long-term value. So yes, by investing in luxury basics, you are effectively saving yourself the time and money of re-ordering a lesser version.
What are some examples of luxury fabrics?
- Pima cotton (or "Supima" cotton) is softer and more substantial than any cotton-poly blend. It's also less prone to discoloration.
- Mulberry silk (the highest grade of silk) is prized for its long fibers and durability. High-momme silk feels smoother on your skin.
- European linen is made from exceptionally long flax fibers. Tightly-woven crosshatch linen will turn softer with each wash and allows your skin to breathe.
- Extra fine merino wool isn't as itchy than traditional wool, thanks to its long fibers. It adds structure and helps regulate your body temperature.
- Grade-A cashmere with a high knit gauge feels soft, insulating, and will resist pilling.
Are luxury basics more sustainable?
Often, yes. Investing in pieces that can survive fleeting trends and years of regular wear is a solid way to shop more sustainably. A few brands on this list also prioritize responsible sourcing and recycling programs, such as Eileen Fisher and Cuyana.
Read how the Reviews team tests clothing, shoes, and accessories at Business Insider.