With the winter coming to an end and the warmer spring weather just around the corner, the chances are that you’re planning your wardrobe for the year ahead. There are so many ways to refresh your look without breaking the bank; below, we’ve put together five of the hottest fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2020 to give you some food for thought. Have a read… 

Wide leg jeans

Skinny jeans will always have a place in our hearts, but the next big jean trend takes us in a new direction.

Over the past few months, some of the world’s biggest stars, including Margot Robbie, Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez, have been spotted rocking high-rise wide-leg jeans.

These waist-cinching jeans might look a little scary if you’ve never worn them, but they’re more flattering than you might think, hugging you in the right places and creating a gorgeous dimension that gets people talking.

When styled with a pair of sneakers and a white tee, they offer a cool and casual look or they can be dressed up with some ankle boots and a blouse. 

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•🍁• I am that person who likes Autumn purely for the clothes... ✌🏻 I am also that person who spends the whole day cleaning up after little people...✨#mustnotbuyanyjumpersthisyear . Jeans are mhm Wide High Jeans £34.99... I’ve popped them in my stories but can’t figure out how to swipe up link them?! . . . #igstylediaries #anotheroutfitpost #widelegjeans #hmxme #mands #shellearrings #cashmere #blondebob #blondeshavemorefun #shorthair #MyDailyFashion #stylediary #instastyle #discoverunder10k #fashiondaily #personalstyle #weekendstyle #petitefashion #petitestyle #stylejunkie #styledbyme #dailystyle #dailystagram #dailyfashion #dailyfashionideas #whowhatwear #igstyle

A post shared by K A R R A N • The Mama Edits (@themamaedits) on Sep 16, 2019 at 11:08pm PDT

Puffer jackets

If there’s one item to watch in outerwear, it’s the humble puffer jacket.

Breezing in and out of style over the past couple of decades, these chunky, comfy jackets are as fashionable as they are functional, perfect for the transition from winter into the spring.

And with designers tearing up the rulebook and revamping the traditional puffer for 2020, they’re far from basic.

Offering an oversized silhouette, puffer jackets are getting chicer every season, and one of the hottest trends for this year is neutral tones.

Opt for a beige, cream, or tan if you want to give your black puffer a rest, and wear it open with a statement tee and a pair of jeans. And as the weather heats up, switch to a sleeveless puffer (or buy one with removable arms!).

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Babygirl making her first real appearance 👜 how would you style it? 💕

A post shared by RANA SHEIBANI ⋆ daily outfits (@ranasheibani) on Jan 21, 2020 at 12:28pm PST

Tweed

Whether you opt for a handbag or a skirt emblazoned with Chanel's iconic double-C logo or pick up a second-hand tweed jacket from your local charity shop, it’s hard to go wrong with tweed, with regular resurgences encouraging fashionistas to dig out old jackets and blazers. 

Camille Charrière and Anne-Laure Mais are two of tweed’s forerunners, rocking distressed detailed tweed jackets, dresses with frayed edges, and skirts fashioned from tweed fabric with colourful, eye-catching buttons that get people talking.

The possibilities are endless!

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Tweed Love 🖤 by @stylesandstitchesbh . . . #tweed #fashion #outfits #ootd

A post shared by Amal Al Aradi (@amalimua) on Jan 28, 2020 at 6:20am PST

Slip dresses

Big news: the slip dress is making a comeback!

One of the most versatile garments on this list, slip dresses (and skirts) can be worn with trainers or boots for a casual look, or dressed for a night on the town with a pair of heels or lace-up stilettos, offering endless combinations.

And thanks to designers offering us plenty of colours, prints, lengths, and cut-outs to choose from, the hardest part is finding the right dress for the occasion.

We recommend opting for a dress - you can wear it on its own when you’re catching up with your friends, and cover your top half with a jumper if you’re looking for a casual look for the office or a day out shopping.

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New dresses just in from @societyaddict .

A post shared by Rising Spirit (@risingspiritstore) on Jan 28, 2020 at 8:09pm PST

Sandals

If you’re looking for a classic shoe for work and play, then you can’t go too far wrong with a pair of thin, strappy sandals, also known as the naked sandal.

We’re all about colour-pop shades like bright blue and tangerine, though the failsafe neutral colour remains an option.

One of the reasons the minimalistic sandal remains a top choice for 2020 is its versatility; so long as it’s not raining, you can pair sandals with virtually every outfit, from smart work suit to a slip dress and everything in between.

And because they’re so light and thin, you can pack them into your handbag or case, making them the perfect Spring/Summer travel companion.

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Please send caffeine ☕️ jet lag is no joke! Hence the sleepy face. Today is going to be all about comfy footwear and caffeine {#Gifted sandals from @emuaustralia} #BeccaGoesExploring

A post shared by Becca Collier - Colour Lover (@beccaaaacollier) on Jul 21, 2019 at 2:19am PDT

What’s your favourite fashion trend for SS2020? Tag us in your posts on Instagram using the handle @UltraTeeBrand, and check back soon for more of the latest fashion tips and tricks.

A shocking 11 million clothing garments are sent to landfill in the UK every single week.

That’s a pretty concerning figure.

Fueled by high-street fast-fashion and our desire to stay on-trend, we’re increasingly buying new garments and wearing them once or twice before throwing them away. This practice is not only bad for our bank balances (clothing isn’t cheap) but bad for the environment, too.

When we throw a hoodie, pair of jeans or a sweatshirt into our wheelie bin, it can sit in a landfill site for up to 200 years, emitting the methane greenhouse gas as it decomposes.

Worse still, research suggests just 1% of clothing is recycled into new yarns and fibers. 

There’s no denying that the damage is already done, but there are things that you can do to reduce your footprint. One of them is to stop buying new and buy second hand instead.

Don’t worry: we’re not suggesting that you wear your mum’s old dresses from the eighties or you never buy a new pair of socks again, but we are suggesting that you reframe the way you think about clothing and make some positive changes that will benefit the environment.

Below, we’ve put together some tips on finding the best second-hand clothing… 

Start at the charity shops

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Our high streets are full of charity shops jam-packed with unwanted clothing. 

Sure, not everything you see in your local OXFAM or British Heart Foundation is going to be to your taste, but that’s the beauty of it: spend an afternoon rummaging around and you’re bound to find some new staples that you can add to your wardrobe and start wearing.

Better yet, go shopping with your friend and try to pick out an outfit for each other.

Not only will you be able to pick up some pieces at a discount (the average charity shop dress costs less than £5, compared to £45 on the high street), but you’ll be supporting local and national causes close to your heart, and you’ll be doing your bit for the planet on top.

Travel to find designer pieces

Time for a charity shop hack. If you can’t find the right clothing in your local area, consider setting off on a day trip to a more affluent part of your region to find some real hidden gems.

Why? If you shop in a part of the country where locals have higher than average income levels, you’ll find that they donate higher-quality clothing, some with designer labels.

The Cancer Research UK charity shop in Marylebone, for example, reportedly receives donations from locals including Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, with brands such as Dior and Louboutin spotted on its rails. Get there early and you could score yourself a bargain.

Some charity shop chains even have stores dedicated to designer clothing (the British Red Cross has designer charity shops in London, Newcastle, Belfast, and Poole and Oxfam puts some of its designer donations on its site and delivers to your address) so do your research if you’re looking for something in particular and head off on a designer shopping spree.

Stop by vintage stores

As well as charity shops, vintage stores are a great way to find quality second-hand clothes.

Granted: these shops are usually run for-profit and their owners are pretty switched on, so don’t expect to pick up a £1,000 handbag for £10, but you can still find some special offers.

Vintage shopping is not only more sustainable than buying new, but it’s great for finding pieces that finish off your outfit that tell their own story, whether a brooch or a cardigan.

Clothes fairs are also growing in popularity, where organisers will allow attendees to buy a bag and fill it with clothing in their size for £50 - but get there early to avoid disappointment.

Download the apps

The chances are that you frequent eBay to find discount second-hand clothing, but there are other websites and avenues to consider as well. 

Facebook Marketplace, for example, allows you to find clothing for sale in your local area, whether you’re in the market for a new dress for a wedding or baby clothes for a newborn. 

The best part about Facebook is that you can narrow your search radius to look for clothes in your town, and pick them up on your way to work without having to pay for delivery.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, then download second-hand exchange apps such as Gumtree, Debop, Shopock, and Preloved and do some retail therapy on your sofa.

Swap with colleagues

Always admired Karen from Accounts’ dress? Why not ask if you can swap with her?

Yes, yes, that sounds weird. 

But if you want to be more sustainable and encourage your workmates to do the same, why not organise a clothes-swapping event where you can get together over lunch and pick and choose which garments you’d like to take home with you?

You could do it for charity, donating a pound for every item you take home with you, and then donate the unwanted pieces to your local charity shop in hopes they’ll be sold to someone.

If that’s not for you, search for an organised event where you go along with a bag of clothes and come home with a new wardrobe. They’re fun, they’re free, and they’re sustainable!

Car boot sales

We see you rolling your eyes.

Though certainly not for everyone, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits of car boot shopping. 

Car boots sales are not only cheap (most organisers charge less than a pound for entry), but you can find some real bargains, whether you’re looking for dresses, t-shirts, or even shoes.

Most sellers take all of their unwanted clothing and allow buyers to sift through to find what they’re looking for. The best part? You can haggle and pick up pieces for as little as 20p.

Find a stall that has clothing in your size and style, and you’ll have hit a goldmine!

Rent, don’t buy

Finally, consider renting clothing if you’re attending a function and need a special outfit.

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a prom, a job interview or a photoshoot, search for a designer clothing rental company and peruse their garments before you buy something.

Prom dresses and tuxedos, for example, are rarely worn more than once, and they can be pretty expensive. Rent one instead for £30, and you’ll not only save yourself some money, but you’ll be reducing your own clothing carbon footprint without compromising on style.

No rentals in your area? If you spotted your friend in a gorgeous dress, ask her if you can borrow it for a function. Have it dry cleaned and buy her a bottle of wine to say thank you.

There you have it - some of the ways you can find the best second-hand clothing and reduce your reliance on brand new pieces. Though you’ll naturally need to stock up on staples from time to time, like pants, socks, and tees, if we all buy a little less, we’ll make a big difference.

In the UK alone, we send more than 100 million bags of garbage to landfill over the Christmas period, creating 30% more rubbish than we would at any other time of the year. 

That garbage includes an incredible 227,000 miles worth of wrapping paper - enough to stretch to the moon - and that’s without thinking about those unwanted Christmas gifts.

If you’ve got loved ones who are impossible to buy for, it’s easy to stock up on nick nacks and gifts that they’re probably not going to use.

Lots of those gifts will sit in cupboards and drawers for a year or two and then be thrown away, meaning they’re not only a waste of your money, but they’re bad for the environment and causing even more unnecessary waste.

Below, we’ve put together some eco-friendly gift ideas for Christmas 2019 to help you save time and money, and ensure you put a smile on their face with a thoughtful, useful present.

Refillable bottles

In the UK, we throw away billions of plastic bottles every year.

As well as the obvious culprit (water and fizzy drinks bottles), shampoo and conditioner bottles are also big targets and are often sent to landfill, even if they’re put in your recycling bin at home.

If you’ve got a friend who wants to do their bit for the planet, consider gifting them some refillable glass bottles.

These bottles can be personalised with their name and you could even start them off with some eco-friendly shampoos; all you need is some soap, coconut milk and essential oils.

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It’s true that good things come in 3! 👌⠀⠀ What good things you ask? Well, these 3 beauties will: ⠀⠀ - Declutter your shower from bright and mismatched packaging, enhancing the look of your bathroom ✔️ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ - Allow you to limit unnecessary bathroom plastic, saving money and the planet ✔️

A post shared by Refillable Shower Bottles (@darling_and_king) on Nov 22, 2019 at 8:09pm PST

Stainless steel straws

Some drinks are best enjoyed with a straw, whether it’s a gin and tonic at the end of a busy week or a cool Pepsi Max with ice.

If you’ve got a friend who’s always got a drink in their hand, consider buying them a set of stainless steel straws and a cocktail shaker so they can experiment with new drinks concoctions at home.

Even better, treat them to some quality glass tumblers that they can use to serve their favourite drinks in - no more plastic cups!

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Do you sip, suck or slurp? ~ Whatever you do, if you use straws you should give something sustainable a go! ~ Soseas straws come in a pack of 8, 4 fab colours in straight and bent varieties with a free linen carry case and 2 cotton tipped cleaners (completely plastic-free!) ~ Check them out on Soseas.co.uk or Amazon

A post shared by 💚 Soseas Earth-Kind Products 💚 (@soseasuk) on Mar 27, 2019 at 11:03am PDT

A cotton tee

Okay, time for a little self-promotion.

At Ultra Tee, we specialise in eco-friendly clothing and offer a wide range of options that make for great gifts.

From our adorable fox tee from our autumn collection to our super-cute bi-colour puffin tee, all of our clothing is choc-full of personality, without harming the environment. Indeed, we use organic and conventional cotton which is great on the skin and designed to stand the test of time.

Treat your girlfriends to one or two tops from our latest collection and they’ll be wearing them for years to come.

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We absolutely love this look from @lesroussoeurs featuring our 🦊 tee and their Ségolène shorts! Thanks girls for sharing! 😍 . . #inlove #perfectlook #organiccotton #tshirt #embroidery #fox #model #independentbrand #france #lesroussoeurs #bloggerstyle

A post shared by Ultra Tee (@ultrateebrand) on Nov 18, 2019 at 4:09am PST

Reusable face pads

Another great gift idea for a friend who’s into beauty is a pack of washable face pads.

Not only will this help to reduce the number of cotton wool pads they put into landfill, but it will save money, as handmade face pads can be washed and reused hundreds of times. 

Buy them a matching bag or travel case and they’ll never need a disposable face pad again!

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📍Reusable Face Pads⠀ .⠀ .⠀ A must have low waste bathroom essential ✅⠀ .⠀ .⠀ Each set comes with 10 super soft + 5 scrubbier pads for removing or applying skincare. Throw them in the washing machine and reuse time after time 🔄⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #reuse #facepads #ecoliving #lessismore #zerowasteuae #sustainablehome #dubai #ecodubai #hellogoodkarma #thegoodkarmaco #reusablefacepads ⠀ #dubaiecoshop

A post shared by Choices That Feel & Do Good (@thegoodkarma.co) on Sep 12, 2019 at 9:18pm PDT

A houseplant

Looking for an eco-friendly gift? You can’t go too far wrong with a houseplant!

Whether you opt for a common cactus or succulent or choose something more exotic like a Madagascar dragon tree, you’re bound to find something that will look great in your friend’s home (and in their inevitable #homeinteriors Instagram shots).

Houseplants are not only pretty and add greenery to any home, but they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, clean the air, boost healing, and help you work more productively.

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when you’re entering the jungle and meow meow has a side quest for you hahaha oops - if video games have taught me anything lol ___________________________________________ 🌟FOLLOW & TAG us to be featured. Repost from @jamies_jungle • • #houseplants #instaplants #livingwithplants #plantparenthood #houseplantlove #plantnerd #plantsmakepeoplehappy #planthoarder #plantaddict #plantmakepeoplehappy #greenfeed #crazyplantpeople #monsterafanclub #horticulturelife #botanicalpickmeup #houseplantlove #plantstyle #urbanjungleblogger #apartmentjungle #plantaddiction #monsteradeliciosa #succulentfreak #wanderlushinterior

A post shared by House Plant Community (@wanderlushinterior) on Nov 22, 2019 at 9:01am PST

With Christmas just around the corner, the chances are that you’ve been invited to dozens of parties and get-togethers and that you’re beginning to panic about new outfits.

It’s natural to want to dress up for the festivities and treat yourself to a few new outfits, but do you really need another Christmas jumper to add to the pile?  Research shows a quarter are only worn once, being thrown away after the office Christmas party, never to be seen again.

Below, we’ve put together some tips and tricks on a more environmentally-friendly alternative - jazzing up your existing outfits for the Christmas season rather than buying new clothes… 

Use makeup strategically

'Tis the season to be seen wearing a little bit too foundation and a bit of glitter and sparkles. After all, you’re almost guaranteed to be in front of the camera, so it pays to look your best!

If you want to jazz up your look but you don’t want to buy new clothes, try out new makeup styles and use eco-friendly vegan products that are good for your skin and for the planet too. 

When it comes to Christmas parties, you can’t go wrong with a little bit of sparkle and glitter, and the good news is that you can now buy eco-friendly glitter makeup, so experiment with different colours and styles until you find something you like, or ask a makeup artist to help.

If you’re going for an understated look, then rose-gold eyeshadow and muted rose lips is a great idea, or go all-out sporting copper smoky eyes and matte tangerine lips. So festive!

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HELLO CHRISTMAS😍❤️⚡️ #mua #undiscoveredmua #makeup #girls #beauty #eyeshadow #lipgloss #glitter #glam #nighoutmakeup #stepbystep #contour #fullglam #beat #redlip #chrismas #christmasmakeup #GGWE

A post shared by GET GLAMOROUS WITH EDEN-MAY (@ggwe__) on Nov 23, 2019 at 3:48am PST

Assess your wardrobe

First things first, take a good look through your wardrobe and create a pile of clothing that you could wear over the festive season. 

Think dresses, jumpers, cardigans, and jumpsuits. 

They don’t need to have reindeer on the front; they just need to be stylish and comfortable.

Put together your favourites and think about ways you can breathe new life into them. 

That little black dress, for example, would look great with a statement necklace and a pair of fancy heels, rather than your usual sandals. 

It’s all about experimenting and putting pieces together that you usually wouldn’t - it’s Christmas, so be creative and have fun with it!

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ORGANISED 🔹 It’s going to stay that way for at least a week I promise 😂 🔹 Link in bio to my wardrobe declutter vid 😀

A post shared by K I M 💄👠✨🌙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🧘🏻‍♀️💪🏻📖🛒🔮 (@thefeelgoodmum) on Aug 14, 2019 at 11:39pm PDT

Mix and match your colours

Aside from the obvious red, green, and white, add golds, silvers, and blacks into your outfits this season to look on-trend and ready for Santa Claus. 

Oh, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. 

Your red dress with black heels will look Christmassy without overdoing it, and pairing your green jumper with a pair of sparkly silver leggings is another way to breathe new life into your less-worn garments and help you celebrate the season without buying new things.

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Getting into the Christmas spirit with this plaid scarf (& it’s currently 15% off!) 🥰 This look is on the blog as well as my first gift guide of the season! Click the link in my bio to catch up on all my blog posts from the week. And TGIF, you guys!! 🙌🏼 Love this Christmas plaid scarf 🥰 http://liketk.it/2GVNs #LTKholidaygiftguide #LTKholidayathome #LTKholidaystyle #travel #tgif #happyfriday #friday #abercrombiestyle

A post shared by Caitlin Covington (@cmcoving) on Nov 15, 2019 at 6:25am PST

Plan for every occasion

Once you’ve found a few outfits that tickle your fancy, think about every occasion, event, and party you’ve been invited to and prepare your outfits in advance. 

Try on your clothes and take a selfie to see what works and what doesn’t, and ask friends and family for advice, too.

That way, you’ll be less likely to head to the high street in a last-minute panic and buy a new outfit that you’re only going to wear once. 

And with more time to plan, you’ll be able to piece together the perfect outfits that are in keeping with the season, helping you look your best.

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No, I am definitely not more excited than my toddler to go and see Father Christmas today 🙊 . . Absolutely loving reliving the magic of this festive period through the girls. After all, Christmas isn’t a season it’s a feeling ❤️ . . . Amelia Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper - new season @baukjen #gifted . .

A post shared by Liz Dalton (@elizabeth_c_dalton) on Nov 22, 2019 at 11:27pm PST

Accessorise

Finally, use accessories to the best of your ability.

A simple tee can be stylised with a cute Christmas-inspired necklace or cardigan, allowing you to look the part without breaking the bank.

If you’re really getting into the spirit, go au naturel and create your own brooches and hairpieces using holly leaves from the garden.

The best part is that Christmas fashion never goes out of date; once you’ve bought one pair of snowman earrings or a Rudolph hoodie, you can rock it for years to come!

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He already stole our hearts with his shiny red nose😍 This brooch by Erstwilder is a must-have item for the upcoming holiday season 🎄 Photo by @gracefullyvintage 💋 #christmasstyle #vintageinspired #erstwilder #topvintageboutique #topvintage #50sbrooch #christmasbrooch #vintagegal #vintagelady #gracefullyvintage #holidayseason

A post shared by TopVintage ® (@topvintage_boutique) on Nov 8, 2018 at 5:00am PST

There you have it - a few ways to jazz up your outfits for Christmas. Whatever you’ve got planned, we wish you the very best of luck!

Check back soon for more eco-friendly fashion tips and advice from the Ultra Tee team, and follow us on Instagram for regular updates.

Last year, we started the Ultra Tee blog to fly the flag for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion - and we think we’ve built a powerful community where fashionistas can change the way they think about what they buy, and opt for clothing that not only looks great but does great, too.

One thing we haven’t been so good at, however, is flying the flag for our own range of tees - all of which are made from ethically-sourced materials and hand-printed with love in London and Paris.

Our tees are artisanally embroidered, made from high-quality, long-lasting fabrics, and come with free delivery and returns as standard. What’s more, for every tee we sell, we plant a tree to give back to our planet and do our bit to reverse the effects of global warming.

Whether you’re new to Ultra Tee (nice to meet you!) or a regular customer (welcome back), we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tee designs that you should add to your wardrobe… 

Cactus Friends Tee

With our stunning Cactus Friends Tee, you can get closer to nature. Manufactured from 100% organic cotton, its design might be a little spiky, but it’s ever so cute!

Featuring an elegant, eye-catching print with greens, blues, yellows and oranges, we think this tee looks great with its sleeves rolled up and worn paired with some high-waisted jeans or a skirt - and you can rock it whether you’re off to the beach with friends or spending the day in the office. 

Kingfisher Tee

If you’re a fan of birds, we think you’ll love our beautiful Kingfisher Tee, which sports a faded kingfisher bird in blue and grey colours. Printed onto our breathable 100% organic cotton ice blue crew neck, this graphic tee looks best when worn with a pair of jeans, and it’s soft-touch which is a great choice, whether you’re headed to the gym or grabbing lunch with friends.

As with all of our tees, we recommend washing this Kingfisher Tee inside out with similar colours at 30 degrees, and to maintain its water-based ink print, ironing inside out on a low temperature.

Look after your Ultra Tee, and it’ll last you for many years to come, and help you stand out from the crowd with a garment that will be the taking point of any get-together.

Apple Stripes tee

We think that every girl needs a striped tee in her wardrobe. Featuring summery white and blue stripes and a cute yellow apple embellishment, this Apple Stripes Tee is a real staple piece and looks beautiful whatever it’s paired with, whether you rock a pair of blue jeans and a pair of sliders or some Zella leggings and a cardigan for a relaxed, stripped-back affair.

Our friends over at Merrick’s Art has put together a super useful guide to wearing a striped tee in twelve different ways. Of course, we’re not saying that you should wear this tee every day, but the article demonstrates just how adaptable a striped tee can be - and how you can try out many different looks without having to fill your wardrobe with damaging fast fashion.

Long Sleeve Stripes Crab Tee

Whilst we’re on the subject of stripes, let’s talk about our Long-Sleeved Stripes Crab Tee. As the centrepiece of our spring/summer campaign for 2019, we think that this tee is one of our very best.

Made from 100% cotton at 175 gsm with an adorable crab embroidery on the left chest, this long-sleeved tee is great for all seasons - wear it on its own in the spring and summer and throw on a cardigan, hoodie or coat in the cooler autumn and winter months.

Why choose a long-sleeved tee over a short-sleeved? They’re great if you want to cover your arms, or you can balance out a long-sleeved look with a pair of boots and some jeans. Roll up your sleeves for a casual look, experiment with a short-sleeved tee over the top of your long-sleeved tee, or wear your long-sleeved tee around your waist - great if you’ve got a cotton vest on underneath in the summer months. The possibilities are virtually endless… 

Parrots Speckled Tee

Finally, a quick squawk to our Parrots Speckled Tee. Made from 96% cotton and 4% polyester, this tee features a crew neck in a boxy style in a speckled cream colour - and some artsy parrots, flowers, and tropical leaves to keep you company!

Though designed for the summer, we think that this tee would look great throughout the year and lets you inject some colour and sunshine into those dull and miserable autumn days to come. 

Made with love in Portugal and digitally printed in France with water-based inks, this tee is delivered for free and we’ll plant a tree for every tee sold. We recommend washing this one inside out on low heat, ironing inside out to protect the print, and avoiding bleaching to keep the colour and design intact.

Those little parrots are sensitive, so please look after them!

Want to add an Ultra Tee or two to your wardrobe? Shop the range on our website, with free delivery and returns as standard. Plus, stay tuned for all-new designs coming soon…

It’s impossible to watch the news or scroll through social media without reading something about the devastating effects of global warming, and how we’re damaging our environment. 

Everything we do - from driving to work to buying our grocery shop from the supermarket - results in more waste, more carbon emissions, and more guilt.

And as a ‘little guy’, it’s easy to feel helpless, as though there’s nothing you can do to stop the impending doom.

The truth is, you’re not going to change the world or put an end to climate change on your own, but you can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your personal impact.

One of those changes is fashion, and choosing clothing from ethical and eco-friendly manufacturers.

Below, we’ve put together just some of the reasons why choosing ethical and eco-friendly clothing could make a big difference… 

Fast fashion is killing the planet

The fast fashion industry is bad news for the planet.

The $2.5 trillion sector churns out 80 billion new garments a year to chase trends and drive sales, but the majority of the clothing is made from poor quality materials that don’t stand the test of time.

In fact, the vast majority of this clothing is designed to fall apart quickly.

It’s called planned obsolescence and helps manufacturers and brands sell more clothes, more regularly, to maintain their profitability.

What’s particularly concerning is that global clothing production has doubled in the past 15 years - an alarming statistic that simply needs to change.

The average t-shirt or pair of jeans requires 20,000 litres of water to manufacture, and countless chemicals and toxins that eventually make their way into our oceans or pollute the earth, causing destruction to nature.

Clothes that aren’t sold or recycled are sent to landfill or worse still, an incinerator, which leads to more toxic pollution and waste, impacting our cities, our people, and our animals.

According to 1 Million Women, only 10% of the clothing we donate to thrift stores or charities ends up being sold; the rest goes to landfill, where it can take many years to decompose.

When you purchase high-quality clothing from an ethical manufacturer, you can rest assured that your garment will last much longer than the cheap products you pick up from the high street or your local supermarket, and you’ll know that it was made with ethically-sourced and sustainable materials.

At Ultra Tee, for example, we use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel (a fibre made from eucalyptus pulp) which is less harmful to the environment.

Working conditions in fast fashion suck

In the past twenty-five years, 270,000 Indian cotton farmers have killed themselves due to the stress caused by the debt they had to accumulate to purchase cotton seeds to keep up with demand.

In Bangladesh, nine out of ten workers can’t afford enough food for themselves and their families - even though they work full time for a clothing factory.

Indeed, in Bangladesh alone, more than three million people work in the garment industry, with wages starting as low as £25 per month - far below the living wage - working from 8am to 8pm every day.

What’s more, three-quarters of female workers interviewed by Oxfam had been verbally abused at work and half had been beaten.

Many worked up to 140 hours of overtime every month, working until 2am, and more than half couldn’t meet the targets set by employers. In one factory, workers had to produce 20 ladies shirts every hour, an impossible task.

These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

In the fast fashion industry, workers are being exploited to create cheap clothing for Western consumers. The next time you pick up a new t-shirt for £2, consider where it came from and how it was made - you might just reconsider.

Switching to “slow fashion” might be more expensive in the short-term, but it allows you to support independent fashion businesses with ethical manufacturing practices.

At Ultra Tee, for example, we have an in-house embroidery facility in London, and our company only works with global partners who respect the rights of the men and women that they employ.

Each is carefully chosen based on their compliance with working conditions requirements.

Supporting ethical brands speaks volumes

The truth is that high street and online fashion retailers will only change their manufacturing operations when consumers speak out and vote with their feet.

Until shoppers can overcome the temptation of purchasing super-cheap clothing made in sweatshops, they’re not going to change - so supporting an ethical brand speaks volumes.

Eventually, as more and more consumers look to environmentally-friendly, sustainable and ethical clothing brands, the big chains will have to change their ways to meet evolving consumer attitudes and demands.

How long will that take?

Who knows… But the sooner you make the switch and do your bit for the environment, the sooner you’ll realise the benefits of ethical, eco-friendly clothing, and you can spread the word to your friends and family.

Which leads us on to our next point… 

Your choices can encourage others to switch

Buying a few pieces of ethical clothing isn’t going to change the world overnight - neither is throwing out your entire wardrobe and switching to ethically-sourced alternatives.

But doing your bit allows you to fly the flag for sustainable fashion and encourage others to make the switch, too.

The next time someone compliments you on your t-shirt, you can let them know where you bought it, and it’ll serve as a real domino effect, until everyone makes the switch.

The truth is that most people don’t realise just how damaging the fashion industry is.

So, when you talk about ethical clothing and its benefits, whether with your friends over a coffee, at work during a presentation or at a social or community event, you’ll encourage others to consider their own relationship with fast fashion and re-evaluate their buying choices.

Better for your skin

Finally, a quick word on comfort.

It’s no secret that organic fabrics are better for your skin, as they’re produced without allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemicals.

That not only means that your dresses, t-shirts and jeans will be more comfortable, but they won’t cause irritation, and they’ll be better for you in the long-term.

Organic materials are often weaved wider than synthetically-produced materials, so are more breathable. That means you’ll be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and you won’t need as many outfits in your wardrobe.

Synthetic clothing materials can lead to an increase in allergic reactions and dermatitis, whereas natural fabrics such as 100% cotton are also better at stopping you from sweating, which is a major bonus.

What’s more, materials such as organic cotton not only reduce the number of toxins you breathe in, but they also reduce the amount of pesticide chemicals released into the water supply when you wash your clothes.

Opt for materials such as silk, flax, wool, and tencel, and avoid materials such as polyester, acetate, rayon, and clothes that are “wrinkle-free” and “easy-care”, as they’ll have been soaked in harmful chemicals.

Which ethical clothing brands do you recommend? Tweet in your favourites using @UltraTeeBrand and check back for more news on ethical and sustainable fashion soon.

If you’re a tech-obsessed fashionista, then you’re probably already using your phone to help you look good. Let’s face it: e-commerce has made it so much easier to buy great clothes!

With Instagram, you can stalk your favourite influencers and get inspiration for your next outfit, and with Google, you can shop around and find the cheapest (and most sustainable) clothing brands for your wardrobe, like the eco-friendly clothing available for sale here at Ultra Tee.

But did you know that there are more than 250,000 apps on the App Store for the fashion industry? From creating mood boards to recycling and swapping unwanted garments, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite fashion apps that you should add to your home screen… 

Good on You

We all understand the harmful impact the fashion industry is having on the environment, but with all of that new information, knowing where to shop sustainably can be tough. From the major high street brands we all know and love to small boutiques and pop-up shops, finding out whether a company is eco-friendly and ethical is impossible without insider knowledge.

That was until the Good on You app was released. Their app was designed for consumers who want to be fashionable without harming the environment - or relying on sweatshops where clothes are mass-produced. They use data from organisations such as Greenpeace and Carbon Trust and have scored more than two thousand fashion brands on an ethical scale from one to five, taking into account labour conditions and their use of animal products.

If you discover that your favourite brand isn’t as squeaky clean as you first thought, fear not: they will recommend similar brands that are more ethically-aware, so you can make a switch.

VOGUE

We couldn’t put together a list of the best fashion apps without giving VOGUE a nod. Their app certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s a stepping stone if you’re putting together a new look and want to be kept in the loop with the latest goings-on in the fashion and beauty industry. 

From trending stories to video interviews with the world’s most stylish celebs, VOGUE promises daily content that's recommended just for you, with notifications when there's a story you'd be interested in. What's more, you can save stories and read them offline when you're on the tube or running low on data, and you can subscribe to the latest issue, too.

Pinterest

Although Pinterest isn’t exclusively a fashion app, the social network allows you to pin and collate photographs (and now videos) from your favourite bloggers, social media influencers and celebrities in one place, which is great if you’re trying to piece together an outfit for a special occasion but don’t know where to start. The best part is that you can collaborate with your friends and steal ideas from other Pinterest users, so if you find a skirt that your bestie would love, you can pin it onto a board and come back to it when you next go shopping… 

Depop

Depop is where the world's creatives come to buy, sell and discover the most inspiring and unique things. Whether you’re a budding fashion designer and want to sell your own new and used pieces, or you’re looking for a one-of-the-kind t-shirt that you won’t find on the high street, Depop is a great place to start. You can shop from thousands of sellers locally and internationally, and chat with a seller direct when you want to buy. Its Instagram-style browsing makes it easy to spend hours looking at dresses, skirts, and dungarees, liking and sharing your favourites with your friends (and, of course, hitting buy on a couple of the best!).

NET-A-PORTER

Keep up to date with the latest designer trends on NET-A-PORTER, a free e-commerce app where you can find shoes, lingerie, tops, dresses, jeans, suits, heels, skirts and more - and, of course, buy from some of your favourite fashion brands. Indeed, NET-A-PORTER boasts products from 800 of the world’s leading designers, but if you’re not ready to splash the cash (or don’t have the budget) you can add pieces to your Wish List and look for similar styles online. One of the app’s best features is its celebrity section, where fashion designers put together the actual t-shirts, dresses, jeans, and shoes celebrities such as Lady Gaga last wore on the red carpet or when they were papped - but be prepared to spend thousands!

reGAIN

Did you know that once every second, a garbage truck full of unwanted clothing is sent to landfill or incinerated? Perhaps one of the most innovative apps on our list is reGAIN, a firm trying to change that - and encourage consumers to donate unwanted clothing for rewards.

The next time you give your wardrobe a spring clean, download the app and send the items you no longer want to reGAIN for free, with more than 25,000 drop-off points around the United Kingdom. You’ll not only stop your unwanted garments from heading to landfill (the majority of clothing reGAIN receives is reused and recycled, and the rest is upscaled into the production of new clothes), but you’ll be rewarded with discount coupons so you can save some money on new clothes, footwear, nutrition products, homeware goods, and travel.

Buycott

The Buycott app is another innovative idea flying the flag for sustainability and taking a hard line on waste. When you open the app, you’ll be presented with a list of current campaigns, and you can join your favourites and let them know about the causes you really care about - whether that’s animal welfare, aquatic pollution, global warming, child labour, or trafficking. 

The next time you go shopping, you can scan barcodes and the app will tell you whether any of them clash with your beliefs. And the best part is that the app not only covers the fashion industry but many food, cosmetic and lifestyle brands, too. If you scan a product that doesn’t align with your values, you’ll be shown suggested alternatives, and you can broadcast your purchase decisions on social media to create impact and get companies to make a change.

Vinted

Finally, let’s talk about Vinted, the free app that lets you buy and sell clothing. Not only does the app allow you to feed your shopping addiction and pick up a few new tees, but you can do your bit for the environment by buying second-hand - in fact, some sellers even donate any proceeds from selling their clothing to a charity, which is even better.

When you buy second-hand clothing, you’re also preventing clothes from heading to landfill and, over time, if enough of us buy second-hand, it will reduce the number of new garments entering into production, helping to slow down the fast fashion industry, too.

Be mindful when buying, though. If you want to embrace the slow fashion movement, focus on buying just a few timeless, high-quality garments rather than stocking up on tonnes of second-hand clothing. Shipping still has an impact on the environment (that heavy box of jeans cannot magically transport itself), so be selective and make good fashion choices!

There you have it - eight of our favourite fashion apps that are worth a download. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram using @ultrateebrand and be sure to check back soon for more tips, tricks, and advice on sustainable fashion. 

With the summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to look through your wardrobe and make sure you’ve stocked up on those fashion essentials for the season ahead.

Unfortunately, though, life isn’t always that simple, and the chances are that you’ll be on the look-out for new pieces to add to your collection, whether you’re preparing for a week abroad or you’re staying here in the UK and want to look your best when the sun comes out.

It’s easy to get carried away in the summer season and splurge on new tank tops, dresses and shorts, but the truth is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get yourself ready for the sun. In fact, filling your wardrobe with white tees could be the way forward.

Below, we’ve pulled together just some of the reasons why keeping it simple could be the key this summer.

T-shirts are comfortable

Let’s start with the most obvious benefit: tees are comfortable, whether you’re catching up at a local coffee shop with friends or you’re spending the day in the office.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort in the name of fashion, especially in the summer months when it’s warm outside - and there’s nothing better than a comfortable tee to do exactly that.

Most girls fall into one of two categories: they wear a comfortable and stylish outfit or something totally impractical that looks great but makes them uncomfortable. Put yourself in the first camp!

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Happy weekend friends! What do y’all have planned? We’ll likely be working on setting up the new office, take the kids swimming, and hoping to find time for a date night too! // This light knit boxy tee is a must have, I’ll share a better look at it in stories 🥰 You can use code FRIEND for 30% off my sandals ✨ Hope you’re all having a great Friday!! XOXO http://liketk.it/2CnSm @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKunder50

A post shared by Nasreen (@heynasreen) on Jun 7, 2019 at 10:06am PDT

The best part about white tees is that they’re an option throughout the year - in the summer, you can pair a plain white t-shirt with a pair of shorts for a relaxed look that’s breathable and flexible, and in the winter, you can layer a tee with a cardigan or jumper to stay cosy. Simple!

T-shirts offer versatility

We’ve just touched on this, but let’s say it louder for the people at the back. White t-shirts are so versatile and can be worn with virtually anything in your wardrobe.

Fancy wearing a skirt? You can rock it with a white tee. Want to keep it casual? Jogging shorts or leggings are the perfect companion to a white tee.

Consider your t-shirt the foundation of an outfit, and build something around it. Whatever the occasion, you’re bound to find something that looks good.

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weekend vibes #sneakpeek #liquorbar

A post shared by ✮ TAMAR ROOZENBEEK ✮ (@tamarroozenbeek) on May 26, 2019 at 3:55am PDT

V-neck tees offer a fashionable look that adds shape to your upper half, whilst crew neck tees are great for layering and executing your figure.

Boxy crop tees can help pull together an outfit and give you a modern and sophisticated look, and relaxed fit tees are suitable for all sorts of occasions - pair with a floral skirt for a casual office look or joggers for the gym.

They’ll never go out of style

Perhaps one of the biggest appeals of white tees is that they never go out of style. Whether you’re trying to reduce the number of clothes in your wardrobe or you simply want to avoid unnecessary waste, tees have been a staple for decades due to their effortlessness, and we have no doubt that they’ll still be a staple in another ten years’ time.

Consider buying a few high-quality white t-shirts made from sustainable materials as an investment, and they’ll last.

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Smiling because it's 🍟day!

A post shared by Ashley Oswalt | Blogger (@ashleyohh__) on Jun 7, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

With a couple of white t-shirts in your wardrobe, you’ll never have to worry about what to wear again - just pull out your tee and pair it with your favourite pair of jeans, a comfy jumper, or a pair of dungarees - the opportunities are limitless and help to streamline your daily routine.

T-shirts are an affordable option

Looking for a way to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe without breaking the bank? T-shirts are an affordable option whether you’re buying them from your local supermarket or a high-end fashion chain.

Of course, the quality of the finish and the materials used are going to change depending on your budget, but you don’t have to spend a fortune. In fact, some companies offer white tees in multipacks, which is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.

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Tropical. All. The. Way.🙌🏻🙌🏻 . Great Summer casual look. Pops of orange and coral to make it fun. This palm kimono would even make a great swimsuit cover-up, too!☀️🌴 . #summer #fashion #palmleaves #coral #kimono #whitetee #distressedjeans #refreshboutiquelj #shoplocal #weship

A post shared by Refresh Boutique (@refreshboutiquelj) on Jun 7, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

Messy eater? We know - white tees are more likely to show marks than other coloured tees, but you don’t need to replace them every time to spill something! Consider the benefits of soap nuts - a natural laundry detergent that comes from the berries of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, found in India and Nepal.

The fruit contains natural saponins, which cleans clothes and removes stains. If you can’t get your hands on those, go the old fashioned route with some salt, vinegar and baking soda - guaranteed to fight even the toughest of stains.

Go minimal with a white tee

Just in case you needed another reason to add some white tees to your wardrobe this year, remember that neutral and monochromatic t-shirts are a great way to change up your look and create a dramatic, minimalistic outfit.

Wearing a white t-shirt doesn’t have to be boring. Sure, it’s a basic item of clothing, but it has to work hard to make you look good, and it can serve as a ‘canvas’ that allows you to add your own unique touch to your look, whether that’s through your makeup, hair colour, jewellery or corresponding jean or skirt. Go all out!

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Good idea: happy hour 🍾 Not so good idea: trying to take a photo after happy hour 🤪 Made it to L.A. to celebrate my brother’s wedding and can’t wait to spend a few days in the California sunshine ☀️ Wearing all my favorite basics here: classic straw hat, white tee & the perfect summer denim - hat and tee are both under $50 and are pieces you can wear with everything👌🏻 Shop the look by following me in the free @liketoknow.it app or by clicking the link in my bio http://liketk.it/2Cniw #liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #summerfashion #california #travelstyle #whitetee #readysetbrahmin

A post shared by Meagan Brandon (@meagansmoda) on Jun 6, 2019 at 6:20pm PDT

If you’re looking for other ways to add some personality to your look, then add some colour with a printed tee, like the eco-friendly t-shirts available here at Ultra Tee.

We only sell tees made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and on some product lines, Tencel (fibre made from eucalyptus pulp), and our eco-friendly printing and embroidery techniques help to liven up your look without harming the environment.

What’s more, for every tee sold, we plant a tree to protect our forestry and keep the world green!

If that hasn’t convinced you that the white tee is the best thing since sliced bread, we don’t know what will!

Stripping it down and going back to basics with your style can sometimes be overwhelming or scary, but it pays to experiment with different looks - and having essentials such as white t-shirts in your wardrobe will make the process a lot easier. Best of luck!

February is, without doubt, the biggest month of the year in the world of fashion.

Not only do we get to enjoy fashion weeks around the world, like New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week, but there are major awards shows such as the BRITs, the Grammys, the BAFTAs, and the Oscars, all serving stunning looks to inspire our spring and summer wardrobes.

But these events not only showcase high-end fashion for the season, but they give us some pointers as to what’s going to be big in casual fashion, too.

Below, we’ve put together five major casual fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2019…

Tie Dye

One of the biggest shocks at this year’s fashion events was tie-dye. Huge in the sixties and a popular choice amongst teens in the 2000s, tie-dye is back in fashion - although 2019’s take on the trend is a little chicer than previous iterations. With Stella McCartney, Prabal Gurung, and R13 models all strutting the catwalk in eye-catching tie-dye designs, like two-pieces and dresses, we expect that tie-dye will be bang on trend this spring and summer. Incorporate pieces in your casual looks this spring - crop tops, tees, and slacks are bright and colourful.

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Oh hey 👋🏼 I know we’re being told numbers shouldn’t matter in this space. Doesn’t matter how many followers you have or in this case, how fast I can sell out an event. But honestly, I don’t even care 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m damn proud of myself. I sold out a paid event in less than 30 hours. & yes, I counted every hour 👏🏼 I used to give myself a month’s worth of event promotion because I was so paranoid it wouldn’t sell out. There’s so much work that goes into planning events and It gives me chills knowing you all see value in them. Oh & this post was inspired by the healthified crunchwrap surpreme queen, @broccyourbody. Thanks for inspiring me to credit myself for this success 👏🏼 So pat yourself on the back, people, cause you’re killing it 💯 #sweatinsd #wheretosweatinsd http://liketk.it/2A54x #liketkit @liketoknow.it

A post shared by by arielle (@sweatinsd) on Feb 22, 2019 at 12:00pm PST

Brown Trench Coats

Camel hues were huge this fashion week season, with designers Simone Rocha, Jonathan Cohen and Rejina Pyo all offering street style coats that look luxurious and so comfortable. At Ultra Tee, we’re passionate about sustainable fashion and protecting the environment and our wildlife, so recommend buying a faux-leather trench for the spring-summer season rather than real leather. Invest in a quality trench or midi coat, and you’ll be able to wear it for years to come, not only in the spring and summer but in the wetter autumn and winter months, too.

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A post shared by L A R A R O (@lara.rro) on Feb 12, 2019 at 1:01pm PST

Beige

Whilst on the subject of camel hues, beige looks set to be big this spring/summer - in fact, it seemed like some catwalks had a beige-only rule! Sleek shirts, trench coats, turtle necks, slacks and shoes look contemporary and sophisticated but are perfect for everyday wear, and the best part is that beige works well with virtually every colour. Mix and match to create a look that suits you - or go for an all-oatmeal outfit if you want to be a neutral/nude goddess.

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A post shared by Laura Lucie (@laurralucie) on Feb 22, 2019 at 7:21am PST

Crochet

Yep, you read that one correctly. Oscar de la Renta, Victoria Beckham and JW Anderson all showed off monochrome crochet designs at this year’s fashion weeks. You may think there’d be nothing worse than wearing an itchy crocheted top in the height of the summer, they’re surprisingly comfortable and cool. From the Sabina Musayev crochet lace maxi gown to the asymmetrical Kiini Wren crochet-trimmed swimsuit, there are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your casual wear, without looking like you’ve just stepped out of the 1970s!

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A post shared by KIINI (@kiini) on Feb 4, 2019 at 10:08am PST

Casual Tees

Finally, a nod to casual tees. Whether you’re heading out for a day on the beach or travelling around town, sometimes you just can’t beat a comfortable graphic print t-shirt, paired with your favourite high-waisted jeans and boots or a pair of shorts. Whilst we didn’t see models sporting tees on the catwalk this spring/summer season, graphic t-shirts are ever-popular amongst fashionistas and influencers who want a relaxed and comfortable outfit that won’t get in the way of having a good time. Perfect for the spring is our wild grass tee, made from ethical cotton, meaning it’s soft on the skin and soft on the environment.

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A post shared by Ultra Tee (@ultrateebrand) on Feb 22, 2019 at 8:53am PST

Following the latest trends from the catwalk and the red carpet is always good fun, but you should remember to be inspired by the people around you - and choose outfits and pieces that make you happy.

Whatever you add to your wardrobe this spring/summer, have fun!