This is a fine knit sleeveless shell in 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified by Control Union 832196. It has a boatneck with thin rib trim and a ribbed hem, a standard fit hitting above the hip, and measures 23 inches at the front in a size M.

A boatneck is the reason this layers under a vest or blazer without a collar fighting for room at the neckline — the neck sits wide and flat rather than scooping down.

The details

• 100% organic cotton fine knit
• GOTS Organic Certified by Control Union 832196
• Boatneck with thin rib trim
• Ribbed hem
• Standard fit, hits above the hip
• Front length, size M: 23"
• Machine wash cold · tumble dry low

Why a shell rather than a tee

A shell is cut without sleeves so that it disappears under things. Nothing bunches at the armhole, nothing shows below a cuff, and the boatneck sits wide and flat so a collar or a V-neck layered over it has room.

That is the whole reason to own one instead of a t-shirt, and it is why this ends up being the piece a work wardrobe gets built on.

More in tops and layering pieces.

Questions people ask

Does organic cotton pill?
Pilling comes from fibre length and yarn twist rather than from organic certification. Pact states this collection is made to resist pilling and stretching.

How long is it?
23 inches at the front in a size M, which hits above the hip.

Is it sleeveless?
Yes — it is a shell, cut without sleeves for layering.

What does GOTS certified mean?
Global Organic Textile Standard. It verifies organic fibre content plus environmental and labour criteria through the supply chain. This one is certified by Control Union, licence 832196.