LA BREA tee | fabric + style inspiration

Considering how popular the knit version (view A) of the LA BREA tee was in the early 80s, I was surprised by how much difficulty I had finding styling inspiration photos. I feel like this was the go-to tee of the 80s. And yet... nothing. Perhaps I've not quite figured out the correct Google search terms? But I think I managed to find a few good images to get your creative styling juices flowing. The woven version of the LA BREA tee is having a real moment right now though, so there is plenty of inspiration around the web.  And if you'd like more, my testers also have plenty to offer!

(top: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

A huge and pleasant surprise, when drafting and developing the pattern, was the difference in results between the two views, even though they are the exact same pattern pieces. The moment I realized that was truly an exciting one! View B, which is more suited to wovens, results in a clean, refined top that is somewhat boxy, without being oversized. Whereas view A, which is more suited to knits, results in the early 80s style top I mentioned just above. 

I have made three versions...so far. (I'm nearly finished with my dress hack!) I love all of them, evidenced by the fact that my first one already requires some mending. 

Although the pattern is split into two views, there's no need to stick to the confines of the two versions! The different elements of each view can be mixed up, as well as the fabrics. This is why I say "more suited" rather than "required" for fabric types. How will you create your first LA BREA tee? And your second? Third? Fou.....??? Here's a bit of fabric eye-candy to get you dreaming and scheming.

KNITS

+ Rescued Poly Knit | A Thrifty Notion | ships from USA
+ Quilted Organic Sweatshirt Fabric | Fil Etik | 300 gsm | ships from France (heavier fabric, would require some adjustment)
+ 100% Organic Cotton Velour + Ribbing | Lebenskleiding | 285 gsm | ships from Germany
+ 100% Organic Cotton Pique | Organic Cotton Plus | 5 oz. | ships from USA

+ 100% Organic Cotton "Summer Sweater" | Georgette.be | 210 gsm | ships from Belgium
+ 100% Organic Cotton Navy + White Interlock | Fil Etik | 220 gsm | ships from France
+ 100% Organic Cotton Pique Print | Organic Cotton Plus | 5 oz. | ships from USA
+ 100% Organic Cotton Geo Print (Cloud 9) | Maker Mountain Fabrics | ships from USA

WOVENS

+ Cotton Mariner Cloth | Hawthorne Fabrics | 4.4 oz. | ships from USA
+ Striped Linen Gauze | Blackbird Fabrics | 150 gsm | ships from Canada
+ Cotton Marigold Spot | Merchang + Mills | ships from UK
+ Rescued Cotton in Merlot Homespun | A Thrifty Notion | ships from USA

+ Cotton Red Gingham Shirting (deadstock) | La Mercerie | 3.1 oz. | ships from USA
+ Crepe de Chine (deadstock) | Matchpoint Fabric | ships from Canada
+ Atelier Brunette Sunset Cotton Crepe | Imagine Gnats | 1.8 oz. | ships from USA
+ 100% Organic Cotton Broderie Anglaise | Georgette.be | ships from Belgium

+ Crane Island Cotton Lawn | Topstitch ATL | ships from USA
+ Black Rose Bud Modal | Offset Warehouse | ships from UK
+ "One Love" Cotton Ikat | Crossgrain Fabrics | ships from Australia
+ Nani Iro Cotton Double Gauze | Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics | ships from USA

So many lovely options! Be sure to grab your LA BREA tee pattern here, and don't forget to admire all the testers as well. Happy sewing!