Bottega Veneta turns the pocket into an envelope

When is a pocket tee not your average pocket tee? When the pocket is a functional envelope. That is what Bottega Veneta incorporated onto the left of this crew-neck T-shirt. It’s a nifty little stitch-on, in an east-west orientation, with the top flap that opens like an envelope’s. This is a contrast pocket that does not deliberately stick out like those of others do (such as the versions in sweater-knit of some years ago). At first glance, it is easy to mistake the cotton patch as an origami detail, which would not be at odds with BV’s predilection for craft-like elements. But BV curiously calls it a “notebook detail”.

The T-shirt itself is of an oversized fit, which is much preferred these days, with rather wide sleeves that reach the elbow. It is made of Pima cotton, which is appreciated for its softeness, durability, and ability to resist wrinkling. Consistent with the relaxed yet smart silhouette is the low crew neck and a rather generous drop of the shoulders. Available in baby blue (top), pale green (BV calls it ‘dewdrop’), and black, the T-shirt is casualness that would not, as day turns to night, morph into sloppy.

Bottega Veneta Oversized T-Shirt, SGD1,120, is available at Bottega Veneta stores and online. Photo: Zhao Xiangji