Carmy Berzatto
The Bear, white t-shirts, and the value of simplicity
When I decided to post my first Substack this week, the timing was like a “yes, Chef” from the universe because I’ve been thinking a lot about simplicity and minimalism when it comes to style, and no one does that better than Carmy Berzatto.
Simplicity in fashion can make a powerful statement. One example that stands out to me is in the works of contemporary designers like Phoebe Philo during her tenure at Céline, where she championed a style that was both modern and chic with minimal aesthetics and clean lines.
The rise of sustainable fashion has helped shine a light on the value of minimalism in recent years, and many brands are shifting focus to create timeless pieces that are meant to last, moving away from the fast fashion model of constant turnover and waste. Simplicity in fashion is not just about reducing excess—it’s also about celebrating high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Designers like Calvin Klein and Jil Sander have built their brands around minimalist aesthetics, focusing on the cut, fabric, and subtle details rather than excessive ornamentation.
You can’t get simpler than a white t-shirt, and you can’t wear it better than Carmy. Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto is a character from the award-winning television series THE BEAR. The show follows Carmy, a young chef from the fine dining world, who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after a death in the family. The series’ many accolades are well deserved, and the show delves into themes of grief, family, and the high-stress environment of the culinary world beautifully. Carmy is a prime example of how simplicity can be a signature; he does, of course, wear other outfits throughout the show, but he is instantly recognizable in his white t-shirt and blue apron.
Now I’ll admit—I generally love some excessive ornamentation in my personal style. I love mixing prints and textures and you’ll rarely find me in a solid-color outfit (especially if it’s in black or white). But among the chaos in my closet, you will still find a space carved out for white t-shirts and I will absolutely be throwing one on while I watch season 3 of THE BEAR (out officially on Hulu as of June 26).
Why the outfit works: A white t-shirt is a cultural icon at this point and for good reason; they are timeless, gender-neutral, comfortable, and versatile. And look—Carmy is a chef in a busy kitchen. He’s got a lot going on at all times, and a white tee is a visual representation of his character's essence—practical, focused, relatable, and timeless.
Where to find similar pieces: The shirt Carmy wears in the series (and the path it took to find it) can be broken down here, but if you’re looking to recreate his cool and casual vibe with more affordable options, I’d try one of the three below.
Petit Bateau / SS Crew Neck T-shirt / $50
The SS crew neck t-shirt is simple and elegant and this brand makes them for kids, too.
Hanes / Perfect-T Short Sleeve Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt / $12
Hanes is a classic for a reason. Soft, lightweight, and the length on this one is perfect. Plus you can usually find it under 10 bucks.
KOTN / Essential Crew T-shirt / $38
The essential crew t-shirt by KOTN is a slightly more luxurious take on a staple. It’s made with soft, mid-weight Egyptian cotton and cut with a slightly slimmer fit, but also still affordable.
Do you have a favorite white t-shirt? Drop it in the comments and let me know. Thanks for reading!
xo, H
lately when i can't decide what to wear during the day i just put on the same black trousers and my favorite white shirt - feels like the strongest uniform! also happy 1st post!
did this inspire me to move my white t-shirts to the front of my closet? yes, chef!