Anatomy & expertise The TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt is the centerpiece of the brand's wardrobe. A 280gsm cotton jersey, made in France, adorned with original designs inspired by Corsica. Here is its complete anatomy, point by point, to understand what sets a TAFA t-shirt apart from a classic one. Table of Contents The t-shirt, the centerpiece of the TAFANELLI Corsican wardrobe The anatomy of a TAFA t-shirt in 5 points Why 280gsm cotton changes everything Made in France, complete traceability The designs, Corsican iconographic heritage The TAFANELLI t-shirt family How to wear a TAFA Corsican t-shirt Table: TAFA t-shirt vs standard t-shirt Frequently Asked Questions Discover the t-shirt collection The t-shirt, the centerpiece of the TAFANELLI Corsican wardrobe When TAFANELLI was born in 2019 in the Corsican maquis, the first piece in the catalog was a t-shirt. Not by chance: the t-shirt is the most universal piece of a wardrobe, one that is worn every day, that coordinates with all other pieces, and that must last for years without losing its shape. For a contemporary Corsican brand, the Corsican t-shirt is also a manifesto. Through it, we tell the story of the island, spread the imagination, and create a link with those who love the Mediterranean. Simple benchmark: at TAFANELLI, the t-shirt is not a loss leader. It is the heart of the wardrobe, designed to last as long as the signature jacket. The anatomy of a TAFA t-shirt in 5 points Five technical criteria distinguish a TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt from a fast-fashion t-shirt. 1. The material 280gsm cotton jersey. Dense, structured, designed to age without losing its shape. 2. The fit Classic, slightly fitted. Not oversize, not slim. A silhouette that transcends trends. 3. The seams Double stitching at the hems and collar. Reinforcements that prevent stretching over time. 4. The design Hand-screenprinted in France, original designs inspired by Corsica. Never a generic pattern. 5. The finishing Numbered interior label. Each piece carries its rank in the limited series. Why 280gsm cotton changes everything The weight of a t-shirt is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). To provide a clear frame of reference: Weight scale 140 to 160 gsm: fast-fashion t-shirt, thin, semi-transparent, loses shape quickly 180 to 200 gsm: standard t-shirt, mid-range, average lifespan 220 to 250 gsm: premium t-shirt, dense, good durability 280 gsm (TAFANELLI): very dense t-shirt, structured, ages like a high-quality piece 300+ gsm: workwear or heavyweight piece, almost rigid The choice of 280gsm at TAFANELLI is not trivial. It is the sweet spot between summer lightness (wearable in summer in the Mediterranean) and lasting density (enduring for years). To learn more about this: which weight to choose for a t-shirt. Made in France, complete traceability All TAFANELLI t-shirts are made in France. The cotton is knitted and crafted in Nice, based on a logic of proximity and quality control. The screenprinting of the designs is done in specialized French workshops. Labeling and packaging are done in Loos, in the North. The journey of a TAFA t-shirt, step by step Cotton thread selected for density and consistency Knitting of the jersey in France according to 280gsm specifications Cutting and tailoring in a French workshop Manual screenprinting of the original design Individual numbered labeling Packaging and shipping from Loos This traceability has a cost. It is why a TAFANELLI t-shirt sells for €80 and not €15. But it is also what guarantees it will be worn for several years, rather than thrown away after a few months. The designs, Corsican iconographic heritage Each TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt carries an original, never generic, design. The motifs draw from the island's imagery: the sea, fishing, wildlife, history, Mediterranean mythology. Design inspiration sources Corsican marine life (shark, dolphin, sea urchin) Local fishermen and divers Mythical vessels (Calypso, traditional sailboats) Mediterranean mythological figures (mermaids, Ulysses) Iconic locations (Calvi, Cap Corse, Bonifacio) Corsican traditions (the donkey and its shepherd, the piou-piou friendly society) No design is taken from a stock photo library. Each illustration is custom-created for TAFANELLI, in collaboration with illustrators who share the brand's aesthetic. The TAFANELLI t-shirt family The TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt catalog is built piece by piece, with no imposed collection calendar. Today, the family includes about ten iconic models. The Mediterranean Diver Spearfishing in the Mediterranean, the TAFA archetype. The Calvi Diver A tribute to the divers of the Calvi depths, the iconic classic. The Calypso A tribute to Cousteau's vessel, symbol of the explored Mediterranean. The Shark Corsican marine life, precise and minimalist design. The Mermaid Club Mediterranean mermaids, a centerpiece of a full collection. Sea Urchin Fishing The tradition of sea urchin fishing in Corsica, an evocative design. The Corsica Several variations (704, white, black), Corsican identity in the broad sense. The Donkey and its Shepherd A tribute to the shepherds of the Corsican maquis, a narrative design. Explore the entire TAFANELLI t-shirt collection with product sheets and available sizes. How to wear a TAFA Corsican t-shirt The strength of the 280gsm t-shirt is its versatility. It can be worn in any context, in any season. Four typical outfits with a TAFA t-shirt Mediterranean summer: white TAFA t-shirt + ecru linen shorts + espadrilles + Mermaid Club cap Urban mid-season: dark TAFA t-shirt + raw denim + Roccapina jacket + white sneakers Winter layering: TAFA t-shirt under an overshirt + wide-leg trousers + boots Sunday casual: TAFA t-shirt + ecru jogger pants + slides + Mermaid Club scarf around the neck Table: TAFA t-shirt vs standard t-shirt Criteria Fast fashion t-shirt Standard premium t-shirt TAFANELLI t-shirt Weight 140-160 gsm 200-220 gsm 280 gsm Origin Bangladesh, China Portugal, Turkey Made in France Design Generic digital print Digital print of choice Manual screenprinting, original design Numbering None Rare Each piece numbered Lifespan 6 to 18 months 2 to 4 years 5 years and more Price €10 to €25 €40 to €60 €80 Frequently Asked Questions about the TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt Why does a Corsican t-shirt cost €80 and not €25? Three reasons: the material (280gsm cotton, twice as dense as a standard t-shirt), the French manufacturing (which costs more than Asian manufacturing), and the original hand-screenprinted design. At the price per year of wear, an €80 TAFA t-shirt worn for 5 years costs €16/year, compared to €15/year for a fast-fashion t-shirt that lasts 12 months. Are TAFANELLI t-shirts unisex? Yes, completely. The classic fit suits all body types. Men and women choose based on the size guide, which details precise measurements by size (from XS to XXL). How to wash a TAFA Corsican t-shirt so it lasts? Wash at 30°C, minimal detergent, moderate spin, air dry. Do not tumble dry. See the full guide: how to prevent micro-holes in a cotton t-shirt. Where to buy a TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt? On the tafanelli.fr online store with free Chronopost delivery in France, or at our partner retailers in Corsica and on the Côte d'Azur. See the map of TAFA locations. Are the TAFANELLI t-shirt designs made by a Corsican illustrator? We collaborate with illustrators who share the TAFA Mediterranean world. Each design is custom-created for the brand, never taken from a stock photo library. What is the difference between a "Corsican" t-shirt and a "Corsica" t-shirt? "Corsican" and "Corsica" refer to the same thing, one in English, the other in Italian and native reference. Both terms refer to the island of Corsica and its cultural identity. The TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt is therefore identical to the TAFANELLI Corsica t-shirt. Discover the t-shirt collection The TAFANELLI Corsican t-shirt is more than just a garment. It's a manifesto for fashion that lasts, cotton that patinas, and a design that tells a story. About ten iconic models now make up the collection. TAFANELLI T-shirts 280gsm cotton, made in France, original Corsican designs. Numbered piece, limited series. €80. See the collection
