The World's A Mess, Let's Talk Tank Tops
because I need another distraction
Turn off your newsfeed and let’s talk about your bottom layer of clothing.
For those of us above the equator, summer may feel far away but it’s safe to say that tank tops are always a good buy. I’m even into the wearing-them-over-long-sleeve-shirts thing as long as it doesn’t channel a Von Trapp family member.
In an effort to be a more conscious consumer, I’m sharing my very imperfect protocol when shopping. I’m calling it my prescription because that feels cuter.
better quality, not quantity
small companies preferred, consider the creatives
not made in a sweatshop, consider the makers
Verifying the last point can be tougher but a short google search helps. And thank you, I know my prescription is nice but do I always stick to it? girl, Please.
I’m going to share the four that are currently keeping my attention. Some follow the prescription and some don’t. Some of these links offer good deals and others will reveal prices that will definitely embarrass my always-on-sale mother.
But back to the fun stuff.
The tank top is a very personal thing. Sometimes they are worn as an underlayer and sometimes they are worn alone. Do you need bra straps covered? Do you even need to worry about breasts? What about your stomach? Can it ride free or do you need it covered? Does it need to be longer? Do we even care how big the arm holes are? Are we trying to hide a massive chest scar from open heart surgery (indeed, we are not!)
So here’s a quick round-up for your Monday digression. One housekeeping note: I finally joined the 21st century and a few affiliate-links are included below. What does that mean? If you buy something after clicking, I may see a few dollars.
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FULL DISCLOSURE: All Three (or III?) Studio is a new brand and I do not yet own the Clare Deep V tank. Leandra Medine, fashion observer and writer of the Substack The Cereal Aisle, described the top as subtle but exuding a “particular femininity and sexuality.”
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perfectwhitetee is my go-to for most basics and their tank tops are no exception. I first discovered them at Kuhl-Linscomb, one of my favorite stores in Houston. You will find them IRL in smaller boutiques and department stores but you can also score used pieces on Poshmark. I keep my eye on the brand’s website for new drops, online exclusives, and special sales.
My favorite is “The Blondie” and my go-to color is vintage black which looks perfectly imperfect. I buy these one size up since they tend to run small (imho).
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British retailer Boden is always a solid, stylish choice. I used to go to them exclusively for kids clothing but when my tweens started refusing to wear anything I buy, I started to look at Boden for myself. These scoop neck tanks are easy to wear and easier on the wallet.
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Where there’s a need, there’s always Uniqlo. I love this striped cami; it’s both utilitarian and somehow very ‘long walk along the Seine.’
More gem later this week but in the meantime, shop more of my favorite things here.