Layering tank tops for women who don't want to flash their colleagues

July 6, 2019 11:33 AM

I’m looking for the holy grail of not-too-cleavage-y cotton-blend women’s layering tanks that can go from business-casual office to weekend wear.

I’m long-torsoed but of average height and...have boobs that sit on the high side, all of which adds up to tank tops I have to pull down a lot, with necklines usually sitting a bit too low on my chest for non-date night applications. I wear a small (4-6) in tops and am a 32DD, which are common-enough proportions that someone should have a good solution already, but I haven't figured it out yet. Can anyone recommend a great tank top that ticks the following boxes:

• Wider straps (no spaghetti straps!)
• Ribbed or slightly thicker material to hide any lumps and bumps
• Scoop- or square-necked but not cut too low
• No racerbacks
• Fitted for layering under work cardigans and such
• Hip-length
• Preferably under $25 CAD per tank

The Old Navy first-layer tanks are both too thin and too long-strapped to work well for me. The older Old Navy ribbed tanks were perfect, except for how easily they would stretch out.

Alternatively, is the best answer to find tunic-length tanks in petite sizing and buy one size up? Thanks for your suggestions!

posted by blerghamot to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

So, although I am short-torsoed, I also wear a G cup (US 10-12) so I do need extra length or risk an unintended hi-lo situation. So I have made a STUDY of this topic. Here are my best finds.

Nic+Zoe. Their Perfect Layer and Perfect Scoop are great, depending on your neckline preference. In the $40-50 range, shaping seams, very worthwhile. An old-school 1x1 rib.

Duluth Trading No Yank Tank. Stretchy and opaque, I like these a lot. They’re more like legging material than a traditional t-shirt. Straps might be too skinny, scoop neck is on the low side. $15-20.

Dip brand tanks. These are only found at Kroger and Fred Meyer! They’re ribbed cotton, and cheap but good enough for layering or even the office. I will send a pic of mine if you’re interested; if you happen to be in BC or someplace close to Kroger country it might be worth stopping. $10 US.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 12:10 PM on July 6, 2019 [3 favorites]

These Hanes work for me (34DD and usually a 4-6, but I'm quite short-waisted,
posted by crush at 1:05 PM on July 6, 2019

If you find some that fit everything except the strap length it is really easy for a seamstress/tailor to shorten the straps by cutting a bit out where they sit on your shoulders and sewing the two parts together, I’ve had this done for a few vest tops that were too low.
posted by ellieBOA at 1:06 PM on July 6, 2019 [2 favorites]

You might have better luck looking for sleeveless shirts rather than tanks. Personally, I don't like tank tops under any circumstances, but I like the slightly more tailored and covered look of a sleevess shirt. I don't have any personal knowledge of this sleeveless tee from Land's End, but maybe the style works for you?
posted by primate moon at 1:14 PM on July 6, 2019 [1 favorite]

I’m not sure about availability in Canada, but I love these Maternity Scoop Neck Tanks from Target; they hit all of your criteria except that you may find them a little clingier than you prefer. They’re not thin though - just stretchy and fairly form-fitting. They’re super soft and they don’t look like maternity tops at all (no side gathers/ruching). Since they’re maternity though, they are quite long.

If they’re not available to you, looking for other basic maternity tanks might work - maternity tops tend to be cut for a more generous bust (and not too low cut) and are much longer than regular tops in order to cover the bump. Some look obviously like maternity clothing but some don’t!
posted by insectosaurus at 3:09 PM on July 6, 2019 [1 favorite]

Have you tried the Old Navy ribbed maternity tanks? They might still be a bit too long, but they're ribbed. It's my go-to first layer.
posted by slidell at 4:31 PM on July 6, 2019 [1 favorite]

Also recommending Duluth Trading, but a different tank top: the Longtail T Tank Top has a modest scoop neckline, a longer length, and wider "straps," for $17.50/top (when not on sale, either at the site or via retailmenot coupon code.) And "[h]idden bra-keeper snap tabs under each shoulder keeps straps from slipping," which I really like.
posted by Iris Gambol at 4:51 PM on July 6, 2019 [2 favorites]

And linking to a Fair Indigo tank with the right straps, length, fit, & fabric weight, plus a reversible neckline - scoop to v.
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:29 PM on July 6, 2019

Land's End has a variety of tank tops that are discreet, varying in thickness, materials, etc. The plus size ones have darts, which I find particularly nice for not revealing side boob and such. I would look through those and the ones at L.L. Bean. They constantly have sales both on their full-price items and things that are last-season's line.
posted by drossdragon at 9:00 PM on July 7, 2019