Tank Girl

November 8, 2010 12:56 PM

Shopping Filter (for the ladies): Where can I buy a tank top that doesn't show cleavage? I'd take advice on where to get buttoned shirts that don't gap too.

I have an assortment of tank tops in lovely colors that I would like to like from Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, and Target. However, each of them becomes rather low cut as the day wears on [no pun intended]. It's nothing particularly obscene, but I'd prefer something a little higher cut for work (I've noticed eye contact issues on tank top days).

Tanks are mostly for layering - under v-neck sweaters and jumpers, that sort of thing. Doesn't need to be a mock turtleneck or anything, but I'd like to be able to bend over without worrying about it. I like colors.

Additionally, if you know a brand that carries button shirts that are fitted in the shoulders/arms but also button comfortably for those of us above a B-cup, I'd love to know. Especially if it's a shirt with snaps, I love those.

PS: For the record, I'm in the Boston area.

posted by maryr to Shopping (19 answers total)

Since you've mentioned that you really like the tanks that you already own, you might want to consider having them altered by a tailor, who could change the length of the straps. This might not work unless you can spare an inch or two on the bottom of the tank, but I suppose the tailor could also adjust the hem.
posted by duvatney at 12:59 PM on November 8, 2010

Instead of searching for tank tops you should focus your search on scoop neck or shell neck sleeveless tops. They'll be more expensive (probably closer to $20 apiece instead of $5), but they'll be cut much more modestly. And they won't stretch and deform like a tank does as the day wears on. My mom wears these a lot under jackets/sweaters for work; she's always gotten hers at department stores, but you could probably find them anywhere if you know what to ask for.
posted by phunniemee at 1:03 PM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

Rebecca & Drew has revolutionized my life. Brooks Bros. does a pretty good fitted shirt, too.
posted by Siena at 1:03 PM on November 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Are you short-waisted? This could be causing the cleavage issue since the straps would be longer than you need them to be and the top edge of the shirt would consequently hit you lower, showing more cleavage. Try petite sizes if this is the issue; they're cut for short-waists like me.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 1:06 PM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

J Jill has great layering pieces. They are geared towards the over 35 professional woman.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 1:11 PM on November 8, 2010

I just buy the Gap spaghetti strap tanks that have the adjustable straps for layering like this. They're the best I've found in terms of actually sitting at the right height (eg, they are anticipated to be worn high up on the chest, without showing cleavage.

Today I noticed I was having this problem, so I took a quick trip to the ladies room, tightened the straps, and now I'm covered again. They usually have built in shelf bras, but I just wear an actual bra under them anyway (needed, in my case).
posted by CharlieSue at 1:12 PM on November 8, 2010

J Jill and Eileen Fisher generally have "career" tank tops that aren't as low in front
posted by Mchelly at 1:13 PM on November 8, 2010

For tank tops, I like these. High quality and lots of colors. They also have a wide selection of button-front shirts but I can't vouch for the fit.
posted by FormerMermaid at 1:13 PM on November 8, 2010

as phunniemee says, you want a shell. you'll usually find these in the business attire section, near the button ups. don't cheap out on these. as an added bonus, the materials are often super soft and nice.
posted by nadawi at 1:16 PM on November 8, 2010

Seconding an adjustable strap tank top. Especially if you're wearing them for layering and the thinner straps wouldn't be a problem.

I also find that it's relatively easy to get tops that would be better described as "sleeveless" rather than "tank" which have more structured necklines. For instance a boat neck would be really nice. Though this sort of thing probably depends on what's considered "on trend" for any given season.
posted by Sara C. at 1:16 PM on November 8, 2010

Sometimes you love a shirt so much you buy it even though it gaps between the buttons. For that, you need Fashion Tape, a double-sided tape that really holds tight. You can use Scotch double-sided tape if your garment is loose-fitting, but if it's snug, you need more holding power.

On a couple of shirts I've ironed some Stitch Witchery between the buttons. This works only if the buttoned shirt can go on over your head.
posted by wryly at 1:19 PM on November 8, 2010

Another trick for dealing with the gap between buttons is to make sure you're using a minimizing bra. Buy the correct size, but it should essentially make you a cup size smaller for a day.
posted by politikitty at 1:33 PM on November 8, 2010

You may be interested in Second Base, a light half-cami that is designed specifically for cleavage-hiding, without adding another hot layer.
posted by xo at 2:04 PM on November 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Ok, so for really cheap, very colorful tanks, I go to Forever 21. They're a kinda youthful store, but the tanks hover around $2 each and I have 4 or 5 that have lasted me 8 months with virtually no wear. They have a number of styles, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

For button-gapping, two things. If you can find a shirt where there's a button at the widest point of your chest, it should gap less. Also, my solution from gapping tops is to safety pin the gap closed. If the shirt isn't pulling TOO tight, that usually works great.
posted by Night_owl at 2:12 PM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

Another trick for dealing with the gap between buttons is to make sure you're using a minimizing bra. Buy the correct size, but it should essentially make you a cup size smaller for a day.

Along similar lines (since minimizing bras don't really minimize me enough), my way of dealing with the button gap is to wear a tank underneath. In this case, the ones with low neck lines are a plus, because they don't show. If they are snug, they kind of, um, even things out. This works for almost all of my button-downs.

For when I don't want my tank to be cut so low, I use the ones with adjustable straps, as suggested earlier.
posted by DrGirlfriend at 2:41 PM on November 8, 2010

H&M tank tops have adjustable straps, and are cheap, to boot. My favorite thing about them is that they DON'T have built-in shelf bras, because for anyone equivalent to or above a D cup, a shelf bra tank means that the top of the tank is going to be pulled a lot lower than you really want it to be.
posted by so_gracefully at 2:44 PM on November 8, 2010

Bravissimo has some really lovely, though not inexpensive, clothing specifically made for women with larger boobs. I've been impressed with the quality of each item I've purchased. The downside is not being able to try things on, but they have excellent sizing recommendations, and they accept returns easily.
posted by purpletangerine at 3:55 PM on November 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

for buttoned shirts I usually have to get a bigger size and take them in at the waist. If you don't sew yourself, take them to a tailor
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 6:28 PM on November 8, 2010

I add hook and eyes between the buttons at the bust line to nearly all my button down shirts to prevent "gaposis."
posted by vespabelle at 7:22 AM on November 9, 2010