A top under a blazer that does not bunch up

Short answer: A top under a blazer bunches when the fabric is too thick, too loose or catches on the blazer lining. Choose a thin, smooth, soft top with a fit close to the body, and try it under the blazer itself before you leave the house.

Why the top bunches

Bunching happens when fabric gathers under the arms and at the waist because the blazer presses it together. The top can also ride up when you move if it catches on the lining. It is rarely the top alone, more a mix of fit, fabric and the cut of the blazer.

Thin and smooth is easiest

Under a blazer, a thin top with a smooth surface works best because it glides against the lining instead of gripping. Thick or knitted fabric adds volume you can notice. Feel the fabric and choose the one that feels light and soft when you stretch it between your fingers.

A fit close to the body

A top that sits close without squeezing has no spare fabric to fold. It should not be so narrow that it pulls at the armhole, nor so loose that it gathers at the waist. Raise your arms and see whether it stays in place.

Neckline and armhole

A round neck with a very low edge lies flat under the blazer lapel. If the neck edge is thick, it can show through a blouse or draw a line. The armhole should not sit so high that it rubs under the arm when you move inside the blazer sleeves.

Length and tucking in

Let the top be long enough to tuck into trousers or a skirt without riding up, but not so long that it bundles around the hips. If you are unsure, try with and without tucking. Many feel most at ease when the top stays put all day. Thick edges on underwear can show too, so look at bamboo knickers.

Colour and see-through

If the blazer is light, a dark top can show through, and a contrasting colour can stand out clearly. Choose a colour close to your skin tone or the blazer if you want it to disappear. Check how see-through it is in daylight, not only in the fitting room.

Try the whole combination

Put the blazer on over the top and move as you do at the office: sit down, reach for something, raise your arms. It tells you more than a glance in the mirror. You can browse the bamboo T-shirts for women, which you can layer under a blazer.

Washing and care

Wash the top following the care label and avoid too much fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric so it clings to the lining. Hang it to dry so it keeps its shape, and change into bamboo sweat for women at home. If the blazer gets warm during the day, the top should cope without turning clammy.

Frequently asked questions

Should a top under a blazer be tight or loose?

A top close to the body bunches least, but it must not squeeze or pull at the armholes. Raise your arms with the blazer on and see whether it stays in place without creasing.

What do I do if the top rides up?

Choose a smooth, thin surface that glides against the lining, and make sure the length is enough to tuck in. If the top is snug around the hips, try a slightly larger size.

Which colour shows through least under a blazer?

A colour close to your skin tone or the blazer shows through least. Check in daylight, because fitting room lighting can fool you, and a dark top under a light blazer stands out.

See our range of bamboo tops.