Which top to wear under a thin blouse

Short answer: Under a thin blouse, a thin, smooth top in a colour close to your skin tone or the blouse works best. It should lie flat, must not show through, and the neckline should suit the blouse so nothing peeks out.

Start with the fabric of the blouse

If the blouse is thin and slightly see-through, it will show everything underneath. Hold it up to the light and see what shows through. That tells you whether you need a top in a skin-toned colour or can manage with one that is simply smooth and thin.

The colour matters more than you think

A white top under a white blouse can be clearly visible, while a colour close to your skin often disappears. Dark tops under light blouses stand out strongly. Hold the colour against the blouse in daylight, because the light in a shop or at home can fool you.

Thin and smooth so the blouse falls well

A thick or rough top makes the thin blouse cling and wrinkle. Choose a smooth surface that glides against the blouse and a thickness that does not feel heavy. Feel the fabric and pick the one that feels light and soft between your fingers.

Neckline and straps

The top must not peek out at the neck or armhole if the blouse has a deep neckline. Choose a neckline that sits below the blouse's, and check that straps or sleeves cannot be seen. Try the blouse on with the top and move as you do through the day.

A fit close to the body

A top that sits close without squeezing has no fabric to gather under the blouse. It should not pull at the armhole either. You can browse the bamboo tops for women, where you can compare neckline and length.

The length has to be right

The top should be long enough not to ride up under the blouse when you raise your arms, and not so long that the edge shows under a short blouse. If the blouse is tucked into trousers, the top can be tucked in too, so there are not several layers around the waist.

Winter and summer

In summer the top should be thin and breathable so you do not get hot under the blouse. In winter it can be slightly thicker if the blouse is worn under a jumper. Keep both in the wardrobe and choose by the weather. For relaxed days, bamboo jogging sets for women suit well.

Washing and care for the top

Wash the top following the care label, normally at a low temperature, and avoid too much fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. Hang it to dry so it keeps its shape and does not turn stiff. You can see the rest of the choice in the range for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does the top under a thin blouse need to be the same colour as the blouse?

Not necessarily, but a colour close to your skin tone or the blouse shows through least. Check in daylight, because fitting room lighting can fool you.

Can I wear a top with thin straps under a blouse?

Yes, if the straps cannot be seen at the neck or armhole and the top lies flat. Try the blouse on with the top and move your arms to see whether anything peeks out.

How long should the top be under a blouse?

Long enough not to ride up when you raise your arms, but not so long that the edge shows. If the blouse is tucked in, the top can be tucked in too.