The camisole cure
May 7th, 2007Camisoles are an extremely important part of your wardrobe. Cropped, rigid, highly lacy, shiny and often itchy cami’s sold in underwear departments are no longer the norm. The camisole has transformed into an unfussy, longer, softer, more stretchy and superbly comfortable item that’s part of everyday outerwear. After a proper bra fitting, finding a range of camisoles that work for you is the next step.
Camisoles are fabulous because…
- They smooth out your silhouette underneath your clothes, thereby giving you a slimmer and more polished appearance.
- They make an outfit more interesting when the top and bottom peak through from underneath (either through a contrasting colour or fabrication).
- They act as a flattering layering item by deflecting the eye to your upper body.
- They give you effective coverage when you bend over (both on top and bottom).
- They can make ultra trendy looks wearable.
- They keep you warm when it’s chilly.
There are countless options. From built in-bras, solids and prints, to v-necks, lace trims and breathable cotton-rich fabrications. Express, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a particularly good assortment at the moment. Try the concept if it’s new to you. If you already sport the look, ensure that you have a good collection. My wardrobe wouldn’t function without them.
Basic, longer camisoles are available alongside most clothing ranges.
May 7th, 2007 at 9:11 am
I agree that camisoles are fantastic and a necessary part of any woman’s wardrobe. I’m a fashion coordinator, and they are my staples, both in my personal collection and in the ensembles I create at work.
May 7th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I love camis!! They offer coverage for certain outfits and an extra pop of color with outfits!
May 7th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
As a curvy woman who looks silly in cropped shirts, the longer cami’s and tanks are a great way of adding a little extra lenth to tops that are a tad too short for my torso.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Bra straps do not look very attractive under camis, in my opinion. I know there are clear straps, and, of course, the strapless bra (which I hate). Is there any other option?
May 7th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Angie, what are your feelings on tanks? Do you think they serve the same purpose or are they a little too casual and not as polished? This is an area I really need to work on. I only have two white camis that are starting to get a little gross. But JCrew always has sales on their tanks, so that’s why I tend to buy. They definitely don’t seem to be as nice, though.
I noticed that you mentioned that camis come with bra or without. I generally do not like the ones with a bra. I feel like they give me uni-boob. But, of course, I haven’t bought one in years, so maybe the “technology” is more developed!
May 7th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I agree with Rhonda and Christie. I hate the bra straps and feel like the camisoles with the shelf bra offer no support, just compression. Any suggestion for under camisole support or do we just have to suffer with the strapless bra?
May 7th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
If you keep your bra strap flesh colour - you can’t go wrong when you use your cami as a layering item. In fact you can’t even see the straps of your bra unless your next layer is transparent.
If it’s a top on it’s own then clear straps are the only way to go but they aren’t comfortable. A cami with a built up shoulder that allows you to wear a normal bra is a better option.
May 7th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Tanks that are made of 1×1 cotton rib are far more casual and you hit the nail on the head with respect to polish.
Cami’s with built-in bras still require you to wear a bra so that you keep that perky shape.
You need to go cami shopping Christie!
May 7th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
well, as i wear one EVERY day i couldn’t agree more with you! they hold in all my rolls and swells and allow me to wear lower cut jeans and plunging necklines without being offensive in public! I need to get more!
May 7th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
ALWAYS wear a bra with your camis and never rely on the built in bra for support. This is not a good look.
The straps will only show if you wear the cami on it’s own (which you shouldn’t unless the colour of your bra strap matches). This is not a top - it’s a layering piece which therefore never leaves you with this bra strap problem. Opt for a tank with built up shoulders so that you can wear your normal bra underneath if you want a cool and skimpy single layer.
May 29th, 2007 at 7:14 am
[…] If you’re looking for sexy coverage that’s simple chic, Undertease is the brand for you. The online company makes superb longer length camisoles and undergarment T’s that prevent you from tugging and adjusting at your clothing unnecessarily. Layer with these dream T’s and eliminate the fashion faux pas forever. […]
June 13th, 2007 at 8:55 am
[…] Dress in layers and be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout your journey. Start of with a camisole or tank top so that you can peel right off to this last layer if you need to. Top it off with a wrinkle free knitted top, cardigan, hoodie or stretchy jacket. Wear a trench coat instead of a jacket and look uber chic. […]
August 27th, 2007 at 7:43 am
[…] sack dresses and swing tops, try it as an accessory or in a classic clothing piece instead. Camisoles, button down shirts, layering knit tops and costume jewelry are safe and inexpensive ways of […]
September 6th, 2007 at 9:05 am
[…] knitted tops or camisoles: Layer just about any cardi style over a knitted top or camisole, and enjoy the versatility of this extra […]
February 6th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
hi, i have a problem. I am in highschool and cant wear camis because i walways feel exposed since whenever i bend down everything shows, EVEN IF I WEAR A BRA!
March 6th, 2008 at 7:51 am
[…] Good quality basic T’s are fine when used as layering pieces under jackets, shirts and knitwear. Adding a camisole to this look adds depth and […]
March 17th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
i always always wear cami’s but i have a smaller fram with larger bust so an actual bra is a must all i do is wear a black bra and it doesn’t look bad at all either that or coordinate your bra color with your cami color its not hopeless. but anyway i couldn’t live without a cami
May 6th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I couldn’t agree more! I love my camisoles. I wear them very often, because they are so versatile. I wear some of my camisoles to the gym, some I layer underneath shirts to keep me warm, and some are so cute that I wear them alone. I agree with you, Everyday Cami: I couldn’t live without a cami either!!!
July 16th, 2008 at 2:49 am
[…] a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this […]