Cheap or expensive layering tops?

[nathaliew817]

I was wondering if everyone here wears RO and Julius layering tops?
I don't. I have one RO tank, but I don't wear it under my sweaters.

I know it doesn't follow the aesthetic, but I rather spend $$$ on a jacket or sweater(top layer) than a basic rib tank.

What are your thoughts about this? Is this 'faking it'?
And what brands do you buy for basic tanks?

[galia]

I used to buy sheer long sleeves and tanks from a French brand stupidly named American Vintage. They have a webstore, not sure if they ship internationally. Their tunic lengths were quite similar to RO but at a fraction of the price, and with a wider neckline, which I find more flattering. If you don't want to spend big bucks on basics, this is what I'd suggest.

[voltbird]

I operate under the assumption that the tanks and tees in my closet will at some point be worn in isolation, mostly because of the horrific heat and humidity we get in the summer months! So I try to stick with RO tanks since I don't mind my bra showing through

Although lately I'm growing tired of poaching Rick tanks on the secondhand market and have been wondering about the $25 Everlane tops. I was gifted one of their silk blouses and am happy with it, so maybe it's worth a shot?

[ahn]

I wear layering tanks almost every day; I wear them til they fall apart or get holes, so I give no fucks and purchase the cheapest most basic ones available from places like K-mart or H&M. Maybe if I spent more than $10 on a layering tank it wouldn't fall apart. I just can't justify spending $150+ each when I have about 8-10 tanks in my drawer I rotate through constantly. Also the rick tanks ARE an odd shape at the neck - which I love if worn as the top layer - but they don't fit nicely under most of my other garments and I prefer my necklines unobstructed most of the time.

Over time I've managed to find justification in upgrading most things in my life to that of better quality - but I think when it comes to basic everyday underwear/undergarments I just cheap out. Even when I do rarely buy nicer undergarments (not to be confused with actual lingerie which I consider in a different category) I still fall back on my cheap stuff because I feel like I have to 'save' the nice stuff for a better occasion? It's weird. All about that $5 black cotton boyshorts and $10 black cotton tanks life.

[nathaliew817]

Glad I'm not the only one Ahn!
We mostly have rain and winter here in Belgium. Maybe one week's worth of 30° when RO tanks are wearable on their own :(

Thanks for the tips, I'm loving Everlane though, no nonsense basics. Never heard of them.

[wildinthewoods]

I have a very small chest and don't wear bras, instead I wear layering tanks everyday. I have a few nicer designer ones for summer, but most of them are no name tanks I've purchased second hand mostly at army surplus stores or at thrift stores, because I love the feel of ultrasoft old falling apart cotton. I wear mine until they fall entirely apart. My favorite one is a no tag see through black cotton jersey I found while thrifting when I was in high school over a decade ago. It's covered in holes and I've mended it a million times, I wear at least once every laundry cycle. I think it's fine to not spend much money on underwear/undergarments (I don't think I have really bought more than a few pairs of socks or regular underwear my whole life because my mother always gets me some for christmas, haha)

[ahn]

I used to buy sheer long sleeves and tanks from a French brand stupidly named American Vintage. They have a webstore, not sure if they ship internationally. Their tunic lengths were quite similar to RO but at a fraction of the price, and with a wider neckline, which I find more flattering. If you don't want to spend big bucks on basics, this is what I'd suggest.

I really like the look of these tanks! They don't ship to Australia unfortunately but they have several stockists that do... but none of them have the black tank I like in my size!! So cruel.

[galia]

I really like the look of these tanks! They don't ship to Australia unfortunately but they have several stockists that do... but none of them have the black tank I like in my size!! So cruel.

I can proxy if you want. PM me

[ahn]

I can proxy if you want. PM me

Oh thank you!
I found one online stockist that had the Los Angeles Tank in a small, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't prefer an xs since I generally like my base layers to be quite fitted.

I'm waiting for it to arrive to see how the fit is, but then I'll probably get in touch to grab a couple more! :)

[amandaluuuuu]

This is an interesting topic
I was wondering a lot about the necessity of expensive layering top at the first place.
I wear layering tank basically everyday. I own some Rick tanks and wear them a lot just because I'm in love with the colours from Rick layering tops and the material, even tho different a bit from each other but feels very nice.
But i only have few of them and wear the same pieces over and over again. I don't think it's much of a big deal tho :P
But yeah like voltbird said, it's pretty exhausting looking for them in 2nd market or going through shit tons of websites looking for sales. Cuz spending few hundreds on a thin layering of tanktop is just such a pain.
If you're looking for good prices on Rick tank, Spenceclothing always have couple nice ones on sale for good prices.

[ahn]

I ended up picking up a couple more American Vintage tanks from the store in Paris while we were there last month for PFW - thanks so much for the recommendation galia! These are such a great affordable alternative - plus I really like that I can wear a normal bra/bralette underneath as the neckline/straps are normal.

Having said that - the Base Range 'X' Bra is almost the very best bralette I've found that exists in the marketplace to fit underneath the Rick tanks... it's not completely perfect as you do still see a tiny bit of strap on the front but it's very very close in cut. And the mushroom Base Range bra colour compliments the dust/dark dust colour-ways of the tanks really nicely.

I'd love to go braless in these tanks but they're just so sheer, even double layered...

[Nickefuge]

Oh I am totally down for cheap tank tops. I won't spend more than $3. Putting the money into a nice jacket is definitely the way to go

Please tell us about your favorite H&M tank tops and where to get coupons for Zara and Primark.

[galia]

and let's not forget the human cost of tank tops that retail at the price of 2 cans of coke

[Fuuma]

and let's not forget the human cost of tank tops that retail at the price of 2 cans of coke

Always buy tank tops that cost at least 2 grams of coke, much more ethical pricing.

[galia]

#consumerethics

[galia]

Thank's for recommending BaseRange ahn, I've been struggling for a while to find a better alternative to AA bralettes, seems like this could be it! I just ordered one of their "Soft Bras", we'll see how it goes. I can't undersand why it's so hard to find cute bras without closure, especially for the small chested. I have a bony spine so hook closures in the back hurt me, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this...

[Verdandi]

But lots of small and independent lingerie labels do them, galia

You may want to take a look around at etsy (I know) or search for pull on bralette.

[galia]

Really? I'd never thought to check etsy for that wow Thanks for the tip. I really like the look of BaseRange, but I would love some recommendations of small lingerie labels in the same aesthetic. I'm all about supporting small businesses and artisans, so a few pointers would be much apprediated if you have any.

Edit: I actually checked out etsy and didn't like anything I saw, so if you have recommendations I would def need some. everything was all lace and/or bondagey straps, ew

[ahn]

The smallest AA bralettes are still too big for me . There are loads of bralettes out and about without clasps or closures, but they're not all made equally. For me the quality, softness and fit of Base Range ticks all my boxes. I have the Soft Bra in black bamboo and it's so beautiful. It feels really good on, I especially love the thick elastic band at the base.

[galia]

Same, I just ordered the soft bra to give the brand a try and as soon a I tried it on I ordered a couple more! It's really the best I've come across so far