Women's Vest Tops and Tank Tops: Styles, Fabrics and How to Layer Them
A good vest top works harder than almost anything else in your wardrobe. In summer you wear it on its own; in winter it goes under knitwear, shirts and blazers as a smooth, fine layer. This guide covers the necklines and fabrics worth knowing, how to layer a vest top, and how it should fit.
Vest top, tank top or camisole?
They are close cousins, and the names change depending on where you are.
- Vest top: the usual UK name for a sleeveless top with shoulder straps.
- Tank top: the US name for the same thing. In the UK, "tank top" can also mean a knitted sleeveless jumper.
- Camisole: a finer top with thin spaghetti straps, often in silk or satin.
- Sleeveless top: the umbrella term for all of the above.
Our vest tops and tank tops are cut with proper shoulder straps rather than spaghetti straps, so they sit flat under knitwear and look finished when worn on their own.
Choose your neckline
Scoop neck. An open, rounded neckline that is easy to layer under cardigans, shirts and V-neck jumpers. Try the Sleeveless Micro Modal Vest Top, the Organic Cotton Scoop Neck Tank Top or the Ribbed Scoop Neck Tank.
High neck. A higher, straighter neckline that gives more coverage. It looks neat under a blazer and smart enough to wear alone. Try the High Neck Tank in ribbed TENCEL™ Lyocell or the Supima Cotton High Neck Tank Top.
Mock neck. A short stand-up collar that makes a simple sleeveless top look polished, and adds a little warmth at the neck. Try the Sleeveless Mock Neck Micro Modal Top.
Choose your fabric
A vest top sits right against your skin, so the fabric matters more than it does for most clothes.
| Fabric | How it feels | Best for | Our styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro modal | Silky, very fine and smooth | A base layer under fitted knitwear | Micro Modal Vest Top, Mock Neck Top |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Smooth and breathable, with a fine rib | Warm days and light layering | High Neck Tank, Ribbed Scoop Neck Tank |
| Organic cotton | Soft and familiar, with a little more structure | Everyday wear on its own | Organic Cotton Scoop Neck Tank Top, Ribbed Tank Dress |
| Supima cotton | Smooth, dense and not see-through | A smarter top worn alone | Supima Cotton High Neck Tank Top |
Not sure about modal? Read what is modal?
How to wear a vest top in winter
A fine vest top is one of the simplest ways to add warmth without adding bulk. Because it is close-fitting and thin, a jumper or cardigan still sits smoothly over the top. Micro modal is our finest option for this, and it regulates heat well, so you don't overheat indoors.
- Under a V-neck cardigan: a scoop neck vest fills the neckline without crowding it.
- Under a blazer: a high neck tank keeps the line clean when the jacket comes off.
- Under an open cardigan: a mock neck gives a polished, higher neckline.
- Under a fine shirt: a vest top stops a thin or pale shirt from being see-through.
For more ideas, see The Layering Edit and what to wear under a cardigan.
How to wear a vest top in summer
On its own, a vest top pairs easily with jeans, linen trousers and midi skirts. A high neck or mock neck looks smart enough for the office on warm days, and a scoop neck feels more relaxed at the weekend. For an easy one-piece outfit, try the Organic Cotton Ribbed Tank Dress.
How should a vest top fit?
- Close, not tight: it should follow your shape without pulling across the bust or back.
- Flat straps: the straps should lie flat on the shoulder without digging in.
- Enough length: it should still cover your waistband when you raise your arms, especially for layering.
Our vest tops come in UK sizes 8–18. Check the size guide for measurements.
Caring for your vest tops
Machine wash at 30°C with similar colours, then hang or lay flat to dry. Avoid the tumble dryer, which can shorten the life of fine fabrics. Our garment care guide has more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a vest top and a tank top?
Nothing, in most cases: "vest top" is the UK name and "tank top" is the US name for a sleeveless top with shoulder straps. In the UK, a tank top can also mean a knitted sleeveless jumper.
Can you wear a vest top in winter?
Yes. A fine vest top under knitwear or a shirt adds warmth without bulk, and it's easy to take the outer layer off indoors.
Which vest top fabric is softest?
Of our range, micro modal is the finest and silkiest. Organic cotton feels soft but slightly more structured.
What should I wear under a see-through shirt?
A fine, close-fitting vest top in a similar or paler shade to the shirt works best, because it adds coverage without showing lines.
Shop vest tops
Browse all women's vest tops and tank tops, see the ribbed tank tops, or start with our bestseller, the Sleeveless Micro Modal Vest Top.
