Bamboo tops as a layer under a blazer

Short answer: Under a blazer, the inner layer must be thin enough not to bulk at the shoulder and good enough to absorb sweat. A thin top in bamboo viscose does both and can be worn all year.

No bulk at the shoulder

If the top bulks at the shoulder, the blazer sits crooked and pulls when you move your arms. A thin top without thick seams solves this, because the blazer can lie smoothly on top. Pay particular attention to the shoulder seam and the edge at the armpit. See bamboo tops for women.

Sweat

A blazer cannot be washed as often as a top and should only be cleaned a few times a year. That is why the top has to take the sweat. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin keeps both you and the blazer drier through a long working day.

The neckline

A round or slightly open neckline looks right under a blazer with lapels, because it follows the line of the jacket. A high neck closes the look and can feel heavy, while a very deep neckline can look restless in meetings. Try the top with the blazer on before you decide.

The colour

Black and white cover most needs and go with blazers in almost any colour. A coloured top can be the only colour in the outfit and brings life to a dark or neutral blazer. More than one strong colour at a time usually looks busy.

The length

The top must be long enough not to ride up when you lift your arms or reach for something. It should ideally tuck into trousers or a skirt. If you are long in the torso, check the measurements before ordering. See the size guide.

The fit

A top under a blazer should fit closely without pinching. Too loose and it folds under the jacket. Too tight and it pulls when you sit down. Choose your normal size and avoid sizing up, as a loose top creates bulk at the waist.

Straps or sleeves

A strappy top is the thinnest option and bulks least, but it can feel bare if you take the blazer off. A top with short sleeves gives a little more coverage and protects the blazer lining from sweat at the armpit. Choose based on whether the blazer stays on all day.

For men

The same principle applies under a jacket or suit. A thin undershirt absorbs sweat before it reaches the shirt and the jacket lining, and it does not bulk at the shoulder. Choose a colour close to your skin so it does not show through a light shirt. See the bamboo undershirt for men.

All year round

A thin top works under a blazer in both summer and winter. In summer it is the only layer, and in winter it can go under a thin knit or a blouse. That makes it one of the most used pieces in the wardrobe.

Washing

Wash the top at 40 degrees and let it dry flat so the straps do not stretch. Avoid fabric softener and the tumble dryer so the fabric keeps its shape and the smooth surface that lets the blazer sit well. More advice is in the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some tops bulk under a blazer?

Because the seams are thick or the fabric is too heavy. A thin top without thick seams at the shoulder and armpit lets the blazer lie smoothly.

Which neckline works under a blazer?

A round or slightly open neckline, because it follows the line of the lapels. A high neck closes the look, while a very deep neckline can look restless in meetings.