How to Wear Vest Tops? A Guide to the Most Versatile Item in Your Wardrobe

What is a vest top and what is a camisole?

Most of us know what a basic vest top is, however there can be various styles with different purposes or designs. With vest tops and camisoles being such a useful part of anyone’s wardrobe, we’ve pulled together a guide to shopping for vest tops and camisoles and how to wear them.

A camisole top is a wider term for a top similar to a vest but usually held up with spaghetti style straps. A camisole top can be looser fitting or sit closer to the body.

Which vest top should I wear?

The type of vest top or camisole that you want to wear is up to personal preference and can depend on what you plan to wear it for. Our Y.O.U Underwear organic cotton vest tops and organic cotton camisoles sit fairly close to the body without being tight, meaning they won’t hug or dig in but will lightly skim your figure. Both the vest tops and camisoles feature a longline cut to ensure coverage over the stomach and avoid gaps where your bottoms start. This also means they’re great for wearing tucked into your jeans or summer skirts.

Is a camisole the same thing as a tank top?

When referring to a tank top, this is usually the same as a vest top - a sleeveless top style for wearing under clothes or as a top itself. Again, this is different to a camisole - a sleeveless top with slim straps, usually adjustable. This is the main difference between our cotton vest tops and cotton camisoles. The vest tops have wide flat straps which aren’t adjustable while the camisole has thinner straps with adjusters. Because of this, the camisole has a slightly wider neckline, both of them with a scoop neck style.

Are you supposed to wear a bra under a cami?

When designing our vest tops and camisoles we wanted to provide flexibility in how they could be worn. We created the vest top in two styles; with hidden support or without, and the camisole with hidden support. This means these styles have an extra layer inside over the bust with a covered elasticated edge to hold it in place under your bra. Because of this, you can wear the tops without a bra if you prefer and still have light support and coverage which is great in summer and makes them more similar to a vest or camisole with a built in bra.

When should I wear a vest top?

The great thing about vest tops and camisoles is that they have so many uses. This is why we love them! At Y.O.U Underwear, we wear our vests all year round and even to bed! We love the camisole with secret support as an easy and classic summer top that goes with everything and feels light and breathable. During the winter, we switch to wearing vests underneath as an extra layer that’s smooth, not scratchy next to the skin. 

We also love wearing the vest tops to bed since they’re so comfortable and don’t dig in, giving you a great night’s sleep. For people who prefer a bit of light support while sleeping, the vests and camis with hidden support are also great. Plus, when you match them with our organic cotton pyjama bottoms, they make the perfect comfy pyjama set.

What is the healthiest fabric to wear?

Since vest tops and camisoles are worn so close to your skin, the fabric needs to be one which won’t irritate and allows your skin to breathe. This is why we make our vest tops and camisoles from our signature organic cotton. The super soft fabric sits smoothly against the skin without blocking your pores and making you sweat! Organic cotton is made without all the synthetic pesticides and fertilisers often used on conventional cotton meaning these chemicals don’t come into contact with your skin which can lead to rashes and itchiness. 

As with all of our underwear and loungewear range, we don’t have any internal labels to avoid scratchiness when wearing, especially if you’re moving around a lot.

What's the best colour to wear for a vest top?

Now that you know which type of top you’re looking for, the only thing is to choose the colour! Our original cotton vest tops and cotton camis launched in black and white for two classic colourways that go with everything!  

Since then, we’ve expanded our range to create vests from across our nude colour range which have been very popular. These colours are great for wearing underneath clothing without showing through. We’ve also added navy blue and charcoal grey, offering you a range of colours to work with all your outfits!

If you’re feeling super organised, you could even match your vest top or camisole to your matching underwear set or multipack knickers for the everyday luxury of organic cotton all over! 

Your impact

As a social enterprise company on a mission to change the world one pair of pants at a time, Y.O.U Underwear donates one pair of underwear for every item bought from our organic cotton underwear and loungewear range. In partnership with Smalls for All, we donate underwear to people struggling to access to it in Africa and the UK. So when you invest in your new vest top, you also invest in hygiene and dignity for someone else!

Check out more of our guides below:

A Guide to Cotton Bralettes - 6 Key Questions Answered

What is the Best Underwear Style for Everyday? A Guide to Women's Knickers

Boxers, Briefs, Trunks? Men's Underwear Types Explained