Ask Belle: Camisole Suggestions
Jan 20, 2015
Hi Belle,I’ve recently purchased a few different semi-sheer blouses, and I need camisoles to wear underneath them. I’ve been wearing thick cotton Old Navy tank tops as camisoles for years, but they add too much bulk to my midsection, don’t tuck in well, and aren’t very pretty. I’m looking for the grown-up version; thin, pretty, and versatile (i.e. white, black, nude). Affordable would be a big plus; I’m not one to spend a lot on undergarments.
Thank you! Holly
For a basic, smooth camisole, I like the Shimera camis from Nordstrom. They come in spaghetti straps and a version with wider straps. They come in more than a half-dozen colors, and they’re long enough to tuck into skirts or pants and lay flat. They also wear like iron.
You’re looking for something pretty and lacy. Maidenform offers a lace trim camisole that smoothes and slims. Express makes a lace trim camisole that comes in a lot of bright colors. Frankly, the best place to go looking for these things is the intimates section of Macy’s or JCPenney. They cater to an older crowd that still cares about modesty, so they have lots of camis, slips, and shapewear in stock.
If you’re having trouble finding camis that are small enough in the waistline, try H&M. I find a lot of camis to be a bit too baggy, but H&M has tons of sizes and I can always find one that fits nice and snug.
I love several camisoles that I found from TJ Maxx from Cynthia Rowley. I have a few in nude that were very thin and looked invisible under my sheer blouses. It is hit or miss but it may be worth a quick trip!
Nordstrom doesn’t appear to carry the Shimera camisoles anymore, Belle.
Maybe the link was down, but they’re there now. https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-two-way-seamless-camisole-2-for-48/3769273?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Navy+Patriot&resultback=383&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_C
Ah, I see. I didn’t realize that they are an in-house Nordstrom item. The description says that these replace the Shimera camisoles. Perhaps just a rebranding?
Good catch! Have been meaning to order some. Have been using the Forever 21+ ones which are good, but want one with the thicker strap.
I stock up on Loft camis when they are on sale. They are smooth and wear nice.
I’ve had luck with Ann Taylor seamless camisoles as well.
I’m a big fan of Zara camisoles- just the right amount of stretch and they fit nicely under other shirts (and only $10 each). https://www.zara.com/us/en/collection-ss15/woman/t-shirts/camisole-top-c358008p2517040.html
I wear camis almost every day because I just love sheer shirts. For years I’ve been buying the $2 ones at Forever 21. I buy several every year and keep them in constant rotation. They’re very simple, cheap, lay flat, etc. And you can’t beat the price! Unless you’re looking for spanx, I have no idea why anyone would pay more than $5 for simple cami.
Just wanted to second the super cheap Forever 21 camisoles. I wear them almost everyday, and they don’t come with the annoying built-in bra.
I have a long torso and finding good camis has always been a struggle. I discovered Target’s maternity camisoles with my first pregnancy and have never looked back. They’re so stretchy and wear perfectly smooth, pregnant or not.
Check out the paper tin Jockey polyester camis available at Belk, and other department stores. They run about $12.00, available in many colors and prints. Machine washable, last forever. Many times the have the matching no-line pantiesif you’re interested in that,
Have relied for years on the ann Taylor ones. They come in neutrals but also lots of colors. Last a very long time. Have had some probably 10 years, still look good with gentle wash.
Any recommendations for silk camis? I have one from J Crew that I love but it’s from a few years ago and I’ve heard that quality is no longer there.
Uniqlo Airism — super light and ~$10 a pop. Lots of strap and sleeve styles.
came in here to leave this recommendation. Uniqlo can’t be beat for their undergarments. (plus, regular shipping is like 1 day to DC!)
Check out the paper thin Jockey polyester camis available at Belk, and other department stores. They run about $12.00, available in many colors and prints. Machine washable, last forever. Many times they have the matching no-line panties if you’re interested in that
I love camis from Forever 21. They are so cheap that it doesn’t hurt to replace. I love stocking up on them in different colors, or I have plenty of black and white ones on hand.
Jenn
A Petite Treat
I love Uniqlo camisoles with the built-in bra cups. They’re super comfortable and come in a wide range of colours, as well as black, white and nude. They make them in different materials – airism (a light, smoother version for summer), heattech (a warm version for winter) and a regular cotton one. I have so many of them and totally stock up on them when they’re on sale.
I strongly recommend Adea. They have great silky tops that can go under almost anything. They do run a bit big. (www.myadea.com)
Any recommendations for something with sleeves under sheer shirts?
I’m sounding like a broken record on this post, but Uniqlo is your answer! They have short- and long-sleeved styles, depending on the season.
The seamless tanks from The Limited are excellent and decently long. They fit nicely under dress clothes and do not roll up for me. Come in a variety of colors: https://www.thelimited.com/product/satin-trim-seamless-tank/4991260.html?ppid=s2&start=2&q=seamless&dwvar_4991260_colorCode=82&srule=search-relevance
So I have a question – do you try to match the color of the blouse with the cami, or are you pretty safe with a white or nude and black under most everything? I never know and just default to those 2 options.
I usually wear a flesh-toned color. The only time I wear black is under black.
Thanks!