Okay folks, here is a yeah or nay where I am firmly in the yeah camp. But I realize this style is really not for everyone: the tube top.
According to urban fashion lore
the tube top was invented just steps from the NYC Garment District and popularized by Elie Tahari in the Studio 54-infused 70's. Who knew? But tube tops are considered rather low brow as fashion. There are loads of strapless styles on red carpets and runways, but the humble tube top seems to be more of a street style. Seriously, just google "tube top". Very very low brow results, true?
Anyway, you've seen me in one of my favorite tops - a black and white striped tube top - on numerous occasions. It really is a workhorse in my wardrobe. It gets layered in the winter and worn solo in the summer. I wear it with jeans or skirts or trousers. It gets worn under low cut tops when I want more coverage or a pop of contrasting fun.
The thing I like about tube tops - aside from how versatile they are - is that they show off the collarbone, neck and shoulders so nicely. They're a great backdrop for a dramatic necklace.
Now, I totally understand not feeling like the top is secure or going to stay put - I'm all about the staying put. And not all tube tops are equal in this department. I prefer tops that have elastic across the top edge and that fit with a little bit of negative ease over the bust. A top that is too big or small will slide down, but a tube top that fits my criteria, partnered with a supportive, well fitting strapless bra is a recipe for success. I have never had a tube top wardrobe malfunction.
It was with this thought in mind that I decided that I could knock off my beloved striped tube top. So, I ordered a bunch of half yard cuts of some fun knits from Fabric.com and made four of them.
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| What did I do before we got a new post-Sandy fence in the yard? |
This was the easiest project ever since it is a one seam top with elastic in a casing at the top. All I did was measure my RTW top and then it was cut and sew, trying on to tweak the fit as I went.
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| The Prototype! |
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| #2 - Disco Fabulous |
Then I made slight variations to the next two tops. The first one needed a little extra length since the fabric cut I received was no more than 16" and cut crooked. So, I used some of the excess width to create a band that I added to the bottom to lengthen it.
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| #3 - Stingy cut of fabric |
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| OK, I shan't be too peeved |
And my last variation was to use some of my left over faux stretch leather (
you remember) and some black jersey to do a leather-blocked version. I think this one is my favorite.
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| #4 - Corset-y faux leather |
Now, I've heard lots of women say that their bust is too small or too large for a tube top or say they feel insecure in them. I thoroughly understand women who are busty not being able to find a suitably supportive strapless bra, but I don't really understand the too small argument since it's not my (mid-sized) boobs that are holding the top up. But perhaps I
am some kind of magical size that makes tube tops fit and stay up? Feel free to weigh in on this and enlighten me.
Anyway, what are your thoughts on the low brow tube top? Is it a yeah like me? Or a nay? And why?
Oh, I should add that Phin gives tube tops a
yeah simply because they are teeny tiny to pack. Today we are in Santorini.
