PeaceBang has a pretty consistent daily uniform of bootcut pants, tank tops and cardigans, so she goes through tank tops and sweaters pretty quick with many wearings and washings. My favorite cardies are made by the Macy’s Charter Club line, although I weep with sorrow that they no longer make them with a V-neck. They’re about $34 apiece, are nice cotton, have pretty buttons and a bit of stretch to them. I just replenished my supply with a purple, a vibrant floral, black, navy and aquamarine for summer. I bought a London topaz blue one in November and I’ve worn it so much it’s already starting to wear out. I am a FAN of these suckers. They do shrink a bit, so keep that in mind if you’re going to buy any. If I have time, I pull them out of the dryer while still damp and hang them up.
(If you get this actual sweater we can be twins!)
Tanks, however, have proven more difficult for me to find. Ribbed cotton knits are often too flimsy, low-cut and informal (ribbed knit is never professional in the first place — those tops they call “wife beaters” were considered underwear by people of the older generation). Lane Bryant makes a very nice plain camisole but it’s cut so short that it doesn’t offer coverage where I want it most. LB’s longer camies are all lace-trimmed, and drawing attention to my lower abdomen is not my aim. I am always looking for longer line tank tops that offer some lower-abdominal coverage under a cardigan but that ain’t fancified.
LO AND BEHOLD, angel voices sound! Old Navy offers just exactly what I want in this tank top! Eureka! It’s cotton but with a bit of shape and stretch. Miraculously enough, the neck isn’t cut too low! It’s soft and comfy and long enough to cover my yantitas. It comes it nice colors like black and charcoal grey and white and charcoal grey and black and white (oh, and colors, too).
I thought you’d want to know!
I will admit to being fond of Lane Bryant’s lace trimmed camisoles. I like the adjustable straps, so when the top is long enough but cut a bit lower than I like, I can have proper coverage on top. Short top? Straps adjusted, nice and long. I’m working on a work wardrobe for graduation, and being big AND tall makes it real work. Having an assortment of camis makes it easier to find suitable tops and sweaters.
Who knew that Old Navy actually had plus size clothes in my size! They never have them in the store. My winter uniform is pants, cami and cardigan, and I’m always on the lookout for other suppliers. LB’s cardigan are long enough this year, but boy do they pill! Thanks PB – I would have never thought of looking online at places that might not carry my size in the store! [So glad to provide a resource for you, darling! - PB]
I like Chico’s Traveler’s line of tank tops. They come with different necklines (high, low, v, round) and because of that slippery fabric, they work great as layering pieces.
FYI I included a link to you on my new blog http://allforesther.blogspot.com/
Hope that’s ok, you’re one of my favorites. [you bet it is! Thanks! - PB]
Jeannie