The Ultimate Guide to Summer Tops: Styles, Fits, Fabrics & Best Brands (UK & USA)

When the temperature rises, finding the perfect summer top becomes less about trends and more about breathability, comfort, and confidence. But not all tops are created equal—some flatter certain body shapes better, others offer technical advantages like UV protection or cooling fabrics.

This ultimate guide breaks down every type of summer top worth investing in—from classic camis to breathable linen button-downs—plus which styles suit your shape, how to find the best fit, and where to buy them in both the UK and USA.

1. Key Features of a Good Summer Top

Before diving into styles, here’s what defines a great summer top:

Lightweight Fabric: Cotton, linen, modal, viscose, bamboo and blends.
Breathability: Avoid synthetics like polyester unless performance-enhanced.
Moisture-Wicking: Especially useful for hot climates or layering.
UV Protection: Some brands now offer UPF 30+ built-in.
Airflow Design: Think cap sleeves, open backs, boxy cuts, or relaxed armholes.

2. Best Summer Top Styles (and Who They Suit)

✦ Camisoles & Strappy Tops

Lightweight, minimal and easily layered. Choose silk or satin for a polished evening look, or cotton/modal blends for casual wear.

Best for: Small-to-average busts, hourglass shapes, and layering over structured bras or bandeau tops.

Pair with: Denim shorts, wide-leg trousers, or under blazers.

✦ Boxy Cropped Tops

A go-to for heatwaves—especially in linen or cotton. The structured shape floats off the body, allowing air to circulate.

Best for: Apple and rectangle body types; also petite frames that want waist definition.

Avoid if: You want to elongate your torso—opt for full length instead.

✦ Wrap Tops & Tie-Front Styles

Create instant waist definition and accommodate bust size variance. Often adjustable, which is ideal for fluctuating summer sizing.

Best for: Hourglass, pear, and fuller bust shapes.

Fabrics: Choose jersey wraps for daywear, cotton voile for beach layering, or linen for heat resistance.

✦ Tunic Tops & Kaftans

These breezy, longer styles are ideal for holiday dressing. Sheer or semi-sheer styles look chic over swimwear or loose trousers.

Best for: Plus sizes, maternity wear, and anyone preferring modesty with breathability.

✦ Smocked & Shirred Tops

Comfortable and flexible across the bust and waist. Flattering on petites and curvier women alike.

Best for: Smaller frames or those who prefer flexible sizing.

Styling tip: Pair with structured bottoms like linen culottes or tailored shorts for balance.

✦ Linen Shirts & Button-Downs

An underrated staple. Linen is temperature-regulating and ideal for layering open over tanks or swimwear.

Best for: All body types—just size correctly. Tall women benefit most from oversized fits.

Pro tip: Go for blend fabrics (linen-viscose or linen-cotton) to reduce wrinkling.

✦ Off-Shoulder & Bardot Tops

These styles expose the collarbone, often creating balance for wider hips or curvier bottoms.

Best for: Pear shapes and hourglass figures.

Not ideal for: Broad shoulders or those needing bra support unless elastic is strong.

3. Best Fabrics for Summer Tops

Fabric	Pros	Notes
Cotton	Breathable, soft, widely available	Opt for organic for better airflow
Linen	Coolest fabric in heat	Wrinkles easily—try linen blends
Modal	Silky, drapes well	Sustainable and soft on skin
Bamboo	Antibacterial, breathable	Often blended with cotton
Silk/Satin	Luxurious, cool to touch	Dry clean or hand wash only
Rayon/Viscose	Lightweight, breathable	Absorbs moisture but wrinkles easily

Avoid full polyester blends for daywear unless using sports performance wear designed for breathability.

4. Best Summer Tops by Body Shape

Body Shape	Recommended Tops
Hourglass	Wraps, V-necks, peplum, waist-tied blouses
Pear	Boat necks, Bardot tops, sleeveless blouses
Apple	V-neck tunics, A-line tops, draped blouses
Rectangle	Frills, boxy tops, puff sleeves, cinched styles
Petite	Cropped tops, fitted camisoles, vertical seams
Tall	Oversized shirts, longline tanks, knotted tees

If unsure, look for anything that defines the waist or creates vertical lines through print or tailoring.

5. Best High Street & Designer Brands (UK & USA)

UK Brands:

& Other Stories – Feminine, breezy styles with standout colours
Hush – Easy layering pieces in relaxed cuts
Nobody’s Child – Eco-conscious, flattering fits
Arket – Quality linens and boxy cuts
Whistles – Work-appropriate summer tops in chic fabrics

USA Brands:

Everlane – Elevated basics in sustainable fabrics
Reformation – Linen crop tops and romantic sleeves
Madewell – Great for petites and casual layering
J.Crew – Polished cuts in warm-weather-friendly materials
Anthropologie – Unique prints and romantic detailing

6. Summer Styling Tips

Balance volume: Pair loose tops with fitted bottoms, and vice versa.
Tuck strategically: Front tuck boxy shirts into denim or wide trousers.
Layer light: Wear linen shirts over camis or tanks for breezy coverage.
Go monochrome: Head-to-toe neutrals elongate and cool the silhouette.
Choose neutral shades: Whites, creams, tans and olives don’t absorb heat like dark colours.

7. Finding Your Perfect Fit Without the Guesswork

Sizing for tops can be unpredictable—especially across different countries and brands. A UK 10 in COS might feel like a UK 14 in Zara, while US sizing varies even more drastically.

That’s Where Tellar.co.uk Comes In

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool—and your secret weapon this summer.

It instantly matches your body to the correct size in over 1,500+ brands, including:

Zara
Reformation
Everlane
H&M
COS
Arket
& Other Stories
Whistles
Mango
Massimo Dutti

No more wasting money on tops that ride up, gape open, or flatten your shape.

Here’s How It Works:

✅ Measure just once: bust, waist and hips

✅ Or select your size in a brand you already wear

✅ Use the Store Size Lookup to get your perfect match in any brand

✅ Download a free printable measuring tape

✅ No downloads, no installs—just fast, free sizing in your browser

Bonus: Explore the Free Tellar Fashion Hub

Want more like this? Head to the Tellar Fashion Hub for a library of free posts, including:

Brand comparisons
Body shape guides
Fabric breakdowns
Styling tips
Sustainable fashion advice

✔️ Honest

✔️ Unbiased

✔️ Independent

✔️ Always Free

Follow Tellar for Summer Style Tips

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Final Thought: With the right summer top, you can elevate every outfit from beach to boardroom. And with Tellar.co.uk, you'll know it fits before you even buy it.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”