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

Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025

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


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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.

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