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I am not a fan of putting a camisole under everything. I find the look to be juvenile and that the added layer usually ruins the silhouette of most tops. I think that usually, if a top is too low cut to be worn without a camisole, you shouldn’t purchase it. Finally, very few women with curves feel comfortable (or have their clothes hang correctly) with extra layers.
But then, there are times when a camisole is a necessity and enhances a look. A wrap dress can be perfect for evening with its low v-neckline, but adding a hint of camisole can make this piece far more versatile and now appropriate for work or a house of worship. Some pieces are created just for a camisole, such as a recently purchased cashmere cowl-neck that is now in my wardrobe. Alone, one could even see the tips of a demi bra; with a camisole in the same color I have that needed modesty but the sweater’s silhouette is not affected. Camisoles are also great to have on hand to pair with sheer tops – I find that being a busty woman, fabric can look a bit sheer in the chest area and a camisole under the piece in the same color as my blouse or skin gives me the opacity I desire.
That being said, I have been dealing with my camisole needs with two pieces – a black synthetic cami from H&M that has adjustable straps (so I can adjust to accommodate different garments) and a stretchy black cami from Limited that I bought almost a decade ago and cut off at the bottom of the bust – this is used purely as a little bit of modesty at a neckline. Unfortunately this homemade demi-cami will roll up and show under fabrics and I often find myself pinning it to my sweater to keep it in place. The longer cami from H&M is okay, but I hate the extra length – it bunches and I get hot in the warmer months.
I recently was offered to review a demi-camisole from Second Base. I saw the Second Base demi-cami and thought, wow someone has been reading my mind! This accomplishes all that I desire in a camisole.
The demi-camis from Second Base are made of a lightweight modal/spandex fabric that looks great with all sorts of other fabrics – slinky synthetics, matte jersey, tee shirts and knits and even sweaters. Unlike my homemade demi-cami, the ones by Second Base have a band at the bottom that doesn’t cling, but it holds the cami in place all day. Some styles (like the black “Sarah” one I have) has adjustable straps so I can make it a higher or lower neckline depending on my top garment. Other styles like the “Meredith” is made to not only provide modesty at the neckline, but also cover your bra straps at the shoulder and the bra under the arms (great for floaty summer tops and dresses). The Second Base camis wash and dry beautifully, and they are also made in the USA.
Second Base demi-camis are designed with a large-busted woman in mind; I chose a size Large and it fits great on my size 14/38DD frame. It didn’t shrink with washing, and it feels like nothing on. It doesn’t cling to other knits and it doesn’t get linty like some cheap spandex blends. I really can’t find anything wrong with my Second Base demi-cami, and it has made me into a bit of a camisole convert. I have already worn it twice this week – once with the previously mentioned cowl neck sweater, but another time under a black scoop-necked tee shirt just to give a bit more opacity at the bustline.
I am taking the plunge and signing up for Gwynnie Bee. Since I am KRAZY short (5′ even) and am heavy/large busted, I often wind up showing too much cleavage. In preparation for the knit wrap dresses, I came to search your website for camisole recommendations.
Unfortunately, the buyers at most clothing stores don’t leave me with any choice but to go with the “juvenile” layered look or keep wearing the same three shirts in my closet until they fall apart. Almost everything on the rack is too low cut for me. I wish it weren’t that way, as I also don’t like having to layer up in summer, but If I bend down to pick up one of my kids and the world can see all the way to my bellybutton, that shirt needs something under it. I know not all other women agree, because I’ve seen a lot of bras and bellybuttons being flashed at the library, the grocery store, and in office buildings over the last decade or so. I love all the demi options that are available these days. I’m partial to the layering pieces at DownEast Basics.
I’m sorry they weren’t right for you. Second Base states right on the front page of their site that they are to be worn over a bra. I do agree a Fruit of the Loom sports bra would be a far better choice for what you desire. For a large-busted woman like myself, there’s no way in heck I can get away without an underwire bra, so Second Base is perfect for me to have a bit of modesty with low-cut tops because of the elastic band, lightweight fabric, and adjustable straps. As you have seen, there are different perfect products for different people based on needs, and as you pointed out, location. 🙂
I disagree. I purchased three demi camisoles “Meredith”. At $30 a piece, I was disaapointed with the lack of quality. They are made out of one layer of cheaply-made modal fabric. They provide NO support especially for the mid to big busted woman. I wear a “C” cup. Yes there are a wonderful array of colors available! But are we supposed to wear a bra under the demi camisole? I live in Floridaa, but the last time I checked, it gets hot almost everywhere during the summer in the United States.
I subsequently purchased three for $12 “Fruit of the Loom” sports bras (or half camisoles) directly from Her Room or on Amazon.) I got two packages – with six different colors. They were FAR superior in quality and support. I got pink, blue , white, red, black and gray– all for $24! They are light weight, but they do offer some support and great camisole-type coverage. If second base charged $12 to $15 for each demi-camisole, I MIGHT purchase one, but only for a specific color.
Sorry to break the “Second Base bubble, but as far as I’m concerned, I never made it to first!
I disagree. I purchased three demi camisoles “Meredith”. At $30 a piece, I was disaapointed with the lack of quality. They are made out of one layer of cheaply-made modal fabric. They provide NO support especially for the mid to big busted woman. I wear a “C” cup. Yes there are a wonderful array of colors available! But are we supposed to wear a bra under the demi camisole? I live in Floridaa, but the last time I checked, it gets hot almost everywhere during the summer in the United States.
I subsequently purchased three for $12 “Fruit of the Loom” sports bras (or half camisoles) directly from Her Room or on Amazon.) I got two packages – with six different colors. They were FAR superior in quality and support. I got pink, blue , white, red, black and gray– all for $24! They are light weight, but they do offer some support and great camisole-type coverage. If second base charged $12 to $15 for each demi-camisole, I MIGHT purchase one, but only for a specific color.
Sorry to break the “Second Base bubble, but as far as I’m concerned, I never made it to first!
I’m sorry they weren’t right for you. Second Base states right on the front page of their site that they are to be worn over a bra. I do agree a Fruit of the Loom sports bra would be a far better choice for what you desire. For a large-busted woman like myself, there’s no way in heck I can get away without an underwire bra, so Second Base is perfect for me to have a bit of modesty with low-cut tops because of the elastic band, lightweight fabric, and adjustable straps. As you have seen, there are different perfect products for different people based on needs, and as you pointed out, location. 🙂
When I saw this I immediately went to the website and ordered one! I was so excited by this product! I do like to wear cami’s under my clothing for extra support and coverage, but like you said, it does ruin the silhouette of the top and I for sure do not need to add any more bulkyness to my figure! Well, I got it today in the mail and I can’t wait to get home and whip it on! Actually, I am quite tempted to go into our work bathroom and put it on now, but I think I’ll wait, lol. Thank you so much for the product review AND the 25% off code!!! Love it!
You know I never thought of tucking it under my bra! 🙂
Looks like a great product. I have a question though – why pin your cut off cami when you can tuck it under your bra?
Hi! I don’t think I’ve ever commented but I am a long-time reader and enjoy both blogs. I saw these on Mama Bargains today for $12! Amazing! Had to tell you and your readers…
http://www.mamabargains.com/
Wow, that does sound like a great product!