Sheer tops are a beautiful way to reveal subtle hints of skin while still maintaining a sense of mystery. But what you wear beneath the sheer top matters almost as much as the top itself. The proper undergarments can make your outfit, while ill-fitting or embellished layers can distract from the lacy details you intend to showcase.
From neutral camisoles to patterned bralettes to sleek shapewear, there are many options for creating a smooth and flattering base under see-through fabrics. Experimenting with different layered looks will help you discover the balance of visibility and coverage that matches your individual style and the occasion.
The key is choosing undergarments that lay flat, stay smooth, and match the color palette of your sheer top. With the right spirit of risqué yet reserved, you can curate a look that feels both elegant and edgy.
Here is the list of options to wear under sheer tops. Find out what works best for you.
Tops to wear under sheer cloths
Several options exist when it comes to wearing something under sheer tops. A camisole or tank top is a simple choice that lays flat and allows the sheer fabric to shine through.
A longline bra falls below the bust, providing coverage while still allowing bra details to peek through. A bralette provides a soft, supportive choice that makes lace or mesh fabrics visible.
Another option is a bandeau or cropped bra, which adds a boho touch to the outfit. Lastly, a crop top can create a layered look and show off the midriff. Choose the one that complements your style and provides the desired coverage.
Camisole or tank top
A camisole or tank top is a basic and versatile clothing item. It is simple and comes in neutral colors. When worn under a sheer top, it lays flat against the body. The camisole or tank top allows the sheer fabric of the top to be seen clearly. It doesn’t draw much attention itself.
The purpose of the camisole or tank top is to provide a smooth and seamless look. It adds a layer of modesty to the outfit while letting the sheer fabric shine through. It is comfortable to wear and blends well with different outfits.
Longline bra
A longline bra is a type of bra that extends below the bust, providing additional coverage and support. It is designed to be worn under garments that may expose the midriff or have a lower neckline.
The longline bra offers coverage and allows certain bra details to peek through. It has a longer band that can showcase lace, straps, or other decorative elements. This adds a touch of femininity and style to the overall look.
The longline bra is comfortable to wear and provides a smooth and flattering silhouette. It is popular for special occasions or outfits requiring extra support and coverage.
Bralette
A bralette is a soft and comfortable type of bra that offers support and coverage while allowing lace or mesh fabrics to be seen. It is a lightweight and non-padded option that is popular for its comfort and style.
The bralette typically features delicate straps and intricate lace or mesh detailing, making it a fashionable choice. It provides a gentle lift and shaping without using underwires or structured cups.
The bralette is designed to be seen, making it an excellent option for layering under sheer tops or low-cut outfits. It is a versatile and trendy lingerie item that combines both functionality and fashion.
Bandeau top
A bandeau top is a versatile and stylish option for wearing under a sheer top. It is a strapless, tube-like garment that provides coverage and support to the bust area.
The bandeau top is perfect for achieving a boho look when paired with a sheer top. It can also be worn as a cropped bra, adding a trendy touch to your outfit.
The bandeau top is usually made from stretchy and comfortable fabrics, offering a snug fit without needing straps or hooks. It allows you to show off your shoulders and adds a touch of femininity to your ensemble.
Crop top
A crop top is a trendy garment that is shorter in length, typically ending above the waistline. It is designed to showcase your midriff, adding a stylish and youthful touch to your outfit.
When worn under a sheer top, a crop top can create a layered look, with the sheer fabric adding a hint of transparency to your ensemble. Crop tops come in various styles, including sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved options, allowing you to choose one that suits your personal style and the occasion.
They are often made from lightweight and breathable materials, ensuring comfort while showing off your fashion-forward side.
Bottoms to wear under sheer tops
Regarding bottoms to wear under a sheer top, several options exist. Leggings are popular, offering coverage and versatility with solid or patterned designs.
High-waisted shorts, like denim or linen, create a stylish pairing with sheer tops. Bike shorts provide a sporty layered look, hitting mid-thigh for a comfortable fit.
Loose pants, including sweatpants, joggers, and harem pants, offer full coverage and a relaxed feel. Each of these bottom options ensures that you have a suitable and fashionable choice to complement your sheer top, providing both comfort and style.
Leggings
Leggings are a type of fitted pants that cover the legs and are often made of stretchy material. They are a versatile option to wear under a sheer top. Solid or patterned leggings cover your lower half while allowing the sheer top fabric to be the focus.
They come in various colors and designs, allowing you to choose according to your style. Whether you prefer a basic black pair or want to add a pop of pattern, leggings can be a practical and stylish choice to wear with a sheer top.
Bike shorts
Bike shorts, also known as compression or biking shorts, are shorts that fit tightly and typically reach mid-thigh. They are designed for athletic activities but can also be a fashionable layering choice beneath a sheer top.
These shorts provide a sporty and casual look while offering coverage for your lower body. They are made of stretchy and breathable fabric, ensuring comfort and ease of movement.
Bike shorts come in various colors and designs, allowing you to choose a style that suits your preference. They create a trendy and versatile outfit when paired with a sheer top.
High-waisted shorts
High-waisted shorts are a stylish choice to wear with sheer tops. These shorts have a higher rise, sitting above the natural waistline, which creates a flattering and elongating effect on the legs. These shorts are typically made of denim or linen, offering durability and breathability.
High-waisted shorts provide coverage for the midsection while allowing the sheer top fabric to take center stage. You can find them in various colors and designs, making it easy to discover a pair that suits your style.
High-waisted shorts with a sheer top creates a fashionable, summery, comfortable, and chic look.
Loose pants
Loose pants, such as sweatpants, joggers, and harem pants, are a great option for wearing under a sheer top. These pants offer a relaxed and comfortable fit, providing full coverage for your lower half.
Sweatpants are typically made of soft and cozy fabric, perfect for lounging or casual outings. Joggers have a sporty and trendy look, often featuring elastic cuffs and a drawstring waist.
Harem pants have a unique and flowy silhouette, adding a touch of bohemian flair to your outfit. Whether you prefer a cozy and relaxed vibe or a more fashionable style, loose pants are a versatile choice that pairs well with sheer tops, ensuring both comfort and coverage.
Other options to wear under sheer tops
Several extra options for under a sheer top to achieve different effects. First, a thin silk or satin slip provides a covered, visible base layer, enhancing the overall look.
You can wear Spanx or shapewear to create a smoother, more contoured shape, ensuring a flattering silhouette underneath the sheer fabric. Nude undergarments are another option, as they blend with the skin tone, resulting in the least visible effect.
Finally, for those who want to embrace a daring and risqué style, going commando (not wearing any undergarments) can create a bold visible-skin effect. Still, it should be appropriate for the occasion and personal comfort.
Slip
A slip is a versatile item to wear under a sheer top. It is typically made of thin silk or satin fabric. The slip serves as a base layer that provides coverage while still allowing the sheer top fabric to be visible. Its lightweight and smooth texture makes it comfortable to wear.
The slip can be in a neutral color to blend seamlessly with the sheer top or in a contrasting shade to add a pop of color.
A slip is a practical and stylish solution for ensuring modesty and adding an elegant touch to your outfit when wearing a sheer top.
Spanx or shapewear
Spanx or shapewear is a great option to wear under a sheer top when you want a smoother and more contoured silhouette.
These are undergarments designed to provide shaping and support to different areas of the body. Stretchy and form-fitting materials typically make them, helping to smooth out any lumps or bumps and create a sleeker appearance.
By wearing Spanx or shapewear under a sheer top, you can enhance your figure and create a more polished look. These undergarments come in various styles, such as shorts, bodysuits, or slips, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and comfort level.
Nude undergarments
Nude undergarments are a go-to option when wearing a sheer top, as they provide the least visible effect. The designers have created these undergarments in skin-tone shades to blend with your natural skin color, ensuring they are less noticeable under sheer fabrics.
By wearing nude undergarments, such as bras, camisoles, or slips, you can maintain modesty while keeping the focus on the sheer top itself. These undergarments’ seamless and smooth texture helps create a seamless and natural look, preventing any distractions or contrasting colors from showing through.
Pairing various sheer tops with nude undergarments achieves a seamless and elegant appearance.
Nothing
If you’re feeling daring and the situation permits, you can choose to go commando, which means wearing nothing underneath your sheer top. This bold choice creates a risqué and visible-skin effect, allowing you to embrace a sense of liberation and sensuality.
By forgoing any undergarments, you can showcase the sheer fabric in its purest form, emphasizing your confidence and personal style. However, it’s essential to consider the appropriateness of the setting and ensure that you feel comfortable and secure in this choice.
Going commando can add an extra element of allure to your outfit, but it’s important to make a decision that aligns with your own comfort level and the occasion.
Summary
Choosing the right undergarments is essential when wearing a sheer top. The proper undergarments can enhance your outfit, while ill-fitting or embellished layers can distract from the sheer fabric.
Various options are available for creating a smooth and flattering base under sheer tops. Camisoles or tank tops are simple choices allowing the sheer fabric to shine. Longline bras provide coverage while showcasing bra details. Bralettes offer support while allowing lace or mesh fabrics to be seen. Bandeau tops add a boho touch, and crop tops create a layered look. Leggings, high-waisted shorts, bike shorts, and loose pants are suitable for bottoms.
Additionally, there are extra options like slips, Spanx or shapewear, nude undergarments, or going commando for different effects. A slip provides a covered yet visible base layer, while Spanx or shapewear ensures a smoother silhouette. Nude undergarments blend with the skin tone for minimal visibility, and going commando creates a daring visible-skin effect.
Ultimately, the key is to choose undergarments that lay flat, stay smooth, and match the color palette of the sheer top to create an elegant and edgy look.
FAQ
What type of bra is best for a sheer white top?
A camisole bra is a good choice for wearing under a sheer white top, providing a comfortable and snug fit. Fitted tanks, lacy bras, sports bras, or fitted tank tops can also be options for coverage while keeping the focus on the sheer top. Solid-colored bras or bralettes, such as black triangle bras or cami, can create an edgier look. Patterned bras or bralettes, like frosted, pink collared, polka dot, or white lace bras, add visual interest to the sheer top. Surprisingly, red bras are invisible under white shirts, making them suitable for a sheer white top.
What type of bra is best for a sheer blouse with a deep V-neckline?
A plunge bra is the best type of bra for a sheer blouse with a deep V-neckline. Plunge bras are specifically designed to work with low-cut tops and dresses, ensuring the bra remains hidden while providing support. Another option is a U-plunge bra with an even deeper V-shape in the front, ideal for very low-cut tops. If the sheer blouse is also backless, a backless strapless bra can offer support and coverage without being visible from the back or sides. A deep U-shaped plunge bra suits necklines that end just below the sternum.
How to style a sheer top with a skirt?
Pair the sheer top with a high-waisted skirt to hide your stomach and showcase the flattering midriff. Combine the sheer top with a black skirt and strappy sandals for an elegant evening look. During winter, layer the sheer top with a long sweater for added warmth and style. Try layering a sheer skirt with a shirt dress in the summer for a chic and breezy outfit. Experiment with these combinations to find the look that suits your personal style and the occasion.
