Anthropologie is selling bandeau bra tops that are also great for this – instead of a full cami or tank under my shirt, I wear one of these and get the same look. So much lighter and cooler!

Tara, great post and you look fantastic! I used to have a several tops similar to these back from the belly baring days of the early 90’s. These days (post babies), I actually need the support of the full length version to help control the belly jiggle. I could see how this could work for some though.

First off Tara, I have to say you look so beautiful. Thanks for the awesome post– these are definitely right up my alley as it’s hot here too. I would say that the only drawback is that it doesn’t really solve the problem of wearing a white cami under a white top when I need the full length of white for that extra crispness. Oh well, it looks like they will work great for every other option.

Long-time reader – usually read in Google Reader. Came over to comment because I LOVE this idea and in fact went to order one in each color. But the web site is rejecting the YLF coupon code!! Please let me know if that’s the wrong code or if it gets fixed as I would love to get a couple of these but want the discount!

Tara, that is a really cool (no pun intended) and nice solution. Although I don’t have (any) cleavage, I would not mind trying the tops because I have these two lovely soft cotton blouses which are cut really low. So I wear a camisole underneath and I hate how it makes the blouse drape around me, not to mention the extra warming effect. Thank you Angie and Tara for a great suggestion.

Tara, you look beautiful in those photos! The first black and white outfit is to die for.

I like this idea for certain tops, and definitely for hot weather. Sometimes, though, the reason I wear a cami is less about avoiding cleavage and more about the girdling effect- I like having something to tuck into my jeans, underneath my top. This is a great idea for when I want more coverage up top, however.

These are indeed interesting. I ONLY wear sports bras (I know, I should wear fashion bras but I hate them as there are sizing and comfort issues always and they are too expensive), and they look like camis. The cheap ones that aren’t really for sports (read no real bounce control) come in all sorts of colors at Target, so they are kind of my go-to item to brighten up an otherwise monochrome wardrobe. A little pop of hot pink, yellow or green is a fun way to accessorize.

Tara, thank you for this post. You look fantastic! I’m interested in these for warm weather but am not sure what size to get after looking at the size chart. I have a cami that compresses my small bust, which is not what I need. Are these soft and stretchy enough that they won’t compress or would it be better to size up?

Tara, thanks so much for posting your review You look lovely in the photos and I love your hair! This sounds like a great summer option. Any problems with it riding up? I love your print top, btw! Is it a Sweet Pea? You look awesome in it!

Tara, thank you for reviewing these little cami’s. I was just wondering if any company made these. I know Fruit of the Loom has a similar product, but it’s not at all for large busted gals. You mentioned that it didn’t cover the bottom of your bra. I don’t know how large busted you are, but I’m sure that would be a problem for me too. I would like to find a manufacturer that would make these for us large busted gals. They never seem to have enough fabric in the front. If I could find one to fit me, I’d love some to sleep in too.

Shana – you’re right about the difference between Second Base and a full camisole. Like you, I like the way a full length cami smooths things out. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but when it’s really hot and sticky I’ll be reaching for Second Base. There were some days last summer when I thought I would actually melt!

Hi ladies,

Tara thank you so much for the great review. Second Base is a brand new company so we are excited to share the product with YLF readers!

I originally came up with this design for layering under dresses that were too low cut or simply showed the sides or straps of my bra. I wear a 34DD and a size 8, and there was never enough coverage on top in my size 8 dresses.

I agree with the others that sometimes a regular camisole is more appropriate to give that coverage around your middle, in the case of a white or sheer top especially. Now that I have both, I couldn’t live without either.

As for sizing, the material is quite stretchy. I’m more than happy to exchange the camis if you find you didn’t go with the right size. Every body type and coverage preference is different, so you may not know exactly which size will work until you try it.

If you are not ready to buy, you can create an account, and we will notify you when the new colors and styles come out, including a plus size line.

Thanks so much.

Jennie Horn
Head Designer at Second Base

You look absolutely wonderful, Tara! Thanks for the splendid review and write-up. You did a fab job. And that’s the way to wear a black top in Summer! You ROCK those white jeans. Love it!

I have a few observations:

o The idea is that you absolutely wear your bra WITH the cami, right? No uni -boobs.

o This cami should work for all bust sizes.

Because of the warm weather I have lately been layering with a white sports bra that looks like the top part of a cami instead of a full cami. I think mine is Fruit of the Loom. I love it and have been wearing it to death because I have only one. I was just researching where to get more of them in different colors when I saw your post. Thank you for helping us out on this.

Cute idea! Tara, thanks for the review. I have to add, I love your hair, it’s gorgeous!

I’ve been seeing stretchy tube tops in the stores for the same purpose, (usually sold in 2 packs near the hoisery if anyone’s looking) but I like the support of straps.

Patience – thanks! I don’t really enjoy having my picture taken, but my husband got me to relax by making me say “I am a Jedi knight.” It’s impossible not to crack up when you’re saying that.

I hear what you’re saying about the white shirt thing. I did try it under a very gauzy white peasant type blouse. I liked that it covered my bra (for modesty) under the white, and I did feel covered enough for that type of super hot day when you really want to wear something light and white. I don’t usually dress in a way that’s revealing at all, but I do think I’d be comfortable wearing that shirt with Second Base!

I was just thinking yesterday how great it would be to have a “half-cami” to wear under my deep v-neck shirts. I think these may be the answer!

Eyes drawer of camis with scissors in hand . . .

Angie – yes. This is NOT intended to replace a bra. It gives no support.

According to the website, these were designed for larger busts, and I would say that’s accurate. I usually wear a size “8″ or “M” in shirts, but I always wear a “L” in camis, tank tops, etc. I am a 34DDD, and I tried the size “L” which I was happy with, despite the issue I mentioned in the review. I would imagine a smaller cup size would not have that problem at all. A larger cup size might want to go to an XL.

I did not have any problems with Second Base riding up.

What an ingenius idea! Great review.

Great review, Tara! And great find. You look fab in your Sweet Pea top.

It’s still only in the 50s in Chicago, can you believe it, so in a month when we’re complaining about the heat, I’ll remember this!

Just ordered one for myself! It will be perfect for the hot weather for me! I just wish it came in some other colors…you know how much I love colors Thanks for the write up, Tara! You look great in the photos! Great job!!

You look so pretty!

What a funny name for a “bra” or “cami” company.

I forgot to ask about Sweet Pea tops … I just got one and wonder if I need to wear a cami under. It has the two layers of “mesh.”

Thanks for the review! It seems like these would work really well for knit dresses. I’ve noticed the issue of my camis riding up or showing the line through right on my tummy. Fab not.

Simple and brilliant – what a great cami alternative!

I’m going to tell my friend in southern CA about this product. It is too hot there for her to consider a cami to smooth things out.
I have started wearing a cami everyday just because I like the way they hold my bra in place so it doesn’t move side to side or anything like that. I know that sounds weird and most women probably don’t know what I am talking about, but I am small busted and all bras move around on me and drive me crazy without a cami to hold it in place.
Tara these are gorgeous pictures of gorgeous you. Your hair, and everything about you looks beautiful.

I have one and absolutely love it. The material is soft and comfortable and I intend to get a black one too! Wonderful product!

You are all too, too kind. I was delighted when Angie asked me to write a review, and horrified when she added I would have to appear in pictures. (I really need a haircut, too.)

San – interesting about your bra moving around. Is the band tight enough? I think Angie might need to step in and help you out.

Tara! What a fantastic surprise to see you on the front page of YLF! You look absolutely stunning!
And thank you for this great review. This sounds like the perfect solution for hot weather days, when the mere thought of an extra layer makes you break out in a sweat;-)

Tara you look wonderful in the pictures. I love that top on you, very flattering.

Great write up about the second base cami. It is no surprise that you are a writer by profession, definitely your calling.

I can’t help but chuckle at the name “second base”. Am I the only one and am I showing my age again? I see that the cami is a second layer and that is where the name most likely originates from, but I had a flash back of the days of spin the bottle when I first read the name.
Not that I ever played that game. I was a real tomboy and any recipient in such a game at the time would have been lucky to get just a punch in the eye before any bases would have been attempted.
That being said, I appreciate all the information. I am not especially well endowed but the tomboy in me lingers, and I am not very comfortable with the girls airing themselves out other than in my home or a place of choice. This would be a great option for some of the more humid summer days up here in New England.
Thanks!

Tara you look SO pretty! I hadn’t seen a clear picture of you before.

These sound great. I hope more colors are out soon!

Tara, Wonderful surprise to see you on the front page! You look beautiful, all glowy! Your hair looks awesome and I love your B&W outfit. I somehow ended up on your blog last night, you had me cracking up!! You are such an awesome writer, and I have a special spot in my heart for humor in writing. If you ever write a book, don’t forget to tell me ok?

As for Second base, looks like a divine option for FL where it is isn’t just hot, it is also sickeningly sticky at times.

Good idea and write-up. You look fab, Tara!! Would be neat if these came in more colors.

What a great idea!! Now if they can only make one with lace trim along the neckline, I’d be SOO happy!

These photos of you are great:) Your hair cut & the color come across nice in these.)

Nice review!! What a smart idea, less bulk, more coverage. Brilliant

I have both styles and I love them. I still like full camisoles when I need my belly to be smoothed, but I think half camis are the best for summer dresses. The don’t roll up and have me trying to figure out a way to tuck them into my underwear so the cami isn’t all rolled up under my dress.

Beautiful smile, Tara! Now you know you’ll have to do the whole “Jedi Knight” thing before every picture you post. I love the idea of these- for years I had a similar half-cami top I lived in in the summer. I thought no one was making them anymore, so I’m thrilled to know they do exist!

Angie, I love that you have real life people try these things out. Your site is the best fashion site on the web, hands down.

Very interesting idea! Maybe they will expand on their selection of colors. I have an entire camisole wardrobe … my favorites are Worthington from JCPenney’s, and a couple in metallic (gold & silver) from Loft too. Hate when a good cami is ruined with a shelf bra … mashes what little I have even flatter. I’m in the sweltering, humid south, but I can’t show up at work with my chest on display, small as it is, so it’s cami’s for me almost every day. These definitely sound like a cooler alternative.

Ladies,

As a new designer, I love your ideas and suggestions for improving Second Base. We’re working on more colors and styles. Lace trim is in our near future!

Please feel free to let us know your thoughts by email:

customerservice@shopsecondbase.com

P.S. The name does have an intentional double entendre.

Niva – thank you so much! It always feels a little strange when someone from this part of my life reads my blog. It’s like two different worlds colliding! I haven’t been blogging as much lately, because I actually AM writing a book, and blogging is such a great way to avoid writing. I really have to finish my book soon, or I’m going to sound like Chicken Little – “The book is coming! The book is coming!” Aaaaany day now. I’m way overdue with my first draft, and yet I still find time to check into YLF about 40 times a day. (”Wait – I can’t write the next chapter without knowing if my shoes have to match my bag!”) I shouldn’t even be posting this now! (Slinks off to write …)

Three words: I need this!

Hi Tara!!

I’m so happy to see you here on this blog after seeing you just a few weeks ago at Imogen’s workshop!

Thanks for posting your pics – you look beautiful. Your hair looks great. It sounds like Second Base is a winner – I’m definitely going to be purchasing some. I am wondering, though, how it looks from the back. Because I like to wear light colored tops in the summer, would the second base show through – the black or white? It would be nice if the back part was nude so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a sports bra from the backside.

Phoebe

Just a comment on the “chemisette” product that buttons around the bra straps. If I understand Gayle Ann’s description correctly, I own something very much like this in white lace that fastens around the bra straps with velcro. It may be because I’m small, but my “chemisette” refuses to stay in place when worn. It still keeps me covered, but tends to slide up or down the bra strap and often ends up at an angle. The only way I can keep it from shifting is to pin it directly to the bra straps. Second Base sounds like a better solution.

Tara, you truly look beautiful. You have such a gorgeous smile!

Thanks so much for the great review. I’ll definitely look into this – I like the idea of camis that don’t shift around as much as full-length camis, and it would avoid the problem of the cami wrinkling and creating lines under knit dresses. (Somehow the neckline of my camis always ends up shifting farther to the left throughout the day – not fuss-proof at all.)

I wonder if they will come out with other colors in the future? Or if the whites are dyeable?

Tara, you look fantastic!

Just FYI, I’ve been using a half-cami (exactly like pictured above, with adjustable straps and non-rolling seams) that I puchased from Target about a year ago. I don’t recall if I bought it in the juniors area or where the bras are, but it was called a bralette and the brand is Xhilaration. I don’t remember the exact price, but I’m quite sure it was under $10, maybe as low as $6. It only came in white, in a very fine silky fabric (85% nylon & 15% spandex) that doesn’t cling and is thinner than tissue weight cotton. No side seams & no tags so minimal bulk. I don’t know if Target still carries it, but it may be worth checking out. I love mine; however, keep in mind that I’m a 34-B and wear this in a Large size. It stretches, but this solution may not work for you more endowed ladies.

I love the idea of the half-cami, esp in hotter temps. If this manufacturer could make it in more colors and in an even more lightweight fabric, I’m all over it. But I’d love to see the price come down to $20 or less; $29 is a quite pricey even with a discount. And that’s coming from someone who’s willing to spend $60+ for a good bra.

Hi Francesca!

I know the bralettes you’re talking about. Being a woman, I of course adore Target!

To clarify, the Second Base camis are made of a siro micro modal, which is an eco-friendly material that is treated to reduce pilling, and has 7% spandex for fit. We searched for 8 months to find the perfect fabric that’s as thin and soft as possible, and still provides coverage. Cotton just wasn’t thin or soft enough! I think it may look thick on the website because the model is wearing a white bra. I will keep this in mind on our next photo shoot.

As for the price, one of the mission statements at Second Base is to support American garment factories. In the short time that we have been in business, I’ve seen two factories shut down in Los Angeles. The fabric is also knit here in California. Fast, quality work comes from local cutters and sewers, and benefits everyone.

When we have the infrastructure, we will launch a lower-cost line. We would LOVE to be in Target! Manufacturing overseas (where it is 1/10th the cost here) is necessary to be able to offer such low prices. It would also be made of a lower cost material such as nylon or cotton. We would maintain the current collection as well, for those who really find value in it.

Thank you for your feedback and suggestions. We’re new and appreciate all ideas. I’ve received a couple of great emails from YLF readers already. COLORS and a third style are coming very soon!

Jennie
customerservice@shopsecondbase.com

Ooo!

Tara, thanks for the post. All I can say is that it’s about time someone came up with this idea! Actually the idea is not completely new, because I have a vintage half-cami (at least that’s what I call it) similar to the Second Base product that I bought a couple of years ago on eBay and has been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. I cannot recall the maker (I’d have to look it up – I think it’s Loren) but it’s black with a black lace overlay, and works pretty much identically to Second Base.

This is a bra, not a cami.

Thanks for the review, though.

Johanna, this product is not a substitute for bra so it can’t be a bra. It’s an unsupported piece of fabric cut like a cropped camisole that one wears over a pukka bra.

I’ve just received my Second Base “Sarah” cami in black. One word: KILLER. It’s so soft and comfortable. It literally feels like you’re not wearing it and that’s the point. It also fits like a dream. Very, very fab.