YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you deal with summer sheer?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you deal with summer sheer? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:35:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer/page/2#post-2277579 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 01:28:38 +0000 Angie 2277579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES! I knew that. Thanks for confirming SarahD8 on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer/page/2#post-2277578 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 01:18:44 +0000 SarahD8 2277578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yes, if you like your heat pump half as well as we do it will be money well spent indeed! Stop me if you've heard this, I felt a little silly not knowing, but I found out recently that the cooling provided by a heat pump isn't properly called AC. It's something different that is *much better* for the climate. So we can feel pretty decent about this as an adaptation strategy! Angie on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer/page/2#post-2277574 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 23:47:17 +0000 Angie 2277574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SarahD8, I'm not benched, but what you're serving sounds delicious! :) Looks like it's going to be a hot September in Seattle. More heatwaves on the way. And we're usually wearing Fall clothes by Sept 8th.......  Plus we will probably be installing a heat pump and mini splits in three months!!! Money well spent. SarahD8 on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer/page/2#post-2277563 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 22:35:22 +0000 SarahD8 2277563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Helena, truly, I totally endorse the devil-may-care attitude! The funny thing is this wish for coverage is all me as I am basically at home all the time. I guess I don't want to have to look at my torso in that much detail while sitting in my writing chair haha! SF, thanks, I'll check those tanks out! Suz, good advice! As it happens when I took off the white tops the other day I swapped in a lightweight patterned blouse in a similar cut from a similar mall-level store (Gap) that has been in my wardrobe for a similar amount of time as the one you describe! Also per your and others' encouragement I've been wearing my gingham button-up as a top layer quite a bit over the last week, so I'm waving to my gingham sister. Suz on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277496 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:42:25 +0000 Suz 2277496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a cotton voile top that is quite sheer -- the pattern does mitigate, however. (So that is an option for the future -- buy such tops in patterns.)  I've been wearing this thing since 2015 and it is one of the longest lasting summer tops in my wardrobe despite coming from Loft. It's the best style ever. Armholes low (so no sweat adheres). Some coverage on arms but no reduction in air flow. Can be worn tucked or untucked. Etc.  Anyway, my solution is a nude-ish or light bra and done.  I do also recommend a lightweight loose woven tank as an option for our climate. (Even on its hot days).  I wouldn't do a close knit thing either. And in central or southwest or even eastern Ontario or Quebec, you would never get me to put on any kind of tank under a summer top. UGH.  Stagiaire Fash on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277484 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:42:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since you’re going with a cami, I suggest the slippery silk ones from Intimissimi I posted about recently. Helena on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277479 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:13:08 +0000 Helena 2277479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, I was going to suggest the airism cami too; that's too bad they don't work for you I sometimes will wear a really thin tank under more sheer pieces but often will just wear my nude-to-me bra and thats it. I figure when it's high heat people will get it!! Stagiaire Fash on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277413 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:09:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your husband’s theory on sheer skirts is similar to my son’s on wearing clothes to cover up body parts the wearer thinks are unpleasantly plump “Mom, it doesn’t matter if you cover it up or not; it’s still the same f*t”. That was about 5 years ago. These days he’d likely choose a different, more politic, descriptor, but the logic of it sticks with me. I can attempt a tromp l’oeil if I wish, but that won’t change reality. SarahD8 on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277410 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:57:16 +0000 SarahD8 2277410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, all! This is shaping up to be a great set of solutions to try! Jaime, I have a white skirt (lightweight cotton, but lined) that I didn't realize was so sheer until I happened to see it strongly backlit the other day. I asked my husband: "Uh, is this skirt super sheer?" He was like "Oh yeah, definitely." Me: "Why didn't you tell me?" Him: "What's the big deal? Everyone knows that people have legs." Sort of interesting to see what conventions seem important to some people and not others. On the whole though I heartily agree with the "people aren't paying that much attention to me and if it looks ok to me it's probably fine" approach! Runcarla, yeah -- I would probably pass on these two tops if I were to come across them today, but I do really like them, and because I've worn them in the past I have a stronger feeling that they have a place in my wardrobe. So I'm breaking the "would you buy it again?" rule -- I guess I have no excuse but that's what I'm doing! Interesting to see so many recommendations for Uniqlo's Airism line! I wear a Heattech camisole virtually every day during cold seasons (you know...except the days when I am wearing a Heattech long sleeve!). I have tried Airism camisoles before and they do not work for me! The cut is just a little bit different and not as comfortable, and I just don't like the feel of the material. Plus I can't stand having something close fitting around my torso in the heat! But, I see that just as there are many folks on Team Airism there seem to be equally as many over here on Team Loose & Airy Midsection with me. (Those of you who are benched can have some leftover grilled zucchini, provolone, and avocado sandwiches, to keep to Angie's formula for such things!) UmmLila (Lisa) on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277377 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:05:58 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2277377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't deal with camisoles as undergarments in the summer. Sometimes I just lean into wearing a brightly colored bra underneath to make the whole thing seem intentional. Zaeobi on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277376 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:59:21 +0000 Zaeobi 2277376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TMI perhaps (sorry not sorry ), but I wear either a nude* bra(lette) & high-rise cotton slipshorts, or nipple pasties & bandalettes with a thong. That way I still get the airflow needed for my subtropical climate, whilst avoiding 'chub rub' & underarm chafing *I mean *properly* nude coloured on me, which requires some trial & error under florescent lights - not just 'beige' but warm enough to actually blend into my natural skintone. I've heard that the right shade of red can also do this for you (depending on whether you're cool or warm toned), but have not tested this out myself yet. Sal on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277327 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 04:18:03 +0000 Sal 2277327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After having this issue for a few years I rarely buy anything now needing a cami for sheerness (I do wear them for warmth or comfort sometimes).   I have a couple of tops or dresses that might show a bra strap or similar and I agree with La Ped that an intentional look can be better.   Carla on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277305 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:55:11 +0000 Carla 2277305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of my underwear is a very close ‘nude for me’, so that is what I do.  Like LaPed, I tend to favour dark tops over light, but dark can sometimes be sheer.  <div> </div><div>I think I tend to ‘pass’ on items that are sheer, to be honest.</div> Anonymous on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277297 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:25:58 +0000 Anonymous 2277297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wanna see the seal :) I generally only buy dark tops, and they must pass the "no light showing through" test. But I have (as close as possible) nude to me bras and tanks for under just in case. With skirts I wear a slip or slip shorts. Jaime on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277285 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:59:10 +0000 Jaime 2277285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So this is interesting, my most worn dress this summer turns out to be sheerish when backlit. I just didn't really care, because anyone staring at my outline or whatever through a sheer dress deserves what they get (kidding, but really I just didn't care!). For things that are truly sheer in any light I go for tanks and slipshorts as needed. Honestly I assume no one is looking at me that carefully, so if it looks ok to me, that is usually enough. Angie on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277284 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:55:57 +0000 Angie 2277284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with the Uniqlo suggestion of the Airism tank!  kkards on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277276 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:56:49 +0000 kkards 2277276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to a tank, especially the airism.  This summer I bought tanks with a built in shelf bra, so one less layer to worry about but If it’s super hot, and it’s not a meeting work day, sorry, nude to me bra and sheer top with no layer.   DonnaF on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277274 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:55:33 +0000 DonnaF 2277274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Uniqlo's Airism camisole. I read somewhere that light gray may be more invisible than so-called nude. Indigoprint on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277273 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:36:35 +0000 Indigoprint 2277273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use the woven tank under method. I like woven over knit for airiness reasons. My biggest challenge is finding suitable ones, however I have made a few ad well. A tank is a simple garment to make. SarahD8 on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277270 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:08:13 +0000 SarahD8 2277270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all, this is great advice!  OK, I'm going to be on the lookout for a loose tank -- possibly knit but most likely woven, on Ginger's "Two semi-sheers make a mostly-opaque" principle. Thanks to Katerina for pointing out the difference in temperature feel between different materials, I'll look out for viscose or silk as well as cotton. Also very intrigued by LaPed's black bra solution -- I wonder if the intentionality of that might also make the whole bellybutton situation less...salient? Worth a try anyway. For skirts, I have a half slip but it is too long for most of the things I want to wear it under so I wind up turning the waistband over a few times which then gets rolled up and fussy...hello! Why do I not just hack the thing off already??? I admit that perhaps prompted by the resurrection of suntiger's old thread I am also intrigued by pettipants, so perhaps will experiment there too. rachylou on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277266 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:16:23 +0000 rachylou 2277266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree re tanks and looser camis for the bellybutton issue. If that’s not at issue, then a nude-for-me bra Ginger on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277264 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 20:58:08 +0000 Ginger 2277264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Irina - bra in as close to skin tone as possible, or a little lighter, and go. Two layers defeat the purpose in my climate, since the trapped air warms up. For skirts and dresses, I try to limit underwear colors to pale pink/cream/beige. I'll add an ordinary beige half slip, or with some dresses a semi-sheer cotton organdy slip I made myself. Two semi-sheers make a mostly-opaque. cat2 on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277260 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 20:40:51 +0000 cat2 2277260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have some lightweight knit tanks from Hanky Panky, one white and one black. LaPed on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277244 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 19:17:46 +0000 LaPed 2277244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Harbor seal tattoo?! <3 I more or less circumvent this problem by buying dark colors almost exclusively now. Any light/white items I have are in substantial fabrics: Oxford cloth, chunky knits, etc. I have some nude-ish bras, but I feel like they’re never truly invisible under white tops, so when I did have some thinner white tops I’d just go ahead and wear a black bralette underneath because it felt more intentional (I feel like there was some article about how French women do this— bien sûr — that validated my approach for me). I can’t bring myself to wear a full under-layer, like a cami or tank, when it’s really hot. In a dry climate, maybe, but not if I have humidity to contend with! Irina on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277238 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:56:15 +0000 Irina 2277238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to have a short sleeve top similar to yours. My solution - a nude bra and not caring about sheerness I realize it might not be helpful. <div>I have a couple of sheer silk tops by EF, can only be worn with a camisole. They are dressy kind, at least in my wardrobe. Anything I wear with a camisole I wear when the weather is mild, not hot. I like Uniqlo Airism camisoles. </div> Stagiaire Fash on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277237 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:55:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chewy, don’t two knit tops end up sticking to each other? Anonymous on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277236 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:48:46 +0000 Anonymous 2277236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I buy tanks,especially silk ones, a size or two too big and wear them underneath.  None of my pants are very sheer, I would wear a long top out that covers my bottom or tuck it in so it covers underwear.  White tops like you describe, I would wear a nude bra not bothering with a tank and not caring if it were very hot out.  If it got cooler, I would slip on a light weight topper.  I like filmy ponchos that are whishy in the breeze. I have several silky imported ones and some from Chicos that are light weight cotton and rather sheer.  I wear a bra and tank underneath a shear one.  It does not matter if the tank matches anything.   chewyspaghetti on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277235 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:44:49 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2277235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ mine is still knit, just cut to hang away from the body rather than hugging it. The loose fit allows for air circulation next to the skin. Katerina on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277232 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:20:30 +0000 Katerina 2277232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use thin loose silk or viscose camisoles. Black under black or marine tops and nude under white or cream tops. I prefer these to cotton - they feel less warm than cotton. Stagiaire Fash on "How do you deal with summer sheer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-deal-with-summer-sheer#post-2277224 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:11:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A beige-colored bra, slightly darker than my skin tone, works well for me. White or pale cream, as in pic 5, feels like it’s highlighting, but maybe that’s because it’s lighter than the top. Orange might match my sunburn but, well, take a look at the never-posted-before pic 3, quick before I burn it.