Like all Brits, I love to complain about the weather.
All winter, I long for hotter temperatures, but when they arrive, you bet that I’ll be moaning from morning till night.
My main gripe when the summer finally arrives is the fashion. I feel most comfortable bundled up in baggy jeans and an oversized knit, especially when it comes to work dressing.
Building an arsenal of floaty floral frocks is one option, but I’m loath to retire my favourite jeans from May till September. And you have the mercurial British summertime to contend with when scorchers are closely followed by rain showers - a dress can be a risk.
The problem with the humble jeans and a nice top combination is that for anything fitted up top, I’m risking a public indecency charge. I can’t get away with wearing braless, but flashing straps is not a good look when passing the CEO in the hallway. What’s more, my bigger bust means that a classic tank can look far too revealing to be office appropriate, but I so long for that model off-duty casual aesthetic.
Enter Uniqlo. Last summer, the Japanese clothing label broke the internet with its tank top that comes complete with a bra inside. I admired from afar, but I didn’t invest until now. And why did I wait so long?
On launch, the collection of built-in bra tops extended to only the ribbed variety, but it has come on leaps and bounds since. You can shop square-neck silhouettes, sleeveless, crop tops, camisoles and halters too, all of which remove the requirement to show your underwear to your colleagues without having to sacrifice comfort and support. There are even dresses now.
I am 32DD, and I find the cups included inside to be incredibly supportive. I won’t be running a marathon in them, but they are perfectly sufficient for walking with minimal bounce. There is a range of colours too, from basic white and black to bolder green, purple, pink, orange, red and blue.
The Uniqlo Bra Tops have become my new uniform for all occasions. Heatwave summer day in the office? Simply wear smarter, wide-legged trousers. Casual? Throw on blue jeans. Festival on the weekend? I’m pairing with leopard print trousers. Holidays? I’ll take one in every colour, styling with shorts during the day and a glitzy skirt come evening.
I’m late to the party, but if you see me this summer, you can guarantee I will be wearing one of the Uniqlo built-in bra tops. I’ve got one in every colour.
Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Fit Bra Top
One of the only built-in bra top options which isn’t part of an athleisure offering, Uniqlo’s flattering ribbed racer-back tank top is an ideal summertime layering piece. It’s available in an impressive selection of versatile colours and sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.
Buy now £19.90, Uniqlo
