Round Out Your Wardrobe With The Best Black Top

There is no exaggeration in saying that a wardrobe is incomplete without at least one black top. I mean, what women's summer top collection doesn't feature a black top?! They are renowned for their timelessness and versatility as they can be worn to different occasions and matched with various styles of bottoms. If you are faced with the dilemma of settling for a black top that best suits your needs, we’re here to help you! This buying guide is designed to help you navigate the selection process to ultimately get the best one. The guide also includes a frequently asked questions section where common questions about black tops are answered. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Black Top?

Before buying a black top, certain factors have to be considered to ensure you get the best. These factors come down to individual preference and are thus not universal. 

Size and fit

Getting the right size is of great importance. An oversized top will not particularly flatter your shape, and an undersized top won’t offer you the comfort you need.  However, it should be noted that some people like wearing oversized clothing – this is an exception.

Getting the right size is even more daunting when ordering online since size charts vary from one brand to another. This challenge can be overcome by carefully following the seller’s chart instructions to avoid making assumptions about size charts.

Material

The material used to make your top is another important point to consider. It affects the top’s breathability, durability, and comfort. Common materials used to make black tops include cotton, spandex, polyester, and rayon. Tops made out of cotton are known for their durability. The breathability of cotton also means you stay cool even during hot weather. Cotton is odorless and does not change shape over time. Polyester is renowned for its durability and resistance to wrinkling; it is, however, not very breathable. Spandex is elastic, lightweight, and durable but sensitive to heat. Like cotton, rayon is known for its breathability that ensures you stay comfortable and air flows easily. Rayon has a luxurious outlook; the texture feels like silk, and it is relatively inexpensive.

Manufacturers sometimes harness the advantages of each material type by combining them to make tops. Tops made with combined materials exhibit the individual attributes of the materials used.

Use

The type of occasion or place you intend to wear your black top to should also be considered when buying one. While certain designs of tops are versatile and can be worn to different occasions, others are more restricted to either casual or formal events. 

Neckline

The design of the neckline goes a long way in determining how well the black top fits. They come with a variety of necklines. V-neck, crew neck, and scoop necks are some of the most common types of necklines found on tops. V-neck is marked by its distinct V shape that leaves the neck and the upper region of the chest open. They are particularly suited to people with small to wide shoulders.

Crew neck tops have a circular neckline that keeps the chest covered. Tops with crew necklines are suited to people with long necks and wide shoulders.

A boat neck is a type of neckline where the neck and most of the upper chest are open. It is usually wider than a V-neck.

Sleeve length

The sleeve is another design feature to look out for when buying a top. Sleeveless tops, also known as tank tops, are perhaps the most comfortable of sleeve types as they leave the arms bare and are easy to wear. They are, however, not suitable for official use. 

Short sleeves are the classic elbow-length sleeves that can sometimes be rolled up. They are mostly worn casually but can be worn in a formal setting too. 

¾ sleeves are longer than short sleeves but shorter than long sleeves as they do not reach the wrist. ¾ sleeves are usually styled in a variety of ways, and they suit both casual and formal occasions.

Sleeve style

Apart from the length of the sleeve, the style of the sleeve is another item to consider. Sleeves of black tops are styled in different ways. Some of the most common styles are bell sleeves, kimono sleeves, and cape sleeves. Bell sleeves are marked by their fitted upper arm that gets wider after the elbow. Kimono sleeves are usually wide from the shoulder down to the wrist. They are not fitted at the upper arm like bell sleeves. Cape sleeves are like bell sleeves, but they are shorter. They are fitted around the shoulders and become wider as it reaches the elbow.

Length

You should also look at the length of the top, especially with regard to the type of bottoms you will be pairing it with. Short tops, also known as crop tops, can be worn with high waist trousers and skirts, while lengthier tops can be paired with regular bottoms.

Washability

Your black top will eventually get dirty and need cleaning. Hence, the washability of the top should be considered before purchase. Some tops are recommended to be hand-washed while others can be washed with a washing machine. 

How Much Do Black Tops Cost?

The price of black tops is determined by different factors. Some of these factors include the type of material used to make the top, the size, as well as the design. On average, black tops can cost between $5 and $300.