The mesh top earns its spot the evening you want to look like you made an effort without actually doing much work, layered over a decent bra or a cami, under a jacket you'll take off the second it gets warm. It's the thing I reach for when a plain top feels too flat for the occasion but I can't face anything structured.
Before you buy, hold it up to the light and check how see through it actually is, because mesh ranges from barely there to practically a net curtain, and the online photos always flatter it with careful lighting and a strategically placed arm. Check the weight of it too, some mesh has a bit of body and sits away from the skin, other stuff clings the second it meets any warmth. Look at the neckline and hem for how they're finished, a raw or heat sealed edge that's starting to fray at the seams on the hanger will only get worse. And check whether there's a scalloped or raschel pattern versus a plain open weave, because the patterned ones hide a lot more and read less like underwear accidentally on display.
Be honest about where it falls down. It's not for anything where you need coverage without a second layer underneath, so don't buy one thinking it'll double as a top on its own unless you're wearing it with a slip or bralette you're happy for people to see. It's also not brilliant in true heat despite being lightweight, because sweat shows through mesh in a way that's not flattering, and it's not forgiving on anything with texture underneath, every seam and bra strap announces itself. A well made one has a proper weight to the yarn rather than feeling flimsy and static prone, stitching that doesn't pucker at the shoulders, and a finish that doesn't catch on jewellery or nails the way cheaper mesh does within a wash or two.
On sizing, mesh has some stretch but not much structure, so go by your usual size rather than sizing down for a tighter look, which just strains the weave and makes it see through in places you didn't intend. Watch the shoulder seams, they should sit on the shoulder rather than halfway down the arm, and check sleeve length against your wrist because mesh sleeves that stop short look unfinished in a way that cotton gets away with. A top that bunches at the underarm when you lift your arm is one to put back.
Get the layering right and it's one of the more useful odd looking things you'll own.
Yellow Mesh Tops: Our Current Favourites
Zip TopsYellow Mesh Zip Tops: What We’d Buy Now
Wrap TopsWrap Mesh Tops We Think You’ll Love
Work Mesh Tops to Pair With Everything
White TopsWhite Tie Front Mesh Tops Worth Layering
Sleeveless TopsShop the Edit: White Sleeveless Mesh Tops
White TopsOur Favourite White Slim Fit Mesh Tops
Sheer TopsThe White Sheer Mesh Tops Your Wardrobe Is Missing
White TopsWhite Oversized Mesh Tops Worth a Closer LookAlso worth a lookShirtsYou can spot a good shirt from across a room by the collar.See the collections →
Going Out TopsWhite Mesh Going Out Tops That Work Hard in Your Wardrobe
Knitted TopsEveryday White Mesh Knitted Tops We Love
White TopsWhite Mesh Lace Tops: The Edit
White TopsWhite Mesh Long Sleeve Tops for Off Duty Days
White TopsWhite Mesh Vests That Earn Their Place
Zip TopsWhite Mesh Zip Tops We Think You’ll Love
Knitted TopsWhite Knitted Mesh Tops for Off Duty Days
White TopsWhite Cropped Mesh Tops on Our Radar
Cotton TopsWhite Cotton Mesh Tops to Pair With EverythingAlso worth a lookT-ShirtsThe one I reach for is the morning I can't decide what I'm doing with my day, meeting…See the collections →
White TopsWhite Button Mesh Tops: What We’d Buy Now
V Neck Mesh Tops Worth Layering
Tie Front Mesh Tops With Real Wardrobe Staying Power
The Tall Mesh Tops We Keep Going Back To
Black TopsEveryday Tall Black Mesh Tops We Love
Striped Mesh Tops We’ve Been Saving
The Square Neck Mesh Tops Worth Your Wardrobe Space
Sleeveless TopsSleeveless Mesh Tops We’d Buy Again
Sheer TopsSilver Sheer Mesh Tops Worth LayeringAlso worth a lookBlack TopsA black top is the thing you reach for when you can't decide what else to wear, or…See the collections →
Silver Mesh Tops We’ve Been Saving
Short Sleeve Mesh Tops That Earn Their Place
Sheer TopsThe Best Sheer Mesh Tops to Shop Now
Sequin TopsThe Sequin Mesh Tops Shortlist
Scoop Neck Mesh Tops: The Ones Worth Your Money
Satin TopsSatin Mesh Tops We’d Buy Again
Handpicked Ruffle Mesh Tops We Keep Coming Back To
Our Pick of the Best Ruched Mesh Tops
