Sheer Tops: What to Wear Underneath and 14 Picks

A sheer top is a top cut from a fine, see-through fabric such as mesh, chiffon, organza and tulle, worn over a layer beneath it so the skin and the underlayer show through. Two new examples arrive on Coveti from the London label 16 Arlington, the 16 Arlington Olarna Top in Black and the Olyss Top in Grey Speckle.

This guide explains how the main sheer fabrics differ, what to wear underneath, and how to style a see-through top for evenings and for the office. For related edits, see our guides to feather tops, evening tops and the 16 Arlington feather tops and skirts.

The four sheer fabrics, compared

Mesh. An open, netted knit with a little give. It holds embroidery well and sits close to the body. A mesh top is usually the most transparent of the four.

Chiffon. A light, plain-woven cloth with a soft, matte surface. It drapes and floats away from the body, so a chiffon top reads softer and less revealing than mesh.

Organza. Crisp and slightly stiff, with a faint sheen. It holds volume for bows and ruffles.

Tulle. A fine net, lighter than mesh, often layered and gathered. It gives a misty effect rather than a clear view of what lies beneath.

The two new 16 Arlington sheer tops

16 Arlington was founded in London in 2017 by Marco Capaldo and Federica Cavenati, and is known for feather and sequin eveningwear. Both new tops show that signature in a sheer form.

Olarna Top in Black. The Olarna is sheer black mesh hand embroidered with ornate patterns of sequins and fringed beaded droplets. It has a high neck, keyhole detailing at the back and a loose fit through the body. It is 100% polyester and made in India, designed for a regular fit, and made in UK 8 and 10. The red version, the Olarna Top in Red, is already on Coveti.

Olyss Top in Grey Speckle. The Olyss is cut from lightweight printed chiffon with a sleek funnel neck and long sleeves trimmed with voluminous ostrich feather cuffs. The chiffon drapes fluidly across the body in a relaxed fit. The main fabric is 100% polyester, the trim 100% ostrich feather, and it is made in the United Kingdom in UK 6 to 16. The same shape exists as the Olyss Top in Leopard Speckle.

From the same house, the Darwin Top in Mesh is a further sheer option.

What to wear under a sheer top

A bandeau. A strapless band gives the most skin through the sheer layer, with bare shoulders and arms.

A bodysuit. A fitted bodysuit in a skin tone and in black stays tucked and smooth under a sheer top worn with trousers. Choose a scoop neck under a funnel neck so the edge does not show.

A camisole. A silk and satin camisole gives the most cover and the softest look. A black camisole under a black mesh top reads as one piece from a distance and reveals detail up close.

Match the tone. A layer in your own skin tone makes the embroidery appear to float. A black layer under a black top sharpens the pattern.

Sheer tops from other houses on Coveti

Mesh. The Aje Carline Gathered Mesh Top in Black, the David Koma Ruched Halterneck Mesh Top and the Versace Metal Mesh Top in Gold.

Chiffon. The Carolina Herrera Off-Shoulder Chiffon Top with Rosettes in Black and the Self Portrait Black And Gold Chiffon Top.

Organza and tulle. The Simkhai Feyre Organza Top in Black, the Viktor & Rolf Bow Volant Organza Top in Black and the Safiyaa Trace Ivory Pintucked Tulle Top.

Knit. The Saint Laurent Cassandre Sheer Top in Knit, Chocolat brings the idea to knitwear.

Comparison matrix: sheer tops on Coveti

How we measured. Fabric, composition, trim, country of manufacture, fit and sizes made for the two 16 Arlington tops come from the 16 Arlington product pages. Brand, sizes held and the fabric named in each product title for the other tops come from the Coveti catalogue on 07 November 2026.

How to wear a sheer top

For evening. A sheer embroidered top over a black bandeau with a satin skirt and fine heels. The Olarna’s keyhole back makes it worth wearing with your hair up.

For dinner. A chiffon top with tailored trousers and a camisole beneath. The Olyss pairs with the Rocco Trouser in Grey Speckle for a matching set.

For the office. Choose chiffon over mesh, wear a camisole beneath and add a blazer.

Sheer tops around the world

US. Holiday parties and New Year’s Eve are the peak, and a sheer top over a bodysuit travels well between heated rooms. A UK 8 is a US 4 and a UK 12 a US 8.

UK. The Olyss is made in UK 6 to 16. Christmas parties and winter weddings carry the season; a long sleeve chiffon top like the Olyss keeps arms covered on cold evenings.

EU. A UK 8 is an EU 36 and a UK 10 an EU 38. A sheer top with wide trousers suits a late dinner in Paris and Milan.

GCC. For a covered look through the winter event season, wear a sheer top over a long sleeve bodysuit with a floor-length skirt.

How to care for a sheer top

Both 16 Arlington tops are professional dry clean only. The house advises storing them flat away from direct sunlight and steaming gently to protect the embellishment and the feather trim. Fold with tissue, keep away from rough knits and catches, and never iron chiffon directly.

Written by Coveti Editorial. Read our editorial and AI policy.

Curated by the Coveti Studio.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear under a sheer top?

A bandeau, a fitted bodysuit and a camisole are the three main options. Pick by how much cover you want and match the neckline.

Is a mesh top the same as a sheer top?

Mesh is one kind of sheer top. Chiffon, organza and tulle tops are sheer too, each with a different drape and opacity.

Can you wear a sheer top to work?

Yes. Choose chiffon, wear a camisole beneath and add a blazer for the day.

Which sheer fabric is the least see-through?

Chiffon and tulle are softer and less revealing than open mesh.

What is the Olyss Top made from?

Lightweight printed chiffon in 100% polyester, with 100% ostrich feather cuffs. It is made in the United Kingdom.

How do you care for a feather-trimmed sheer top?

Professional dry clean only. Store it flat away from sunlight and steam gently to protect the feathers.