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If there's one trend we wouldn't ask to bring back from the late '90s and early aughts, it's the tube top. The least supportive of all the shirts — which typically just smooshes your boobs with its tiny swath of stretchy Lycra, baring cleavage on top and midriff underneath — is a look we can comfortably leave behind.
But lately we've been seeing strapless shirts cropping up at some of our favorite shops, and we've got to admit: We like them.
Instead of skintight, stretchy fabric, the name of the game is volume and structure. Ellery's "hot wax" top, as well as a tiered gingham shirt from Caroline Constas, are perfect examples of different takes on big volume. Fitted versions also incorporate volume, but in the form of flattering peplum tops from Alexis and Natasha Zinko. Rather than baring your belly button à la Britney Spears circa 2002, you can pair loose-fitting lace from brands like Saloni and Zara with this season's high-waisted denim.
The best part about all that extra room? It often hides corsetting or boning underneath, offering support where there once was none — or at least enough room to wear a strapless bra.
Shop 11 of our current favorite takes on the strapless top below.
Nikki Chasin's structured strapless top with pleating in the front is everything we love about this trend. Nikki Chasin Flora strapless top, $375
This tiered gingham number is the opposite of skintight spandex, but still totally flirty and fun. Caroline Constas gingham tube top, $295
Drapey shirts in sleek materials, like this chic crepe top that hides corsetted boning underneath, are a far cry from the Lycra tube top. Raey trapeze bandeau top, $424
Lots of texture plus peplum with fringe keeps this look from Miami-based Alexis current. Alexis Kailey peplum top, $415
Cropped black lace will look cute with high-waisted jeans or shorts, but if you dare, Zara also has a matching pair of lace pants on offer. Zara lace tube top, $39
A strapless top in midweight denim feels constructed and swingy at the same time. Clayton denim top, $75
White pom poms are an unexpected embellishment on cream-colored satin. Natasha Zinko embroidered peplum top, $735
A retro daisy print and big ruffles make Holly Fulton's silk version one of the most fun examples of this trend. Holly Fulton strapless top, $801.45 (marked down from $1,233)
Loose-fitting lace is a flattering and girly take on the tube top. Saloni macramé-lace tube top, $309 A roomy shape and ruching thanks to a tie front are two reasons we love this shirt from Australian label Ellery. Ellery strapless top, $215 (marked down from $430)
Layered ruffles hide a built-in bralette in this colorful top from New York favorite Apiece Apart. Apiece Apart Elisa sleeveless top, $220 (marked down from $275)
Big volume takes the strapless shirt to a whole new place. Maticevski strapless top, $528 (marked down from $1,100)