Linen shell top

[OnTheFerry]

Hello! I'm in the market for a 100% linen sleeveless boxy shell top but am really struggling to find one, has anyone got any recommendations? Thanks!

It's usually a sleeveless collarless blouse. I think they're called a tank top in USA.
They're useful wardrobe staples - looks unfussy under a jacket, with trousers etc

Hobbs Malindi Linen Shell Top, Rouge Pink, 10 (johnlewis.com)
East Linen Shell Top, White, 20 (johnlewis.com)

With a shell suit, just wear a vest

https://www.dunnesstores.com/search?keywords=Linen%2Btop&page=2&results=18 lots here

Link doesn't work @MargaretBall

This pattern makes a lovely shell top that you can make longer, shorter and very easy to sew, I made a load in tencel, that I wear pretty much every day https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/new-look-womens-separates-sewing-pattern-6517/6335591000.html

Seasalt has some https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/lighthouse-station-linen-vest

Seasalt linen tends to be a good weight.

Love this website…you can customise colour and the customer service is great. They’re handmade in Lithuania: https://linenhandmadestudio.com/linen-tops/155-19906-linen-crop-top-leigh#/58-size-s/81-color-cream_tan

This pattern might be worth a look:
https://www.minerva.com/mp/1001052/new-look-paper-sewing-pattern-6483

Or this one (on sale at the moment)
https://www.minerva.com/mp/1237551/mccalls-paper-sewing-pattern-8059

Although you are buying the pattern you can of course use it again & again in different colours/fabrics.

I practically live in Style Arc Bonnie tops at the moment - I've some beautiful linen and viscose linen blend ones that I have gone to the effort of french seaming throughout. Although it is a button up back they are just decorative - I can pull the tops on and off without the buttons so the back and button placket could be done on the fold as one piece if you didn't want the faff of button holes.

https://www.dunnesstores.com/c/women/clothing/linen whoops sorry link didn’t work earlier but lots of great linen here - dunnes is a real hidden gem for U.K. Mumsnet with Irish connections

I like that Hobbs one, the buttons on the back give just enough detail.

there is this from Marks and Sparks
https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-shell-top/p/clp22593698?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg2pip48g4r3c2|prodflag_New

I've just posted this elsewhere so thought I would share here too, but this is one Style Arc Bonnie I've made - pics of the buttons on the back and the seams on the inside. It's not ironed sorry and definitely doesn't look as crinkly in real life!

I’ve just bought this, thanks

ps your username made me lol, so thank you for that 😁

I have been tempted by so many items on this thread. I then looked at our weather forecast for June and am going to buy a jumper instead

@pastabest , that looks lovely.

That looks beautifully made @pastabest

Can I ask the experts on here - I'm always worried about materials shrinking. Is it OK to wash the material before using it to make something?

Yes it is usually best to pre-wash the fabric before making it up.

Yes, of course, and it is advisable to do so.

That looks really lovely @pastabest . And it looks as though it has bust darts! These kinds of tops are best with darts (unless really loose fitting or stretchy).

I have a few from Seasalt and older ones from Next.

I saw some in Tescos today, 100% linen, round neck and sleeveless.

Hobbs usually bring them back every year, I think I saw some on nobody’s child website, next & M&S worth having a look at.

I made one in the end! Not linen but a nice cotton fabric. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Well done! Did you make a Bonnie or something else?

Good for you; post a photo if possible! I have a nice softly abstract pattered one in grey/white/yellow, which sounds a bit weird but actually matches a lot of items in my summer wardrobe. It has slightly capped sleeves. I think if I sewed I would find a similar pattern and copy it.