Home Fashion In praise of the tank top. Yes, the knitted sweater vest is a midlife style staple!

In praise of the tank top. Yes, the knitted sweater vest is a midlife style staple!

10 May 2022 3 years ago31 Views

As a fan of slightly nerdy knitwear: traditional Fair Isle, classic cardigans, the perfect polo neck – I have been looking for a knitted tank top (or sweater vest as we’re now calling them) for some time. When the tendency is for brands to skimp on sizing and you have a long body, that’s not as easy as it sounds. I do not want to look like I’m wearing a woolly crop top… Success at last. The navy, knitted waistcoat from Me+Em is an ideal length, good quality knit and has a Diane Keaton vibe.

Even though I’ve gone a bit Advanced Style with this outfit, the sweater vest would look equally cool with a white shirt, jeans and loafers. Pared back or far out. Take your pick.

Knitwear designer and author Debbie Bliss believes that a tank top is the perfect style solution to help overcome a hot flush. Layering a sweater vest over a simple, white t-shirt or fancy blouse is the answer for women in midlife and beyond. ‘I’m on medication and have been going through hot flushes again,’ the 68-year-old says over the phone, ‘I’ve found that if I suddenly have to strip, it’s easier to pull a tank top off.

Fortunately, one of my patterns is for a sideways cable knit with no side seams and lots of menopausal through-draft!’ (The Harriet Tank Top Knitting Pattern, £3.50, LoveCrafts). Being an experienced knitter, Bliss owns a selection of handmade tank tops, ‘They’re great as a body warmer when we take the dogs out – some of my jackets have quite narrow sleeves and you get the extra warmth without the bulk.’

Will you be getting tanked up this spring?

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

STYLE NOTES: The Merino Button Vest is the from Me+Em. The Botanical Anna blouse is from Boden. And the Super Wide Leg Ponte Trousers are also Me+ Em.

All clothes loaned and returned. The suede sneakers were a generous gift from Grenson. Earrings from Auree Jewellery.

That’s Not My Age is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.