8 of our favourite boob tubes from Australian and New Zealand designers

When it comes to tops, boob tubes are the unsung hero.

The boob tube is a surprisingly versatile clothing item. Whether you wear it alone or layer it over a T-shirt or button-up shirt, whether it’s stretchy and colourful or structured and minimalist, there’s a lot to be said for this small but sexy piece of fabric.

Personally, one of the most versatile items I’ve ever purchased is an unassuming black, structured boob tube. I picked it up when pricing clothing at a vintage store I worked at a few years back. I remember thinking it looked like a handy item to own, but I could never have predicted how much wear I would get out of it.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

I style it over striped shirts, long-sleeved mesh tops, turtlenecks, well-worn T-shirts and wear it alone. I would quite honestly be lost without it. It’s an item I’ve worn on repeat for years now, and I get immense satisfaction from breaking down the cost per wear of this humble piece of fabric.

Now that it’s spring, I’ve been searching for new boob tubes to add to my wardrobe. Below, I’ve compiled eight of my favourites from Australian and New Zealand labels.

Tandi Bodice in Grey Pinstripe by Wynn Hamlyn

Pinstripe is always a go-to for me, and this grey pinstripe bodice from New Zealand label Wynn Hamlyn would fit into basically any wardrobe, no matter the aesthetic. It’s 100 per cent wool and has darts at the front and back to create shape, making it a great layering piece all year long. It brings to mind the enviable style of classic ’90s It girls like Rachel from Friends and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (the queen of cool minimalism).

Get it here.

Opio Silk Cashmere Top by Wixii

Family-run New Zealand label Wixii is known for its dreamy designs that use natural fibres. Its Opio Silk Cashmere Top is the ultimate classic black boob tube. A blend of luxurious silk and soft cashmere, it’s a piece you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.

Get it here.

A.55 Rib Tube Top by A.BCH

This organic cotton boob tube from Melbourne label A.BCH is both supportive and comfortable. The stretchy fabric provides a compression-like effect, and the soft elastic top seam means you can easily layer it over thicker items. You can also get it made in a custom length and size, so it’s tailor-made for your body. I love the bold cherry-red shade.

Get it here.

Printed Boob Tube by It’s My Roommates

It’s My Room Mate’s is an ongoing made-to-order project centred around clothing that feels like a hug – “soft, stretchy and tender”. Its navy boob tube has been on my mind since we first did a profile on the label. With its moody colours, intimate print and black trim, it’s the boob tube to buy if you’re after something a little less plain. To order your own, DM the label on Instagram.

Get it here.

Varenna Tube by Mode Mischief

If you’re after a boob tube that screams summer, the Varenna Tube from Melbourne label Mode Mischief fits the bill. With a colourful lemon print set on a midnight blue background, it’s practically a European getaway in top form. It’s double-lined and has an elastic bust, but most pertinent to note is that it’s a limited edition piece and the label will not be restocking it, so if you want to get your hands on one, act quick.

Get it here.

Strapless Top in black by Esse

This might just seem like another plain black boob tube, but the heavy-weight stretch crepe fabric and the zip up the back provide more structure than some of the cotton ones on this list. It’s very similar to a vintage boob tube I wear constantly, and its silhouette and fabric mean it can be dressed up for more formal events.

I pair mine with wide-leg tailored black trousers and heels for an extremely low-effort but high-reward outfit. But a structured boob tube like this also looks just as sleek paired with a pair of vintage Levi’s or Adidas shorts. Plus, it’s available in a range of other colours if black’s not your thing.

Get it here.

04 Elemental Alpaca Tube Bandeau in blue by Paris Georgia

Get it here.

The Orchid Top by Lucinda Babi

Get it here.

For more on the versatility of boob tubes, head here.