The Sheer Joy of
a See-Through Top
These days, bearing some skin is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. This selection of see-through tops from Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten, Bode, and more are the way to do it.
With conservative dressing taking an emphatic back seat in recent seasons, many doors are opening up when it comes to daring style. None have blown more widely open than bare skin, and this goes for everyone. Artists like Troye Sivan and Lil Nas X have broken ground for crop tops, low-rise jeans, and other prevalent pillars in SS23 collections, but the piece that truly epitomizes our liberated standards is the sheer top.
Cut from fabrics like viscose, silk, and lightweight cotton, sheer tops are the semi-transparent finishing touch to a risqué look in 2023. Bearing all that’s underneath, be that naked skin, a tank top, or some expertly picked lingerie, sheer tops offer a chance to tease or showcase curated layers without overheating.
Model wears Helmut Lang turtleneck.
Helmut Lang’s transparent take on the turtleneck contains multitudes. Turtlenecks were designed to keep out the cold on frosty winter nights. Not this one. Slinky, elegant, and utterly uninterested in insulation, this top is all about drama.
Model wears Bode shirt.
While many sheer tops opt for lightweight transparency, this Bode shirt features a heavier netted cotton build. The thicker fabric makes for a less revealing finish, so it’s a good option for those looking to ease their way into the world of everyday exhibitionism.
Model wears Givenchy tank top.
When the NBA brings in sheer jerseys, we’ll know that the sheer top trend has been a success. Until then, make do with this Givenchy creation, which adds an athletic twist to summer outfits (or a seriously game-stopping addition to your summer shootaround gear.)
Model wears Dries Van Noten shirt.
Life’s much better now that guys are more comfortable wearing beautiful clothing. Not functional, just beautiful. Dries Van Noten’s sheer shirt is a shining example of a garment that exists purely for the sake of beauty, with its ethereal chiffon build and crystal-cut beaded appliqués.
Model wears Versace shirt.
The bold personality of a sheer top aligns perfectly with Versace’s Miami extravagance. Versace text details this semi-sheer silk shirt, obscuring the view and adding another level of intrigue to any layered ensemble.
Model wears Rick Owens t-shirt.
Rick Owens is controversially comfortable with showing a little (read: a lot) of skin. We all remember the cut-out dick holes for FW15, don’t we? Well, this sheer long-sleeve top is a lot more conservative but still presents the chance to turn a head or two.
Model wears Chopova Lowena t-shirt.
It’s safe to say that there’s a lot going on here, from Chopova Lowena’s signature tartans and graphics to ruffled cuffs and silver-tone hardware on the chest to boot. That’s why the semi-sheer finish works so well; it’s easy to miss amongst all the other striking details, but it adds another layer of personality.
Model wears Ottolinger t-shirt.
Ottolinger’s collections offer a familiar hand, only to whip it away at the last second with an unexpected futuristic detail or two. Here, classic checked tartan fades into highlighter yellow while exposed seams and printed hems wash away any sense of tradition.
- Date: August 9, 2023
