Scrolling through TikTok for fall fashion inspiration the other day, I noticed a common trend: As September phases into October and October inches toward November, everyone was yearning to dress like it’s Meg Ryan fall, or Bella Swan fall, or Strega Nona fall—but the comments sections were flooded with sweaty appeals: “We need fall vibes and summer temps options!” “Can you do formulas for fall in hot climates?” “Any fall transition looks?” “It’s giving ✨climate crisis✨”
In New York, where I live, the forecast is finally creeping toward cooler temperatures, but highs in the 70s remain common. For that reason, I’ve been sticking to a time-tested formula to carry me through the transition: a versatile base layer, a lightweight blouse or button-up, and a jacket or sweater. In my opinion, the aforementioned base layer is the most essential piece because when I inevitably start to roast as I walk my dog or squeeze into a subway car, I can shed all the way down to the Uniqlo bra tank that’s become my go-to wardrobe staple throughout the bulk of 2024.
A good built-in bra top is my holy grail. I’m not always keen to go bra-less, especially if I’m marching into the office—but neither do I always want to dig through my underwear drawer searching for the right bra in the right color in the right shape with the right fabric for whatever finicky shirt I’ve decided I simply must wear that day. And a built-in bra is strapless by definition, meaning I don’t need to unravel wayward straps to lay flat beneath my shirt.
There’s a reason built-in bra tops are notoriously hit-or-miss. Not all are supportive. Not all are size-inclusive. Not all are easy to clean. Many are stitched into bodysuits, which can be clingy and uncomfortable—especially on sweat-prone afternoons. I’ve tried a lot of these tops, and my favorite by a mile is the Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top. I adore this tank so much that I now own four in different colors.
In my opinion, the Uniqlo bra top wins across five different categories: comfort, composition, maintenance, affordability, and versatility. This is the most comfortable option of all the bra tops I’ve tested; it hugs my bust without any chafing, squashing, or pinching, and the sewn-in padded cups are smooth and flattering. It’s available in a size range from XS to 2XL, and the top’s main fabric is perfectly opaque—made of 97 percent cotton and 3 percent spandex—so it holds up well in the wash but retains plenty of stretch. And speaking of the wash: This tank doesn’t shrink in the machine, and you don’t have to remove the bra cups for the gentle cycle. A revelation.
Something I appreciate about Uniqlo is how the brand delivers consistent, reliable quality for a realistically affordable price. At $29.90—and that’s without any discounts—the Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top is a bargain, especially considering its cost-per-wear. I’ve worn my four bra tops constantly throughout this summer and well into fall, and never once have I repeated the same outfit. It’s also endlessly adaptable: When temperatures spiked, I paired it with denim shorts, skirts, and silk trousers. Now, as the weather cools, I’m layering it under button-ups, sweaters, and cardigans. You can opt for a design with contrast trim, a striped pattern, or a simple solid-color look, and trust me: You’ll fall in love.
Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE.
