The $42 Linen Tank Top Saving Me from NYC’s Swampy Summer

Fast Facts

• Machine-washable: yes
• Colors: 6
• Material: linen

Linen is my summer staple. I have virtually no interest in any other fabric after July 1, though cotton is a close second and silk is great for formalwear. (Do not get me started on a silk-linen blend. Divine.) Quince’s square-neck tank is 100 percent European linen, including the lining. Why do I prefer this fabric? Because it’s breathable and it dries quickly. That means I can tromp through the ocean, run through a sprinkler or sweat a gallon and don’t have to wait ages for the material to dry. Linen is also super breathable, meaning the ventilation is great for catching what little damp breezes do come by. The last shining quality is that it’s incredibly durable and holds up wonderfully in the wash. I air-dry all my clothes, but per the brand, you can dry this on the low setting.

The Design Is Easy and Versatile

First off, the top has a smocked, stretchy back panel that makes it easy to take on and off. I own similar tops, but I always have to wrestle my shoulders into them. This one is convenient. It’s also easy to style. I tend to favor higher-waisted bottoms, and I like that the crop of the shirt usually lines up with my waistband without me needing to tuck anything in. It provides more freedom of movement, so I can dance, reach for the top shelf and generally frolic without looking disheveled.

Another plus? The straps. I tend to shy away from spaghetti straps, but neither do I like my straps to be overly wide. These are the Goldilocks version. Thick enough to feel sturdy and give coverage, but not oppressively large in a way that makes me (literally) sweat. The vertical seams on the torso, meanwhile, gives the top a nice shape and some structure, while the lining also gave me additional confidence to wear it without a bra. (For reference I am a 36B.) If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s definitely room to wear one, strapless or otherwise.  

I love this shirt. I will wear it on repeat this summer. The only design aspect I found a little odd was that the smocked back had a zipper closure. Granted, Quince was savvy when it came to the placement. The zipper zips top down, so you can still put this shirt on yourself. (Another zippered blouse I have requires someone else to zip me in, because the zipper is bottom-up and must be fit into the track. At least here, you have your independence.) The smocking is pretty generous in its stretch, though, so I’m simply puzzled as to why a zipper is needed. I will say, though, as a gal with wider shoulders, the zipper definitely gives ample room for me to pull this over my head.

The Bottom Line

In my experience, Quince is sometimes a hit-or-miss in the clothing department, but this 100 percent linen tank is a definite hit. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on this shirt every time I’ve worn it—including from my mother, the woman who also did not hesitate to tell me I looked like a beanbag when I sent her a photo of me wearing a vintage ‘50s opera coat. It’s a breathable, low-maintenance wardrobe staple that looks polished without requiring much effort. And when it’s the Northeast swamp summers you have to contend with, trust me, that is everything.