Summer is just around the corner.
Halter Top
Halter tops are a classic and versatile wardrobe staple that effortlessly combines style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a chic option for a night out or a casual piece for everyday wear, halter tops offer a flattering silhouette that accentuates your shoulders and neckline.
In this style post, we’ll explore the best halter tops available, highlighting their unique features, designs, and how to incorporate them into your summer wardrobe.
Get ready to embrace effortless elegance with these top picks for the best halter tops.
Viva Cabana Pick!
Best classic with a twist black halter top for your stylish resort look.
The Trend
While the ‘70s might have called for a crocheted or colorful take on the trend, the ‘90s brought with it a slimmer everyday jersey layer.
What’s more, just one decade later, the early-aughts took a strong hold of the back-bearing look, calling it a “going out top” for the ages.
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What is a halter top?
A halter top is a type of sleeveless shirt similar to a tank top with the straps being tied behind the neck.
From the bohemian swingers to the skin-tight camisoles, shop all our favorite halter tops of the moment here.
Our Top Picks
Best Pink Halter Top
This halter top throws it back to the early-aughts and a closet full of Juicy Couture matching sets.
The bright pink terry cloth feels both nostalgic as well as fresh, adding a fun pop to your warm-weather wardrobe.
Material: 75% cotton, 20% polyester, 5% modal
Sizes: XXS-XL
Best Vintage-Inspired Option
If Marie Antoinette owned a halter top, we’re pretty sure this is the one she would wear.
By floral favorite Agua by Agua Bendita, you can rock this halter with a pair of jean shorts for days off or more dressed up with the coordinated flirty mini skirt as well.
Material: 100% linen
Sizes: XS-XL
Best Crochet Halter Top
Your Americana wardrobe is waiting, pulling the halter trend from the ‘60s and ‘70s (as opposed to ‘90s and early-aughts) with a chevron crochet knit, crafted of bright red, deep navy, and classic white.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: XS-L
Best Halter Crop Top
A little bit sweet, a little bit sporty, leave it to Adidas to craft a halter top that feels both youthful and feminine as well as athletic-inspired.
In black and white, with the brand’s iconic stripes down the side, this gingham crop top is just the thing your summer wardrobe has been craving.
Material: 51% cotton, 48% viscose, 1% elastane
Sizes: XS-XL
Best Going Out Top
Meet the 2023 version of the early-aughts “going out top.” Crafted of black silk with an embellished neckline, the exposed back and halter neck gives off all the sultry feels.
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS-XXL
Best Splurge Halter Top
If you’re going to go big or go home, this is the halter top that will give you the most glam.
But even more than that, this embellished candy style has all the markings of a beautiful Miu Miu style, fit for the most elegant of events and whimsical takes on denim trends alike.
Material: 100% viscose
Sizes: 36-50
Best Structured Halter
For a slightly more structured appeal, this halter top feels a little bit more like a corset top than a ‘90s-era halter.
Though it secures around your neck with a halter tie, this black peplum top shows off just enough skin for the perfect summertime after-hours look.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 00-16
Best Black Halter Top
This top is called the essential for a reason. It takes your favorite ribbed layering camisole and turns it into a halter-neck favorite that shows off a little more skin than a classic camisole, but still remains secure and attached to your torso.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: XXS-XL
Best Sequin Halter Top
For those looking to truly turn heads, go for a full-blown retro sequin style.
This halter top is quite classic and streamlined in silhouette, but has that ultra light-catching sequin finish in a pale pink you’ll love.
Material:100% recycled polyester
Sizes: 32-42
Best Halter Tube Top
When a classic cotton halter layer just isn’t enough, go with one that has ruching and a halter neckline that begins right in the center of the tube top shape.
You’ll love it for its effortless nostalgia and style it effortlessly day or night.
Material: 58% cotton, 42% nylon
Sizes: XS-XL
Best Ruffle Halter Top
Halter tops go bohemian thanks to Isabel Marant, who crafted the backless top in a loose cotton/linen blend that will bring effortless summer style to your every look.
Material: 60% cotton, 36% linen, 4% viscose
Sizes: 2-12
Best White Halter Top
Allow this halter top to instantly transport you to the south of France, on vacation and styled with a full-skirted bottom or even tailored feminine shorts.
With heavy straps that tie around the neck, you can show as much or as little skin as you’d like with this slightly cropped silhouette.
Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
Sizes: S-XL
Best Red Halter Top
When sweaters go halter, Ralph Lauren is one of the best go-tos.
In a cashmere blend, this tie-back halter exposes just enough skin while still feeling cozy, giving an added texture to an otherwise simple look.
Material: 89% cashmere, 9% nylon, 2% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Best Feminine Flair
For those who love a feminine fashion moment, this is the halter top for you.
Crafted of youthful ruched ruffles in a pretty pale blue and white floral, this is the most stylized throw-on-and-go summer staple you’re going to shop all season long.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: XXS-XL
How to Pick a Halter Top
- The Bohemian-Inspired:
If you’re a fan of bohemian style, opt for a halter top with boho-inspired details. Look for delicate embroidery, crochet accents, or tassel embellishments that add a touch of free-spirited charm.
- The Statement-Making:
For a bold and eye-catching look, go for a halter crop top that accentuates your figure and highlights your waistline. Look for unique patterns, vibrant colors, or asymmetrical designs to make a statement.
- The Classic and Elegant:
When it comes to sophisticated style, a halter blouse is a perfect choice. Look for a halter top in a luxurious fabric like silk or satin for an elegant touch. Opt for neutral tones or timeless prints like polka dots or stripes.
- The Effortlessly Casual:
For a relaxed and laid-back vibe, a halter tank top is a must-have. Look for soft and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for ultimate comfort. Opt for solid colors or simple patterns for a versatile and easy-to-style piece.
- The Glamorous Evening:
When it’s time to dress up for a special occasion, a halter evening top will make you stand out. Look for tops with embellishments like sequins, beads, or metallic details for a touch of glamour. Opt for luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk for a luxurious feel.
Styles and Support
No matter which style you choose, there’s one thing that all halter tops have in common: they fasten at the nape of your neck, pulling all support and coverage from there.
While some are full continuations of fabric from the body, with straps that tie behind your neck from their base at the bustline or below, others are cut more like a totally strapless top.
What to Look for
Fabric: Any and all materials can be crafted as a halter top.
Fit: Go for a more bohemian look with a loose cotton halter, while tight and skimpy versions of the same feel more like a ‘90s and early-aughts take on the trend.
Size: Much like fit, you can go cropped or oversized with your halters. It all depends on the decade that you’re channeling from the past.
Pro Tip 😎
Style the rest of your halter top look around the time period you’ve chosen on top. Mixing crocheted styles with casual denim cut-offs and early-aughts styles with a flare pant or midi skirt for nights out on the town.
The halter top trend is back and ready for action. Shop your favorites before summer gets underway.
FAQ
Are halter tops appropriate?
Halter tops are appropriate for any event in which showing a bit of skin seems acceptable.
With most halter tops exposing your entire back, they’re certainly not common workplace wear. They are, however, the perfect grab-and-go option for beach vacations and late-night events.
Are halter tops still in style 2023?
While halter tops have taken a bit of a hiatus since the early-aughts, they’re rising in popularity again, as wearers pull from both the most recent iteration of the trend to the ‘60s and ‘70s casual bohemian styles.
What bra do you wear with a halter top?
Short answer? Strapless. That said, there are many halter-top bras that you can mix and match to see if one fits the exact lines of the top in question.
That said, if the halter top you’ve chosen has a hidden shelf bra, interior structure, or made of a lined material, you might very well not have to wear a separate bra at all!
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