Whilst I was out shopping one weekend, looking for something else entirely, a kimono top in the window of New Look caught my eye. I popped in and had a look around and purchased the top plus a few other bits and pieces. As the top was quite see-through it had been displayed with a little vest underneath. The sales assistant pointed them out to me and I was pleasantly surprised that they were only £1.99. I bought two - one black and one white. They do a range of other colours but didn't seem to have many of the other colours in stock at that time, but online it looks like they do a good range of pinks, a deepish red, several blues, a light green and a lemon for summer.

The top is 50% cotton and 50% modal (the latter is similar to viscose) and is pretty basic style wise. I was impressed that it felt soft, and not harsh against my skin as I expected for something so cheap. It can be washed at 30 degrees, and ironed on a low heat iron. The care instructions do not recommend dry cleaning or tumble drying, and of course, no bleach. I have washed my tops a few times now and have been quite pleased with how they have come out - there has been no shrinkage, and they have not twisted or become mis-shapen. Usually I let it dry on the clothes horse and can get away without ironing it (especially as I usually wear it under something).

I find the fit is good, it covers the top of my bra as it sits naturally on me (unless I stretch it right down deliberately) and I find that I don't need to keep adjusting it during the day - it doesn't ruck up nor do the straps slide off my shoulder. Length wise it is 58 cm from shoulder to hem, which sits about mid-hip (the widest part) on me but I'm petite, so a taller girl will find it sits nearer the top of her hip, probably.

It has spaghetti straps which are not adjustable (this doesn't surprise me for the price), and as they are narrow, if you wore a bra underneath the bra straps would be visible. I note that on the website they show a model wearing it with nothing underneath and I think this is misleading. The vest is too sheer in my opinion to be worn on its own with nothing underneath (unless you had something over the top). If it was a light colour you would definitely be able to see through it, and (regardless of colour) it would not conceal a nipple outline.

For the price I don't think you can beat it, for a basic camisole style vest to wear underneath something. It washes well and keeps its shape. I don't expect it to last me for years to come, but I am confident it will survive what summer we are having, and perhaps add an extra layer in the colder months before being consigned to the bin.