As a fashion writer, I'm pretty good at spotting a new trend the second it crops up. But when it comes to my personal style moodboard, my inspiration can mostly be credited to pop culture moments from the early 2000s. Take, for example, the array of Rachel Green-inspired baby tees I wear on repeat, or perhaps the Olsen twins' divisive capri pants from New York Minute. Obviously, Carrie Bradshaw remains pinned to the top. Specifically, her easy brown tube top paired with relaxed cargoes for a day out in sunny New York. As it turns out, the rest of the fashion set is also taking notes from Bradshaw, and simple Y2K tube tops are proving to be a popular pick this summer.
Once a mainstay of our clubbing nights, the strapless tube top has been the winning summer basic of choice for many of our favourite influencers, stylists and editors at the moment. Maybe it's the simplicity – a fuss-free design that's easy to throw on. Or perhaps it's the undeniably flirty nature of the strapless silhouette. Or maybe its the fact that wearing one in the sun is a great way to work on that tan sans tan lines. Either way, if our favourite It girls are anything to go by, tube tops are here to stay.
Paired with wide-leg jeans or cargos and flip flops, a breezy white skirt and trainers or with jorts and an oversized denim jacket, tube tops are a summer staple that's basically impossible to style wrongly. Still, if you're lacking inspiration on how to wear a bandeau top, the style set has you covered.
The best tube tops for women in 2025, at a glance:
The best basic tube top: Free People, The Carrie Tube, £24
The best high-street tube top: Nobody’s Child, White Bandeau Polka Dot Felicity Top, £39
The best designer tube top: Miu Miu, Knitted Stripe Tube Top, £830
The best linen tube top: Reformation, Spritz Linen Top, £98
The best denim tube top: Alaïa, Denim Bustier Top, £600
The best shaping tube top: Skims, Tube Top, £48
Model Natalie Robben delivered a Carrie Bradshaw-esque look at Miami Swim Week earlier this May in a green tube top with linen trousers, flip flops and a suede bag. Over in Milan, Vittoria Ceretti went monochrome in a black bandeau top styled with tailored trousers and sleek sunglasses. Of course, if you're getting dressed for a windy evening, take notes from Barbara Palvin at Paris Fashion Week in a lime green Miu Miu tube worn over a smart button-down.
Although most of the aforementioned tube tops are likely to cost a lot of money, the good news is that the high street has a conveyor belt of great designs that offer the same sultry and carefree vibe without breaking the bank. And the one style making a strong case for the top of the summer is aptly named the Carrie Tube from Free People. Available in a whopping 19 shades, the pull-on tube contours to the body, offering a seamless look that's easy to dress up or down with ease.
Shop: Free People's Carrie Tube
www.freepeople.com
This hot fudge shade is closest to Carrie Bradshaw's iconic top. Style as she did with butter yellow cargos and a statement necklace.
If you're after a printed and structured tube top, the Nobody's Child Felicity top takes after its viral polka dot dress with all-over pleating and detachable straps. Elsewhere, Reformation's linen take will keep you cool on balmy evenings, while Rotate's sequinned design is a going-out staple, and River Island's polka dot tube top is as trendy as it gets. From neutral basics to elegant ruched staples, keep scrolling for our edit of the best tube tops
Shop: The Best Tube Tops 2025
www.nobodyschild.com
Modelled after the brand's cult-favourite Felicity dress, this polka dot bandeau is naturally, selling fast. More structured than regular pull-on tops, this spotted number will pair well with maxi skirts and tailored trousers for dressier events.
www.zara.com
This satin beauty from Zara is perfect for all your jeans-and-a-nice-top requirements. The draped tube top comes with an attached skinny scarf that wraps around the neck for a uniquely trendy finish.
www.marksandspencer.com
Dressy yet comfortable, M&S' organza bandeau is given an elegant finish thanks to the ruched bodice and extended peplum hemline that'll look as great with white jeans and lashings of gold jewellery for an alfresco brunch this summer.
www.harrods.com
An undeniably cool take on nautical stripes, Miu Miu's knitted tube top toes the line between elegant and playful, making it the perfect pairing to your white jeans and maxi skirts alike.
www.thereformation.com
There's nothing quite as ideal as linen for the summer. In a trendy sage green, this Reformation tube top is as relaxed and easy as it gets, so lean into the vibe with linen trousers and suede sandals.
On sale
www.stories.com
Another peplum bandeau, this one from & Other Stories comes in a pretty pink jacquard that's perfect for adding a feminine touch to your denim. Style with ballet flats for a delicate look.
www.riverisland.com
In case you haven't noticed, polka dots are incredibly popular this season. This long bandeau top is the perfect way to dip your toe into the trend, whether you wear it with flared jeans or matching polka dot trousers.
www.net-a-porter.com
Of course, an Australian label knows how to do warm-weather basics right. Byron Bay-based St. Agni's strapless bandeau top is cut from breathable cotton-blend to tie at the open back and features ruched details across the bodice. Perfect for that linen trousers and sandals combo at the beach.
shop.mango.com
A pure cotton tube top whose sunshine yellow shade and gathered details are perfectly cheery and playful for summer. And it's under £50? Sign us right up.
50% off
www.mytheresa.com
No longer reserved for Christmas parties and music festivals, It girls are making a case for casual summer sequins this season. Tap into the trend with Rotate's sparkly tube top worn with high-rise jeans and kitten heels.
skims.com
In true Skims fashion, this body-hugging tube top is made from breathable cotton jersey that contours to your curves and comes with a built-in shelf bra with a comfortable underbust elastic for light bust support. We're almost tempted to get one of each to really add a Y2K flair to our summer wardrobes.
On sale
www.arket.com
Bringing a little texture and visual play to the tube top trend, Arket's bustier is defined by its pleated bodice, sculpted waist, and flared trims along the neckline and hem. It's definitely a must-have for the more dressy occasions on your summer calendar.
20% off
www.arket.com
Marine Serre is one of those IYKYK fashion labels, and its crescent 'moonogram' print is an instant cool girl identifier. Wear this bright red tube top with long denim shorts or barrel-leg jeans for a laidback look.
www.net-a-porter.com
Alaïa's SS25 show featured an array of flattering cropped bandeau tops. This denim style showcases the label's prowess for creating flattering body-sculpting pieces and is perfect for a sultry take on double denim this summer.
www.anthropologie.com
With a darling sweetheart neckline and flattering body-skimming silhouette, this black tube top is punctuated with a hardware detail at the bust. Wear with your best pair of jeans and heels for a night out.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@cassdimicco
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.