Article
Tube Top
A tube top is a strapless, sleeveless garment that wraps around the upper torso, typically covering the chest and upper abdomen. It is held in place by the elasticity of the fabric, often made from stretchable materials like spandex or lycra blends. Tube tops are popular for their minimalist design and ability to highlight the shoulders, collarbone, and upper chest.
History and Styles
Tube tops became widely popular in the 1970s as a symbol of liberation and body confidence, often associated with disco and club culture; the era's nightlife and prioritisation of dance-friendly clothing helped make strapless silhouettes practical and fashionable. See 1970s for context. They have since experienced periodic revivals, especially in summer fashion and festival wear. Modern tube tops may feature added details such as ruching, built-in bras, or decorative trims.
Cultural and Erotic Significance
The tube top's strapless design draws attention to the bare shoulders and upper chest, making it a garment often associated with sensuality and confidence. In erotic writing, the act of slipping down or adjusting a tube top can be used to create anticipation or highlight vulnerability. The absence of straps or sleeves allows for greater exposure and can be used to emphasize the smoothness of skin or the curve of the collarbone.
Writing Tips
- Describe the tension of the fabric and how it clings to the body.
- Use the act of adjusting or slipping off a tube top to build tension or intimacy.
- Highlight the exposure of shoulders, collarbone, and upper chest.