The Great Layering Cami
If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the hunt for a great cami that can be layered under cardigans and jackets all year long. As odd as it sounds, I often find it difficult to find one that I really like and can turn to time and time again. After I purchased more than I care to admit in the open sweaters and blazers department from the Anniversary Sale, I went on the hunt for the perfect layering cami. Because I was going to be purchasing several to try, I figured why not bring my results to the blog? Introducing, our first official layering cami product comparison post! Consider this your official guide for layering must-haves for fall.
For all other product comparisons, check out this section on our blog!
Meet the Layering Cami Lineup:
Before we jump into the results, let’s meet the camis that found their way into this comparison. We chose 7 of the top rated and well-known brands to test and try. Here they are!
- Express Downtown Cami
- J.Crew Factory Scalloped cami top
- 1.STATE Chiffon Inset Camisole
- Women’s A New Day Crepe Cami
- LOFT Covered Button Strappy Cami
- Gap V-Neck Cami in Modal Crepe
- Amazon Dohia Women’s Summer Chiffon Layered Cami
How I Tested & Rated The Layering Camis
After ordering all of the above, I tried every one on and then spent time evaluating the below categories and giving each category a 1-5 score [1 being the worst, 5 being the best] and then took the scores to bring you an average for each cami. As you’ll see below I’m highlighting my top 3 and then the others I didn’t love as much. Here were the rated categories:
- Sheerness – Can you see through the cami at all? Because we tested shades of white, this was an important one for us!
- Overall Fit – How does the cami fit in the body? Is it boxy, too long, not long enough, show too much cleavage, not enough cleavage, etc.
- Appearance – How does the cami look? Does it lend itself well to looking good with most sweaters, blazers and jackets?
The Results – My Favorite Three
- At the top of the list, my go-to for years, the Express Downtown Cami. Fit Tip: Size down if in between, I wear in small but could do in XS.
2. Next up, the J.Crew Factory Scalloped Cami Top. Fit Tip: Size up one, it is tighter in the chest region. Wearing here in a size 4.
3. Next up, if you’re looking for a little dressier / edgier option, I really loved this 1.STATE Chiffon Inset Camisole. Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small.
The Average and In Between
4. A New Day Crepe Cami Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small.
5. Next up we have the LOFT Covered Button Strappy Cami. Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small.
My Least Favorites of the Lineup
6. Gap V-Neck Cami in Modal Crepe Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small.
7. Last but not least, the Amazion option, this Dohia Women’s Summer Chiffon Layered Cami. Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small.
Do you have a tried and true favorite layering cami?! If it’s one we didn’t try, do tell — I’m all ears!


Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
Hi Erin! Any chance you can look at layering tops that don’t require you to wear a strapless bra?
Is the scalloped j crew one color called marine salt? It looks off white on the website and yours looks more of a true white. Thanks!
Yes! This is the marine salt! xo
What is your favorite thing to wear under these cami’s.
Looking for the best petal type adhesive. Have had the unfortunate event of them falling off!
This is my go-to strapless https://shopstyle.it/l/66BH and I’ve had great luck with these petals! https://shopstyle.it/l/66BS xoxo
What’s your go-to bra to wear with camis?
This is my all-time favorite strapless! xo https://shopstyle.it/l/66BH
Is there another favorite? This one is sold out in my size 36DD, and there’s not an option to sign up for notifications when/if it comes back in stock. 🙁
I love those jcrew camis. I have that color and black.