By That Girl Whitney Team
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Summer has a way of exposing every top in your closet that doesn’t work. There’s the one that clings the second it gets humid, and the one with straps that slide off your shoulders all day. Replacing them doesn’t have to cost a fortune, though. Plenty of cute plus size summer tops sell for less than $25 USD, and a handful of smart picks can carry you through every cookout and errand run until fall.
The secret is knowing which details make an inexpensive top look and feel expensive. Fabric and fit through the bust matter far more than the price tag. A $20 cotton top that fits well will always beat a $60 top that pulls across your chest.
Start with the details to look for, then pick from the four styles below. You’ll also find where to shop on a budget and a few easy ways to make a cheap top look polished. Every style here pairs with shorts and linen pants, so you can mix and match all season.
What Makes a Great Summer Top
A great summer top keeps you cool and covers what you want covered when you move. Look for these features before you add anything to your cart.
Breathable fabric. Cotton and rayon let air move. Thin polyester tends to trap heat and cling, especially in humid weather.
Room through the bust. Check reviews from plus size shoppers for comments about gaping buttons or tight armholes. If a top runs small, size up and plan to tuck or tie the extra length.
Bra-friendly straps. Wide straps and flutter sleeves cover regular bra straps. Thin spaghetti straps usually mean a strapless or convertible bra, and our best plus size bras guide covers the options.
Enough length. A top that hits at or below the hip stays put when you reach or sit. Cropped styles work best with high-waisted bottoms.
Read the product details for fabric content and listed measurements. Those two things predict fit and comfort better than any photo.
Four Styles Worth Buying
These styles work on plus size bodies and are easy to find for under $25.
Flutter sleeve tops have soft, loose sleeves that cover the upper arm and move with you. They look sweet with denim shorts and polished with white jeans.
Eyelet and peasant tops bring texture and a vacation feel. Choose one with a lining or a slightly thicker cotton so it isn’t see-through.
Linen-blend button-ups are the hardest working top in a summer closet. Wear one buttoned or open over a tank as a light layer.
Tie-front and wrap tops let you adjust the fit at your waist. They pair well with high-waisted shorts and skirts.
Buy neutral colors first, then add a print or two. A cream flutter top and a rust button-up will mix with nearly everything you own.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: flutter sleeve top or linen-blend button-up shirt
Where to Find Plus Size Tops on a Budget
Amazon is a great place to start, since many plus size tops sell for under $25 USD and reviews often include photos from real shoppers. Search for the style plus “plus size,” filter by your size, and sort by reviews. Canadian shoppers can run the same search on Amazon.ca, where sellers and prices differ.
Walmart’s own brands carry plus size tops at budget prices. Terra & Sky, for example, comes in sizes 0X to 5X. Old Navy sells many of its tops in extended sizes and runs frequent sales in the U.S. and Canada.
Shop the end of the season, too. Summer tops often go on clearance in late July and August, which makes it a smart time to stock up for next year.
Wherever you shop, check the return policy before you buy. Cheap isn’t a deal if you’re stuck with a top that doesn’t fit. Our guide to Walmart plus size dresses under $25 has more tips for shopping store brands online.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: eyelet peasant top or tie-front blouse
How to Make a Cheap Top Look Expensive
A few small habits change how an inexpensive top looks once it’s on.
Steam it. Wrinkles make any top look cheap, and a handheld steamer takes two minutes. Swap plastic buttons for nicer ones if a top has great bones but flimsy details.
Tuck or knot it on purpose. A front tuck into high-waisted shorts or a knot at the side gives a boxy top shape. Our plus size shorts guide covers the styles that pair best with tucked tops.
Add a finishing piece. Gold hoops or a structured sandal makes the whole outfit feel intentional.
Wash it gently. Cold water and air drying keep cotton from shrinking and colors from fading, so your favorite top lasts more than one summer.
Your Budget Summer Top Lineup
You don’t need a big budget to build a great summer wardrobe. Focus on breathable fabric and enough length to stay put, then pick a few versatile styles in colors you love. Shop smart and add one accessory to finish the look. With four or five good tops, you’ll have an easy outfit ready for every hot day.
Shop Whitney’s favorite budget-friendly finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.