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Everyday camis, styled simply—easy layers made to move with you. A Quick Guide to Basic Cami Tanks Camisoles and tank tops can seem interchangeable at first glance—but the right cami quietly becomes one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. It’s the layer you rely on under sweaters and cardigans. The piece that smooths an outfit without trying to shape you. And the staple that works just as well on its own as it does under everything else. At Alex’s Boutique, we look at camis as everyday essentials—pieces that should feel good, wear well, and earn their place through comfort and versatility. How (and Where) to Wear a Cami A well-made cami adapts easily to your day. You can wear it: On its own during warmer months As a base layer under cardigans, sweaters, or jackets Under sheer or lightweight tops for coverage As an easy, comfortable layer for movement or travel Rather than chasing trends, we focus on classic silhouettes and neutral tones that work season after season—pieces you’ll reach for again and again. Colors to Have (and What They’re Best For) Choosing the right cami color makes layering easier and more intentional. Black Ideal under darker tops, prints, or deeper tones where you want a clean, seamless base. White Best paired with darker colors or bold prints. While often assumed to be invisible, white can actually stand out more under white or sheer fabrics. Nude The most effective option for disappearing under lighter or sheer tops. Nude creates a smooth, neutral base without the look of layered fabrics. (Heather grey is also a strong neutral choice, offering softness and versatility without high contrast.) Why Fabric and Fit Matter A cami worn close to the skin should feel effortless—not restrictive or fussy. We look for camis that: Feel breathable and soft throughout the day Have adjustable straps for a personalized fit (with certain materials and how it was made) Stay in place without rolling or shifting Wash and wear well over time There’s nothing more frustrating than a cami that rides up, loses shape, or needs constant adjusting. That’s why we carry camis designed to stay comfortable from morning through evening. The Bottom Line A basic cami isn’t just a layering piece—it’s a foundation. When the fabric feels right and the fit works with your body, it becomes one of the most reliable items in your closet. Simple, versatile, and easy to wear, it’s the kind of piece you don’t think about much—until you realize how often you reach for it. That’s the standard we use when choosing ours.

Choosing fabrics that feel good, before anything else. Let’s Talk About What We Wear Most of us have worn something that looked  cute but felt awful five minutes in. Too hot. Too clingy. Zero breathability. Immediate regret. More often than not, that comes down to fabric. At Alex’s Boutique, we care a lot about how clothes feel in real life, not just how they photograph. Fabric choice plays a huge role in comfort, longevity, and how often a piece actually gets worn. That’s why we pay attention to what goes into the garments we carry—and why some fabrics appear more often than others. This isn’t about rules or fabric shaming. It’s about understanding what works, what lasts, and what feels good on your  body. Let's Be Real About Fabrics Here’s the honest truth: fabric choice matters. You’ll mostly see cotton blends, rayon blends, and cozy knits because they’re breathable, soft, and comfortable for everyday wear. You won’t see polyester dominating our racks—but that’s a preference, not a blanket judgment. Not all polyester is created equal. And that’s where the conversation usually goes sideways. Why We Still Lean Cotton + Rayon Cotton and rayon are plant-based fibers known for breathability and comfort. Rayon does get a lab assist (hello, wood pulp), but when processed responsibly, it creates a fabric that drapes well, feels soft, and works with  your body—not against it. For tops, dresses, and everyday layers that sit directly on skin, these fabrics simply feel better for most people. And comfort is kind of the point. When Polyester Actually Makes Sense We’re not fabric snobs. Polyester can be a smart, intentional choice—especially in: Jackets & coats Outerwear that needs structure or water resistance Blends designed to improve durability or shape retention When we carry polyester pieces, it’s because the fabric earns its place , not because it was the cheapest option. Why We Limit Polyester as Much as Possible Even though polyester has its place, we’re intentional about keeping it limited—especially in everyday apparel. The reason isn’t comfort alone. It’s impact. Polyester is a plastic-based fiber, and when it’s mass-produced cheaply for fast fashion, it comes with real environmental costs. During washing, synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics —tiny particles that make their way into waterways, oceans, soil, and eventually the food chain. Unlike natural fibers, these particles don’t biodegrade. Fast fashion amplifies the problem. Low-quality polyester garments are often made quickly, worn briefly, and discarded just as fast. That cycle increases textile waste and plastic pollution without delivering longevity or value to the wearer. By limiting polyester where it isn’t necessary, we’re choosing: Longer-wearing fabrics over disposable trends Comfort-first pieces designed to be worn often A slower, more thoughtful approach to sourcing It’s not about perfection—it’s about responsibility. And for us, that means using polyester when it truly adds value , not when it’s simply the easiest or cheapest option. Thoughtful pieces designed to mix, wear, and last The Bottom Line At Alex’s Boutique, fabric choices are never about extremes—they’re about intention. We gravitate toward cotton, rayon, and breathable blends for everyday wear because they feel better on the body and hold up to real life. We use polyester thoughtfully, when it adds structure, durability, or performance—especially in outerwear and pieces designed to last season after season. What we avoid is fast fashion for the sake of fast fashion. Disposable fabrics, rushed production, and short-lived trends don’t align with how we believe clothing should be made or worn. Style should feel good, last longer than a moment, and reflect care—for yourself and for the world around you. That’s the balance we aim for with every piece we bring in.

Choosing the right size isn’t just about numbers on a tag — it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and truly you  in what you wear. While our friends and family may help shape our style, knowing how a garment should fit is the key to building a wardrobe you love. And after years of helping women (and plenty of men!) find their perfect fit, I can tell you: most people misjudge their size without even realizing it. Here are the essential tips to help you choose the right size every time. 1. Start With the Shoulders — Your #1 Fit Indicator If you look at only one  thing when trying on a top, make it the shoulder seams. ✔ For a relaxed, casual vibe The seam can fall slightly past your natural shoulder line. This gives that effortless drape and laid-back look — especially with dolmans, modal tops, and soft knits. ✔ For a tailored, classic look The seam should land exactly  at the edge of your shoulder. This creates clean lines, structure, and a polished silhouette. Most sizing mistakes start here — if the shoulders are off, the whole fit feels off. 2. Let Go of the “It Will Shrink” Myth We’ve all heard someone say: “I buy a size up because it shrinks in the wash.” But here’s the truth: Most modern fabrics — especially modal, rayon blends, bamboo, and high-quality knits — are engineered to hold their shape. Shrinkage usually happens because of how  the garment is washed and dried, not because of poor design. ✔ Practical care habits that protect your fit: Wash in cold water  to prevent fiber tightening Skip high-heat drying — it breaks down stretch fibers Use gentle cycles  for anything soft, drapey, or premium Air-dry flat when possible (especially knits) to avoid stretching Avoid hanging heavy or stretchy tops while wet — it can distort the shape Turn items inside out  to preserve color and fabric texture The right care keeps the size and fit you chose — without needing to size up “just in case.” 3. Know Your Fit Preferences Some days you want something fitted and feminine. Other days, a classic unisex cut just feels  right. Both are valid — and both require different sizing expectations. Fitted Styles Hit at the top of the hip Contour the waist and bust Great for layering or dressing up Relaxed / Unisex Styles Slightly more room in the shoulders Straight fit through the body Look best when tailored, not overly oversized Knowing what look you’re aiming for helps you size with intention. 4. Let’s Talk Jeans — The Most Misunderstood Fit The perfect jeans should make you feel unstoppable, not uncomfortable. Here’s the truth: Jeans should feel slightly snug in the store. Not painfully tight — just a little firm. Why? Jean fabric naturally relaxes as you wear it and rebounds after washing. So that “snug but not suffocating” fit is actually the sweet spot. A good test: Button them while standing (it might take a tiny inhale — normal!) Wear them around the house for two hours They should mold to your body and feel like your  jeans And yes — take a moment to admire how they hug the legs and rear. A good fit is worth celebrating. 5. The Sit Test — Your Ultimate Fit Check Before committing to a pair of jeans, sit down in a chair. Ask yourself: Can you sit comfortably? Can you cross your legs without digging or pinching? Do they pull or restrict movement? If you’re fighting your jeans while sitting, go up a size. Other red flags: Extra fabric bunching in the crotch You can slide a hand down the side on the first try Gaps at the lower back or waist (These signs usually mean you need a smaller size.) 6. And When You Shop with Us… You Don’t Have to Guess One of the things I take pride in at Alex’s Boutique is choosing pieces that offer true sizing  — consistent fits, beautiful fabrics, and silhouettes that flatter real bodies. We check cuts, fabrics, drape, stretch, and construction so you don’t have to. With us, “Will this fit me?” becomes a whole lot easier. Want a Personalized Fit Recommendation? Message me anytime — I love helping customers find their perfect size. A great fit is confidence you can wear .