On the surface, it’s a simple boatneck, long-sleeve, semi-sheer top. But in reality, its feel, adaptability, and fit have made it a universal basic that I believe is a closet essential, making it the Swiss Army knife of fashion. This basic top serves multiple purposes, works in a variety of different situations, and can be useful for anyone.
The craze surrounding this shirt sparked in 2023, when Kendall Jenner wore the cashmere top during her appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast. Now, she’s the face of the Fall 2026 campaign. This massive viral sensation and celebrity-favorite staple has become an everyday essential for many, promoted by Jennifer Lopez, Emily Ratajkowski, and Bella Hadid. The appeal of this minimalist, accessible style quickly skyrocketed in popularity as fans began seeing the same basic top styled as a Pilates outfit cover-up or with jeans and a blazer on their favorite A-list celebrities.
The fabric is a blend of modal and ultralight cashmere, creating a featherlight design made to hug the skin as a second layer without feeling bulky. It’s buttery and light, providing a hefty layer of warmth or a simple long sleeve that fits like a glove. In its most basic cut, the top is available in 23 colors. However, the brand also makes shirts with the same cloth blend in lace V-neck cuts, scoop necks, or turtlenecks.
What’s so appealing about this top is ultimately its versatility. To me, it’s truly the definition of a day-to-night look, worn from campus to a concert without an issue. It gives the “model off-duty” look with its ability to be dressed up or down for any occasion. The top is quite sheer, with lighter colors being less opaque, often styled with a dark bra peeking through to make it more of a going-out shirt. Those with creative abilities much more enhanced than mine are able to mold this top into different styles, creating tube tops, halter necks, and T-shirts all from the same long-sleeve.
Given the shirt’s versatility, they appeal to an expansive consumer base. My mom and I both have them, and we wear them in very different ways. While she wears them as a thermal layered shirt, I wear them casually out and about on campus or for a night out.
Last year, I learned that one of the many benefits of having a friend who studies in Italy is their ability to buy Intimissimi tops at discounted European prices and easily pack them and bring them to the U.S. because of their small size. She brought back a multitude of them, and ever since, I’ve truly understood the hype.
There are also dupes and alternatives coming from different brands. Originally, I only bought the Aritzia dupe (I know, a cheaper alternative coming from Aritzia is almost unheard of, but alas). I think it’s a great alternative, but I will say it began to shed and tear more quickly than the Intimissimi versions I have. While the fabric is soft, it’s looser than the original, so the skin-tight, warm effect isn’t the same.
Earlier this year, I was browsing around the New York City location of Reclectic, a discount and pre-loved fashion outlet in NYC operated by URBN, where I found an Urban Outfitters dupe of the classic top. While this dupe gets the fit more snug (closer to the Intimissimi fit), ultimately the blend is different enough that, while the semi-sheer effect remains, the fabric is colder and more plasticky.
Although it’s pricier, I will say I think it’s worth buying the name brand. In the U.S., they cost $65 but also have a promotion of buying two and getting the third half off. Alternatively, in Europe, the same shirt is €33, equivalent to around $37, with a promotion of buying three and getting the fourth free. Moral of the story: if you or someone you know is traveling to Europe, tell them to stop by the store and buy it in bulk!
This versatile second skin is my favorite closet staple.
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