"Napkin Tops" Are the Risky Trend Fashion People Are Actually Pulling Off

Ready or not—the latest barely-there trend is officially taking its place in the fashion world and, honestly, we're here for it. Clearly, it's the year of barely-there dressing since we've seen trends like G-string bras and lace-up midriffs take off, and now it's time we introduce you to the next chapter of the revealing trend, what we're calling "napkin tops". (Yes, they're exactly what you're thinking.) They basically involve a simple piece of fabric in the front and thin straps that tie up in the back and fashion people are 100% pulling them off.

I've been following this trend for a while and now that there are enough examples and shopping options, I'm confident these are definitely a thing. The designs from indie brands like Trois, Stone Label, and Subsurface were the first to flood my Instagram feed and now more and more brands are putting their spin on it, meaning there's something for every style and budget. Scroll down to see and shop the 16 best backless tops.

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(Image credit: @dananozime)

Remember the scarf tops of the '90s? This trend is like those, but better.

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(Image credit: @shhtephs)

Pictured: Trois Ruby Top ($85)

It's not hard to see why the name "napkin top" applies here, right? The crinkled texture reminds me of a tissue or cloth napkin.

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(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

You know it's a napkin top when there's nothing but razor-thin straps in the back.

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

Pictured: Stone Knitted Halterneck Top ($300)

EmRata just wore the black version of this top in NYC, so it's officially celeb-approved, too.

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(Image credit: @shop.gnd)

The only thing better than this skirt set is the fact that it also comes in ivory and black.

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(Image credit: @catchmeeksifyoucan)

When it's way too hot out to handle, all you need is a little piece of fabric, anyway.

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

The thinner the straps, the better the top. I don't make the rules.

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

These silky versions are straight out of the '90s.

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(Image credit: @shaninamshaik)

Pictured: Natalie Rolt Virgo Crop Top ($140)

Fashion people love to wear them with loose trousers and a strappy heel.

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

You know it's a napkin top when there's nothing but razor-thin straps in the back.

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(Image credit: @jennymwalton)

Fun fact: Jenny Walton fashioned her top out of an actual doily and some pieces of string and I'm inspired to DIY my own.

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(Image credit: @cultgaia)

Pictured: Cult Gaia Rosa Draped Open-Back Silk-Organza Top ($240)

Plot twist: just wait until you see the front (just scroll down).

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Pictured: Trois Ruby Top ($85)

Truly the top that started it all.

Up next: 5 Late-Summer Trends You Might Have Missed

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.