Blue Banana Women's Figure Hugging Halter Neck Top

Firstly, I want to tackle a minor issue, so why am I mentioning it if it was minor? Because of the incredible customer service I received.The first top I received had a few stitches that came loose just underneath the left breast. I reported this immediately and Blue Banana responded in under 24 hours to say they had already dispatched me a new one. That level of service is missing from a lot of companies these days, but Blue Banana obviously has a handle on it, so well done, Blue!Now for the top itself:I have to admit that I was a bit dubious about getting a garment advertised as 'figure hugging'. At 4'11 and not quite six stone in weight, I don't have much of a figure to hug! However, broad shoulders and good bust are genetically gifted to me from my maternal side, so a size 12 is necessary to accommodate all that comes with being a hearty small town girl.I confess my statistics so those of you who likewise have a fuller upper body can rest easy in knowing this top is a good fit.The top is cut in such a way that give a more toned, more solid appearance to softer bodies, and it also makes you feel just that little bit sexier. That, my dear ladies, is never to be sniffed at!The material is so very soft against the skin and as it is a stretchy sort of fabric, there is plenty of room for movement, which comes in pretty handy when you're in a wheelchair. It's also very comfortable around the neck and shoulder area, as the straps provide enough length to get it just right. I tend to favour halter neck tops for this reason, so I've tried quite a few, and one thing I've noticed is that many of them either make the nape of your neck sore and itchy from friction.It was a happy day indeed when that never happened. I wore this top for ten hours straight and not once did I feel any irritation, soreness, or anything unpleasant. Of course my neck did have a little warmth to it, but that happens with most halter necks, and the stretchy movement of the straps allowed for easily sorting that out. Those straps are also strong, so you can tie them nice and tight, and feel confident that they won't untangle themselves while you're in the middle of a crowded room. Plus, it will make things quite difficult for a cheeky young lad sneaking up behind you in an attempt to untie them.There's some ruching around the stomach area, which is good news if you have something to show for your grocery money! The toner appearance I mentioned earlier comes into full effect here, and I am so pleased it does. Being in a wheelchair doesn't allow for exercising much of anything besides the arms and upper torso. As such, my abdominal muscles are in a permanent state of neglect, which basically means I have quite a gut on me!Trust me when I say the ruching on this top is perfectly placed and has just the right amount of it, meaning it doesn't get close enough to the bust in order to minimise the girls or give you an unflattering shape. Sounds good, yes? That's because it is good. Fantastic, if I'm honest.Bright and vibrant colours have a youthful essence about them, don't they? By that I mean they wouldn't look out of place on a cute and pretty sundress adorning the figure of a carefree 20-year-old. If you're like me, however, who prefers the darker, deeper end of the spectrum, then you will have a pleasant surprise. The colour is described as teal and the picture shows it to be a shade of teal that's a little on the vibrant side. The top itself is more of a forest green than a teal, and the darker shade suits the top so much better.I often find darker shades to be a lot more versatile than the bright ones. Bright colours are pretty and they have a way of invigorating you, but they belong to sunshine and sand, whereas darker tones can be used any time.So in a nutshell: We have a halter neck top that doesn't irritate the neck, is well cut in lovely soft material, gives you a fabulous figure that you feel down to your very bones, and is a gorgeous shade of forest green.You get all of this for a mere £22.99.I would say more, but if you will excuse me, I need to go buy this in red...

REVISED REVIEW: I followed the advice of other reviewers before purchasing this top as a present for my wife. The nature of the fabric is such that it is forgiving (as others have stated), and so we ordered a size smaller than we might otherwise have done. The real issue is the model in the photo, who appears in all of the Blue Banana marketing. She is very pneumatic, and it would not surprise us if she has had a breast enhancement. The point here is that the top may not look like it does in the photo, which is why reading the reviews of other purchasers is so important. This comment comes from someone who bought for a wife with a G-cup! I think support is required to wear this top, unless the woman wearing it is naturally very 'pert'! To be perfectly honest this top is best used as a beach top. If using during the day, then a certainly a bikini top should be worn (or some other type of halter-heck bra to provide necessary support). Summary: Quite good, but read the other reviewers for advice on fitting/fabric/sizing. I've rated 3 stars partly due to the (misleading?) nature of the photo, and partly as I rate this top as "OK", rather than fantastic. To be honest I'm a bit surprised at how positive some of the reviewers are!

really nice, strong fabric and deep black colour, it would be perfect for someone with a DD or under, I cannot fit my breast in the cups,as I am a FF. the body is not too tight and very flattering, I cannot wear it without being arrested for indecent exposure but I will keep the top as a present to someone, as it is a good top. the packaging was beautiful and the delivery very fast, I would buy again from this company.

I have this top in the pink, also black (great for evenings) red (a good pillarbox red) and turquoise (a holiday essential colour-great with a tan!). The tummy ruched panel at front is very flattering and the halter is deep and revealing but well supporting. You could get away without a bra as it is double lined. Or a bra with clear middle bit. It won't need ironing either. It is a cotton mix fabric (stretchy). I am a 36C bust but small in the body. The size 12 fits perfectly.

This is the second one in this style and I will probably buy more. I bought the turquoise one about 2 years ago and still going strong, always get compliments. Nice gathering of material around the stomach so no awkward bulges. Definitely recommend. Plus my daughter loves the packaging and the free lolly!

I bought this with two other similar tops and the Quality is top. Lovely fabric, no seam tears, as advertised, just what you'd expect.These tops are gorgeous, fit snugly without sliding up, open or anything else!Though I ordered three tops together, EACH ONE was individually packaged and lovingly wrapped. I had not expected it and was a lovely surprise.

A dreadfully disappointing garment. I ordered a size smaller than I take normally for a snugger fit. The back of the blouse was so big and floppy it was well below my armpit and so far down my back my skin was peeping out from my shrug. If I had time for my occasion I would have sent it back. I had to make do by wearing a camisole underneath the top and a shrug. I was eyeing up a few garments from this seller but now I am very weary I might have the same experience. Sorry Blue Banana. Your tops look great in the photos but the actual reality is a bad experience, for me anyway.

Great top