This is the third time I’ve sewn the Style Arc Esme top, but it’s quite different to the last two.  This time around it’s sleeveless, without the collar.

I had a small amount of this poly Anna Sui double knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics left over after sewing a cardigan, and wanted to use it up. I did consider a sleeveless version of the Tessuti Mandy boat tee, but remembered that the Esme top has a nice high-low hemline with side slits, so just that little bit more detail.

From the Style Arc website: Square cut top with funnel or band neck options, sleeved or sleeveless, with a high/low hem. “The Wanted” garment of the season. This knit top has a fabulous bias cut collar that can stand fashionably high or turned over. Make it sleeveless or with sleeves for the cooler months. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Ponte, Scuba or any fabric with a stretch component.

Most of the versions I’ve seen of this top on the internet have the collar (most are the long sleeved versions too).  I think that the sleeveless version with neckband is definitely worth keeping in mind as well.  I love some pattern versatility!

I’m happy with the fit across my rounded forward shoulders (that’s another alteration I should consider adding to my list) and there is plenty of ease through the body – most of you know that is my preference. I sewed size 12 without alterations.  Construction for this one was mostly on the machine, with the overlocker used for the shoulder seams and to attach the neckband.  I needed to be able to press the side seams open so that I could hem the sleeves effectively and sew the side slits.

It’s really more of a winter top than a summer one despite being sleeveless, because it definitely is polyester. I have worn it a bit as part of a twin-set, with the aforementioned cardigan (the pattern is the Style Arc Coral cardigan). I rather like it in this combination! Definitely an outfit for those days when I need a bit of psychological armour – plenty of colour and print. It gives me confidence!