Sotto e Sopra

Where is it?
www.sottoesopra.co.uk/

History
Sotto e Sopra- that’s Italian for over and under. Sounds more fancy using the romance language doesn’t it?

Linguistics aside, there’s a very good reason for the name. A bit like the process of cake making, it refers to items of clothing that form the base or topping for all others. For example, you’ve just bought an expensive leather jacket and you need a plain white vest to wear underneath it- that’s sotto. Or you’re not ready to let go of a skimpy floral summer vest just yet and you need a plain shrug to wear over it- that’s sopra.

Sotto e Sopra sell essential basics. If you’re after fashion, you’ve come to the wrong place. You won’t find anything other than plain pieces of clothing here but that’s a good thing. We’ve all experienced the elusive search for that perfect mix and match top that goes with anything and everything and failed, miserably.

What makes Sotto e Sopra’s new range of women’s tops such a great find, is the quality. They’re made from the environmentally sustainable fabric Tencel, offering a quality, classic look, with a natural feel and similar wicking properties to cotton.

What does it sell?
The tops collection is separated into scoop necks tops, tank vests, gathered long sleeve tops, Henley button tops, basic vests, round neck long sleeves and shrugs in black, white, grey, taupe and rosa starting at £35. Some of the tops are also available in extra long lengths too- perfect for those who often fall victim to visible muffin top every time they bend slightly.

The range has been designed to fit close to the figure but without revealing every lump and bump- no matter what shape or size body is wearing them.

The fabric, Tencel, is soft, absorbent, and resistant to wrinkles. It can be machine or hand washed or dry-cleaned, drapes well and can be dyed many colours, as well as simulating a variety of textures.

Why go there?
If you’re sick of buying vests that lose shape or shrink, it might be worth reconsidering your shopping economy. These hang well, don’t ride up and wash well- the deciding factor for me. They may cost more than your usual purchase but they’ll also last a lot longer. It all equates.

They’re also eco-friendly. The fibre is sourced from sustainable eucalypt forests and made from the cellulose from the pulp of that wood. The closed loop process used to manufacture the fibre does not require bleach and contains no chlorine.

Who shops there?
Pauline Mathewson who owns Sotto e Sopra with business partner Christine Foden, is her own customer. She said: “When we thought about the need for the perfect simple top we always came to the same conclusion - they must be out there somewhere, but we just haven’t found them.

“Christine and I have both travelled extensively throughout the world. In fact I search every shop in every town whenever I get a chance – always on the lookout for the elusive top. Many cities later we concluded there is no range which accommodates the need for the elegant, simple, well finished top which can be worn with suits, jeans, under a jacket, under or over another top or by itself.”

Verdict:
Never out of fashion and always well fitting, these are investment pieces for all, for all seasons.