Recommend a thin T-shirt for layering over tank?

[RedSuedeShoes]

My mom uniform has always been fitted t-shirts (s/s in summer, l/s in winter) with capris or jeans. Yesterday I finally saw a physical therapist for my abdominal separation and found out I will need to wear a splint (elastic band that wraps around my belly) for up to a year. The splint is more comfortable if you wear it over a tank. Now I need shirts that are not super-fitted and also are thin enough to be cool over all those other layers all summer long. I am petite and don't like a bunch of extra fabric so loose, flowy things aren't really me. Also, I don't wear sleeveless or low-cut shirts because I have dramatic scars I prefer to keep covered.

Anyone have suggestions for me?

Thanks!

[ilfaith]

Would a cami like this work as a layer underneath the splint? I'm thinking it would be more fitted than a regular tank top under a tee, and since it's snug, it might be less likely to bunch up under the splint.
http://www.express.com/sexy-stretch-v-neck-bra-cami-36113-266/control/page/37/show/3/index.pro

As far as lightweight tees, I've seen some at Loft that were nice, somewhere between fitted and loose...
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=30341&N=1200005+3000004&categoryId=204&Nty=1&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_204&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Lemon%20Drop&defaultSizeType=Regular

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=30544&N=1200005+3000004&categoryId=204&Nty=1&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_204&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Shimmer%20Pink&defaultSizeType=Regular

The lighter and thinner the fabric, I imagine the more likely the splint is to show. I know Target's usually has tissue tees (Mossimo brand, I think), but I find I can't even wear a lace bra underneath without looking lumpy. J Crew has some nice looking lightweight tees (with names like "finespun," "whisper," and "featherknit" at least they sound light).

[ray7694]

I would buy a thin athletic tank with moisture wicking. I think it would be best to try on tops with the tank under so you can see how it looks. Good luck!

[DrSally]

The Land's end Canvas v-neck t's are quite light and a somewhat loose, but also not boxy. I have both of these, but I think I like the first one better (it's a slub fabric):
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/DeepVneckTee~216085_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IVO&CM_MERCH=canvas-search-_-v-neck+t-shirt&origin=search
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/OpenSeamVneck~212082_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::PSK&CM_MERCH=canvas-search-_-v-neck+t-shirt&origin=search

This one looks like it might be a bit looser and is short sleeved:
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/BoyfriendVneckPocketTee~203253_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IQ2&CM_MERCH=canvas-search-_-v-neck+t-shirt&origin=search

[firemama]

I just got a few from Old Navy, and you can't beat the price! I tend to find both tight fitting and loose fitting at Old Navy. I'm sure there is something you can find.

Henley (http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55404&vid=1&pid=840423&scid=840423012)

Tees (http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55405&vid=1&pid=752690)

If you have an Old Navy nearby, I'm sure you'll find a good selection. Online under tees and polos, there are a lot! Good luck!

[mackmama]

Michael Stars has some great t-shirts that I think would hide your splint well and keep you cool.

[RedSuedeShoes]

Oh, thanks, everyone! It looks like there are lots of good options. I found a few things in my stash of summer clothes from last year that will probably work, and I've ordered a few things now to try. Now my physical therapist says my abs are in such bad shape that I need to wear two splints for a year - one on the bottom and one on the top. So I am wrapped in heavy elastic from the top of my underwear to the bottom of my bra! Yikes. Now I am thinking of just sticking with white tanks (the splints are white also) and shirts made of very lightweight fabric in light colors that are looser under the boobs. I've seen a few at Loft, I think, and other places, too. Also, I'm thinking that skirts and dresses may be cooler so that could help. Funny, because I never wear white and never wear dresses and always prefer fitted clothes rather than loose. Oh well, it's good to try new things, right? And if it heals my tummy, I don't care what I have to wear! So worth it.

Thanks again.

[DrSally]

Hopefully once you get through the summer, the winter will be a lot easier with sweaters and such. I've actually never heard of wearing a splint, but I don't know that much about it. Does she have you doing exercises too?

[RedSuedeShoes]

Yes, I think dressing the top part of me will be much easier in the winter. Not sure yet what I'll do about the bottom part then because I've discovered that jeans are not so great with the splint.

And yes, I am definitely doing exercises, too. She's trained in the Tupler Technique to resolve diastasis recti (separation of the rectus muscles, which run up & down on either side of your belly button). They are separated to some degree in 98% of women (in the U.S.) who've been pregnant! The connective tissue between the muscles stays stretched out and thinned after the pregnancy ends. And it can cause all kinds of problems - back pain, leaking urine with sneezing/coughing, "mummy tummy" that just won't go away no matter how much you exercise, etc. Unfortunately, most of the exercises we think will help (sit-ups, crunches, Pilates) make it worse. Most people (doctors and PTs included) don't know about it, or don't know what to do for it, or think surgery is the only option. The Tupler technique uses exercises to rehab the muscles and a splint to help heal the connective tissue. My diastasis is bad, and got worse over time because I didn't know what to do about it. I am sooo glad to have found someone who knows how to heal it!

OK, sorry for the lecture. I think I am going to become a crusader for this issue! I am just so excited to finally feel hopeful about it.

Thanks again for your help.

[candaceb]

I just got a couple of Merona Ultimate T's from Target for layering over nursing tanks and I really like them. They are usually $7-8 but I found a couple on clearance for $5.60 and then there was a coupon on Target.com for $2 off a shirt.