Details
The Step Top is a boxy throw-over in our lighter linen. Available in 2 sizes that can be worn by a range of different sized and shaped bodies, depending on the silhouette you like. Check the size guide for more details. In both cases, the back of the top is much longer, creating an interesting silhouette that teams well with your existing Layercakes and creates an unusual, elegant line.
It is one of those pieces that reinvigorates your wardrobe and encourages you to make new combinations with your existing outfits. Whether those are Layercakes or not, the Step Top will blend in perfectly with your style.
NOTE: the Chartreuse, Teal and Sweetpea Step Tops are shown worn with Teal Herringbone Baggies. Chartreuse and Teal are size Small, Sweetpea is size Large, giving an impression of the difference in length, drape, etc between the two sizes. The model shown is 5'6" and wearing a Small Black Step Top over a White Shirt and Black Gingham Playsuit.
For knitters: the Step Top was inspired by the Synergy Step Top, which has the same shape but comes with yarn and a pattern to knit the sleeves out of matching Layercake Linen yarn, with the option to knit a rectangular panel that can be added to the shorter front panel to lengthen it.
“MY CHOICE" colour requests and how to order them:
This option allows you to pick a Layercake Linen colour that is not standard for this garment. We will then make this garment in your choice of colour.
Please note: we are out of stock of Pinstripe and Violet, so please refrain from choosing either of those. Bitter Lime is back in stock!
To order:
If a certain fabric/size shows the "add to bag" option, then there are 2 possibilities:
1. We have some ready-made in stock (shown directly above the "add to bag" button).
2. It is a pre-order, i.e. we have to make it for you. If this is the case, you will be able to put it in your cart and order it, and you'll realise that we won't be able to ship immediately (pre-orders usually take between 2-4 weeks, up to 6 weeks during very busy times like Oct-Nov)
PLEASE NOTE: standard-sized made to order garments CAN be returned for a refund!
If you need an outfit for a special occasion, please contact me BEFORE placing your order to ensure it can be made and shipped to reach you in time.
If we have run out of stock AND fabric, it will show as "No longer available" and you will not be able to add it to your cart, it truly is all gone.
The Slow Wardrobe sizes
We follow our own sizing system, recognising that the traditional system of "ladies dress-sizes" does not account for body shape and height. See how The Slow Wardrobe sizes relate to body measurements HERE.
Joy Jacket/Jan Jacket/Duster/Step-top/Synergy Top/Gansey
These garments are designed to fit a very wide range of sizes and heights, from a UK size 10 to 28. Check these garment measurements to give you an idea of their dimensions.
| Garment |
Underarm* cm / in |
Armhole depth* cm / in |
Hips* cm / in |
Length front** cm / in |
Length back** cm / in |
| Joy Jacket | 81 / 32 | 31 / 12 | 81 / 32 |
74 / 29 |
68 / 27 |
| Jan Jacket | 83 / 32.5 | 28 / 11 | 89 / 35 | 98 / 38.5 | 90 / 35.5 |
| Duster - short | 74 / 29 | 31 / 12 | 83 / 32.5 | 64 / 25 | 84 / 33 |
| Duster - Medium | 74 / 29 | 31 / 12 | 83 / 32.5 | 82 / 32 | 102 / 40 |
| Duster - long | 74 / 29 | 31 / 12 | 83 / 32.5 | 100 / 39.5 | 120 / 47 |
| Step-top - Small | 74/29 | 33 / 13 | open | 56 / 22 | 71 / 28 |
| Step-top - Large | 84/33 | 37 / 14.5 | open | 64 / 25 | 79 / 31 |
| Synergy Top | 84/33 | 37 / 14.5 | open | 64 / 25 | 79 / 31 |
| Gansey - Small | 74/29 | 33 / 13 | open | 61 / 24 | 66 / 26 |
| Gansey - Large | 84/33 | 37 / 14.5 | open | 71 / 28 | 76 / 30 |
* measured with garment lying flat, so double this measurement for circumference
** measured from top of shoulder
Custom sizes
We do everything we can to be truly size-inclusive. We can highly individualise your Layercake, by adapting the standard fit and/or choosing a non-standard fabric/colour.
Find out more about this service HERE.
Linen Care & Washing Instructions
Every Layercake has washing labels sewn into them, usually in the left side-seam. All our linen is pre-shrunk, unless stated otherwise and can be machine-washed at 40º C and either line-dried or machine-dried. If you machine-dry them, take them out of the dryer as soon as it finishes and hang them up straightaway, then you will not have to iron them.
Our Linen
Linen is one of the world's strongest textiles and most sustainable fashion choices, creating zero waste as every part of the plant is used (for textiles and food). Our linen is all European grown, yarn-dyed and woven especially for us, then boil-washed to pre-shrink it.
Find out more about our linen.
Wearability
Linen is not only a Summer fabric, it is also a natural insulator, providing warmth when it is needed and offering the perfect base for a layered look, trapping air between the layers to keep you cozy year-round.