J.Crew: Metallic Pleated Cotton Strati Tank Review

This is J.Crew's Metallic Pleated Cotton Strati Tank (item #15695), which retails for $110. It is available in soft seashell, metallic khaki, and blueberry, and is numerically-sized. J.Crew describes the tank as such:

Layers of horizontal pleats add character and texture to this simple tank silhouette (not to mention the shimmering metallic cotton oxford that really makes it dazzle). Completely flattering with a classic fit—we love it dressed up or down. Sleeveless. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.

I tried this on in a size 2, in the soft seashell color. I usually take a size 0 or 2 in sleeveless tops, and I think tank fits fairly true-to-size. I tried the non-metallic tank in a size 0, and liked that fit a bit better, as it was slightly more fitted, but I think the size 2 works as well. I thought the 2 was a bit more comfortable, fit-wise, than the size 0, but I think a lot of it depends on how fitted you want the tank to be.

The fabric on this tank is a medium weight cotton tank, but it is a bit on the stiff side. The fabric itself is fairly stiff, and does not allow for much movement at all, if any. The metallic fabric itself is pretty light, but still does not move very well.

This tank has a side zipper, and it is a bit more fitted on the botttom, which I think lends itself to a little bit of fit problems. It was very difficult for me to get the tank on and off because there is no stretch in the fabric, and the bottom of the tank was more fitted than I would have liked.

As for the silhouette, the tank is fairly shapeless. It has a straight cut overall, and doesn't do much to define your waist. I personally don't like the shape around the bust. I think it makes me look pretty flat-chested, but a little bit bulky (in terms of overall shape) at the same time. I think most of this has to do with the cut of the tank in combination with the stiff fabric. As you can see from this side view, the armholes were a little long in the size 2.

I like the pattern itself, but I was just okay with the metallic color. The seashell color was a warm, muted neutral pink, and I think it worked very well with the metallic sheen of this tank. I don't think the tank is as shiny in real life as it appears in the model pictures, and I think you could easily dress this tank up or down, and that it would work with a wide variety of colors and outfits.

I left this tank behind because I thought the fit was a little weird. I prefer tops that are not a struggle to get in and out of, and this one was a little too much work for me. As pretty as the top is, I also just don't really see myself wearing it that often, and could not justify the price for this tank.

What do you think? Do you like this tank? Have you seen it or tried it on? Do you own it? Which color do you prefer it in? How do you find the sizing on this tank?