Fabric is soft/stretchy but not tissue-thin, more of a medium-to-heavy jerseyweight fabric. I got one in black for my daughter thinking it would make great concert attire (she's a cellist). She looks smashing in it. Absolutely, positively loverly, not that I'm biased or anything...I tried one on and it was not so immediately flattering. FWIW I'm stockier than she is - she's slender with a long neck and narrow shoulders. The neck is a little fussy for me, but again it looks great on her. Honestly I can't see it being a useful top while doing anything more athletic than sawing on a cello - seems like it would flop around - but a very nice piece to toss on afterwards. You could definitely dress it up and go out on the town.