Black long-sleeve top with a mesh-front lurex panel that catches light the way no plain knit ever will

The piece

A black long-sleeve top featuring an open-weave or perforated mesh front panel with lurex shimmer threads woven through, set against plain knit sleeves and a plain knit back. The contrast between the mesh-front panel and the solid knit sleeves creates a deliberate visual layering effect — the front sparkles selectively under light while the sides and back read as clean, understated black. From EGI Exclusive Collections, brought to market with Italian garment production standards in the weave quality and construction finish. The top is designed to be worn tucked or loose, as a standalone piece or as a layering foundation under structured outerwear.

Who it's for

Women who want shimmer in their wardrobe but want it to read as textile craft rather than decoration. The lurex woven into the mesh front panel is a functional element of the fabric construction rather than an applied surface treatment — it does not flake, peel, or diminish with washing, and it activates selectively depending on the light angle rather than glittering uniformly. If you are drawn to pieces that reward closer inspection, that look one way in morning light and completely different under evening indoor lighting, and that function simultaneously as a casual daywear layer and a dressed-up evening top depending on how they are styled, this is the piece. The EGI label and Italian production history suggest customers who prioritise quality construction and longevity over disposable fashion turnover.

Closer look

• Black base throughout — uniform dark background that makes the lurex shimmer stand out without distraction
• Open-weave or perforated mesh front panel — the primary visual feature; distinct from the solid knit sleeves and back
• Lurex thread woven through the front panel — creates point-source shimmer that activates under light without uniform glitter coverage
• Plain knit long sleeves — clean, unfussy; allows the front panel to be the sole visual statement of the piece
• Plain knit back — the back of the top is simple, dark, and unadorned; the front carries all the design detail
• Long sleeve length — falls to the wrist cleanly; suitable for cooler weather as a standalone layer
• Flexible styling — works tucked in or worn loose over trousers, skirts, or jeans

Fabric & feel

The front panel mesh is an open-weave construction with lurex thread integrated into the weave structure — not applied as a finish or coating. This is important for durability: woven-in lurex retains its shimmer properties through repeated washing and wear, whereas surface-applied metallic effects degrade quickly. The mesh has a slightly open texture at the front which creates a different visual and tactile quality from the solid knit sleeves — the front reads as lighter and more textured while the sleeves read as smooth and structured. The overall top weight is medium — warm enough for interior wear in cooler months, comfortable enough to wear as a layer under outerwear without adding significant bulk. The construction quality at the seam between the mesh front panel and the solid knit sleeves is a reliable indicator of EGI's Italian production standards: the join is clean and flat, without puckering or visible tension at the panel edges.

Fit & silhouette

The top follows a close-to-body fit through the chest and torso with long sleeves that sit cleanly at the wrist. The fit is not body-con tight but close enough that it sits smoothly under a blazer or structured jacket without adding bulk. The front mesh panel runs the full length of the torso from the neckline to the hem, making the shimmer a continuous front element rather than a panel insert at the chest only. Order your usual size. The fabric has some stretch accommodation so half-sizes fit comfortably in the nearest whole size. For layering under tight-fitting outerwear, your usual size works without difficulty.

Styling

First pairing: tuck into high-waisted tailored black trousers and layer a long camel or charcoal blazer over the top, worn open. The mesh-front lurex panel is visible between the blazer lapels and at the hem where the top is tucked — a deliberate fashion layering technique that exposes the shimmer selectively. Add pointed-toe ankle boots and small gold earrings. This combination bridges smart-casual and evening territory effectively and works from a late-afternoon work commitment through to dinner without changing.

Second pairing: wear the top loose, untucked, over slim-fit black leather-look trousers. The contrast between the textured mesh front and the sleek faux-leather bottom reads as contemporary and directional without requiring complex accessorising. Add platform black ankle boots and keep jewellery minimal — a single stacking ring or thin chain bracelet is enough. This combination works for creative industry settings, evening social occasions, and fashion-forward casual environments.

Third pairing: layer under a structured long-line coat in a warm neutral — camel, cream, or sand — with the coat worn closed and the mesh front visible at the open collar as the top peeks above the coat neckline. The lurex shimmer at the neckline provides a dressed-up quality to what is otherwise a practical winter coat outfit. Finish with leather gloves and ankle boots.

Occasions

Evening occasions where a shimmer element is appropriate but a sequin garment would be excessive. Creative professional environments where expressive personal style is standard and expected. Smart-casual social events where a plain black top would be too safe and a fully embellished piece would be too much. Occasions where you will be photographed under a range of lighting conditions — the lurex performs well under event lighting, evening restaurant light, and daylight flash photography. Any situation where you want one top to carry you from a daytime work context into an evening social one without requiring a wardrobe change.

Care

Hand wash in cool water using a detergent formulated for delicate or mixed-fabric garments. The lurex thread is woven through the mesh and is durable under gentle washing conditions, but machine washing with agitation and spin cycles can cause the open-weave mesh to distort and the lurex threads to pull or snag on adjacent fabrics in the load. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat on a clean towel to reshape and dry naturally. Do not tumble dry and do not iron directly over the mesh-front panel. If the sleeves or back need pressing, iron on a low heat setting with a pressing cloth and work on those areas only. Store folded or loosely rolled in a drawer rather than hung, to prevent the fabric from stretching at the shoulder points.

Wow detail

The front-back material contrast — mesh-with-lurex at the front, plain knit at the sleeves and back — is a construction decision that creates directional dressing from a single wearable garment. Depending on your position and the direction of the light source, the same person in the same top looks completely different. Standing still in a well-lit space facing toward the light source, the lurex front activates fully and the top reads as a statement piece. From the side or from behind, the plain dark knit reads as a minimal, understated layer. That dual character — statement from the front, minimal from every other angle — is difficult to engineer in a single piece of clothing and is not something that accidental fabric selection achieves. It is the result of deliberate design thinking applied at the level of fabric specification and panel placement.

Conscious fashion

5% of every WowStore order funds a cause you choose — clean water, education, or healthcare.

Promise

This EGI mesh-front lurex long-sleeve top ships with free EU delivery on orders over €69. Our 30-day returns policy means you can try it at home and return it simply if the fit or finish is not right for you.