Sun’s Out, Guns Out: The Best Tank Tops for Men to Wear This Summer

You’d never think that a men’s tank top could be high fashion, but it was all over the Spring 2020 menswear fashion shows. Dries Van Noten, Rick Owens, Prada, JordanLuca and other designers re-imagined, re-engineered and re-cut the essential summer staple. There were men’s tank tops cropped up to the armpits, oversized tank tops that could double as a pup tent, as well as shimmery and bedazzled styles that your grandma would love. The CUT called that crop (pardon the pun) of tanks,  the “male going – out top.”

Of course, when the average guy is going out, he’s not looking for a shimmery shirt cropped above his belly button. Despite what we may have seen on the runway, this summer the best tank tops for men are more likely to come from Quicksilver or Lululemon than Prada. There’s always been a runway vs. reality debate when it comes to clothing and trends. Let’s be honest, in real life, we dress for comfort. We dress for the weather, and we only dress up when we really have to. So when it comes time to pick the best men’s t-shirts or tank tops, we prioritize comfort and price over high fashion.

The best tank tops for men are the ones you can take to the beach and then toss in the wash. In this post, we’ll share our favorite men’s tank tops for the summer season, plus give you some tips for dressing up this classic beach look.

How To Style the Best Men’s Tank Tops

If you want to rock the “new new” looks of the season with your men’s tank top collection, there are easy ways to show off your sophisticated fashion sense without sacrificing comfort or your budget. This summer, the most stylish men’s tank tops feature lively prints like those seen in various Spring 2020 menswear collections. Look for men’s tank tops in designer-inspired Hawaiian, abstract, tie-dye, floral,  stripes and leopard prints. Bright neon hues were also a big runway trend (because the 80s will never die), so wearing jeans or shorts with a men’s tank top in a bright shade can show off your cool.

For guys that want to try an oversized tank similar to Prada’s, with a few tweaks, you can avoid looking like you’re wearing your dad’s hand-me-downs. Here’s a proportion trick to use so you never look sloppy; when wearing something loose, pair it with a well-fitted item. Try the oversized tank with slim-fit or skinny jeans. Tuck in the edge of the top into one side of the waistband, and let the other front side fall loosely over the waistband.

You can also wear tank tops as an undershirt to pull off another classic look. Simply wear an unbuttoned button-down shirt over a tank top and pair it with chinos or jeans. It’s work-friendly, and you can peel off (or not) the top layer when you hit happy hour. For a more polished look and bolder, pair a tank and jeans combo with a blazer.

The most important thing when shopping for the best men’s tank tops is choosing the fabric wisely. Any fabric that doesn’t breathe (polyester, silk, rayon and some cotton blends) is going to leave you a sweaty mess. If you’re hitting the beach, amusement park or having brunch al fresco, the last thing you want is a shirt that sticks to your skin.

Speaking of all the cool men’s summer tanks you can add to your collection, scroll through to find the best men’s tank tops for sale right now.

1. Best Tank Top for Men — Topman Tie Dye Whitney Tank Top

This is the trifecta of modern men’s tank tops. This shirt sits squarely at the intersection of several fashion trends — 90s nostalgia, tie-dye and a looser fit. This men’s tank from TOPMAN features an oversized silhouette and a light tie-dye print. Then, of course, there’s icon Whitney Houston on the front. Everything 80s and 90s is big again, which makes this the perfect tank top for your next trip to the beach.

2. Carhartt WIP Chase Logo Tank Top for Men

RUNNER UP

Carhartt WIP (Work in Progress) is an offshoot of Carhartt Workwear. The brand has a rep for being well made, comfortable and durable. This cotton jersey tank with its discreet embroidered logo goes with everything from the office to the hiking trail. While a lot of the shirts below feature fun prints, sometimes the best tank tops for men keep things as simple as possible.

3. LRG Research Collection Men’s Tank Top

BEST STREETWEAR

California based LRG’s design philosophy is to make high-quality gear that’s got an accessible price tag. This graphic print tank top is made from soft and durable cotton jersey. It also comes in gray and navy. It’s easy to wear with board shorts or jeans.

4. Old Navy Graphic Soft-Washed Men’s Tank Top

BEST BARGAIN

Don’t write off Old Navy! The brand still makes great basics for everyday wear. This tank has a bar of abstract tropical leaves across the front, with a colorway that’s ideal for summer. This semi-tropical graphic print is a low-key way to dip your toe into a trend. There are a few other prints to choose from, but the best part? This men’s tank top only costs $10.

5. All Saints Leon Sleeveless Crew T-Shirt

BEST FASHION FORWARD

If you want to get fancy schmancy, you can call a tank top a sleeveless t-shirt. This leopard print tank (yep, we’re calling it one), is made from breathable cotton and could do well paired with distressed jeans or black shorts.

6. Koloa Surf Co. Tie-Dye Tank Tops

BEST TIE-DYE TANK TOP

Looking for a tank that can kick back at the beach? Koloa Surf Co.’s got your back. You don’t need a long board to enjoy it. This classic summer tank top comes in five different tie-dye patterns.

7. Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Muscle Tank Top

BEST ODOR ELIMINATOR

Why do we think this is one of the best tank tops for men ever? Besides the anti-stink tech?  Well, if you wear tank tops to work out, this tonal camo print muscle tank has vents for extra breathability, doesn’t chafe and also looks great outside the gym. Plus, we’re suckers for Lululemon men’s activewear.

8. Quicksilver Infinite John Tank Top

BEST UNDERSTAND LOGO

This surfer lifestyle brand also creates unobtrusive logo items like this striped tank that can be worn on the beach and in the (very casual) office.

9. Zara Irregular Textured Printed Tank Top

BEST CONVERSATION STARTER

You’ll like the versatility of this printed tank top because it matches everything you own. And what makes this one of the best tank tops for men is the print’s an ice-breaker. Some may see dinosaurs, other clouds, the print could get people talking.

10. Champion Life Graphic Tank Top

BEST RETRO

Champion’s been making workout wear since 1919. But this tank isn’t only for the gym, it’s also for whatever’s else is on your calendar. It comes in 11 different colorways so you can match it to your style.

11. Vans Hilby Trap Floral Navy Tank Top

BEST HAWAIIAN

This floral print one-pocket tank top won’t overpower your look, and it’s made by the granddaddy of skater brands. The color combination will pair easily with your favorite denim, athletic shorts or board shorts.

12. Amazon Basics Men’s Tank Tops

BEST BASIC TANK

If you’re looking for an everyday tank to wear to the gym or while working from home, then Amazon Basics has an affordable option. This athletic tank top is made from a nylon-polyester blend to keep you cool and comfortable. Plus, it comes in a variety of neutral masculine colors. Available for just $15 from Amazon Prime, you can buy four and stock up your closet for summer.

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