I Found My Favorite Tank Tops
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I am a self-proclaimed tank-top devotee. I wear tank tops in every way possible for almost any occasion that doesn’t have a formal dress code. Our fashion director believes the best tank tops are one of the building blocks of a wardrobe, and so do I. You can dress them up, dress them down, or layer them under button-downs, blouses, and blazers. You get the idea.
But what makes a good tank top besides just looking good or fitting your budget? Is it sheer? Is it comfortable? Can I wear a bra with it if I want to? In pursuit of the best tank tops on the market, I’ve tried more than my closet can hold. Here are the current 19 that are comfortable, reasonably priced, versatile, and perfect for all your upcoming summer looks.
SO, YOU NEED A NEW TANK TOP?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ Our experts
Our top picks:
The Most Affordable Tank Top
A New Day Women’s Ribbed Tank Top
Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: 25 | Materials: Cotton, modal, spandex
You’re missing out if you aren’t browsing Target’s in-house lines next time you’re in the store. Besides the occasional viral jean or dress, they also have decent basics. This ribbed tank is somewhat sheer but super-affordable and comes in a range of colors and sizes up to 4X.
The Best Affordable Tank Top
Madewell Brightside Crop Tank
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: Six; materials: cotton, elastane
This was a favorite from the moment I put it on in the Madewell fitting room. For one, it’s so stretchy you don’t have to worry about getting makeup on it and you don’t have to struggle putting it on or taking it off. It’s comfortable, and the straps are thick enough for a bra if you want to wear one. I own only the black one, but I have tried the white one and it’s pretty sheer, if you’re trying to avoid that.
The Most Versatile Tank Top
Orseund Iris Basic Tank
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: two | Material: cotton
No, it’s not inside out. The brand’s viral tank can really be worn any way you please. In terms of sizing, you’ll want to get the right one since this top isn’t as stretchy. However, its form-fitting shape makes it easier to wear without a bra, which is good because the silhouette doesn’t really allow for any kind of undergarment.
The One to Buy in Bulk
Hanes Boys’ White Tanks, 5-Pack
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: one | Materials: cotton, polyester
The fashion girl’s biggest secret is the under-$10 tank top. Frequently purchased by deputy style editor Joanna Nikas and by models off-duty, these tanks are stretchy but not too thin, slightly sheer, and easily cropped.
The Multitasking Tank Top
Dissh Theo Tank Top
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: three | Material: cotton
All of these tanks can be worn with your favorite outfits or as loungewear. This tank, however, recommended by senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves, is the ultimate multitasker. Made of 100 percent cotton and not sheer, the low-scoop tank looks just as good dressed up as it does with more casual looks around the house.
The Softest Tank Top
Silk Laundry Ribbed Tank
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 25 | Material: silk
How could a tank top be more comfortable? Make it a silk one. Recommended by fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware, this luxe ribbed tank is 100 percent silk, supersoft, and just as versatile as your go-to basic.
The Stylist’s Choice
Good American Micro Rib Crewneck Tank
Sizes: XS–5XL | Colors: 25 | Material: cotton
Fashion director Jessica Willis has already walked us through ways to style this closet essential, and this one from Good American is one of her favorites. The comfortable, flattering tank has thin straps and shows off just enough skin.
Another Affordable Favorite
Uniqlo Soft Ribbed Tank Top
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: six | Materials: cotton, rayon, spandex
Uniqlo should be your first stop for easy basics like this ribbed tank. As described by the name, the tank is soft, thick, and has some stretch. It’s meant to fit looser, but you can definitely size down if you want something more formfitting. At just under $20, you can get one in every color (six total) for summer.
The One Worth the Splurge
Éterne High-Neck Fitted Tank
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: six | Materials: cotton, modal, spandex
This perfectly fitted tank is a favorite of shopping writer and editor Hanna Flanagan. Made of a blend of soft cotton and modal, the flattering tank is a “thick material that feels supportive and holds its shape throughout the day,” she assures.
More tried-and-true options:
The Best Tank Top
H&M Ribbed Tank Top
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: four | Materials: cotton, spandex
H&M can be hit-or-miss, especially online, where you can’t check the quality beforehand. Fortunately for you (and me), this tank top I ordered is indeed a hit. It has thicker straps, but it’s still stretchy enough.
The Most Comfortable Tank Top
Cou Cou Intimates Cropped Pointelle Lace-Trim Cami
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: four |
Material: Organic cotton
This is technically a camisole, but regardless, it wins the award for being most comfortable, with its barely there, light-and-airy fabric. Cou Cou’s pieces are 100 percent organic cotton, which is typically not as stretchy as some of the blends with nylon, so I sized up. You’ll get a looser fit but one with enough room to wear a bra.
The Most Formfitting Tank Top
Tankair Studio Tank
Sizes: XXS–XXXL | Colors: five | Materials: polyester, spandex
When I tried this tank top, it was pretty easy to see what the hype was about and why the price is worth it. This top is tight but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. You can skip a bra and wear this on its own or layer it under your garment of choice.
The Fanciest Tank Top
Modern Citizen Esme Sleeveless Slit-Neck Tank
Sizes: XS–1X | Colors: three | Materials: viscose, spandex
Sometimes tank tops feel a little too casual. This option from Modern Citizen is a happy medium. It’s super-lightweight and soft, and it drapes in a way that makes it look dressier than your average tank top. You could wear this to the office with dress pants or skirts.
The Best Tank Top With a Bra
Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: six | Materials: cotton, spandex, polyester
Uniqlo is a pretty good place to start for tank tops. Plus, it’s on the affordable side. If you want something not see-through, I recommend this one with a built-in bra and racerback shape. The semi-attached bra fits comfortably without moving, and since the cups are dense, they’re not see-through.
If You Want Options
Flore Flore Esme Tank
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 18 | Material: organic cotton
I love a classic white tank, and every other one I own is black. But if you love some color every now and then, Flore Flore has tons of options. This fitted tank comes in shades of pink, purple, green, and, of course, your classic neutrals.
The One That’s Work Appropriate
Abercrombie Essential Tuckable High Scoopneck Rib Tank
Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: two | Materials: cotton, elastane
Abercrombie offers a handful of tanks from full-length to cropped. This one in particular is pretty thick but still has enough stretch. What I like most is how wide the straps are and how high the neckline is. You can wear a bra with it and pair it with trousers and blazers for work.
The Shaping Tank Top
Aritzia Contour Squareneck Hip Tank
Sizes: 2XS–2XL | Colors: five | Materials: nylon, spandex
Aritzia’s Contour range gets a lot of hype, and it’s well deserved. Some of my most-worn pieces are from this smoothing line. This tank is double layered and stretchy but still formfitting enough that you can skip wearing a bra. I like this one because it’s a little long and the square neckline can easily be dressed up.
The Stretchiest Tank Top
Local European Ribbed Tank
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: one | Materials: modal, spandex
Instead of cotton, this ribbed tank is made of a stretchy combination of modal and spandex, so it’s slightly looser and lightweight but still hugs your form without being too tight. It is on the sheer side, but it’s definitely one of my new favorites for everyday wear for the material alone.
Another Stretchy Option
Everlane The Supima Micro-Rib Racerback Tank
Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: five | Materials: Supima cotton, elastane
Everlane’s basics are always solid, and this racerback tank is no different. I love the simple but chic silhouette and the material, a blend of Supima cotton and elastane, which makes it super stretchy and lightweight.
Our experts: