Tank tops are not as basic as they look. They are the epitome of summer and they can tweak your wardrobe instantly. Whether you need something neutral for your luxe pants or an easy layer, tank tops are versatile and create symphony to most outfit compositions.
Aside from being a summer staple, tank tops add to a capsule wardrobe and create a simple system for any style. But finding the right tailored piece can come with trial and error, and we ask two experts to weigh in on do's and don'ts when wearing this must-have garment. Also, tank tops can add variety to many looks or de-escalate loud pieces. Scroll below for some of our editor-approved tank tops and experts' recommendations.
How can I style a tank top? | Features to look for | Editor-approved tank tops | Expert-approved tank tops | How we chose | Meet the experts
How can I style a tank top
According to personal stylist Cassandra Sethi, tank tops are essential pieces for every woman's wardrobe, "meaning it should be there year-round."
"In the warmer months, you can wear on its own and in the cooler months, you can opt to wear it underneath a blazer or sweater," says Sethi.
Basically, tank tops can be dressed up or down and worn from "casual to dressy since they are one of the most versatile pieces in your closet," says fashion stylist Victoria Hathaway.
- Accessorize: Remember to accessorize since this is a fairly simple outfit (think boots, kitten heels, pop of color with a purse, chunky jewelry, belt, sunnies etc.)," says Hathaway.
- Monochromatic looks: "Just like the suggestion above, these are more fun when accessorized or played with size, texture or color."
- Layer: Hathaway says tank tops are "great layering pieces to wear under blazers, jackets, button-ups, vests and corsets, dresses — you name it! One of my personal favorites is the sweater-over-shoulder-look."
Features to look for when choosing the right tank top
Every wardrobe essential, including tank tops, deserves great construction and design. Hathaway recommends opting for cuts and fabrics that will stand the test of time. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a tank top:
- Shape: You must figure out what shape of tank top works best for your body type. Also, Sethi advises choosing tops with a wider strap if you decide to wear a T-shirt bra.
- Fabric: "Not all fabrics are created equal and white tanks tend to be semi-sheer. Cotton and linen are more breathable and comfortable in the summer heat, while polyester blends can provide a more structured look," says Hathaway.
- Color: "This should compliment your skin tone and features," says Hathaway.
Best tank tops for women, approved by editors
Easy to pair: American Eagle Boyfriend Scoop Tank Top
- Very comfortable
- Form-fitting
- Pilling after a few washes
Size: XXS-XL | Colors: 6 | Material: 57% cotton, 38% recycled polyester, 5% elastane
Production coordinator Camryn Privette has found many ways to style this affordable basic. "This has been my go-to summer tank so far. (They’re on sale right now for under $10!!!) I love it because it’s lightweight but not see-through and has a great relaxed fit. I pair it with jean shorts to run errands or my sweats if I’m chilling at home," adds Privette.
Whether you go to the gym or the supermarket, this is a one-and-done top to keep in your wardrobe.
All-over classic: Hanes Originals Women's Cotton Ribbed Tank
- Feels super soft
- Comes in multiple colors
- Wash in cold water
Size: XS-2XL | Colors: 5 | Material: 100% cotton
You can never go wrong with original basics from Hanes. "This tank is a summer outfit staple for me, because it pairs so well with virtually any bottoms I own, from skirts and shorts to jeans and overalls. Plus, this style is so soft and layers seamlessly with a racerback bra," says production associate, Audrey Eckman who suggests stocking up in every possible hue.
Sweat-proof: Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra
- Built-in bra
- Do not dry clean
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 7 | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Associate editors Kamari Stewart and Shannon Garlin are fans of this Uniqlo tank top for its built-in bra. "It’s so comfy, perfect for spring/summer and I love to just throw it on and go," says Stewart.
As for Garlin, who owns three of these tops, she stands by this design for its supportive and comfortable qualities. "I’m a 34C and the size small fits me perfectly. I wear it with bike shorts around my apartment or running quick errands, I wear it to a barre class, with a pair of shorts, and I even wear it to work! I pair a black or white one with trousers or dark jeans and add a blazer," she adds.
Everyday necessity: Los Angeles Apparel Sleeveless Boatneck Top
- More fitted design
- Flattering cut
- Runs big
Size: XS-L | Colors: 3 | Material: 100% cotton
Editorial assistant Erica Marrison loves this tank top for its inexpensive price tag and fabric longevity. "I had been eyeing ‘90s-style tank tops with wide straps and boat necks for a while, but all of the ones I was finding online were super expensive," says Marrison.
This style ended up being a perfect fit for her after she ordered it. "I’ve been wearing it multiple times a week all spring! I own it in white, but plan on getting the navy and black, too. I especially love that I can wear a standard bra underneath without the straps showing," adds Marrison.
Tailored to perfection: Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Tuckable High Scoopneck
- Bodysuit feel
- Fitted design
- Can run small
Size: XXS-XL | Colors: 4 | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
I [Espinal] am looking forward to testing this tank top from Abercrombie. I recently tried their T-shirt and it has a nice texture with a relaxed design. This top has more of a fitted look and bodysuit-like construction that makes it easy to pair with high-waisted pants. Plus, the ribbed details add a slim-fitting effect to the piece, which is not so basic.
Extra breathable: Buck Mason Surplus Rib Tank
- Very breathable
- Fitted construction
- Need a strapless bra
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 10 | Material: 90% cotton, 10% spandex
This basic tank from Buck Mason is a transitional piece you can wear underneath your shirts, blazers and even swimwear. The top is made of a stretchy cotton fabric that is breathable enough, but the most innovative feature is the built-in bra clips to hold your straps in place.
I [Espinal] own this style in three different colors and love the simplicity and tailoring of the design. It hugs your curves, feels lightweight and sturdy enough to take on sweat when the weather gets hotter.
Coastal chic: Buck Mason Coastal Linen Pointelle Scoop Neck Tank
- Breathable
- Very lightweight
- Needs a strapless bra
Size: XS-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: Jersey knit from cotton/linen
I [Espinal] wore this tank top to the office and felt fresh all day long. The top is breathable, lightweight and well-constructed. It features rib stitches and scallop trim edges that elevate the basic design. Also, this top is my favorite when I want to wear fancier bottoms and slacks. Plus, it adds a coastal element to my city dweller-looks I tend to wear from 9 to 5.
Best tank tops for women, according to experts
Good value: Artfish Scoop Neck Tank Top
- Material is thick
- Not see-through
- Tag is on the side
Size: XS-L | Colors: 17 | Material: 92% rayon, 8% spandex
Hathaway recommends this tank top for its affordability and color availability. While this style is cropped, the tank is fitted and offers a fitted look that pairs well with high-waisted pants and denim.
According to reviewers, this top is stretchy, flattering and comfortable enough. "This crop sits just below my belly button which is perfect for me. Most crops are too short. This one is absolute perfection," says one verified shopper.
Casual whisper: Madewell Whisper Cotton Scoopneck Tank Top
- Breathable
- Feels lightweight
- Not form-fitting
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 2 | Material: 100% cotton
Sethi opts for this easy-to-style tank top with a laidback silhouette and lightweight fabric. This one is a casual basic that looks better tucked in since it falls on the hips. The hem features a curve and the arm openings are wider than other iterations. So, if you need something easy yet breathable, this will add an easy addition to your warm-weather wardrobe.
Baring the skin: Aritzia Butter Tumbler Tank
- Moisture-wicking
- Thick straps
- Tends to rise up
Size: 2XS-XL | Colors: 6 | Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
This is another tank top choice from Hathaway for its sweat-wicking properties. With multiple colors and sizes available, this top adds versatility to your bottom pieces. Customers also love this tank top for its thicker straps, elasticity and ability to adjust. Plus, if you want to upgrade your neutral pieces, this one is a must-shop.
Subtle elegance: Reformation Dusk Knit Top
- Form-fitting
- Very stretchy
- Non-adjustable straps
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 7 | Material: 88% organic cotton, 12% spandex
Hathaway says this tank top is a "perfect transition piece from office to a night out in town". The design comes in multiple neutral hues and features a lighter-weight fabric that is stretchy and breathable.
Whether you're looking for what to wear for a job interview or need a basic piece to pair with denim, this top is a great choice. Its form-fitting silhouette will look smooth when tucked in or worn out.
Double trouble: Dissh Jude Off White Sleeveless Layer Top
- Stretchy material
- Breathable
- Slimmer fit
- Slightly sheer
Size: XS-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: 65% cotton, 35% polyester
For a layered look, Hathaway recommends this top from Dissh. While this offers more sheerness, the top offers an elevated design to the basic look. It features two different necklines and strap styles which adds juxtaposition.
Pair it with slacks or colorful pants to add boldness to your outfit. We promise this will be a conversation-starter piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, you need to explore which tank tops work best for your body type. However, Hathaway suggests looking for tank tops that "align well with your shoulders, are snug across the chest and a little looser in the body with the length ending around your waistline."
With so many tank top iterations and shapes to choose from, it's important to notice which part of the body you want to accentuate.
For example, "If you're an hourglass shape, opt for V-neck or scoop necklines. If you're apple-shaped, try a flared tank top that helps create shape and draw the eye down to the hips," says Hathaway.
There are many different bras you can wear underneath a tank top. Sethi suggests wearing a nude color bra as it'll be invisible underneath the tank. As for shape, Hathaway recommends the following styles:
- Bandeau: "Its soft and stretchy fabric and no clasps/wires provide all-day comfort. This is ideal for A-B cup sizes because it doesn't have an underwire or additional support."
- Racerback: "Great for any tank top with a narrow shoulder profile or athletic cut. These are suitable for any body shape and breast size."
- Invisible bra: "Like this one from Everlane, it usually has triangle cups that expose a bit of cleavage. Perfect for a low-cut tank and it's wire-free!"
- Demi bra: "This sits lower on your chest, making it ideal for scoop-neck tanks.:
- Sticky bra: "It's hypoallergenic, washable, reusable and comes in cup sizes A-G with different skin tones/colors."
How we chose
We asked the experts to share their recommendations and selected those based on price, quality and availability. Also, our Shop TODAY editors provided some favorite tank tops that have been tested and worn regularly.
Meet the experts
- Victoria Hathaway is a Florida-based fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant.
- Cassandra Sethi is the founder and personal stylist at Next Level Wardrobe, a company focused on helping her clients build a work wardrobe.
