The characteristics that set a good item of clothing from a want-to-wear-this-every-day item of clothing is usually subtle. Perhaps it’s the weight of your favorite white tee, the length of your tried-and-true trousers or the compression on your go-to pair of leggings. The same goes for tank tops: The fit should be comfortable and flattering, and it should get bonus points if it looks good layered. You might have an entire drawer filled with tank tops, but if you don’t have a few that check those boxes, you haven’t found the best tank tops yet.
As we head into spring and summer, tank tops might just become your wardrobe’s warm-weather MVP. Try leaning into the early-aughts trend of low-rise, baggy trousers by pairing them with a longline ribbed tank and your favorite sneakers. Or swap out your usual cropped tee for a tank that hits just above the navel for a casual weekend look.
We reached out to more than a dozen fashion influencers, editors, creators and stylists to find out their absolute favorite tanks, and the results might surprise you. Not only is it possible to find one that’s affordable but some of the best tank tops on the market ring in at less than $15. Here are the best tank tops, including men’s styles, picks for working out and cropped styles.
Women’s tank tops
This simple Gap ribbed tank top is a staple for every wardrobe. The stretchy material is comfortable to wear on its own or under a sweater or jacket. The length hits right at the hip, so there is some extra material there if you prefer to tuck your tank into skirts and pants.
This Athleta muscle tank is a must-have staple for casual outfits. It can be layered under a jacket and looks great with sandals or sneakers. For extra comfort, the seamless material cuts down on chafing. Plus, it's made from recycled fabric.
“I love the curved hem on this tank,” says Rose Vandekerckhove, a digital creator living in LA. “And everything LNA makes is super soft and of the highest quality.” This tank also has a high neckline and a racerback.
“I love Madewell’s ’90s tank because it hugs the body just right and is a great staple to have in your wardrobe,” says Megan Adelaide Vega. Made from comfortable ribbed jersey material, this tank features a crew neckline and a slim fit.
Stephanie Arant is a fan of AG Jeans tank tops. She loves that the material of the brand’s tanks is soft yet thick and durable. She wears them under button-downs, but this simple tank top goes with almost everything. The strappy, scoop-neck style is reminiscent of ’90s fashion.
“I love the Universal Standard Roitfeld Tank because it has all the qualities of a classic rib tank and then some,” says Lauren Chan, model and Henning brand founder. “First, it’s made of luxe pima cotton with a tight knit, so it’s super soft and keeps its tension. Second, the arm holes are high, ensuring my bra is always covered. The neck is also a bit straighter than a typical white tank, making it a stronger silhouette, in my opinion.”
“I’ve been really into a more sheer fabrication for summer," says Alyssa Coscarelli, a digital creator in LA. She'll pair a light tank like this with "a trouser and a blazer or just a pair of denim shorts."
Workout tank tops
“I love the slim racerback cropped tank from Beyond Yoga because it’s supportive, the perfect length, super soft and comfy!” says Jessica Manning-Brose, a digital consultant living in LA. The back features a keyhole design, and it has a built-in shelf bra for additional support during your workout.
This versatile blank tank features the signature Nike swoosh on the front. It’s just slightly cropped so it can be paired with leggings or jeans. The stretchy jersey fabric is body hugging and comfortable for easy all day wear.
Sarah Larson Levy, the founder and CEO of Y7 Studio, says this tank is her favorite. Designed specifically to be worn during yoga, its flexible and comfortable enough to suit any workout, thanks to the fact that its breatheable and moisture wicking. It’s made from a super-soft material and features a built-in shelf bra for extra support.
“I love the quality, fit and material of LSpace,” says Meeka Hossain, a digital creator in LA. “Their bras are cute and supportive while working out but also double as a cute crop top when you’re not working out.”
“I love that this tank is like a bra and top in one,” Coscarelli says. “And it’s stylish enough for a coffee meeting after Pilates class.”
Godso says this one “is super cute for Pilates or yoga.” Made from a stretchy spandex and nylon fabric, its also moisture-wicking so it will keep you dry while you work out.
“This crop tank views performance through a fashion lens,” says Ardith Singh, the co-founder and chief design officer of Bandit. “This soft square neckline evokes a sense of personal style while supporting you through your run. The double-layer compression top moves with you while keeping you supported with a hidden shelf bra.”
Cropped tank tops
“I love how supportive and comfortable it is, yet you can pair it with any bottom for a trendy look,” says Lola Mack. This Babaton tank mimics the look of a corset and can be paired with high-waisted jeans. Meanwhile, the compressive fabric is meant to enhance your figure.
“This is a great cropped tank,” says fashion writer Leah Faye Cooper, who’s known for her collection of crop tops. “The double-layer fabric is soft and supportive (I sometimes size down and go braless), and it’s the ideal length — short enough to expose a few inches of midriff but not at all skimpy.”
Skims cotton ribbed tank top is stretchy and soft. With its slight crop it hits right at the waist, so it can still be tucked into skirts or high-waisted pants. The classic design features a simple scoop neck.
Vandekerckhove says she has this in three colors because she loves “that it’s only slightly cropped.” Santos agrees, calling it her current go-to “because of how great it is for layering. It’s super soft and thin, but that’s what makes it so perfect for wearing under my favorite cardigans, V-neck cashmere sweaters and around the house.”
Featuring a super-low V-neck back, this compression tank is also a great option for low-impact workouts. It can be paired with all your favorite athleisure ensembles, including leggings, skirts and shorts.
Men’s tank tops
Brett Westmoreland, a creative living in LA, calls Lululemon tank tops “light and breezy.” He appreciates the thin straps on the men’s styles, that “show off my shoulders and clavicle in a nice way.” Plus, the premium performance fabric is versatile and comfortable but doesn’t look sloppy, so he still feels like his best-dressed self when he wears the brand’s tanks.
“I love this cotton rib tank by Saturdays NYC,” says Temoc Gonzalez, a creative consultant in LA. “I have both Ivory and Black versions. The fit is relaxed, and I like that the fabric is not too heavy and breathable.”
NYC-based trainer Patrick McGrath loves this tank from LA-based line John Elliott. “It’s versatile enough to wear with jeans or cool shorts to go out or to stand out in the gym,” he says. “The wide-cut shoulder is flattering to accentuate shoulders and arms. I usually like to buy them somewhat oversized for a laidback look.”
There’s a reason why so many men’s stylists keep this Uniqlo tank in their kits. It’s universally flattering with the perfect ribbed fit, washes well and comes in sizes XXS to 3XL.