Tank tops are loved for their versatility, comfort, and style, making them a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. These versatile tops offer everything you need to add a distinctive touch to your everyday outfits. Whether you’re hitting the gym, strolling on the beach, or creating a trendy streetwear look, there’s a tank top for every occasion.
What is a Tank Top?
A tank top is a sleeveless shirt with wide armholes and neck openings, originally inspired by the one-piece swimsuits known as “tank suits” from the early 20th century. Over the decades, it has evolved significantly.
Initially popular in the 1930s and 1940s as athletic wear due to its comfort and freedom of movement, the tank top became associated with casual, laid-back styles and various subcultures, including fitness enthusiasts, by the 1970s and 80s.
Today, tank tops are a versatile wardrobe essential, usually made from breathable fabrics like cotton, polyester, or blends to meet various casual and athletic needs.
20 Common Tank Tops
With so many types of tank tops available, choosing the best option can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide exploring 20 common tank top styles, so you can understand their features and when to wear them.
1. Basic Tank Top
The basic tank top is a timeless piece characterized by its simple design and classic cut. Typically made from cotton or cotton blends, it’s perfect for everyday wear.
Its minimalist design makes it ideal for layering under jackets or sweaters, or wearing solo in warmer weather. Basic tank tops come in a range of colors, making them easy to mix and match with your wardrobe.
2. Ribbed Tank Top
Ribbed tank tops are known for their textured ribbed fabric, featuring raised parallel ridges or vertical “ribs.” This ribbed pattern is created through knitting, giving the fabric a unique look and texture, adding a subtle style to the basic design.
Ribbed tank tops are usually more fitted and have more stretch than regular tank tops, hugging the body’s shape.Thanks to their stylish appearance, comfortable fit, and durability, ribbed tank tops are a popular choice. They’re great for casual wear and layering, offering both comfort and style.
3. Racerback Tank Top
Racerback tank tops are characterized by their unique T-shaped back design. This style features two straps converging in the middle of the back, forming a “racerback” shape, which is how it got its name.
The distinctive back design exposes the shoulder blades and allows for greater freedom of movement. This design is especially popular in athletic wear because it enables a full range of motion during physical activities.
Racerback tank tops are also perfect for casual wear, often paired with jeans or shorts for a relaxed, sporty look.
4. Muscle Tank Top
Compared to traditional tank tops, muscle tank tops typically have larger armholes and a looser fit. They’re usually made from breathable, stretchy materials like cotton or polyester blends, making them popular in the fitness world for their practicality and comfort during workouts.
This design allows for a greater range of motion and helps showcase the wearer’s physique, making them a favorite for weightlifting, bodybuilding, and casual sports activities. Muscle tank tops are also favored in casual fashion, paired with shorts or joggers for a laid-back, sporty vibe.
5. Halter Neck Tank Top
The halter neck tank top features a unique neckline with straps that loop around the back of the neck, exposing the shoulders and upper back. This design creates an elegant and open look, making it perfect for casual and streetwear styles. Halter neck tank tops come in various fabrics, from soft cotton to luxurious satin, offering diverse styling options.
They are often chosen for their form-fitting cut that highlights the shoulders and neckline. This versatile style works well both as formal wear or casual wear. It’s suitable for warm weather, worn alone or layered with jackets and cardigans.
6. Spaghetti Strap Tank Top
The spaghetti strap tank top is a classic, versatile wardrobe staple characterized by its very thin, delicate straps, resembling spaghetti, hence the name. These straps are typically made from the same material as the tank top or similar lightweight fabrics, including cotton, silk, and synthetic blends.
The fine straps and usually lightweight material give the spaghetti strap tank top a soft, feminine look, ideal for warm weather. It’s perfect for casual outings, layering with jackets or cardigans, or as a base layer for more formal outfits.
7. V-Neck Tank Top
The V-neck tank top features a V-shaped neckline, which can be casual or dressy depending on the material and design.
The V-neck adds a touch of sophistication to a basic tank top, suitable for various occasions. Pair it with jeans for a casual look or with a skirt for a more polished outfit.
8. High Neck Tank Top
The high neck tank top has a higher neckline that often extends upwards to cover more of the neck area. The high neck elongates the torso and enhances the shoulders, offering a streamlined silhouette and a refined, elegant appearance. It’s commonly paired with formal or stylish casual outfits.
High neck tank tops come in fabrics like cotton, modal, or synthetic blends, providing comfort and breathability, making them suitable for both warm and cool weather when layered.
9. Cropped Tank Top
The cropped tank top is cut shorter, typically ending above the waistline, exposing part of the midriff. The shorter length brings a fashionable and youthful look, making it a popular choice for casual and trendy outfits. It can be paired with high-waisted jeans, skirts, or shorts to balance the shorter length.
Cropped tank tops are usually made from breathable materials like cotton, jersey knit, or blends, offering comfort and ease of movement. They combine style with functionality, making them a trendy choice for modern casual fashion.
10. Athletic Tank Top
The athletic tank top is designed for optimal performance during physical activities, made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and spandex to draw sweat away from the skin and keep the body dry. These tank tops are engineered to enhance performance, providing a snug fit suitable for a full range of motion, making them ideal for running, weightlifting, or yoga.
Many athletic tank tops feature ventilation panels to improve breathability and temperature regulation, while flat seams minimize chafing. They blend functionality with style, being durable and fashionable, essential for any active wardrobe.
11. Built-In Bra Tank Top
The built-in bra tank top combines the functionality of a tank top with the support of an integrated bra, offering a convenient and streamlined option for both casual and athletic wear. This design features an internal shelf bra or padded cups, providing support and modesty without the need for separate lingerie.
Made from stretchy moisture-wicking fabrics, built-in bra tank tops are ideal for activities ranging from yoga to everyday errands, offering comfort and ease of movement. The seamless integration of the bra ensures a smooth silhouette and reduces the need for layering, making it a practical choice for various activities.
12. Double Layer Tank Top
The double layer tank top features two layers of different fabrics for added coverage, support, and style. The outer layer typically offers a smooth, polished look, while the inner layer provides additional comfort and may include built-in bras or extra padding.
This design not only enhances the tank top’s durability but also helps prevent transparency and offers a flattering fit. Double layer tank tops are versatile, suitable for both casual and athletic wear, providing a stylish silhouette while ensuring extra confidence and support. The layering effect also adds texture and dimension to your outfit.
13. Backless Tank Top
The backless tank top features a fashionable open back design that creates a bold and stylish appearance, emphasizing the shoulders and upper back. This design typically includes minimal straps or halter-style closures, leaving the back exposed while providing a playful, lively look.
Backless tank tops are perfect for warm weather or layering over swimwear, often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, or blends for enhanced comfort and breathability.
14. Asymmetrical Tank Top
The asymmetrical tank top features an uneven or slanted hemline, creating a visually striking modern look. This style often includes one-shoulder straps, diagonal cuts, or uneven hems, adding a contemporary edge to the traditional tank top.
The asymmetrical design can enhance the wearer’s silhouette by adding visual interest and drawing attention to specific areas like the shoulders or waist. Available in various fabrics and colors, asymmetrical tank tops are versatile for both casual and dressy outfits, making them a stylish choice for both relaxed and refined looks.
15. Button-Front Tank Top
The button-front tank top features a stylish design with a series of buttons down the front, adding a chic and versatile touch to any wardrobe. This tank top combines the classic sleeveless shape with functional button closures that can be opened or closed to create different looks.
The button-front design adds a touch of elegance and allows for easy layering with other garments or adjusting the neckline for a personalized fit. Made from fabrics like cotton, linen, or blends, it’s suitable for both casual outings and more polished ensembles, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
16. Tie-Front Tank Top
The tie-front tank top features a fashionable design with a knot or bow at the front, adding a playful and feminine touch to the classic tank top. This design often includes a cropped or loose, flowing style, creating a relaxed and chic look. The front tie detail can range from a simple knot to a more elaborate bow, offering various styling options.
Typically made from lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen, tie-front tank tops are ideal for warm weather, casual outings, or layering. Their trendy appearance and adjustable fit make them a popular choice for a stylish and comfortable wardrobe.
17. Square Neck Tank Top
The square neck tank top is characterized by its unique neckline, which forms a horizontal line across the chest, creating a square or rectangular shape. This design offers a modern and elegant look, distinguishing itself from more common round or V-neck styles by providing a tailored frame for the shoulders and collarbones.
Square neck tank tops are typically made from fabrics like cotton, linen, or blends, and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The clean lines and structured neckline add a sophisticated, polished touch to any outfit.
18. Tube Top
The tube top is a sleeveless, strapless garment that tightly wraps around the torso, usually made from stretchy materials like spandex or cotton blends. It features a simple design with no straps or sleeves, relying on its elasticity to stay in place. Tube tops are popular for their versatility, typically worn alone in warm weather or layered under jackets and blazers for a chic, modern look.
Tube tops come in various lengths, patterns, and textures, making them suitable for evening events or casual wear, and they serve as a stylish and versatile addition to any wardrobe.
19. Cut-Out Tank Top
The cut-out tank top is a modern and edgy garment with strategically placed cut-outs or open sections, adding a unique and fashionable twist to the classic tank top design. These cut-outs vary in size and placement, often appearing on the shoulders, sides, or back, creating a striking visual effect.
Made from materials like cotton, jersey knit, or performance fabrics, cut-out tank tops are both comfortable and bold, making a stylish statement, suitable for a range of fashion-forward outfits.
20. Mesh Tank Tops
Mesh tank tops are made of lightweight, breathable mesh fabric for maximum airflow. This design is popular in athletic and casual apparel because it keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, making it perfect for workouts, sports, or hot weather.
Mesh tank tops come in a variety of styles, from loose to more fitted silhouettes, and can have additional details added, such as contrasting trims, patterns or logos. The sheer nature of the mesh fabric adds an element of style and edginess, making these tops versatile enough to be layered over a sports bra, camisole, or stand alone as a fashion statement.
Tips for Pairing Tank Tops
Matching tank tops effectively involves considering both style and functionality. Here are some tips:
Balance Proportions: Pair a fitted tank top with high-waisted pants or skirts to create a balanced silhouette. Conversely, match a loose, flowy tank with slim-fit bottoms to avoid looking oversized.
Layering: Use tank tops as layering pieces. Layer them under blazers, cardigans, or jackets for a polished look, or over a long-sleeve shirt for added dimension.
Color Coordination: Match tank tops with complementary or neutral colors. For a cohesive look, coordinate the tank top color with other elements of your outfit, such as accessories or shoes.
Print and Pattern: If the tank top has a bold print or pattern, keep the rest of the outfit simple to avoid clashing. Conversely, a plain tank can be paired with patterned bottoms or accessories.
Occasion Appropriateness: Choose tank tops that fit the occasion. Opt for dressier fabrics like silk or satin for formal events, and stick with casual cotton or jersey for everyday wear.
Accessorize: Enhance your tank top with accessories. Statement necklaces, scarves, or belts can elevate the look and add a personal touch.
Footwear: Match your tank top with appropriate footwear. For casual looks, sandals or sneakers work well, while dressier tank tops can be paired with heels or loafers.
Conclusion
Tank tops are extremely versatile and offer endless possibilities for styling and comfort. From basic designs to more elaborate styles, there’s a tank top for you.
By exploring these 20 different types of tank tops, you can expand your closet, but don’t limit your style to the mix-and-match methods we’ve given you – you can create a unique and stylish look based on your preferences.
