The Perfect White Tank Top Does Exist — and We Found 8 of Them
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The classic wardrobe staple deserves a major upgrade
Skims, Easy Standard, and Alo
Classic, comfortable white tank tops are a staple in any closet. In fact, they’re often the underappreciated key to creating a stylish, comfortable, versatile wardrobe. Whether you style it under a blazer, with a slip skirt, under overalls, or with a pair of women's jeans, a white tank top can look chic in pretty much any setting or season.
But knowing exactly what style and brand of tank top to choose can be a bit more complicated — with options like high-neck, ribbed, and cropped tanks, the world of tops really is your oyster.
Below, find 8 high-quality white tank tops that will instantly upgrade your wardrobe.
Best Budget: Hanes ComfortSoft Tank Undershirt, 10-Pack
It doesn’t get more classic than a Hanes tank top. Not only are these affordable, but you can even buy them in packs with multiples, so if you’re always staining your white shirts with ketchup or wine, you’re in luck. Celebrity stylist Kim Appelt suggests cutting one into a crop version, too.
“They are on the more sheer side but throw a blazer on with them or just over a bikini top on the beach, and you can make them work,” Appelt says.
If you’re going for the lace bra peeking out under a tank top look, then this tank would probably be your best bet.
Size Range: XS-3X | Material: 100% cotton
Best Cropped: Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Scoopneck Tank
Abercrombie is back and better than ever — and this buttery soft tank top is proof. Made from 96 percent soft and stretchy cotton, this ribbed tank falls right above navel length. The thick, clean seam lines give it a structure that pairs perfectly with high-waisted boyfriend jeans (which you can also find among Abercrombie’s boatload of adorable captions).
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: 96% cotton, 4% elastane
Best Sporty: Alo Yoga Airbrush Real Bra Tank
If you’re in search of a tank top to take you from athletics to athleisure, this Alo Real Bra Tank is the way to go. Appelt notes its versatility as well as its “great, thick straps” as two of the tank’s best features.
“I live in this all summer,” Appelt says. “Use it as a bra, workout in it, or dress it up.” While we love a multi-functional top, note that it is form-fitting and only goes up to an extra-large.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Alo Airbrush fabric
Best High-Neck: Easy Standard Rib Fitted Racer Tank
See at Easystandardapparel.com
Easy Standard tank tops were mentioned multiple times by our fashion experts. This particular top is also one of the favorites of style and lifestyle expert Adylia-Rhenee Gutierrez.
“This is the perfect throw-on white tank for those days you want more coverage,” Gutierrez says. “The straps’ thick edges and structure just make this white tank a favorite. The material is great and not too clingy.”
This was also a top pick of stylist and fashion influencer Angie Harrington.
“The tank top of [the year] is the fitted racer back,” Harrington says. “Street style stars are embracing this modern take on basic white tanks [on] all of the streets of Paris and New York. Typically, they’re worn with oversized jeans or trousers.”
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 48% Supima cotton, 47% modal, 5% spandex
Best for Large Chests: SKIMS Cotton Rib Tank
Shopping for tank tops (and clothes in general) can be a little more complicated for people who have larger chests, but it’s not impossible. Appelt suggests the Skims Cotton Ribbed Tank for anyone who has a larger chest or an hourglass body shape.
“It’s tight, smooths everything, cut short so [it’s] perfect to highlight a great waist,” Appelt explains, noting that it’s low cut enough that it’ll not only fit a larger chest, but it will highlight it, too.
Size range: XXS-4X | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Best Cut Out: Verdusa Cut Out Slim Fitted Ribbed Tank Crop
Level up a basic ‘fit with this cut-out white tank from Amazon that instantly brings a coolness factor to any ensemble. The high-neck cut and stretchy ribbed material feel modern and make this top flattering on anyone, and the strategically placed cut-out is slightly sexy without actually showing much skin. Pair it with black bike shorts and some bold accessories, and you’ve got yourself the perfect brunch outfit.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 93% polyester, 7% elastane
Best Cami: Adore Me The Perfect Cami
A solid cami is a necessity. Worn alone or as an undergarment, this cami from Adore Me is made from cooling fabric that looks as high-quality as it feels (and it feels great). This tank is soft enough to sleep in, so if you want to roll out of bed and rock this top all day, we wouldn’t blame you (in fact, we’ll join you).
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 100% nylon
Best with Lace: Vavonne White Lace Strap Camisole
Made from 100 percent cotton, this lacy white tank from Amazon gives early aughts vibes in the best way. The mid-hip length is great for tucking into bottoms or paired with low-rise pants for an ultra 2000s look. Soft, sweet, and slightly sexy, this top is at the top of our holiday wish lists. Plus, it’s got a pretty impressive size range.
Size Range: S-3X | Material: 100%
How to Pick the Right White Tank Top
Material
When it comes to picking the right white tank top, it’s all about assessing what works best for your style and wardrobe and then considering details like fabric thickness. “When looking for a good white tank top, make sure it is not too thin or cheap looking,” says fashion expert Andréa Bernholtz of Swiminista. Malarkey also recommends paying close attention to fabric quality and style as well as “stretch and fade factors” and strap-thickness.
Bra Compatibility
Both Bernholtz and Malarkey recommend thinking about the straps of the tank top and what type of bra you’ll be wearing with the shirt. Many white tank tops require a nude, strapless bra for a seamless fit, but if you opt for a style with thicker straps, you may be able to wear a standard bra with straps. “The thickness of the tank is worth considering since white can be unintentionally sheer,” says stylist Samantha Brown. “Having the right undergarments like a nude strapless or seamless bra will help with this.”
Cut
There are many cuts and styles of white tank tops: V-neck, cropped, scoop neck, and more. The best cut for you comes down to your preference and how you plan to style it. Celebrity stylist Liv Schreiber recommends looking for a slightly cropped tank top to pair with high-waisted pants and skirts. If you prefer lower-rise pants and want a top that will cover more of your midsection, a longer-cut tank might be what you need.
No matter which white tank top you choose, we're sure you can find something in your closet to pair with it. "The options are endless,” says Malarkey. “They are the perfect piece to wear alone or layered. Toss on a linen shirt, a jean jacket, a leather jacket or even a blazer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a white tank top fit?
Much like the fit of a T-shirt, you might prefer a form-fitting silhouette or a loose, boxy fit. When in doubt, go for a more traditional classic white T-shirt fit. “It’s important for the tank top to fit your body, not squeeze you, but to lay on your body,” Gutierrez explains.
What are the different types of white tank tops?
There are scoop neck, V-neck, high neck, cut out, cropped, ribbed, and many more types of tank tops — and there’s likely a place in your wardrobe for all of them, as Brown points out. "I recommend having a range of loose-fitting, form-fitting, crew, scoop, and V-neck with various thicknesses in the straps. Having the right fit for different outfits is important."
How much should I spend on a white tank top?
There are white tank tops available at any price range, from $5 to over $100.Hanes A Tanks are a great, budget-friendly choice, and though they might not keep their shape as well as some more expensive options, the Hanes tanks also come in packs of 10 so you can always have a fresh one on hand. We love more substantial options, like the Skims Cotton Rib Tank, because they keep their shape wash after wash, which might make them the more eco-friendly option (and long term, could be a cost-saving investment).
Take Our Word for It
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer who has written for numerous outlets such as Refinery29, Glamour, and Byrdie. She is also a co-host of the lifestyle podcast Bad on Paper. For this piece, she aimed to cover retailers of all types for people of varying household incomes. For criteria, she evaluated specific, expert-backed recommendations and insight, reviews, materials, versatility, and design. Cai Cramer updated this piece to incorporate more options from various retailers.
Meet Our Experts
Kim Appelt is a celebrity stylist.
Adylia-Rhenee Gutierrez is a style and lifestyle expert.
Angie Harrington is a stylist and fashion influencer.
Andréa Bernholtz is a fashion expert at Swiminista.
Samantha Brown is a fashion stylist.
Liv Schreiber is a celebrity stylist.
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