Welcome to The Best in Basics, our series highlighting all the must-have classics that are key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
Few pieces are as versatile as the humble white tank top. This sleeveless style ranks high on the list of wardrobe essentials because it rotates through practically any outfit formula and, we might add, through any season. “A white tank is the perfect foundational piece because you can wear one on its own during the warmer months or layer it beneath your clothes when it’s cold out,” says Alexandra Avdey, Reformation’s senior director of buying.
Whether you wear a white tank as a stand-alone top or a reliable undergarment—beneath a cardigan, a blazer, or a coat—you should have at least several white tanks hanging in your closet for the sake of practicality. After all, you’ll be reaching for them more often than not and can never have too many.
What's most important to note is that the best tank tops are the ones you feel the most comfortable in, whether that be a lounge-adjacent style for hanging around the house or a structured, ribbed designer option to wear out. “I typically look for a cotton-lycra blend that holds me in but is still soft enough and not too constricting,” says Avdey.
In selecting the best tank tops for this roundup, we’ve made sure to keep comfort and style in mind. Ahead, you’ll find a range of white tank tops for a variety of occasions, along with several outfit ideas for the upcoming warm weather seasons.
What to Look For in Tank Tops
- Thickness
"The thickness of fabrication is key—this may affect what situations you feel comfortable wearing it in," says trend forecaster Kendall Becker. "[A tank top] should border between thick enough to avoid a bra and thin enough to be breathable."
- Necklines
You'll want to carefully consider the neckline of your tank top, as there's a gamut of silhouettes to choose from. Each design yields a different style effect, from scoop to square to halter, and the look will vary depending on body type. As Becker notes, "certain necklines (like the halter) may make it difficult to hide bra straps underneath," which will dictate its wearability.
- Fit
Finding your ideal fit is crucial when it comes to tank tops. Do you prefer yours cropped or a longline silhouette? Or, maybe you gravitate toward form-fitting styles instead of loose and baggy ones? Decipher your preference—and the occasion you'll likely be wearing the tank top the most—and keep that in mind while you shop.
- Trends
Certain silhouettes experience their moment in the spotlight as the most sought-after styles. "Currently, we’re seeing higher necklines and ribbed fabrications taking the lead as the 'It' style within tank tops," describes Becker. The trend forecaster also notes that the classic white style is also experiencing an extreme peak in popularity in 2024.
The Best Tank Tops
- Best Editor-Approved: Reformation Tasha Tank
- Best Budget: Mango Boni Rib Tank
- Best Splurge: Agolde Bailey Tank
- Best Racerback White Tank: Anthropologie Blair Baby Tee
- Best Cropped White Tank: Free People Meg Crop Top
- Best Bodysuit White Tank: SKIMS Picot Tank Bodysuit
- Best Designer White Tank: Loewe Embroidered Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Tank
Off-Duty Model
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Best Editor-Approved
The quintessential off-duty model uniform consists of a white tank, a belted pair of jeans, and, depending on the weather, an edgy jacket. If you’re aiming to look effortlessly cool, like model Laura Harrier pictured above, opt for Reformation’s Tasha tank. This cozy tank is crafted with a soft blend of organic cotton, so not only will you want to wear it out and about, but you’ll also want to slip this tank on while lounging around the house.
Pajama Chic
Best Budget White Tank
For a casual outing on a breezy spring day, throw on a snug tank, a pair of pajama shorts (yes, we’re endorsing PJs in public), and a tailored trench. If you don’t want to pay a pretty penny for this laid-back look, we would suggest Mango’s fitted ribbed tank. The stretchy cotton blend provides a nice slim fit, while offering the perfect amount of structure. For $20, you might as well add two to your shopping cart.
Dress it Up
Best Splurge White Tank
Agolde’s tank is crafted with a strong lyocell blend, undoubtedly made to last. The scooped neckline and simple construction also make it a timeless staple. If you invest in this piece, you’ll wear it for years, so why not have fun with your outfit formulas? Bring this durable piece to life with a lively printed skirt and a vibrant handbag to match.
Edgy and Easy
Best Racerback White Tank
Anthropologie’s racerback white tank features a cutaway design, giving this top a sense of shape. Style this tank with a Matrix-esque leather trench, a belted pair of wide Bermuda shorts, and sleek black accessories for an edgy look. The look itself is fairly simple to piece together, but the stark black-and-white contrast and the interesting mix of textures add an intriguing level of complexity.
A Summery Ensemble
Best Cropped White Tank
There’s no better way to welcome the warm weather season than with a refreshed collection of new cropped tanks. Free People’s Meg tank can be worn on its own during a scorching hot day or layered beneath a blazer if there’s a slight breeze in the air. Throw on a flowy mid-rise slip skirt and a pair of strappy sandals to complete your look.
Balance is Key
Best White Tank Bodysuit
There’s a reason why SKIM’s Picot bodysuit is one of the brand’s best-selling pieces. The stretchy texture creates a form-fitting effect that’s extra flattering. Plus, the classic neckline makes it an absolute wardrobe essential. Balance out this figure-hugging top with loose pieces, like an oversized blazer and a relaxed pair of trousers.
Subtle Luxury
Best Designer White Tank
Loewe's logo-embossed white tank falls somewhere along the spectrum between quiet and loud luxury. The 'Anagram’ motif is indeed visible, but it's not overpowering in a way that feels too intense. It's subtle and chic. That said, this investment-worthy top is a great go-to essential that can be worn for a variety of looks. Wear yours with a white button-down top and khaki pants for a polished appeal.
Meet the Experts
Experienced in luxury editorial, trend forecasting, and strategic consulting, Kendall is currently the Fashion & Beauty Trends Editor at Trendalytics as well as a freelance writer for Refinery29, The Zoe Report, LuisaViaRoma, WhoWhatWear, and Coveteur. Prior, she was the Assistant Fashion Director for Women’s RTW at Bloomingdale’s and contributed to global trend forecasting agencies. Plus, she’s a fashion media personality and expert that’s been featured in ABC, Cheddar News, Harper’s BAZAAR, GQ, Bustle, Sourcing Journal, Brides, and Vice.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Emma Childs is the Fashion Features Editor at Marie Claire, who writes trend reports, long-form reported features, and style guides. She previously wrote for TZR, Editorialist, Elite Daily, and Mission Magazine and studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University. When she's not writing fashion deep-dives, you'll find her stalking eBay for designer vintage and perusing HBO Max (in her heart, it'll always be *HBO* MX).
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