We Found the Best White Tank Tops From $20 Everyday Styles to Luxe $500 Versions
They've become a fashion statement in their own right, but your wardrobe really isn't complete without one.
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 can rotate through practically any outfit formula and season. “A white tank is the perfect foundational piece because you can wear one on its own or layer it beneath your clothes, depending on the weather,” says Alexandra Avdey, Reformation’s senior buying director.
Now that we’ve reached the height of summer, barely-there tanks styled with linen pants, slip skirts, and denim shorts are bound to appear everywhere. Trendalytics Director of Trend and Editorial Strategy, Kendall Becker, tells Marie Claire that she recently recorded a 20 percent spike in search growth for the term white tank tops, "while retailers have also increased their assortments of white tank tops by 30 percent compared to last year,” she notes.
If you’re looking to hop on the tank top wave this season, Anthropologie’s lead style director, Kyla Flax, says to forget the variations you "think you need." The best tank tops are actually the ones you feel the most comfortable in, from a breathable tank to lounge around to a structured yet soft, high-quality cotton designer option to wear out.
In selecting the best tank tops for this roundup, we’ve considered comfort and style. Ahead, you’ll find a range of white tank tops for various occasions, along with several outfit ideas to incorporate the wardrobe MVP.
The Best White Tank Tops
- Best Expert-Approved White Tank Top: Reformation Tasha Tank
- Best Affordable White Tank Top: Mango Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top
- Best Splurge-Worthy White Tank Top: Agolde Bailey Tank
- Best Everyday White Tank Top: J.Crew Vintage Rib Shelf-Bra Tank Top
- Best Office-Friendly White Tank Top: Madewell Sleekhold High Neck Tank
Keep it Simple
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Reformation's Tasha Tank has become a true cult classic," says Becker. "It's one of my personal favorites because it features a flattering cut, a full-length silhouette, and a reasonable price point," she adds. This tank is crafted with an oh-so-soft blend of organic cotton, making it a crowd favorite. For a simple everyday look, wrap a cardigan around your shoulders, grab your favorite jeans,, and slip on a pair of platform loafers.
Pajama Chic
For a casual outing on a brisk summer day, throw on a snug white tank, a pair of pajama shorts (yes, we’re endorsing PJs in public), and a lightweight trench coat. We suggest Mango's ribbed tank if you don’t want to pay a pretty penny for this laid-back look. Mango's ribbed tank is also one of my beloved closet mainstays. 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. Because of its price, I'm considering purchasing this top again—it's offered in a vibrant cherry red colorway that I can't seem to forget.
Prim and Proper
The high scoop neckline and simple soft but sturdy construction make this tank a closet staple you can wear underneath button-ups and blazers. Flax recommends letting the tank act as a neutral anchor while dressing up your look with a lively printed skirt and a vibrant handbag.
On the Clock
Now that temperatures are rising, I've been repeatedly wearing Madewell's Sleekhold tank. I've washed this tank countless times, and it hasn't lost its shape, which definitely speaks to its overall quality. This style also offers ample coverage with a high neckline and a hem that falls below the navel, which is great for the office and will fit right into your summer work outfit rotation. Flax suggested pairing this one with a classic pair of wide-leg trousers. Finish off your office-friendly look with work sneakers and a trusty laptop bag.
A Warm Weather Staple
The brand’s streamlined tank is a capsule wardrobe must-have that can coordinate with any bottoms. I usually reach for this tank every week. For errand runs, I wear it with leggings, sneakers, and a tote bag, and for evening events, with a statement skirt and heeled sandals. For a basic look that requires minimal effort, tuck this tank into roomy khakis and slide into a pair of chunky sandals.
Other White Tank Tops We Love
Barely There
"During the summertime, I love pairing a white tank with a minimalist bottom like a silk skirt," says Avdey. Follow suit with Free People’s Brami tank, which can be worn alone or styled beneath a blazer if there’s a slight breeze. To complete the slip skirt look, grab a pair of strappy sandals for a nod to '90s Calvin Klein.
Balance is Key
I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of wearing bodysuits, so I was initially hesitant about trying on this piece from Skims, but there’s a reason why Skims' bodysuit is one of the brand’s best-selling pieces. The stretchy texture creates a form-fitting effect that's flattering, not constricting, and I could easily move around. Balance out this figure-hugging top with loose pieces, like an oversized blazer and a relaxed pair of trousers.
Subtle Luxury
Loewe's logo-embossed white tank in the IYKYK designer tank purchase. The 'Anagram’ motif is visible, but it's not overpowering in a way that feels all-consuming. This investment-worthy top is a great go-to essential that can be worn with plenty of looks. Style yours with a white button-down shirt and stylish cargo pants for a cool-girl iteration of the trend.
Night Out Attire
This not-so-ordinary white tank top from Show Me Your Mumu has a summery one-shoulder silhouette that masters the art of asymmetry. Pull on this bodysuit for your next night on the town, and team it with a pair of wide-leg pants to amp up the drama. This look is guaranteed to enhance your lineup of going-out outfits.
Dress It Up
For upscale events that call for a more formal dress code, leave your flimsy white tank behind and consider a sculpted top that fits like a glove. Spanx’s scoop neck tank is crafted from a lightly compressive fabric for a fitted feel. Give this piece a classy boost with an elegant two-piece set and ladylike kitten heels.
Elevated Athleisure
"I love Alo's Aspire tank for casual days," says Becker. "The cropped hemline hits at the perfect spot, and I'l usually layer this piece under a sweatsuit while I'm traveling," she adds. If you've got an upcoming trip, take notes from Becker's style playbook and pair this laid-back tank with a cozy set and cushioned sneakers, You could also swap your sweats for yoga pants as a more snug alternative.
Summertime Knitwear
Knit fabrics aren’t solely reserved for chilly temperatures. With a sleeveless design and a skin-baring v-cut neckline, this knit tank from & Other Stories was made to be worn during the warmer months. Mix textures by styling this top with a silky slip skirt.
Edgy and Easy
"Anthropologie’s Blair Baby Tee is soft and breathable, making it ideal for summer dressing," says Flax. "Its slightly cropped cut adds a modern touch, and its classic design means it’s a staple for almost every outfit," she adds. Style yours with a belted pair of wide Bermuda shorts and sleek black accessories for an edgy look. You can ditch the leather trench for now, but keep an extra layer in mind for when temperatures cool down.
Meet the Experts
Experienced in luxury editorial, trend forecasting, and strategic consulting, Becker is currently the director of trend and editorial strategy at Trendalytics as well as a freelance writer. Prior, she was the assistant fashion director for women's RTW at Bloomingdale’s and contributed to global trend forecasting agencies. Becker is also a fashion media personality and expert.
Originally from the Midwest, Kyla Flax majored in costume design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She later worked at Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, and Intermix before landing the head styling role at Anthropologie.
Alexandra Avdey is the senior buying director at Reformation, where she is responsible for creating the brand's merchandising strategies.
Stay In The Know
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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