Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Chinea Rodriguez, Retailers
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I am a self-proclaimed tank-top devotee. I wear tank tops in every way possible for almost any occasion that doesn’t have a formal dress code. Our fashion director believes the best tank tops are one of the building blocks of a wardrobe, and so do I. You can dress them up, dress them down, or layer them under button-downs, blouses, and blazers. You get the idea.
But what makes a good tank top besides just looking good or fitting your budget? Is it sheer? Is it comfortable? Can I wear a bra with it if I want to? In pursuit of the best tank tops on the market, I’ve tried more than my closet can hold. Here are the current 19 that are comfortable, reasonably priced, versatile, and perfect for all your upcoming summer looks.
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ Our experts
Update on April 8, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: 25 | Materials: Cotton, modal, spandex
You’re missing out if you aren’t browsing Target’s in-house lines next time you’re in the store. Besides the occasional viral jean or dress, they also have decent basics. This ribbed tank is somewhat sheer but super-affordable and comes in a range of colors and sizes up to 4X.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: three | Materials: cotton, modal, spandex
My stretchy favorites from Madewell and Local European are currently sold out, but this is the next best thing. It’s a blend of cotton and modal, which makes it super-stretchy, soft, and comfortable while still holding its shape. The white is still somewhat sheer, but don’t worry, the straps are thick enough to hide any bra straps.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: two | Material: Organic cotton
Cou Cou’s a favorite for its barely there pieces. This tank offers a little more coverage but the same amount of comfort. With the brand’s signature bow and trim details, it has fuller straps so you can wear it out with a bra.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: two | Material: cotton
No, it’s not inside out. The brand’s viral tank can really be worn any way you please. In terms of sizing, you’ll want to get the right one since this top isn’t as stretchy. However, its form-fitting shape makes it easier to wear without a bra, which is good because the silhouette doesn’t really allow for any kind of undergarment.
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: one | Materials: cotton, polyester
The fashion girl’s biggest secret is the under-$10 tank top. Frequently purchased by deputy style editor Joanna Nikas and by models off-duty, these tanks are stretchy but not too thin, slightly sheer, and easily cropped.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: three | Material: cotton
All of these tanks can be worn with your favorite outfits or as loungewear. This tank, however, recommended by senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves, is the ultimate multitasker. Made of 100 percent cotton and not sheer, the low-scoop tank looks just as good dressed up as it does with more casual looks around the house.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 25 | Material: silk
How could a tank top be more comfortable? Make it a silk one. Recommended by fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware, this luxe ribbed tank is 100 percent silk, supersoft, and just as versatile as your go-to basic.
Sizes: XS–5XL | Colors: 25 | Material: cotton
Fashion director Jessica Willis has already walked us through ways to style this closet essential, and this one from Good American is one of her favorites. The comfortable, flattering tank has thin straps and shows off just enough skin.
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: six | Materials: cotton, modal, spandex
This perfectly fitted tank is a favorite of shopping writer and editor Hanna Flanagan. Made of a blend of soft cotton and modal, the flattering tank is a “thick material that feels supportive and holds its shape throughout the day,” she assures.
Sizes: 2XS–XL | Colors: 17 | Materials: nylon, elastane
Aritzia’s contour line is a gem, and I love all my pieces from the collection. This tank is my current favorite. It’s super-form-fitting and shaping, and it’s double-layered, so you can skip a bra. I love this as a layering piece. It’s comfortable enough to go under shirts and sweaters, and the straps are adjustable for the best fit.
Sizes: XXS–4XL | Colors: six | Materials: cotton, spandex
H&M can be hit-or-miss, especially online, where you can’t check the quality beforehand. Fortunately for you (and me), this tank top I ordered is indeed a hit. It has thicker straps, but it’s still stretchy enough.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: three | Materials: combed cotton, modal, spandex
No surprise that something from Cozy Earth would feel like second skin. This is a lightweight and soft tank that is worth the price tag for the feel and fit alone.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: four | Materials: cotton, spandex
All tank tops are good for summer, but the shape and silhouette of this one from Buck Mason make it cool enough to wear with jeans and still feel a little dressed up. It is slightly see-through, so if you’d like to skip the bra, I’d recommend getting black instead of white.
Sizes: XXS–XXXL | Colors: five | Materials: polyester, spandex
When I tried this tank top, it was pretty easy to see what the hype was about and why the price is worth it. This top is tight but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. You can skip a bra and wear this on its own or layer it under your garment of choice.
Sizes: XS–1X | Colors: three | Materials: viscose, spandex
Sometimes tank tops feel a little too casual. This option from Modern Citizen is a happy medium. It’s super-lightweight and soft, and it drapes in a way that makes it look dressier than your average tank top. You could wear this to the office with dress pants or skirts.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: two | Materials: cotton, spandex, polyester
Uniqlo is a pretty good place to start for tank tops. Plus, it’s on the affordable side. If you want something not see-through, I recommend this one with a built-in bra and racerback shape. The semi-attached bra fits comfortably without moving, and since the cups are dense, they’re not see-through.
Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 15 | Material: organic cotton
I love a classic white tank, and every other one I own is black. But if you love some color every now and then, Flore Flore has tons of options. This fitted tank comes in shades of pink, purple, green, and, of course, your classic neutrals.
Sizes: XXS–XL | Colors: five | Materials: Supima cotton, elastane
Everlane’s basics are always solid, and this racerback tank is no different. I love the simple but chic silhouette and the material, a blend of Supima cotton and elastane, which makes it super stretchy and lightweight.
- Chinea Rodriguez, the Cut’s shopping writer
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