As summer staples go, tank tops get a pretty tough time and it's easy to see why. Mention this arm-showing staple and the mind will likely wander to visions of gym bros and mirror selfies. But that's exactly why it needs your love and attention because this is a wardrobe essential for everyone.
When the mercury rises, the obvious benefit of tank tops is their superior ability to keep you cool. But staying comfortable in the sun means coverage is sacrificed — something some people just won't compromise on. This can be avoided with the right styling.
If you think of the tank top as a sweater vest for summer, then you might see it in a new light. Thicker tank tops, like this one from Stüssy, can be worn over the top of a thinner tank or a clean white tee like this one. Tank tops of all weights and styles always look good under summer shirts. Pair them with shorts for the ultimate 'I'm declaring summer' look.
There are plenty of brands leading a renaissance of the tank, too. The likes of Nicholas Daley, Dion Lee, Y/Project, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin are just some of the names showing the tank top through a decidedly sexier lens. Below, we've picked out eight of our current favorites.
Scroll to shop summer tank tops.
Calvin Klein Slim Tank Top
Slim Organic Cotton Monogram Tank Top
Calvin Klein
The king of underwear, Calvin Klein is the name synonymous with foundational basics. The beauty of this staple tank is that it's just as suited for the bedroom as it is for the outside world.
Nicholas Daley Knit Vest
Knit Garment-Dyed Vest
Nicholas Daley
Not all tank tops are born equal. This stunning one by Scottish-Jamaican designer Nicholas Daley proves that point, taking the crochet craze spawned by life indoors and turning it into a knit vest ready for peak summer socializing.
Issey Miyake Basics Tank Top
Basics Tank Top
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake's signature pleats give this V-neck tank top an ethereal quality. Its super-lightweight build is perfect for a hot summer's day, too.
GmbH Double Strap Ardra Tank Top
Double Strap Ardra Tank Top
GmbH
GmbH gives the classic black tank a subtle update with a double-strap construction leading into a racerback and a scoop back to the reverse.
Rick Owens Basic Tank Top
Basic Tank Top
Rick Owens
Rick has been making semi-sheer tank tops for seasons now and this washed-out purple hue is an all-time great.
Ludovic De Saint Sernin Crystal-Logo Tank Top
Swarovski Tank Top
Ludovic de Saint Sernin
Your post-lockdown looks are allowed to be ostentatious. Fitting that bill, this tank top by Ludovic de Saint Sernin bears the brand's logo spelled out in Swarovski crystals. Rib-knit and stretch cotton give it a super-close fit.
SOAR Singlet Tank Top
Singlet Tank Top
SOAR
It's not easy to make sportswear that you can wear casually. This tank top from SOAR is cut from lightweight fabric for a breathable journey while chequerboard detailing to the front acts as a striking centerpiece.
Sunspel Superfine Vest Top
Superfine Vest Top
Sunspel
The ultimate classic when it comes to tank tops for men, the ribbed white iteration has been a staple for more than 100 years. You can rest assured that this is going nowhere.
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