When it comes to setting the foundation of your capsule wardrobe, there are a few staples that stand out.
You have your denim, white t-shirts, a good suit and no doubt a leather jacket or a trench coat. Getting these cornerstones right will save you from untold sartorial-related stresses in the long run.
The same is true for a tank top. You will likely have an array to choose from but probably only one or at most two that you’ll consider to be your “good” tank – the kind you’d wear without needing to layer over.
The hero of the recent autumn/winter 2022 shows, the humble sleeveless top has emerged as the most covetable fashion item for the season. There was barely a runway that didn’t have an ultra-luxe version of this basic strutting down the catwalk, from Acne and Sacai, to Chloe, Prada and Bottega Veneta.
The versatile piece is often overlooked but its status as an essential cannot be stressed enough. You can pair it with literally - literally! - any outfit. It was spotted alongside denim midis (Prada), satin skirts (Conner Ives), leather trousers (Chloé), sequins (Jacquemus) and black suit trousers, jeans and woven leather skirts (Bottega Veneta). That’s all without referencing the ubiquity among the street style set with Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber leading the way.
These are not the bumper three-packs bought from M&S years ago and have gone threadbare with wear - but you also don’t necessarily need to take a mortgage out to get the look. Logo embellishments aside, this may just be one of the most cost-friendly and wearable clothing updates you can make, so you can be bang on trend, while also feeling relaxed and comfortable. That, readers, is the beauty of the tank.
Reset your wardrobe with the elevated tank tops below.
Skims Cotton Rib Tank
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS label is stripping back the basics to bring high quality products that puts an emphasis on fit in a hugely inclusive way. From sizes XXS to 4X and in an array of muted colourways, the cotton rib tank is a great layering piece with its no-tuck construction. It can also work alone with a breathable ribbed design and a scoop neck.
Buy now £34.00, Skims
Frankie Shop Eva cotton-jersey tank
The Fashion Editor’s favourite label, Frankie Shop is beloved for its impeccably tailored staples. They may be the basics but they are far from basic with classic constructions and timeless designs. This tank has added shoulder action with slight padding and wide armholes. It is made from a lightweight cotton-jersey.
Buy now £71.87, Net-A-Porter
& Other Stories Rib Knit Tank Top
This classic tank top has a rib knit construction that is heavy duty so will not appear see-through. The V-neck design is flattering and the slight elastication encourages a better fit. It is available in a rainbow selection of colourways.
Buy now £35.00, & Other Stories
Dickies Chain Lake Ecru Tank Top
Given the skater seal of approval in the 90s, Dickies harks back to the decade’s minimalism with its tank. Featuring a logo detailing that is as coveted today as it was back then, it is characterised by its slim fit and cropped hem.
Buy now £20.00, Urban Outfitters
Cotton:On shoulder pad muscle tank in white
Cotton:On has made a splash on UK shores, arriving from Down Under. The Australian label is all about slouchy staples to take you from beach vacays to scorching British summer days with ease. The crew neck tank has the added bonus of padded shoulders and a regular fit.
Buy now £11.99, ASOS
Monki White ribbed singlet
This singlet is made in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative using responsibly grown cotton. It has a narrower strap design than some of the other silhouettes on this list with a high neck construction.
Buy now £6.00, Monki
Boody Tank Top
Another Aussie label, Boody offer both underwear and outerwear placing an emphasis on fit at purse-friendly price tags. The brand has already been given the seal of approval by Sophie Turner and Emily Ratajkowski to name but a few.
The tank is lightweight and breathable, crafted without costing the earth. In fact, it has a positive effect saving driving emissions, energy, water and with no pesticides. It is available in black, white and grey and in sizes S (6) to 4XL (20-22).
Buy now £19.95, Boody
Ninety Percent Alex organic cotton-jersey tank
Buying less and buying better should begin with Ninety Percent, the sustainable label that shares 90 per cent of its profits with charitable causes that you can vote for the cause on the brand’s site.
The tank is crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton without the use of chemicals to reduce its impact on the planet. It has a soft jersey feel and a relaxed fit.
Buy now £30.00, Net-A-Porter
Uniqlo Women Cotton Stretch Vest Top
You can’t have a roundup of any basics without an inclusion from Uniqlo. It’s the brand’s bread and butter. This cotton vest has an extensive palette on offer but it’s the classic white that has earned the status of a true wardrobe staple. It’s opaque in design with a stretchy ribbed knit.
Buy now £9.90, Uniqlo
M&S Crew Neck Relaxed Sleeveless Tank Top
The styling potential of M&S’ crew neck tank is endless. With its relaxed, flowing fit, there is no ensemble that this won’t pair with seamlessly. It is made from recycled polyester and comes in sizes 6 to 24.
Buy now £6.50, M&S
& Other Stories Fitted Tank Top
If a nice top and jeans is your day to night uniform, then the simple introduction of this tank top will come very welcomed to solve sartorial woes throughout the summer and beyond. & Other Stories’ tank has a thick strap design with a figure-hugging fit.
Buy now £17.00, & Other Stories
Vince Ribbed-knit tank
Don’t let the elevated price tag put you off, if you’re looking for a tank with a sumptuous fabric, Vince should be your port of call. This piece is made from a soft ribbed knit with a flattering square neckline that will show off your layered necklace curation.
Buy now £110.00, Net-A-Porter
