Tank tops are a popular fashion choice for both men and women. They are a fantastic clothing item perfect for the summertime, and a significant part of any layered winter outfit. The number of different tank tops can be overwhelming. So, what type of tank top do you need for your outfit? This article is going to help you learn about the many different types.
Key Takeaways
- Tank tops come in very many shapes and forms
- Tank tops are diverse and multifunctional
- You can wear tank tops for sleeping or for a dressy night out
- They are comfortable as they are usually made out of cotton and other soft materials
What Is a Tank Top?
A tank top is a sleeveless shirt, with a round neckline and cut-off shoulders. It is also known as an A-shirt, sleeveless shirt, tube top, or halter top. A tank top can be made out of a wide variety of fabrics and materials. It is great as an undergarment, a centerpiece of a formal outfit, or can be worn during workouts as it provides comfort and free movement.
Different Types of Tank Tops
No matter what kind of style of clothing you intend to wear, tank tops can be suitable for any occasion. They come in different shapes and sizes. To name a few, tank tops can be characterized as:
- Basic Tank Top
- Racerback Tank Top
- Halter top
- Backless
- Muscle tank top
- Turtleneck
- Spaghetti strap tank top
- Cut-out tank top
Basic Tank Top
This type of tank top is the optimal choice for any age or gender. It is basic and usually made out of cotton fabric. The basic tank top can be found in any color; most frequently the standard black, white, grey, or beige color.
Depending on the occasion, styling a basic tank top should be easy. It can be worn under a suit or a blazer if you want to achieve a formal look, or it can be worn with a zip-up hoodie or on its own with a pair of jeans for a casual look. Tank tops are simple enough to be worn with basically anything, from skirts to pants, jeans, sweatpants, and shorts.
Racerback Tank top
This type of tank top is considered workout apparel. Its material is usually spandex. This type of tank top is suitable for going to the gym or running, as the name suggests. It usually contains built-in support and padding for women, and it’s very stretchy and comfortable to wear. Racerback tops are best paired with shorts or sweatpants, for their function is being used by active wearers and sporty activities.
Halter Top
Halter tops are a type of tank top for women. They are highly fashionable, with a tightening around the neck and back. Halter tops are designed to fit perfectly onto your body and show off your figure. They are simplistic, yet modern. As they resemble camisole tops, this type of tank top is most often paired with denim or stylish pants. Put together with a leather jacket and heels it can be considered a cool look worn for a night out; silk pants, a suit, and heels would make it classy. The most common way to wear a halter top would be with any sports shoes and jeans for a casual appearance.
Backless Tank Tops
This is more of a dressy and flirty option to a tank top. Backless tank tops have little to no visible straps and show off your back. Usually made for a classy look, they are made out of silk or soft materials. These types of tank tops are the go-to for any night out or party-going. Paired with denim jeans and a cool pair of earrings, the backless tank top can be the statement piece of any outfit.
Muscle Tank Top
The muscle tank top, as an item for both men and women, is the perfect way to show off your muscles. This top has the appearance of a t-shirt with no sleeves. The straight cut gives it a very trendy and dynamic look.
Muscle tank tops can have small or big holes to pull your head and arms through. They have smaller holes for women and bigger holes for men’s tops. However, in recent years there can also be found women’s muscle tank tops with bigger holes. These are worn with a bra underneath for a young, fashionable, modern look. Muscle tanks are best paired with joggers or sweatpants, for outdoor sporty activities or a lazy casual fit.
Turtleneck Tank Top
Turtleneck tank tops are cropped or full-length sleeveless tops with a turtleneck. They are made to be fitted and enhance the feminine qualities of the wearer. This makes them suitable for slightly colder weather, such as spring and early summer. These tops are great for any casual occasion. You can enhance their appearance when paired with any type of jewelry; bracelets, hanging earrings, or a gorgeous necklace.
Spaghetti Strap Tank Top
Spaghetti strap tank tops are a great and feminine way to stay fashionably comfortable in summer. Their small thin straps along with the tight fit of this top make them perfect for homely attire or even sleeping. The fabric they are made of is usually cotton, lace, spandex, polyester, or silk. Depending on the fabric used, they can be used for casual (for example, cotton or polyester-cotton mixes) or dressier looks (such as satin, silk, and lace). Simple and feminine when worn on their own, but can also be worn as an undershirt; it can be worn under a flannel, a blazer, a coat, or even a hoodie.
Cut-out Tank Top
Another highly fashionable women’s option for tank tops is the cut-out tank top. They are tank tops that have parts of them cut out in any shape such as rips on the ribs, off-the-shoulder patterns, above the chest, or having the sides of the chest open. These tank tops offer an edgy, stylish look that can be revealing. I would pair this type of shirt with stilettos for a night out or pair it with Nikes or Jordans for a casual streetwear look.
Final Words
Tank tops are an amazing fashion choice, as they are really easily styled with almost any piece of clothing. You can wear them for sleeping, athleisure, or outdoor sports activities. However, you can also wear them casually, on a night out, or dress up for a date.
This shows how amazing and diverse they are which makes them suitable for any event. They offer breathing room; show off your nice curves and figure, and make you look put-together even while wearing the simplest of outfits.
I strongly advise reading a comparison blog that explains the distinctions between a shirt and a tank top.
I am a proud mother of two amazing daughters, and i run our sewing & embroidery business full time. I am also a part-time writer for this blog, because i love sharing my findings and experiences!
