Long before it became fashion’s go-to base layer, the tank top was underwear—a vest tucked under a work shirt, never meant to be seen on its own. Marlon Brando changed that in 1951, wearing his like it was the whole outfit in A Streetcar Named Desire, and the tank top has spent every decade since negotiating the same identity crisis. Is it loungewear or a going-out top? A gym essential or a red-carpet moment? These days, the answer is simply whatever you need it to be. One glance at Bella Hadid’s off-duty uniform of a ribbed tank and cargo trousers, or the sheer amount of airport style built around a plain white tank and baggy denim, tells you everything about how far the humble vest has travelled.
Like its cousin the white T-shirt, a good tank top holds a few contradictions at once—it’s underwear and outerwear, a workout staple and a dinner-party piece, the easiest thing to throw on and, in the right fabric, the most elevated thing in your wardrobe. You can wear it under a blazer for work, tuck it into a skirt for the evening, or let it stand entirely on its own with your favourite pair of jeans.
In case you’re after your own everyday hero (and really, who isn’t?), we asked some stylish women to reveal the tank tops they reach for on repeat:
Madhulika Sharma, model
Where’s your favourite tank top from?
I’m a tank top aficionado, so picking a single favourite is genuinely difficult, but the one I keep coming back to is a soft tank from Toteme. It’s such a beautiful, soft fabric that sits around your waist and gathers nicely. I love the feeling of it.
Is that the only one?
No, I also lean towards this rather unconventional oversized tank top from Isabel Marant. It’s made from this wonderfully gauzy fabric and I can use it as a swim cover-up or layer it with a shirt. In general, I gravitate towards a ribbed tank with thicker shoulder straps; I’m not a fan of thin straps.
What’s the laundry situation like?
I always ensure I wash and dry my whites separately.
When do you usually wear it?
I wear it to work very often since it’s so easy to put on and take off. On set, makeup artists prefer when the top has a wider neckline. I’ve worn tank tops with swimwear, and I’ve even worn one with a lehenga!
Seher Khan, fashion stylist
What’s your current favourite tank top?
My current favourite is the one from Leau, an LA-based brand. It’s satin, with a trendy low-cut T-back. It’s always good to have a tank top you can wear with dressier outfits too.
How does it fit?
It’s not body-hugging, but its anti-fit look gives an elevated feel to anything you pair it with. It’s a great day-to-night tank top.
Is it bra-friendly?
No, this one isn’t. You’ll ideally want to wear Nippies (pasties) or a stylish bralette under it.
Does it hold its shape after washing?
Yes, but it needs to be dry-cleaned or washed in cold water.
When do you usually wear it?
I’m a white-tank-top-and-low-waist-baggy-jeans kind of girl, so I wear a tank top everywhere I possibly can. I’d skip the gym and errands in the Leau piece, though, since it’s dressier than your usual cotton tank. Gaui has great tanks you can wear to workouts and dinners. A tank top is a great neutral base for an otherwise bold outfit—wear it with a statement Issey Miyake-esque skirt, a vintage belt and you’re good to go.
Shahili Gomes, fashion entrepreneur
What’s your favourite tank top?
The Oysho ribbed tank top. It’s incredibly soft, has a really flattering fit, and feels much more premium than most other basic tanks I’ve tried.
How does it fit?
It has a close, flattering fit that hugs the body without feeling too tight. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch, which makes it really comfortable while it still holds its shape.
Is it bra-friendly?
Yes! The straps are wide enough to wear with a regular bra.
How’s it in the washing machine?
The fabric keeps its shape and softness, and I haven’t noticed it stretching out even after repeated wears.
How do you style it?
I love styling it with tailored trousers or relaxed jeans, gold jewellery, a blazer, and loafers or sandals. It also looks great with linen trousers on holiday.
Pareesha Ruia, fitness coach
Where’s your favourite tank top from?
My favourite tank top brand is Skims for the quality, fit, and fabric. I like thinner straps or halter necklines—I’m not a big fan of thick or wide straps.
How does it fit?
I like a tank top to be fitted and snug but not uncomfortable—tight enough to elevate your natural shape and give you a cleaner silhouette.
Does it hold its shape after washing?
I’ve never had any issues with my tank tops holding their shape after washing, but that’s probably because I’m very particular about how I wash them. I follow every step on the garment label.
When do you usually wear it?
I practically live in my tank tops. I’m almost always in one when I’m training or coaching clients. Apart from that, I always wear a tank top when I’m grabbing coffee or running errands.
How do you like to wear yours?
To style it during the day, I’ll add a light layering piece—either a jacket or an oversized shirt—with trousers or straight-leg jeans and a tote. For the evenings, I switch to a slightly more elevated bottom, a nicer bag, belt, heels, and some statement jewellery to dress it up a bit.
Is there a particular colour you’d recommend?
Everyone’s body type is different, so I’d suggest choosing what works best for you. But to start, invest in basic colours like black, white, and cream.
Aarsha Mohan, model
Where do you shop for tank tops?
My favourite tank tops are from Massimo Dutti, Uniqlo, and Birdeye. They’re all flattering without being too restrictive, are incredibly comfortable, and have lasted me a long time.
Are they bra-friendly?
Yes, and some styles come with built-in support.
Where do you usually wear them?
Honestly, I wear them everywhere. A good tank top—especially one with a built-in bra—works just as well with a pair of jeans or shorts for casual occasions as it does for travelling and layering.
How do you style it or elevate the look?
My hair is my biggest accessory, so I tend to keep the rest of my styling minimal and let my hair do the talking. I’ll usually add a watch and a practical tote bag to carry all my essentials.
Is there a particular style you’d recommend?
Massimo Dutti’s cotton-blend tank top looks great with a pair of white or blue jeans, a black belt, and thong heels—it’s a classic combination you really can’t go wrong with. I’d also recommend Uniqlo’s halter-neck bra tops. The quality is unmatched.
