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The best tank tops are now considered a stylish staple in any menswear arsenal. But they’re not just for matching with swim trunks and sunglasses on the beach. Today’s tanks are incredibly versatile and come in a vast range of options for varying occasions—from everyday wear to knit tanks that can pair with tailoring to performance tanks for working out.
However, this fun-loving cousin of the T-shirt is also easy to get wrong stylistically. When wearing a tank on its own, fit and occasion are paramount. You don't want inappropriate exposure (no nipples, ever), and the ideal silhouette should drape like a well-fitting T-shirt (more on what to look for in fit, cut, and occasion below). While brands like Hanes and Jockey offer snug three-packs for undershirt layering, the focus here is primarily on lifestyle-oriented tanks designed to stand alone.
The great thing about tank tops is their simplicity, so neutral, solid tones are typically the go-to for a streamlined and versatile look. While brighter colors or a tasteful logo add personality, they are generally best for beach days or workouts. Below, we have narrowed down the choices for the 18 best men's tank tops, from working out to suiting up. We found the Reigning Champ Lightweight Jersey Tank Top the best overall for everyday wear, but various tank tops cater to specific situations; thus, please find the best tank tops for your needs below.
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The comfort, fit, drape, and proportions of Reigning Champ Lightweight Jersey Tank Toptank are all perfect. It’s not too tight or baggy, with straps of an ideal width and a scoop that hits just where it should. It also comes in various neutral tones and is 100 percent premium cotton with a versatile year-round weight. Wear it on its own, with shorts, a blazer, or a light jacket—it all works. It features a rib-bound collar and armholes, a flat hem, and flatlock seams, and while not advisable for heavy workouts (that honor goes to others on this list), wear it for just about anything else.
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American Giant is known for its upgraded sweatshirt, which has since become a menswear staple, so it's no surprise that its tanks match the same level of quality. The brand's Rib Tank Top is ideal for those seeking a refined and straightforward alternative to the classic 3-pack. Crafted from substantial rib fabric comprising cotton with a hint of spandex, it offers a snug fit that is perfect for layering under shirts or sweatshirts but is substantial and relaxed enough to wear on its own.
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Brooks has long been a top running brand because running is simply all they do—and they do it quite well. The highly-rated Atmosphere Singlet 2.0 is made from performance Drilayer fabric that wicks sweat away, taking less than seven minutes to dry after a run. This tank top also features a new, updated spandex blend for an enhanced range of motion and an odor-resistant treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
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Leave it to Todd Snyder to create a refined, lux tank that begs to be worn with tailoring—the secret lies in the material, texture, cut, tonal colorway, and knit. The brand's Silk-Cotton Muscle Tank is lightweight and airy, knit with a reverse float stitch for a gauzy, tonal, textured look and feel. It's versatile enough for summer formal events and casual hangouts, with wide shoulders and just-low-enough armholes to keep things appropriate. Whether you rock it on its own or layered under a suit, it personifies a tank that can be worn elegantly.
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Muscle tanks get their name from their design, featuring wider shoulder straps and larger armholes that often extend down to show more muscles and torso. With cooling technology, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and stretch properties, Outdoor Voices ThinkFast Mesh Muscle Tank is perfect for high-sweat recreation activities and errand running alike. Made from a blend of polyester, lyocell, and elastane, this lightweight tank features relaxed armholes for full-range movement.
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Crochet-style tanks and polos are very much on trend. They exude an easygoing yet refined resort style that can be worn independently or with a tailored blazer. Abercrombie & Fitch Crochet-Style Layering Tank is breathable and easy to add texture to your outfit. The soft sweater-knit fabric features crochet-style stitching details throughout, a crew neckline, and a banded hem. Made of cotton and viscose, it effortlessly combines comfort and style.
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Marine Layer has beach life in its DNA, and the brand's Air Tank is the way to go for summer fun activities. This new style features a stretchy and moisture-wicking pique mesh fabric. Made of recycled polyester and lyocell, the pique mesh fabric is woven to create a raised, subtly textured surface that increases airflow and breathability. It releases heat and adapts to weather conditions, especially for those mega-humid beach days.
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A linen tank top epitomizes effortless elegance, whether worn alone or with a linen blazer for a seaside dinner. Alex Crane Tank Tee is made from sustainably grown French linen, knitted in Portugal, and washed with biodegradable softeners. Translation: You can sport this all summer long for a touch of laid-back French villa vibes, regardless of where your adventures take you.
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For all-around gym workouts, the Strato Tech tank from Vuori is a classic that's hard to beat. Built for comfort, this tank features a soft performance knit with quick drying and moisture-wicking capabilities. It boasts 4-way stretch and anti-odor properties, ideal for intense workouts. Not to mention, it doesn't necessarily look like a performance tank, meaning you can wear it for quick summer hangs and errands after hitting the gym.
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A logo on a tank should be tasteful, and it doesn't hurt if it's also timeless. Adidas Adicolor Classics Trefoil Tank Top is so iconic that it will likely never go out of style. Built for everyday lifestyle wear, it is made from soft cotton in a classic fit. The logo brings style to your look under a jacket, with your favorite shorts, or with track pants. In addition, this tank supports more sustainable cotton farming.
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Since 1860, Sunspel has crafted elevated wardrobe essentials from the finest natural materials, prioritizing simplicity, comfort, and British luxury. Sunspel uses top-notch Supima cotton, and it will be challenging to wear lesser underwear after experiencing its basics. The brand's Superfine Cotton Underwear Vest is crafted from a long-staple cotton jersey that’s luxuriously soft and lightweight—perfect for wearing under shirts and knitwear or on its own around the house.
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On Performance Tank is the ultimate all-around outdoor performance tank. It features a super lightweight, high-performance fabric that is quick-drying and breathable, ensuring comfort during intense workouts. Reflective elements enhance visibility, while DryTec technology wicks sweat away from your skin, and mesh provides maximum airflow. The tank is designed to work with your body's movements and includes smooth bonded hems that help reduce chafing—it’s almost like wearing nothing.
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Todd Snyder is featured twice on this list because this Japanese nautical stripe is too handsome to overlook. A Breton stripe t-shirt is a menswear staple, and the fitted yet relaxed Todd Snyder Japanese Nautical Stripe Tank Top emulates that. It's perfect for wearing solo, layering under a button-up shirt, or wearing with an unlined cotton blazer. The soft, all-cotton fabric comes from Japan and features a classic navy-and-white sailor stripe tailor-made for summer.
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Modal is a semi-synthetic, plant-based fabric made from cellulose derived from beech or bamboo trees. It is softer than cotton, feels like silk, is hard-wearing, and maintains its shape and finish even after frequent washing. However, it is how modal drapes on one's frame, creating an ideal silhouette, that makes the material stand out. ATM Modal Jersey Tank features a relaxed, subtle scoop neck with meticulously measured armholes. It is inimitably soft, with a perfect drape achieved through a loose fit that falls just below the hip.
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Lululemon Zeroed In Tank is unassuming—and that's exactly how they intended it. Made from a soft cotton blend, this training tank combines the comfort of cotton with the moisture-wicking, fast-drying performance of your favorite workout shirt. It features a tailored yet relaxed fit, with Lycra fiber for shape retention and 4-way stretch. This is the tank to place in the rotation for all your summer errands when comfort is key, and you might break a sweat. It also comes in five colorways, including pink for those who want a pop of color.
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Tommy John Second Skin Tank Modern Fit Undershirt is designed to be worn underneath a shirt, but its new modern fit, which is not ultra-tight, also allows it to double for lifestyle wear. Constructed from modal stretch fabric, it is super soft, naturally breathable, and luxurious to the touch. The patented design prevents accidental untucks, while the Memory Collar ensures the collar remains flat and doesn’t stretch out. This tank is cut perfectly without bulk when layered underneath another shirt or simply lounging at home.
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Ribbed tanks are sometimes associated with the overly tight variety worn in retro summer movies. The incredibly stylish Buck Mason Pima Rib Tank proves otherwise. It is a classic ribbed tank top in a smooth, midweight, Supima cotton knit that is not too tight and can easily be worn by itself as a stylish lifestyle garment. The military olive green is incredibly versatile and handsome, a color you don’t often see done right in tank tops.
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New England-based Tracksmith designs running gear that blurs the lines of performance and lifestyle. Their garments, however, are indeed built for running with retro-cool designs and textiles that pay homage to the distinct culture. The brand's signature Van Cortlandt Singlet, with a statement-making stripe, is crafted in their lightweight 2:09 Mesh. If ever there was a hybrid running tank you could also rock on weekend hangs, it's this one.
The tank tops I wear will vary significantly based on the occasion, but I found all the above tanks to be the best in their respective activities. For instance, the performance tank wicks away moisture and keeps me dry during workouts, the modal tank is a soft and stylish silhouette for everyday wear, and the knit polo looks best under a blazer. While all were selected with style in mind, there are some key considerations when choosing the best tank top for you.
You want your tank top to fit like a favorite lived-in t-shirt. It should be tailored to your torso with a bit of give. A tank that is too tight, looking as if it were painted on, should only be worn as a layering undershirt. Conversely, a tank that is too big will look sloppy, undermining the tank top's inherent stylishness. It should drape just right—not too tight or loose. Ensure the length is sufficient to cover your waistband without riding up, ideally ending around the hips. The armholes should not be too large or tight, allowing for comfortable movement without exposing too much skin or underarms.
A tank top should never be too revealing; it should showcase just the right amount of your well-earned arm, chest, and shoulder definition. The amount of skin shown should not exceed the square inches covered by your tank top. And no peeking nipples—ever. The armholes of your tank should descend no further than your first rib, and the neckline should end above the latitude of your armpits.
Match the material of the tank top with how you intend to wear it, keeping in mind both comfort and durability. Look for breathable fabrics, with cotton or cotton blends being the most common choice for keeping you cool and comfortable. For technical tanks, opt for polyester or nylon blends designed to wick away sweat and maintain dryness, mesh for breathability, and spandex for added stretch. Some brands will also have proprietary tech textiles. Unique fabrics like modal offer extra softness, which is great for everyday wear, while silk or linen blends provide a touch of tailored refinement. Ultimately, prioritizing high-quality materials that retain their shape and color over time ensures your tank top remains a wardrobe staple for several summers.
When considering the style of a tank top, think about the occasion and match it accordingly. You shouldn't wear a running tank to a summer formal event, just as you shouldn't work out in a crochet knit polo. Generally, you can't go wrong with neutral colors like white, black, gray, and navy, as they effortlessly complement almost anything in your wardrobe. Subtle patterns like stripes can add a touch of visual interest without overwhelming your outfit, while logoed or colorful tanks are best for beach days or workouts. When pairing a tank with a blazer for a tailored look, ensure its suitably sophisticated by opting for a knit or textured fabric.
In addition to writing for Men's Journal, I have covered menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also pitched and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages.
I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, as although trends are interesting and relevant, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion. It's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.
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