Welcome to The Best in Basics, our series highlighting all the must-have classics that are key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.

Few pieces are as versatile as the humble white tank top. This sleeveless style ranks high on the list of wardrobe essentials because it can rotate through practically any outfit formula and season. “A white tank is the perfect foundational piece because you can wear one on its own or layer it beneath your clothes, depending on the weather,” says Alexandra Avdey, Reformation’s senior buying director.

Now that we’ve reached the height of summer, barely-there tanks styled with linen pants, slip skirts, and denim shorts are bound to appear everywhere. Trendalytics Director of Trend and Editorial Strategy, Kendall Becker, tells Marie Claire that she recently recorded a 20 percent spike in search growth for the term white tank tops, "while retailers have also increased their assortments of white tank tops by 30 percent compared to last year,” she notes.

If you’re looking to hop on the tank top wave this season, Anthropologie’s lead style director, Kyla Flax, says to forget the variations you "think you need." The best tank tops are actually the ones you feel the most comfortable in, from a breathable tank to lounge around to a structured yet soft, high-quality cotton designer option to wear out.

In selecting the best tank tops for this roundup, we’ve considered comfort and style. Ahead, you’ll find a range of white tank tops for various occasions, along with several outfit ideas to incorporate the wardrobe MVP.

The Best White Tank Tops

Keep it Simple

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

Best Expert-Approved White Tank Top

Reformation Tasha Tank

Reformation's Tasha Tank has become a true cult classic," says Becker. "It's one of my personal favorites because it features a flattering cut, a full-length silhouette, and a reasonable price point," she adds. This tank is crafted with an oh-so-soft blend of organic cotton, making it a crowd favorite. For a simple everyday look, wrap a cardigan around your shoulders, grab your favorite jeans,, and slip on a pair of platform loafers.

Pajama Chic

Best Affordable White Tank Top

Mango Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top

For a casual outing on a brisk summer day, throw on a snug white tank, a pair of pajama shorts (yes, we’re endorsing PJs in public), and a lightweight trench coat. We suggest Mango's ribbed tank if you don’t want to pay a pretty penny for this laid-back look. Mango's ribbed tank is also one of my beloved closet mainstays. The stretchy cotton blend provides a nice, slim fit while offering the perfect amount of structure. For $20, you might as well add two to your shopping cart. Because of its price, I'm considering purchasing this top again—it's offered in a vibrant cherry red colorway that I can't seem to forget.

Prim and Proper

Best Splurge-Worthy White Tank Top

Agolde Bailey Ribbed Stretch-Lyocell Tank

The high scoop neckline and simple soft but sturdy construction make this tank a closet staple you can wear underneath button-ups and blazers. Flax recommends letting the tank act as a neutral anchor while dressing up your look with a lively printed skirt and a vibrant handbag.

On the Clock

Best Office-Friendly White Tank Top

Madewell Sleekhold High Neck Tank

Now that temperatures are rising, I've been repeatedly wearing Madewell's Sleekhold tank. I've washed this tank countless times, and it hasn't lost its shape, which definitely speaks to its overall quality. This style also offers ample coverage with a high neckline and a hem that falls below the navel, which is great for the office and will fit right into your summer work outfit rotation. Flax suggested pairing this one with a classic pair of wide-leg trousers. Finish off your office-friendly look with work sneakers and a trusty laptop bag.

A Warm Weather Staple

Best Everyday White Tank Top

J.Crew Vintage Rib Shelf-Bra Tank Top

The brand’s streamlined tank is a capsule wardrobe must-have that can coordinate with any bottoms. I usually reach for this tank every week. For errand runs, I wear it with leggings, sneakers, and a tote bag, and for evening events, with a statement skirt and heeled sandals. For a basic look that requires minimal effort, tuck this tank into roomy khakis and slide into a pair of chunky sandals.

Other White Tank Tops We Love

Barely There

Best Cropped White Tank Top

Free People Brami Tank

"During the summertime, I love pairing a white tank with a minimalist bottom like a silk skirt," says Avdey. Follow suit with Free People’s Brami tank, which can be worn alone or styled beneath a blazer if there’s a slight breeze. To complete the slip skirt look, grab a pair of strappy sandals for a nod to '90s Calvin Klein.

Balance is Key

Best White Tank Bodysuit

Skims Stretch Cotton Jersey Bodysuit

I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of wearing bodysuits, so I was initially hesitant about trying on this piece from Skims, but there’s a reason why Skims' bodysuit is one of the brand’s best-selling pieces. The stretchy texture creates a form-fitting effect that's flattering, not constricting, and I could easily move around. Balance out this figure-hugging top with loose pieces, like an oversized blazer and a relaxed pair of trousers.

Subtle Luxury

Best Designer White Tank Top

Loewe Embroidered Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Tank

Loewe's logo-embossed white tank in the IYKYK designer tank purchase. The 'Anagram’ motif is visible, but it's not overpowering in a way that feels all-consuming. This investment-worthy top is a great go-to essential that can be worn with plenty of looks. Style yours with a white button-down shirt and stylish cargo pants for a cool-girl iteration of the trend.

Night Out Attire

Best One Shoulder White Tank Top

Show Me Your Mumu Uno Bodysuit

This not-so-ordinary white tank top from Show Me Your Mumu has a summery one-shoulder silhouette that masters the art of asymmetry. Pull on this bodysuit for your next night on the town, and team it with a pair of wide-leg pants to amp up the drama. This look is guaranteed to enhance your lineup of going-out outfits.

Dress It Up

Best Sculpted White Tank Top

Spanx Shaping Tank Top

For upscale events that call for a more formal dress code, leave your flimsy white tank behind and consider a sculpted top that fits like a glove. Spanx’s scoop neck tank is crafted from a lightly compressive fabric for a fitted feel. Give this piece a classy boost with an elegant two-piece set and ladylike kitten heels.

Elevated Athleisure

Best Casual White Tank Top

Alo Aspire Tank

"I love Alo's Aspire tank for casual days," says Becker. "The cropped hemline hits at the perfect spot, and I'l usually layer this piece under a sweatsuit while I'm traveling," she adds. If you've got an upcoming trip, take notes from Becker's style playbook and pair this laid-back tank with a cozy set and cushioned sneakers, You could also swap your sweats for yoga pants as a more snug alternative.

Summertime Knitwear

Best Knit White Tank Top

& Other Stories Rib-Knit Top

Knit fabrics aren’t solely reserved for chilly temperatures. With a sleeveless design and a skin-baring v-cut neckline, this knit tank from & Other Stories was made to be worn during the warmer months. Mix textures by styling this top with a silky slip skirt.

Edgy and Easy

Best Racerback White Tank Top

Anthropologie The Blair Baby Tee

"Anthropologie’s Blair Baby Tee is soft and breathable, making it ideal for summer dressing," says Flax. "Its slightly cropped cut adds a modern touch, and its classic design means it’s a staple for almost every outfit," she adds. Style yours with a belted pair of wide Bermuda shorts and sleek black accessories for an edgy look. You can ditch the leather trench for now, but keep an extra layer in mind for when temperatures cool down.

Meet the Experts

Kendall Becker

Director of Trend and Editorial Strategy at Trendalytics

Experienced in luxury editorial, trend forecasting, and strategic consulting, Becker is currently the director of trend and editorial strategy at Trendalytics as well as a freelance writer. Prior, she was the assistant fashion director for women's RTW at Bloomingdale’s and contributed to global trend forecasting agencies. Becker is also a fashion media personality and expert.

Kyla Flax

Head of Styling at Anthropologie

Originally from the Midwest, Kyla Flax majored in costume design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She later worked at Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, and Intermix before landing the head styling role at Anthropologie.

Alexandra Avdey

Senior Buying Director at Reformation

Alexandra Avdey is the senior buying director at Reformation, where she is responsible for creating the brand's merchandising strategies.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3RopycpJGev6Z6wqikaJ6RqLWqu81oqq2qlZrBbr%2FTsqOeZ5dogHWAlHBna2eSmsC1edOapaRlpKS9tHs%3D