What Are the Best Tank Tops for Men? (2024)

“When it comes to tank tops, there’s no better than Sunspel,” says Chris Echevarria, creative director and founder of the shoe brand Blackstock and Weber. He says Sunspel has been around since the ’40s “and is still family owned and operated in the UK. One thing I love about this tank is it’s versatility. It goes from the bedroom to the beach almost effortlessly.” Kevin Kafesu, a marketing manager for Norse Projects, says the tank top comes in handy when you need a layer — even in the summer. He says Sunspel Tanks are cut from a long staple cotton jersey, offering softness and airiness that almost makes you feel like you aren’t wearing anything. “Sunspel has hit the nail on the head for anyone looking for a daily tank-top that transcends across seasons,” he says. Although $45 for a tank top might seem kind of pricey, Echevarria says “the craftsmanship and attention to detail put into this piece ensures you’ll get your money’s worth.”

“I usually wear tanks to compress all of my fat,” Grammy-winning musician Leon Bridges told us. “I wish I was kidding. That said, I typically wear them under everything, onstage and just on the street.” He buys 12-packs of Hanes tank tops because of their thin material, which he says can fit easily under other garments. “There’s this Bode piece that I love to wear, and the fabric is see-through, so it’s good to rock a tank underneath that. I’m not trying to go bare-chested anytime soon. They also look good just rocked alone tucked into some high-waisted pants. It’s pretty simple, but it’s a really dope look.”

“This one has a nice, high neck that looks so good underneath things, thanks to its classic rib texture,” says Timothy Grindle, co-founder of the menswear boutique Canoe Club. He says he uses the Muji tank in photo shoots all the time and he often has customers ask about them. “This is just a classic look that everyone wants to pull off but it has a higher neckline than what you might find on a brand like Hanes.”

The Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet comes recommended by Briand Davis, owner of the vintage store Wooden Sleepers. He says he used to work out and runs in old baggies and hardcore T-shirts, but at some point, he realized he needed a serious upgrade. “It has a great cut in functional lightweight mesh and an understated design that seems to draw more from the past than the future,” he says. “It’s obviously great for running, but just as good for kitchen kettlebell workouts.” The sash running across the front is a callback to Cornell’s track and field teams from the 1800s, and the 2:09 mesh is made of a lightweight and antimicrobial material so you don’t have to worry about your shirt carrying the scent of your past 50 runs.

“Even though I don’t normally wear tank tops, I have one exception, and it’s when I’m running,” says Daniel Brøndt, co-founder of the Denmark based brand Another Aspect. “Especially on my daily run in warmer temperatures like now. My go-to is the Peach-Tech Singlet from District Vision.” He says the mesh material is incredibly soft and so light the fabric seems to float away from his skin.

If you’re looking for a lightweight tank that almost feels invisible, Virgil Nicholas, the founder of the shoe brand Vinny’s, recommends the Organic Basics Tencel Lite Tank. He says the brand is well known for their sustainability efforts in underwear production. “These tank tops are like invisible body armor, [and they’re] so soft you’d think it’s silk,” he says. The tank is made out of Tencel which is an eco-friendly fiber made out of wood pulp that feels lighter and softer than cotton. “The best basic there is, so get three at least!”

Peter Hunsinger, co-founder of Kane 11 Socks, says he’s tried many tank tops, but the ones from Tommy John are his favorite. “I wear them under polo shirts and summer flannels. They are very comfortable to sleep in as well” he says. If you like to tuck your tank top in, this one has a longer tail which insures it stays tucked. “It’s a perfect fit!”

“I love the Jungmaven brand, and the tank top is great, especially if you are wearing it on its own rather than under something,” says Grindle. He likes that the shoulders are a bit wider and the neck stays a little higher than most tanks, but for him the best part is the drape provided by the cotton-hemp blend. “It just lays nicely on the body without being clingy. Tons of great color options too,” he says.