How to Wear Tank Tops

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: January 30, 2023 References

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Tank tops are a cute and fun way to express who you are through your clothing. They are perfect for layering, and can make just about any outfit more unique and casual. There is more to knowing how to layer a tank top, however; knowing how to choose the right one, and what sort of bra to wear with it, is important as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Top and Bra

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1
Wear a bandeau or strapless bra if your tank top has thin, spaghetti straps. Most bra straps won't fit under thin, spaghetti straps. The extra pair of straps also won't always look good. A bandeau or strapless bra will give you the support you need without drawing attention to your tank top.^{[1]
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- If you can't find a strapless bra that fits, try getting one with clear straps instead.
- If you are going to be wearing another shirt or cardigan over your tank top, then you can wear any bra you want.
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Research source} Tight tank tops will reveal every lump and bump. This means that they will reveal the shape of standard, underwire bras, which may not look very flattering. Instead, opt for a wireless, seamless bra. It will blend with your torso, and appear "invisible" under your tank top.

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Choose a tank top with thicker straps if you have a large bust. The larger bust size you have, the more support you need. A strapless bra may not give you the support you need, so you will have to wear a regular, strapped bra. If you have to wear a strapped bra for support, then you will need to wear a tank top with wider shoulders to conceal the straps.^{[3]
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- Alternatively, you can wear a tank top with skinny shoulders, when wear a cute cardigan over it to conceal the bra straps.
In general, the wider your shoulders are, the wider straps you should look for. This will help make the tank top look more proportionate on you. If you have narrow shoulders, stick with skinny spaghetti straps. If you have broad shoulders, go for thicker straps.
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Choose the neckline depending on your chest size. You can make your bust appear larger or smaller depending on the style of neckline you choose. You can even draw attention away from your bust to other features, such as your pretty eyes. In general, the more detailed the neckline is, the more attention you'll draw to it and your bust.
- If you wish to draw attention away from your bust, choose a tank top whose neckline ends right above your cleavage.
- If you want to make your bust appear fuller, choose neckline with detail, such as ruching, pleating, or ruffles.
6
Choose the neckline based on your shoulder width. If you have narrow shoulders, choose a tank top with a rounder or straighter neckline. If you have wide shoulders, choose a tank top with a V-neck or a low scoop neck. This will help make your body look longer and narrower.
- If you have narrow shoulders, consider tops in bright colors or horizontal prints. This will help make them appear more proportionate.
- If you have broad shoulders, consider plain tops in darker colors or vertical prints. This will give you a slimmer silhouette.
7
Have some basic tank tops for easy layering and pairing. Basic tank tops are plain and solid-colored. They can go with just about anything, and are perfect for layering. Try getting them in neutral colors, such as black, white, or grey, or in earth tones, such as brown, tan, or olive green.
- Some plain tank tops will have lace along the neckline and bottom hem. These are perfect for layering under fitted shirts.
These tank tops usually have some lace, sequins, beading, or ruffles. They are dressy enough for work, and perfect for dates and special nights out. When paired with the right accessories and jewelry, they can make even the simplest pair of pants or skirt more dress.
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Have some printed or embellished tank tops for more specific outfits. They are not as plain as basic tank tops, but not as fancy as dressy tank tops. Some have prints, while others have simple beading along the neckline. To make your outfits truly unique, choose some with specific details, such as: are: ruffles, crocheted lace, or tribal prints.
- Match the prints and embellishments to your existing wardrobe. For example, if you have a lot of boho-style clothing, consider tribal prints and beaded embellishments.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Working with Layers

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You can leave the jacket/blazer buttoned or unbuttoned. For a more polished look, opt for a plain white or black blazer with a solid-colored tank top. For something more summery, opt for a jacket/blazer with a pattern or bold embellishment.^{[4]
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2
Wear a cardigan over the tank top for something more feminine. Leave it unbuttoned so that the tank top is visible underneath it. This is perfect for cooler days, and for extending your summer wardrobe into the fall and winter.
- Choose a cardigan that's a different color than the tank top. For example, a pink cardigan over a white tank top would look really cute!
3
Add a vest to bring a bold statement to your outfit. You can wear a suit vest, a woolen vest, or even a leather one. Whether you choose to button it up or leave it unbuttoned is up to you. Choose a color that complements your tank top and the rest of your outfit. Neutral colors, such as black or grey, go well with just about everything.^{[5]
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- Pair solid colors with solid colors for a subtle look. Pair prints with solids for a more interesting style.
4
Layer tank tops underneath scoop or V-neck shirts with short or long sleeves. The best tank tops for this sort of layering have some sort of lace either along the neckline or bottom hem. When worn under a regular shirt, the body of the tank top will not be visible. Only the lace will peek out from behind the upper shirt for a girlish, feminine touch.
- Try to use a neutral color for at least one of the shirts. For example, you could wear a pink tank top under a creamy-white shirt, or a white tank top under a navy shirt.
5
Wear tank tops under transparent shirts. This will help cover private areas that you don't want people to see, such as your bra. You can match the color of the tank top to the shirt, or use a contrasting color. For example, you can wear a black tank top under a black,lacy shirt.
- To make the outfit look more casual, pair it with blue jeans. To make the outfit look more dressy, try black or ivory slacks.
If you desire extra heat but don't want to completely change your outfit, tank tops are the answer. Layer them underneath your clothing, making sure that you hide it if you don't want it to be seen.
7
Protect fancy shirts from sweat and oil by wearing a tank top under it. The tank top should match your skin tone, and it should not be visible once you put on your fancy shirt. The tank top will absorb your body sweat and oils, and protect your nicer shirt from getting stained to some extent.
- Plain, cotton tank tops are usually cheaper than fancy dress shirts made from expensive silks; they are also easier to clean.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Pairing with Accessories and Other Garments

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1
Add a pop of color and texture with jewelry. Tank tops are relatively simple, but you can make them look more interesting with some bold jewelry. The tank top's plainness will balance out even the chunkiest piece's gaudiness. Try large, hoop earrings, chunky bracelets, or long, dangling necklaces.^{[6]
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- Jewelry will make tank tops made from fancier materials, such as lace or silk, appear even fancier than they actually are. This is a great option for special events.
2
Tie a scarf around your neck for color, coverage, and style. If you find that the tank top doesn't cover all of your cleavage, tie a scarf around your neck to help hide it. Choose a patterned scarves made from chiffon or silk. Loop it around your neck for a chic touch.
- The scarf doesn't have to just stay around your neck. You can also use it as a headband, or tie it around your waist for a cute belt.
- Avoid woolen scarves, or your outfit will look too wintery. The one exception to this, of course, is during winter or fall.
Tank tops are simple, so you can get away with carrying around a large handbag. It won't detract from your outfit. Try to add some contrast, however. For example, if your tank top is solid-colored, try a handbag with a bold pattern on it. If your tank top has a pattern on it, try a plain, solid-colored handbag.^{[7]
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Add a cute belt for color, or to break up monotony. If your tank top if a neutral color, such as black, grey, or white, you can bring some extra color to your outfit by wearing a brightly-colored belt about your hips. If you are wearing a loose, flowing tank top, try wearing a wide belt around your waist instead. This will cinch in the excess fabric, and make you look slimmer.
- Leather, suede, and fabric belts are great for the day time. Shiny, patent leather belts are perfect for the evening.
For a more unique outfit, wear one or two accessories that match your clothes in both style and color. If you are at a loss of what sort of jewelry to pick, try something in gold of silver; both are neutral colors that go well with most other colors.
Finish the look off with a pair of sandals or heels. This will also help lengthen your legs.^{[8]
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Research source} If you'd something more casual, or if you want to lengthen your torso instead, opt for regular shorts instead.
A short skirt will give your a hit, chic look, while a midi skirt will give you a sweeter one. A long skirt will give you a more boho look, especially when paired with a wide, leather belt.^{[9]
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Be careful when pairing tank tops with leggings. The go-to color for most girls is black, but you can try other colors and patterns as well. Keep balance and contrast in mind, however. If your tank top is solid-colored, you can wear solid or patterned leggings.^{[10]
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- If your tank top is patterned, however, you will want to wear solid-colored leggings.
- If you pair a patterned tank top with a pair of patterned leggings, your outfit will look too busy and clash.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What do you wear under a tank top?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

If you have a small bust, you can wear a strapless bra, or you can even just wear nipple covers under your tank top.

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What should I do if someone keeps staring at my shoulders?

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Just try to own it. They're shoulders, so they don't have any reason to stare unless you have a cool tattoo or something. If you're feeling brave, you can go up to them and ask why they're staring at your shoulders.

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How can I get over feeling strange as a boy wearing tank tops?

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Just own it! Think, "Yes, I am wearing this tank top - do you have a problem with it? Well, that's a shame for you if you do, 'cause I don't." If you really feel uncomfortable, try putting a flannel shirt or hoodie over the top. Flannel shirts are great because if it gets cold you can just button it up and you can get flannel shirts in different fabrics which have varying thicknesses.

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Tips

Have a variety of tank tops in your wardrobe in different styles and colors to make matching and layering easier.

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Remember to shave your armpits when wearing a tank top.

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Wear tank tops under more expensive shirts to protect them from sweat.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you like your tank tops to fit tightly, be sure and check the label for an elastic percentage. Most brands have at least 2% lycra or similar, but if you want "maximum snap-back" (as in, the material hugs you when worn, and retains/regains it's original shape after washing), then look for brands with at least 5 to 10% elastic blend.
Try making a knot at the bottom of the tank top so it becomes a crop top.
A crop top can also be worn over a tank top in matching colors.

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