The 25 coolest tank tops under $100, according to fashion experts | CNN Underscored (2024)

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Fashion / Women's Clothes

By Lauren Caruso, CNN Underscored

Updated 3:02 PM EDT, Tue June 27, 2023

What's in this guide

  • Women’s tank tops
  • Workout tank tops
  • Men’s tank tops
  • Cropped tank tops
The 25 coolest tank tops under $100, according to fashion experts | CNN Underscored (1)

The thing that sets a good item of clothing from a phenomenal, want-to-wear-this-every-day item of clothing is usually subtle. Perhaps it’s the weight of your favorite white tee, the length of your tried-and-true trousers or the compression on your go-to pair of leggings. The same goes for tank tops: You might have an entire drawer filled with them, but if there isn’t a singular one that you always reach for, you haven’t found the best tank top yet.

  • Related: Editors’ picks: We tried the best summer dresses under $40 on Amazon —and this is what we thought

As we head into summer, the lowly tank top might just become your wardrobe’s warm-weather MVP. Try leaning into the early-aughts trend of low-rise, baggy trousers by pairing them with a longline ribbed tank. Or swap out your usual cropped tee for a tank that hits just above the navel for a casual weekend look.

We reached out to more than a dozen fashion influencers, editors, creators and stylists to find out their absolute favorite favorite tanks, and the results might surprise you. Not only is it possible to find one that’s affordable, but some of the best tank tops on the market ring in at less than $15. Here are the best tanks, including picks for working out, cropped styles and even men’s tanks.

Women’s tank tops

“This is literally my favorite tank top,” says Amrit Tietz, a DJ and fashion consultant who lives in LA. “It’s flattering, stretchy, inexpensive and I love the length.”

“This is my everyday tank top and I love it,” says Sydney Schiff, a fashion and lifestyle publicist in NYC. “I own three of them. I’m a no-bra person and this provides a little support without being see-through. The fabric is substantial and I’ve found that I wear it to death and it never wears out.”

“I love the curved hem on this tank,” says Rose Vandekerckhove, a digital creator living in LA. “And everything LNA makes is super soft and of the highest quality.”

“I love Madewell’s ‘90s tank because it hugs the body just right and is a great staple to have in your wardrobe,” says Megan Adelaide Vega.

“I’ve been wearing this tank over and over again,” says Stephanie Arant. “It goes so well under button-downs and it’s super soft yet thick!"

“I love the Universal Standard Roitfeld Tank because it has all the qualities of a classic rib tank and then some,” says Lauren Chan, model and Henning brand founder. “First, it’s made of luxe Pima cotton with a tight knit, so it’s super soft and keeps its tension. Second, the arm holes are high, ensuring my bra is always covered. The neck is also a bit straighter than a typical white tank, making it a stronger silhouette, in my opinion. Plus, it also comes in cream, olive and black — all essential neutrals!”

“I’ve been really into a more sheer fabrication for summer, and this one looks great with a trouser and a blazer or just a pair of denim shorts,” says Alyssa Coscarelli, a digital creator in LA.

“I either like them really stubby and thin or high-necked and structured,” says LA-based content creator Kellie Brown. She says that Old Navy has perfect racerback high-neck tank tops.

Workout tank tops

“I love the slim racerback cropped tank from Beyond Yoga because it’s supportive, the perfect length, super soft and comfy!” says Jessica Manning-Brose, a digital consultant living in LA.

“I’m actually obsessed with this one for casual vibes,” says Kirsty Godso, a celebrity trainer and fashion person. “You could wear it to work out — but I personally don’t.”

Sarah Larson Levy, the founder and CEO of Y7 Studio, says this tank is her favorite.

“I love the quality, fit and material of LSpace,” says Meeka Hossain, a digital creator in LA. “Their bras are cute and supportive while working out, but also double as a cute crop top when you’re not working out.”

“I love that this tank is like a bra and top in one,” says Coscarelli. “And, it’s stylish enough for a coffee meeting after Pilates class.”

“This crop tank views performance through a fashion lens,” says Ardith Singh, the co-founder and chief design officer of Bandit. “Influenced by vintage runway, this soft square neckline evokes a sense of personal style while supporting you through your run. The double-layer compression top moves with you, while keeping you supported with a hidden shelf bra.”

Men’s tank tops

“The Lululemon Fundamental Tank is light and breezy,” says Brett Westmoreland, a creative living in LA. “The thinner straps show off my shoulders and clavicle in a nice way. And the premium performance fabric is versatile yet elevated, so I still feel like I’m dressing my best when I wear it.”

“I love this cotton rib tank by Saturdays NYC,” says Temoc Gonzalez, a creative consultant living in LA. “I have both ivory and black versions. The fit is relaxed and I like that the fabric is not too heavy and breathable.”

NYC-based trainer Patrick McGrath loves this tank from LA-based line John Elliott: “It’s versatile enough to wear with jeans or cool shorts to go out or to stand out in the gym,” he says. “The wide-cut shoulder is flattering to accentuate shoulders and arms. I usually like to buy them somewhat oversized for a laidback look.”

Stylist Taylor Okata lives in Lu'u Dan’s white tanks.

There’s a reason why so many men's stylists keep this Uniqlo tank in their kits: It’s universally flattering with the perfect ribbed fit, washes well and comes in sizes XXS-3XL.

Cropped tank tops

“I love how supportive and comfortable it is, yet you can pair it with any bottom for a trendy look,” says Lola Mack.

“This is a great cropped tank,” says fashion writer Leah Faye Cooper, who’s known for her collection of crop tops. “The double-layer fabric is soft and supportive (I sometimes size down and go braless) and it’s the ideal length—short enough to expose a few inches of midriff, but not at all skimpy.

“For years, I constantly raved about the Foundationals white tank,” says Jordan Santos, a fashion consultant living in LA.

Vandekerckhove says she has this in three colors because she loves “that it’s only slightly cropped,” and Santos agrees, calling it her current go-to “because of how great it is for layering. It’s super soft and thin, but that’s what makes it so perfect for wearing under my favorite cardigans, V-neck cashmere sweaters and around the house,” Santos adds.

“I don’t own one of these yet but it’s on my summer wishlist,” says Cooper. “The asymmetrical silhouette and shoulder cutout are details that make an otherwise simple top a fun, interesting piece."

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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.

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The 25 coolest tank tops under $100, according to fashion experts | CNN Underscored (2024)
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