Whether you are in a yoga class or designer shopping, you are bound to run into a diverse range of tank tops. This is because tank tops are the go-to style for athletes, but also work great as a basic layer on which to build. Checking out different types of tank tops can be the ideal way to update your look.
Basic Tank Tops
The unifying characteristic of tank tops is that they are sleeveless, save for two thin straps. A basic tank top is made of cotton or a cotton blend, often with Lycra to add stretch. It is thin, lightweight material, so that it can be layered, worn as underwear or worn alone. Basic tank tops are essentially T-shirts without sleeves. The knit on a basic tank top might be ribbed, smooth or waffle. Necklines can be V-shaped or U-shaped. Straps tend to be one or two inches wide.
Athletic Tank Tops
Athletic tank tops are a favorite style because they keep you cool and comfortable while exercising. Athletic tanks have some cotton content, but also feature a higher percentage of a fabric that adds stretch, such as Lycra or spandex. Some athletic tanks are lined with cotton mesh to wick away sweat from the body. Straps may be wide or spaghetti-strap style. Skinny straps signal that the tank top will have a built-in bra, which is often a shelf style, with an elastic band that wraps around the area below the bust. The back may have regular straps or may have a racer back style, which exposes more shoulder.
Fashion Tank Tops
The little white tank top–LWTT–is almost as ubiquitous as the little black dress. But fashion tank tops extend beyond this simple style favored by Jennifer Aniston, Wynonna Judd and other celebrities. The styles range from strapless–technically a halter or tube top–to shorter straps, like the boyfriend styles, and long straps that may expose more cleavage or require another tank top underneath. Other fashion tank tops include thin-fabric camisole tops, the Henley style with buttons, flowing babydoll and trapeze top styles, super long cuts that bunch up at the waist, prints, distressed dyes and vintage or vintage-inspired looks.
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