The tank top is the hardest-working piece in most closets. In summer it is the whole outfit. The rest of the year it is the layer under every cardigan, blazer and sheer blouse you own. The trouble is that most tank tops are cut for twenty-year-olds: thin straps, thin fabric, and a hem that rides up the moment you sit down.
Tank tops for women, in one line: look for tank-width straps that cover your bra, an opaque knit that does not cling, a neckline that sits where you want it, and enough room through the hip that the hem stays put.
Stephanie Scoop Neck TankWhite · XS–XL · $84The scoop neck tank women buy in every color. Polished on its own or under a blazer.
Tracey Sleeveless V-NeckBlack · XS–XL · $86A V-neck tank with room through the hip. Wears alone or under a cardigan.
Christina Boatneck ShellNavy · XS–XL · $88Wider straps and a boatneck, so it reads as a shell at the office.
Claudette Relaxed Scoop TankWhite · S–XL · $91A relaxed fit with room to breathe on hot days.
What makes a good tank top
Four things separate a tank you reach for every week from one that sits in the drawer.
- Straps. An inch or more covers a standard bra. Spaghetti straps belong to camisoles, which are a layer, not a top.
- Fabric. Hold it up to the light. A good tank knit has enough weight that it does not show what is underneath, and enough stretch that it recovers after a day of wear.
- Neckline. A scoop is the most versatile. A V-neck lengthens. A boatneck covers more and looks the most polished under a jacket.
- Length and hip room. The hem should reach your hip bone and not creep up when you reach or sit. A little shaping through the hip does more than extra length.
The main styles, and who they suit
Most women only need two or three tanks if they choose styles that do different jobs.
| Style | Straps | Best for | Ours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic scoop neck | Wide | Everything: alone, under a cardigan, under a blazer | Stephanie |
| V-neck | Wide | Lengthening the neck and torso; work under a jacket | Tracey |
| Boatneck shell | Wide, set in | The office; reads as a shell, not a tank | Christina |
| Relaxed scoop | Wide | Hot days; room through the body | Claudette |
| Slim layering tank | Medium | Under fitted tops with no bulk | Alexa |
| Ruched hem | Medium | Shape at the waist; casual and weekend | Peg |
| Camisole | Spaghetti | Under sheer or low-cut tops | June |
If you buy one, make it a scoop neck in white or navy. If you buy two, add a V-neck or boatneck in black. That covers almost every outfit in a working wardrobe.
How to wear a tank top past summer
A tank does not have to go away in September. It just moves inside.
Under a cardigan. Match the tank to your pants for one long, unbroken line, then let the cardigan be the color. It is the most flattering way to wear a tank for most body shapes.
Under a blazer. A scoop, V-neck or boatneck tank in white, navy or black reads as a shell under a jacket. It is cooler than a blouse and never needs ironing. Our smart casual dress code guide shows how far that one combination goes.
Under sheer or open tops. This is the camisole's job. A thin-strap cami in a matching or skin-close color disappears under a sheer blouse.
For travel. Two tanks and one cardigan cover a week of warm days and cold planes. A knit that resists wrinkles comes out of a suitcase ready to wear. See our summer travel outfits and vacation outfits guides for full packing lists.
Tank tops for work
Whether a tank works at the office depends on three things: the straps, the neckline and what goes over it. Tank-width straps and a modest scoop, V or boatneck pass in most business casual offices once a blazer or cardigan goes on. Thin straps, racerbacks and low necklines do not.
The safest work tank is a boatneck shell, because it covers the most and keeps its shape under a jacket. If your office is more relaxed, a classic scoop tank under a long cardigan is enough. For the full picture, see what a casual dress code allows.
Stephanie Scoop Neck TankNavy · S–XL · $84The same Stephanie in navy, an easy dark base layer.
Alexa Scoop Neck Layering TankVery Peri · XS–XL · $55A slim layering tank that sits smoothly under tops and jackets.
Peg Ruched Hem TankBlack · XS–XL · $59Ruched sides add shape and soften the hem.
June Spaghetti Strap CamisoleNavy · XS–XL · $70A fine-strap cami for under sheer blouses, or alone in the heat.
Tank tops for women over 50
The rules do not change much after 50, but they matter more. Wider straps, an opaque knit, and a neckline that sits above the bust line make a tank feel finished instead of underdressed. A longer layer over it, such as a cardigan or an open shirt, lets you wear a tank comfortably anywhere.
Color does a lot of work, too. Navy, black and white are the safest, but a clear color near your face, like a periwinkle or a soft pink, can brighten your skin more than a neutral. Our guide to the best sleeveless tops: shell vs tank goes into which cut suits which shoulders and arms.
How to care for a tank top
Wash cold, inside out, with similar colors. Hang or lay flat to dry. Heat is what wears out stretch and fades color, so skipping the dryer is the single biggest thing you can do to make a tank last. Our microfiber and spandex knit does not need ironing.
Why our tanks are cut the way they are
Every JudyP tank is made in the USA from the same soft microfiber and spandex knit we use across the line. It is smooth and soft, so the tanks work alone or as a layer. They are cut with room through the hip so the hem stays where you put it. Our fabric supplier rates the knit UPF 50. You can see how one of them works five ways in how to style the Stephanie tank.
Tank top questions, answered
What is the best tank top for women over 50?
A tank with tank-width straps, a scoop or V-neck that sits above the bust line, and a little room through the hip. It covers your bra, does not cling and stays put when you sit or reach. Stephanie and Tracey are the two we would start with.
How do I keep a tank top from being see-through?
Choose a knit with some weight and a smooth surface, not a thin jersey. Hold it up to the light before you buy. Our tanks are made from a smooth microfiber and spandex knit that works alone or under a blazer.
Can you wear a tank top to work?
Yes, in most offices, if it has tank-width straps, a modest neckline and a smooth fabric, and you wear it under a blazer or cardigan. In white, navy or black it reads as a shell. Save camisoles and racerbacks for under another top.
What is the difference between a tank top and a camisole?
A tank top has wider straps, usually an inch or more, and covers a standard bra. A camisole has thin spaghetti straps and is mostly worn as a layer under sheer or low-cut tops.
What sizes do JudyP tank tops come in?
Most of our tanks run XS to XL. Claudette, the relaxed fit, runs S to XL. Each card above lists the sizes in stock for that color.
How should I wash a tank top so it lasts?
Wash cold, inside out, with similar colors, and hang or lay flat to dry. Our microfiber and spandex knit does not need ironing, and skipping the dryer keeps the stretch and color longer.
