I Put 20 Best-Selling White Tanks to the Test, and These 6 Won Me Over

There's only one wardrobe classic I wear more than anything else, no matter what time of year it is, and it's a basic white tank top. Designers such as Prada and Loewe have given the humble tank a luxury makeover, but I've been wearing (and hoarding) mine for years now, whether I'm tucking them into everything from denim to tailoring, layering them under my favorite winter knits, or giving them a DIY spin during summer by tying them in a knot at the waist. In other words, I'm kind of a white-tank-top expert, and as such, I consider it my duty to share my edit of the top six versions of my number one essential basic on the market right now.

Sure, you can easily surf the web and find a plain white tank on just about any site (and at literally any price) or even ask your group chat for their favorites, but while the wardrobe mainstay might look similar in its many forms, not all of them are made equally. For this specific story, I decided to test-drive the 20 top-selling white tanks that Who What Wear readers seem to love and give them my review, even though I've probably tried my hand at close to 40 or 50 tanks over the years. I gave each of these popular picks a thorough test run, but only six styles really wowed me. As you're about to see, each of the below versions has earned a spot in my closet for one reason or another, whether it's the sub-$20 six-pack I always order from Amazon or the pretty vintage-inspired style that editors love. Without further ado, here are the best white tank tops of all time, according to me.

Hanes Cotton Tank Top Undershirt

My Amazon order history doesn't lie: I order a fresh pack of these basic tanks every summer. They may not be the most luxurious, but they get the job done. With such a good deal on a six-pack, I never have to feel guilty if I spill something. I also like to cut a few into cropped versions to wear with my high-waisted pants and shorts. I always size down on these since I prefer a snug fit and because they tend to stretch after the first few wears. I used to say that ordering my tanks from the men's section was my insider tip, but I'm hardly the only person who likes them. They've earned 59,367 ratings and an average of 4.5/5 stars, so if there were ever a time to follow what everyone else was doing, it would be here.

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Toteme Curved Rib Tank

When a beloved luxury label designs wardrobe basics, you know they're going to be good. Such is the case with Toteme, the Scandi brand that has everyone in fashion (including me) hooked. I'm a big fan of the classic Curved Rib Tank, a classic racerback ribbed style that comes in white, gray, and black. Not to play favorites, but if I could only own one white tank, this would be a strong contender. The shape and fabric pretty much tick off all my boxes.

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Cou Cou Intimates The Long Cami

Like everyone else in my Instagram feed, I have a huge soft spot for Cou Cou Intimates. The British label is behind some of the prettiest top-drawer items out there right now, so I had an inkling I might be a fan of their pointelle tank, but I didn't know I would be this obsessed. Cut from GOTS-certified organic cotton, it's remarkably soft and has a good amount of stretch without losing its shape. I will say it's on the sheer side, but not so sheer that going braless is an issue. Details like the dainty bow-adorned straps and lace trim make it look so sweet and charming.

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Open Edit Luxe Sculpt Tank

Reformation Tasha Tank

Reformation has done it again. My biggest pet peeve with ribbed tanks is when they get too loose, but this Ref tank has some magic woven into it because it really holds you in and smooths everything out. It's one of those basics that make everything else you wear them with look 10 times better. Yep, I'm hooked.

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Nordstrom Everyday Cotton Rib Tank

This tank gets a 10/10 from me. It's made from a thick rib material, so it feels extra luxurious and weighty, especially the neckline. Actually, necklines are one of the top details I look at when deciding on a tank because they can make or break how good a tank looks on, and this one has a nice wide edge that gives the tank (and the whole outfit) a put-together feel. This neckline is also wide enough at the shoulders to obscure the straps of my bra, which is a big plus. Nordstrom's basics make up a big portion of my wardrobe staples, and this tank is no exception. It's surprisingly nice quality for ringing in under $40 and worth stocking up on in multiple colors.

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Okay, Nordstrom, you really went off with this one. It's hard to find tanks that I can go truly braless in without feeling unsupported or exposed, but this thick ribbed-knit one definitely checks that box. It's soft and sculpting, so it gives that immediately polished look. My first instinct when I tried it on is that it's going straight into my work-outfit rotation for those weekday mornings when I need something that's easy to throw on but looks anything but. I already know this is one of those pieces I'm going to get a ton of repeat wear out of (and already have). It's gone with me on one weekend trip so far, and I'm sure it won't be the last. (I found out it's wrinkle-proof, too).

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More white tanks I want to try next:

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.