Mya Gelber’s Hunt for the Perfect Tank Top

Dôen still sells this tank in yellow, but at $38, I can’t in good conscience suggest it to anyone, including myself. Price aside, it was seemingly perfect: thick cotton, apron neckline, and not skintight. Really, my goal has been to find a tank top made from natural fibers, not too thin (therefore not sheer), and ideally available in white and colors. A square, boat, or apron neckline is my preference, but I’m open to other styles as long as the body isn’t clingy and the length isn’t too long or short.

The Supima Tank from L.L.Bean is somehow both extremely soft and impressively durable while still being non-sheer. I really loved the relaxed fit, which is more modest than that of most tanks I’ve tried, with a high neck and full shoulder coverage. At $23, it’s a great option, but ultimately it was too long for my taste.

The Everyday Singlet by Kowtow is made of organic-cotton jersey that gives it a soft, breathable feel with a bit of structure. I liked that the neckline is slightly scooped without being too low, and the straps are cut wide enough to cover most bras. The fit is close to the body but not skintight, making it an easy piece to wear tucked in or on its own. At $59, it’s definitely a pricier option, but the quality and sustainable production make it feel like a thoughtful wardrobe staple.

The Uniqlo ribbed tank was a pleasant surprise! Soft yet thick and only $8. I really liked the fit, though it runs shorter than I prefer, and the color selection felt a little muted. Still, for the price, it’s an excellent basic if you’re looking for an easy layering piece or a simple summer top you won’t feel precious about.

The Feather Jersey Slim Tank from J.Crew is drapey and lightweight. I loved its looser fit and slimmer straps. However, it was very, very sheer and felt more like a tank to throw over a bathing suit.

I was initially drawn to the Michael Stars Sloan V-neck tank for its delightful shade of blue. And the brand makes some of my favorite loungewear, so I knew the tank would be comfortable. The fabric is thick and soft, comparable to some pricier options like Flore Flore. I think this tank really stands out because it’s very bra friendly owing to its thick straps. It’s nice to have a tank you don’t need to wear a certain type of bra with. I also love that it comes in such a wide range of colors. My only hesitation is the V-neckline; while it’s flattering, I don’t always find it as versatile on me as a crew or scoop neck.

Madewell has been making some of my absolute favorite basics recently, and this tank is no different. The Madewell Compact Shell Tank quickly became one of the best I tried. The thick cotton has the luxe, structured feel that reminds me of Flore Flore tanks but at $38 instead of $95. The high crew neck and clean lines make it look polished on its own. It’s fitted without being clingy, and the fabric feels substantial enough to hold its shape all day. I bought one in red, and it could easily be a tank I wear to the office on a hot day.

Best for breeziness if you’re okay with a little sheerness. The Dana Cami is delightfully loose and airy thanks to its 100 percent organic-cotton knit that delivers a lived-in vintage softness from day one, something Le Bon Shoppe does really well. The slim but relaxed fit, binding-trimmed straps, and curved mid-cut neckline create a clean, effortless silhouette that tucks or untucks just right. This tank feels as cozy as an old tee. My only caveat: In vintage white, it’s sheer, so not ideal if you want full coverage. Still, it’s exactly the kind of comfortable, summery piece that pairs well with everything. I’ve loved layering it over bathing suits for vacation.

Whenever I wear this singlet from the Fringes, I always get a million questions about where it’s from. It’s truly the most perfect ’90s-style white tank. It has ribbed premium cotton-jersey yarn, so it feels extra luxurious. It has a perfect length with a high neck, and the fit is great, not super-skintight. Comfortable and breezy, it has been my absolute go-to. I also love this one because it’s not see-through and I don’t have to worry about my undergarments.

The Gil Rodriguez LaPointe Tank is one of my favorites. I have its not-discontinued butter-yellow version. The fit is incredibly flattering with a square neckline and slim straps, and the color options are unmatched — vibrant and bold in a way few basics achieve. The fabric is on the thinner side, and after a few washes, I noticed the straps starting to wear out. But despite that, I still reach for it constantly. It’s lightweight and easy to style with the perfect balance of minimal and striking.

TheAritzia HomeStretch Tankis sleek, stretchy, and flattering with ribbed fabric that hugs the body without feeling restrictive. The scoop neckline adds a touch of femininity, and thicker straps make it feel more substantial than a classic cami. At $25, it feels more elevated than a basic layering piece but still sits at an accessible price point. The real standout is the color selection. I sized up for a looser fit and snagged a gray one.

My runner-up pick is truly amazing, thick, and so flattering, though the price is steep. The May Cami features a classic square neckline with banded straps and is crafted from a medium-weight organic-cotton rib that feels substantial and luxe. The cut is fitted in all the right places, holding its shape beautifully while remaining soft and comfortable. The baby-blue shade is my personal favorite, but the cami comes in a range of richer core and seasonal hues like black, red, bubblegum, and butter, offering something for every mood. What truly sets it apart, though, is the quality and the flattering silhouette; it feels more elevated and thoughtfully made than most basics. Yet given the price, it’s definitely an investment piece.

The Almina Concept Boat-Neck Tank is my winner because it addresses what I’ve been looking for all along: a tank top that’s more of a top than a tank (if that makes any sense). The boat neckline is so flattering and elevates the look from just a tank top to an intentional look without trying. The fabric is soft and structured and has a loose fit through the body. No skintight tanks here! The length is also exactly what I was looking for, that ’90s not-too-cropped length, ending right above my jeans. I have been wearing this tank so many ways, including styling it with pins and brooches, like this rose from Maguire. I know this is a versatile piece that can take me from a vacation look all the way to the office.