Tank Tops

Come summer and its time to get into your favorite tank top. Not only is it light and comfortable but it can be picked up in different designs suitable for men, women, teens and kids. Tank tops are also available in various sizes, thus, making it a favorite for everybody irrespective of their age or size.

Tank tops are usually made from hosiery material. Knits, terrycloth, cotton blends or nylon are also used in making tank tops. Look up this guide to tank tops and you too can add the cool casual look to your wardrobe.

Tank tops

Tank top derives its name from 'tank suit', a one piece swimsuit with shoulder straps, worn by women. The term 'tank' refers to a swimming tank, as swimming pools were referred to, a few decades earlier. While tank tops were originally designed to be worn as an undershirt, the colorful and well designed ones are worn as a top by itself.

Tank top is primarily an American term; it is referred to as 'singlet' in Australia and 'vest' in England. The tank top is said to be the creation of George Masson and has been popular as casual wear in the United States since the 1980's. Tank tops were initially worn by popular rock icons at their music shows. In fact, music stars and sportsmen used the tank tops to show off their biceps.

And the craze caught on. The older version of the tank tops was made from cotton and had slogans or decals on them. Now, the tank top and its various versions have been accepted as a casual dress that can be worn in public. In fact, women now have another option, the 'tankini' which can be worn for the pool or beach. etc.

Tank top styles

Tanks do not have sleeves, instead of which they have straps that are about an inch or two in width. Tanks may be either plain, ribbed, waffle knit or even netted and sport different styles of necklines and arm holes. The most popular of the lot still remains the solid white tank top with a round neck. Women's tanks usually have thin straps (spaghetti straps) and some even feature a built in shelf bra.

Wearing tank tops is a great option on hot sultry days. They can also be worn while working outdoors or while working out at the gym. Tanks are also sported by athletes. But tanks are not just for summer; they can be worn under other clothing items, as an inner layer, for warmth as well as style.

Tank tops come in various designs and shades and they practically match with everything, right from jeans to skorts. It entirely depends on how you are able to mix and match to get the right look. While buying tanks, go for ones with a fitted silhouette, which will manage to give you a sleek look. And don't forget to check with the manufacturer as to whether your tank will shrink. Most of the tanks do shrink an average of one size in the wash and hence it is better to buy one size up for a better fit.

You can buy a traditional tank top in 100% cotton, combed for softness and comfort, with baby rib binding at the neck and straps for reinforced shape. Check for double stitched bottom hem for durability. You can opt for tanks in contrasting two-tone colors - black with white borders or white with grey borders.

Tank tops are also available in scoop neck and binded scoop neck. Tank tops with rhinestone embellishments are also a good option. In fact, you can team it up with a colorful skirt, get a new hairstyle and wear semi-formal jewelry and you are ready for the party. Tank tops with logos, designs and funky messages are a must-have for most teenagers.

Tank top guide

• Tank top with lace work in the neck area or a mesh tank top is a stylish option that can be paired with running shorts and a fleece zip hoody. In fact, tanks are so versatile that they can be paired with anything from a pair of jeans to leggings, from shorts to sweat pants.
  
  
• If you want a formal look go for a black tank top and wear a pair of ivory trousers and a matching jacket and you are ready to attend any official meeting.
  
  
• One of the most popular buys is the sheer jersey spaghetti tank with a sporty racerback. They can be easily teamed up with a pair of capris to give you that casual sporty yet sophisticated look.
  
  
• You can create your own outfit by layering one tank on top of another in contrasting colors. Alternatively, wear a fuchsia or cranberry colored bra beneath a white tank top, and you are sure to make heads turn. Try wearing sheer blouses over your tanks or a summery white blouse over a black tank top.
  
  
• For that special evening, wear a plain white tank top embellished with silver metallic corsage and complement it with a flowing skirt.
  
  
• You can also buy splatter dyed tanks and combine them with summer pants in the same color family, throw in a funky bracelet and you would have created a designer look.
  

Irrespective of which tank top you wear or what you team it up with, you can be assured of a cool stylish look. Tank tops are here to stay.