Suns out, guns out, as the old saying goes.
While I spend a lot of time here at TAM teaching guys how to look and feel their best, sometimes the more humble items go unnoticed.
For instance, the tank top: beloved by many, scorned by few, but a versatile piece of clothing nonetheless.
After a long winter of push ups, I was feeling ready to show off my pythons, which led me down the rabbit hole of tank top research. You get it. Here are the best tank tops for men on the market today.
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5 Best Tank Tops for Men
Best for Beach Day: Vuori Strato Tech Tank
You know that excitement you get when you pull into the beach parking lot. The smell of sun screen, sea shells, and hot sand—you grab your trusty old frisbee and the creakiest folding chair you could find.
Yep, that’s one of the best feelings. And there’s no better way to enjoy the beach than with the Vuori Strato Tech Tank.
The Strato Tank features performance fabric, which is excellent for wicking away moisture, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the texture. It looks and feels like a standard cotton tank.
Even better, the Strato Tech Tank has an UPF 30+ protection rating to keep the sun’s rays from cooking you too much.
What I Like
The Strato Tech Tank has the look of a cotton tank, but all the benefits of a performance fabric shirt.
It wicks away moisture, stays dry, and doesn’t develop a ripe funk after a few weeks.
The polyester fabric is more flexible than cotton, so it’s great for workouts, or if you play that Spike Ball game at the beach.
What I Don’t Like
There are only three color options available (light grey, dark grey, and navy).
What Other Reviewers Say
At the time of writing, the Vuori Strato Tech Tank has over 100 reviews and is rocking a 4.8-star average.
A lot of the reviewers rave about the comfort, as the Strato Tech fabric is as soft as any technical fabric piece I’ve ever felt.
I noticed several reviews from runners, who claimed it was a solid piece for long distance runs. I’ve never run more than five miles, so I wouldn’t know, but I trust them.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a tank top that can take a beating from a workout, look good on the boardwalk, and last longer than a few rounds of Spike Ball on the hot sand, the Vuori Strato Tech Tank is your friend.
It combines all the performance aspects that make technical fabrics great (UPF protection, moist
The Strato Tech Tank has the look and feel of a classic, comfortable tank top, but it's made with performance fabrics that wick away moisture, keep you cool, and offer a bit of protection from the sun, too.
Best High Neck: Under Armour Baseline
High neck tanks give you the option to have the same fit of a t-shirt, but show off your guns way more. If you’re hitting the gym and repping out pull ups and lat pull downs, you’re going to look like a total unit with the Under Armour Baseline.
The Baseline Tank uses a blend of cotton and polyester, which helps add some stretch and moisture-wicking properties, but just be careful not to leave this one crammed in your gym bag overnight.
What I Like
The Baseline Tank has dropped arm holes, but they’re not overdone. This shows off your lats if you got them.
The hem drops down an extra inch in the back, which helps cover you when you’re bending over to pick up the dumbbells.
What I Don’t Like
With the addition of cotton comes the risk of irreparable stink. Make sure this tank gets washed soon after every workout.
What Other Reviewers Say
In reviews scattered around the web, the general sentiment is that it runs a little large. If you’re in between sizes, drop a size down. But if you’re a solid M (or L, or S) expect the tank to drop about a inch lower than most of your other shirts. It’ll still fit, but it’s a tad large.
The Verdict
Let’s not lie to ourselves. When it’s shoulder day and back day, you always cast yourself a few glances in the mirror after finishing the set. It’s just what you do.
If you want those boulder shoulders to pop out, the Under Armour Baseline Tank is the way to go. With dropped arm holes, and a v-cut hem, this sporty tank makes for a great workout partner.
Let’s not lie to ourselves. When it’s shoulder day and back day, you always cast yourself a few glances in the mirror after finishing the set. It’s just what you do.
If you want those boulder shoulders to pop out, the Under Armour Baseline Tank is the way to go. With dropped arm holes, and a v-cut hem, this sporty tank makes for a great workout partner.
Best Undershirt Tank: Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless
No frills here: a set of Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless tanks is the easiest way to get a multi-pack of undershirts for the workweek.
To be clear, there’s nothing spectacular about these shirts—they’re made with basic ribbed cotton, but they’re inexpensive, stay tucked in, and most importantly: they help you avoid pit stains on your nice dress shirts.
If you’re looking for a basic tank top as an undershirt, Hanes is the OG because they’re affordable and get the job done.
What I Like
They’re available in a 6-pack, so one purchase has your covered for the entire work week.
The full cut length means it’s easy to keep these tucked in all day without thinking about it.
What I Don’t Like
These shirts aren’t stellar quality, so they’re pretty thin and will likely need to be replaced in six months if you’re wearing them every day for work.
What Other Reviewers Say
These well-reviewed tanks (we’re talking 20,000+) are a top pick for a reason. Many reviewers have the same sentiment I do: they aren’t amazing, but they get the job done.
A lot of reviewers say these run about a size too small. A tight fit isn’t a problem for undershirts, and I say it’s actually a benefit. But if you’re looking for a white tank to wear solo, these are not the best choice. Based on their sizing and quality, these should stay within the under shirt realm.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for the best value option for a set of undershirts to keep your fancy dress shirts looking in tip-top shape, check out the Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless tanks.
With six shirts to a pack, and at roughly two bucks a pop, expect these under shirts to last around six months before they likely need to be replaced (assuming you’re wearing one every day for work). But at roughly two bucks a shirt, that’s a pretty fair deal.
If you’re looking for the best value option for a set of undershirts to keep your fancy dress shirts looking in tip-top shape, check out the Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless tanks.
With six shirts to a pack, and at roughly two bucks a pop, expect these under shirts to last around six months before they likely need to be replaced (assuming you’re wearing one every day for work). But at roughly two bucks a shirt, that’s a pretty fair deal.
Best Muscle Tee: Vuori Zephyr
You know that mid-summer workout—the one that’s hard to get going, but once you’re in the groove, sweat is pouring from your face and you’re giving it everything you got?
That’s where PR’s are made. That’s the stuff of legends, my friend.
For that kind of workout, I recommend the Vuori Zephyr Muscle Tee. It’s made with a micro-perforated mesh fabric, so it’s incredibly light and breathable. The worst feeling in the world is when you use your shirt to wipe off your forehead, and your shirt is soaking wet already.
With the Zephyr, that’s no issue. When the heat is cranked all the way up, bust out the big guns with this muscle tee.
What I Like
The micro perforated fabric dries super quick and doesn’t get soaked, so it’s a perfect material for mid-summer workouts.
The drop tail back offers more coverage on the back end.
There’s almost no branding, which is difficult to find with sports brands.
What I Don’t Like
There are only three muted color options, and I’d like to see more adventurous options like Vuori’s Kore shorts.
What Other Reviewers Say
After reading through a few dozen reviews (all of which were 5-star at the time of writing), a few things stood out to me.
Reviewers enjoy these shirts for long-duration workouts. If you’re on a distance run and you plan on being out longer than an hour, having a super breathable shirt is key.
Another reviewer actually referred to themselves as “Muscles Marinara.” No comment on that one.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for that kind of workout that floods your body with endorphins, the Vuori Zephyr Muscle Tee is a fantastic option. It’s micro-perforated mesh fabric keeps sweat off your body, and even the slightest breeze keeps the tank dry.
So if you overheat easily, the Zephyr is a must.
You can't tell by looking at it, but the Zephyr is made with a micro-mesh fabric that makes it incredibly light and breathable so you can smash your PR's during your next workout.
Best V-Neck Tank: Y2Y2 Modal Cotton
Some guys have a thick trunk-like neck, and crew neck shirts just bug them all day long. If that’s you and you’re looking for the classic muscle tee look, but don’t want to feel like you’re being choked by a weak guy, the Y2Y2 Modal Cotton V-Neck Tank is your bet.
What I Like
There’s a wide variety of size options so guys of all shapes can find what they’re looking for.
The shoulder and neck seams are reinforced, so they don’t stretch out and deform.
What I Don’t Like
They’re a bit long, though they shrink a great deal. It’s hard to know what the right fit is off the bat.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many reviewers had the same refrain on these shirts: order a full size larger than usual. While they might fit too big out of the bag, they shrink a ton—like a full size or even two.
If you’re ok with a tighter fit, size up once. If you still want a bit of room, size up twice.
The Verdict
V-neck tanks are hard to come by, but they’re an excellent choice if you’ve got a tree trunk neck and need some freakin’ breathing room. If that’s you, check out the Y2Y2 Modal Cotton tank top. Just make sure you size up once or twice, depending on how you like the final fit. It’s going to shrink in the wash.
V-neck tanks are hard to come by, but they’re an excellent choice if you’ve got a tree trunk neck and need some freakin’ breathing room. If that’s you, check out the Y2Y2 Modal Cotton tank top. Just make sure you size up once or twice, depending on how you like the final fit. It’s going to shrink in the wash.
5 Rules for Pulling off the Tank Top
Tank tops are great and all, but a lot of guys depend on them far too much. There’s a time and place for the tank, and it’s not your brother’s wedding.
1. No one wants to see your armpit hair
No, seriously. No one does. If you’re going to wear a tank top, make sure you have your manscaping routine down. I’m not talking about downstairs. Instead, the manscaping I’m talking about covers all things men’s grooming.
The best way to trim armpit hair is to reach your arm as far back as possible (while still keeping it close to your body. You’ll see a patch of hair coming out toward your chest. Take a pair of scissors and snip that away.
You don’t have to shave your armpits, but a little upkeep will go a long way in your tank game.
2. Your thin ribbed tank doesn’t cut it
When a lot of people think about tank tops, they think of the thin, white ribbed tanks that are mostly worn as undershirts.
Those should stay undershirts. Wearing that as your main shirt is sloppy and not the kind of refined style that screams you have your life together.
3. Beware of graphics
Surfers have long cherished the sweet freedom of the tank top, and along with them, the surf wear companies that love to put beachy designs on everything.
While I’m not a fan of graphic tees in general, there’s really only one place where a graphic tank top works: at the beach. If you’re having a chill beach day—sure, throw on that neon striped tank with a hula-girl and a jumping dolphin. That’s the kind of shirt you don’t mind getting sunscreen all over.
But outside the confines of the sandy strip, that style is reserved for highschool freshmen.
4. Don’t let it slip
Yep, it’s time we talk about nipple slips, guys. If the arm opening on your tank top is too large, you might unintentionally show off some of your goodies.
The most flattering tanks have smaller arm openings. This accomplishes two things: one, you don’t have to worry so much about the armpit hair mentioned in rule one. But second, it frames your shoulders and chest better, so you look more solidly built.
Of course, if you’re already ripped, having that extra large space for the ladies to gaze at your rippling abs is exactly what you want. For the rest of us, keep the arm holes smaller.
5. Performance fabric beats cotton for workouts
If you’re getting a tank top for a workout, stick to performance fabrics, like the Vuori Strato Tech Tank. The difference might not be huge in the first few weeks, but when you swear up a storm in cotton and leave your shirt until laundry day, it can build an extraordinary funk.
Performance fabrics are odor-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about washing your shirt right away. It’ll stay fresh, so it’s always ready for your run when you are.
Sun’s Out
Is that a bird I hear chirping outside? If it is, you better wrap this up, choose a tank, and get out there, man. The sun’s shining and people need to see those beefy pythons you’ve been building through the dark, cold months.
For beach trips, there’s none better than the Vuori Strato Tech Tank. With UPF 30+ protection and the same look and feel of a classic cotton tank, it’s hard to beat.
The Strato Tech Tank has the look and feel of a classic, comfortable tank top, but it's made with performance fabrics that wick away moisture, keep you cool, and offer a bit of protection from the sun, too.
For high-neck workout tanks, check out Under Armour’s Baseline. If you just need a jumbo-pack of undershirts that stay tucked, Hanes ComfortSoft is the way to go.
If you’re a total maniac and love to run for an hour+ in the middle of summer, the Vuori Zephyr is the lightweight, breathable beast you want on your back.
You can't tell by looking at it, but the Zephyr is made with a micro-mesh fabric that makes it incredibly light and breathable so you can smash your PR's during your next workout.
And if you’ve got a neck that makes the Rock envious, try out the Y2Y2 Modal Cotton tank.
Let’s go soak up some vitamin D.
FAQs
Why do guys wear tank tops under their shirts?
Tank top undershirts can help guys avoid pit-stains on their nicer dress shirts. Tanks can also visually flatten their stomach, and they can also add a layer of coverage, which is especially important for wearing a thin white dress shirt.
Is it ok for guys to wear tank tops out?
Guys shouldn’t wear tank tops to anything remotely formal, semi-formal, or business-casual. But if you’re at the beach, working out, or playing in the company softball game, a tank top is perfectly acceptable.
Can big guys wear tank tops?
Big guys can absolutely wear tank tops. The key for all guys wearing tanks is that they need to keep their armpit hair somewhat groomed. You don’t need to shave it off, but trimming up the sides is a must if you don’t want to gross out the opposite sex. Check out our full guide on manscaping to get a detailed breakdown of how to trim your armpit hairs so they don’t peak out.
