Women's Tank Tops

How much shoulder a tank leaves bare decides most of what can be worn over it. Spaghetti-strap camisoles bare the whole shoulder and disappear under a jacket; wider straps sit far enough out to hide a bra strap; racerbacks pull in towards the spine and free the shoulder to move; halters tie at the neck and leave the back open. Sleeveless tops do the opposite of all of them, keeping the shoulder covered out to its edge and simply dropping the sleeve at the armhole.

Necklines run scoop, square, V and high, with cowl draping and lace trims at the softer end and a built-in shelf bra on the more practical styles. Lengths stop at the rib, at the waist or below the hip. Fabric decides the rest: fine rib stretches and recovers, cotton and modal jersey sit flat under layers, and silk, satin and viscose slip over the body and take a bias cut well. Knitted and crochet tanks bring a texture of their own.