Let your underarms breathe—and show off your biceps.
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TANK TOPS FOR men aren’t just for showing off your guns. In fact, the right sans-sleeve tops are pretty stylish, while giving your underarms some breathing room. The trick to finding the right tank top: opt for comfortable and cooling fabrics that are not too tight or flashy. That way you wear it as an undershirt to manage sweat, or as a base layer with a camp collar shirt.
Don’t be afraid to wear a tank top on its own, even if you don’t have biceps like Jake Gyllenhall in the Roadhouse remake. Just make sure you find one that fits a little relaxed, with a neckline that doesn’t drop past your pecs, and a fabric that isn’t transparent. Of course, workout shirts and undershirts should fit snugly, but we’ll cover when to wear which type below.
Our style experts have sourced and tried on over 45 singlets to find the 20 best tank tops for men below, from performance tank tops that are ready to hit the gym to breathable cotton tank tops that are versatile and cozy to statement tank tops that will shine on their own. So go forth and be your best tank-top-clad self to soak up the sunlight—and onlookers' attention—in breezy, sleeveless panache.
100% cotton tanks are often the gold standard since the material is soft, breathable, and absorbs and retains heat. But cotton doesn't perform the best on blazing, sweaty days and can leave you feeling clammy. That is why polyester is a go-to for moisture-wicking, quick-drying tank tops that still feel soft. Nylon is another great material to consider because of its cooling ability and natural stretch. Blended fabrics that have more than one of the above are our recommendations for athletic or active guys.
While it’s easier for athletic guys to look great in all kinds of tank tops, men of any shape and body type indeed will look just as well, if they’ve found the right fit. A slim fit, for instance, hugs the torso just right and is more muscle-friendly—and often the default for undershirt tank tops. Classic fit in muscle tanks is loose and relaxed and great for being worn on their own—as well as hiding unwanted dad bod.
Where or why you wear tank tops matters more than you think. For instance, lifestyle tank tops that you want to wear on their own while running errands or lounging or committing should be left untucked and come in a relaxed fit. The same goes for workout tank tops since you'll want more room to move in. In both cases, the length can be short or long. But for undershirt tank tops, the fit must be slim to make laying easier and more comfortable, and the length should be long so you can tuck it into your pants.
To curate the best tank tops for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a variety of styles from over two dozen menswear brands. Well known labels, like Calvin Klein, Tracksmith and Hanes, have seen years of wear from many of the contributors to this list. Newer brands like Alo, Fear of God, and Vuori underwent weeks, or even months, of field testing to get a feel for fit, construction, and feel.
Each tank top was examined based on designed use. For undershirts, we took notes on how snug the fit was, how the seams felt, how it felt after a long day of wear, and visibility underneath other shirts. Athletic singlets saw hours at the gym, on the run, and many classes to determine flexibility, breathability, moisture control, and any chafing issues. Fashion tops were examined for styling versatility, comfort, and breathability. Every single shirt was considered for how well it stood up in the wash, how well it was constructed, and how the price compared to overall value. Keep reading to see the best 18 tank tops to sport this summer.
Mack Weldon effortlessly churns out menswear essentials that we want to buy in bulk, just like this soft jersey rib tank that we put to the test on F1 Star Daniel Ricciardo as well as Michael B. Jordan, whose sculpted physiques were thoroughly flattered in it.
Made with a special cotton blend that holds its shape under any shirt, the brand actually waits 18 hours—which is how long it takes for the material to fully expand— before cutting the fabric into a tank silhouette, thus creating the perfect fit that won’t lose its shape (even after repeated wear). Our testing also shows that the cotton is breathable, and is blended with silky-yet-durable modal and a dose of stretchy Lycra for taking on any undershirt-required occasion.
Read more: Best Compression Shirts for Men
Remember what we said about forward-thinking menswear brands? We're referring to Hanes, which updated its classic white undershirt with a performance fabric that cools and wicks away moisture for layering this under button-downs while stylishly keeping your cool.
Our Fashion Director Ted Stafford especially loves it as an undershirt, which is why we had fitfluencer Logan Aldridge put it on and tested it out. The result is expected: The tank top scores high on softness, breathability, and fit.
For a tank top that is definitely not an undershirt, this one from Amazon ticks all the right boxes. Having tried it on ourselves, we love its slim-but-not-tight fit which makes it versatile for workouts or daily wear, and the super soft fabric to me has held its shape even after several washes.
While I’ve dealt with Amazon products that are just frustrating performance-wise, this tank top’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking knit fabric with gentle stretch has not disappointed me—at the gym or under the sun
When it comes to Calvin Klein underwear, the boxer briefs get all the attention. As it turns out, the brand makes a really nice ribbed tank top as well. The fit is just right, not too deep in the neck and just loose enough in the arm holes, which is vital for an undershirt. Where this Calvin really shines though, is the soft and breathable 100% cotton fabric. For comparison, the famed boxer briefs are only 95% cotton.
Wearing a form fitting undershirt tank top as an exposed base layer is totally a look right now, and this is the perfect option to give it a try. If you’re wearing your tank under a suit or blazer, tuck it in. For a more casual look with an open button down shirt, you can tuck it in or leave it out.
You should never feel tied down or limited during a workout, and after Lululemon finally gave its best-selling, editor-tested workout shirt the upgrade it deserves, you never will.
During our testing and comparison, we found that the new Metal Vent Tech singlet is cut and fitted so that you have a full, free range of motion as you hit sprints and take on curls. But it's updated with a seamless (read: chafe-less) build, and the fit and weight now feel much less clingy on sweaty skin.
After testing it out through numerous gym sessions, I notice that this tank now comes with more stretch than ever as well. In short, the cult-fav tee is as breathable as its predecessor but now more comfortable and durable to sport for hours on end, wear after wear.
A quick-drying tank top in the summer is like having a secret weapon against sweat. That’s why we recommend this ribbed style from Uniqlo. The brand uses DRY technology, a special fabric treatment to wick away moisture and keep you cool as a cucumber. Not to mention, the fit is super flattering on the body, especially for those who want to show their chiseled pecs and biceps
In terms of style, you can wear this option with all kinds of shorts. We found it goes with cargo shorts, basketball shorts, board shorts, you name it. And the price tag is super cheap, so you can pick up one in every available neutral color.
Breathable and sweat-wicking, this muscle tank moves easily, which is perfect for yoga, stretching, and running. And while I've dealt with muscle tanks that scream 'gym bro,' this one has a classic fit and a neat look that's understatedly versatile. The light, soft jersey fabric also makes it great for indoor and outdoor lounging.
Huge color variety is another benefit of this comfy muscle shirt. Alo keeps six core colors on hand year round - black, white, navy, gray, charcoal, and tan - along with five or six additional colors that are updated each season. Finding the right color fit in with your workout gear is no problem.
For the gym, you want a tank top that’s breathable and lightweight. Enter Vuori’s Strato Tech Tank, which is made from performance jersey fabric that feels barely there. It incorporates a reasonable amount of stretch to accompany all sorts of motion, and wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry.
Having tested it on treadmills and while jogging in Central Park, we love how this tank top has managed to keep us from being drenched in sweat. The athletic fit has the right balance, so it’s not too tight or too loose. With room in the chest, it’s easy to bench press heavier weights and complete sets of push ups. Plus, the ultra-soft material caresses your skin and doesn’t give out after several washes.
If something is made with crochet, nine times out of ten it’s super breathable. The same applies for this tank top from Abercrombie & Fitch. That’s because this version—produced by a cotton-nylon blend—has an open weave from a series of interconnected loops and stitches that allows for a great deal of air circulation.
Although it's considered sweater-knit fabric, we found it doesn’t make you feel gross or weighed down in hot temps. It’s more like a cozy hug on your body. While you may want to choose another option on the list for athletic purposes, it’s a great choice to show off some style on vacation.
Our fashion editors have worn it on the beach and for dinner at the resort, paired with summer pants. You can even layer it under a linen shirt or a thick cardigan in cooler weather.
Everything Fear of God makes, this cotton tank top included, is cut loose and flowy without looking baggy or sloppy. The shoulders are a little broader than you’re probably used to, and the body is on the longer side, with a deep “U” shaped neck. Even though the colors are solid earth tones, the fit makes it a strong stand alone top.
Comfort is always key with the best tank tops, but it is especially true with this one. The slightly oversized fit works best with wider cut pants, especially something with a drawstring. If you’re wearing shorts, go for a longer inseam that hits closer to the knee because this tank is extra long.
A favorite in our fashion closet is this casual lean tank that can be worn on its own on the dog days of summer. But since the brand elevates the summer staple with a premium cotton jersey that is softer than soft, it doubles as a tasteful undershirt.
In my experience, whether it’s a bomber jacket, shacket, or camp shirt that I throw on top of it, this tank has always stolen the spotlight from the rest of my fits. The sturdy cotton holds onto the shape nicely and the neck drops just right, not too high and not too low.
In our experience, this is the low-cut neckline that’ll really nail a no-show look for undershirts. Otherwise, this tank also has a lean fit that contours to your body—but doesn’t feel tight like spandex—so that it won’t intrude on your outer layer garment.
It’s comfortable and soft, too. Though our testing shows that it doesn’t have any natural stretch because it’s fully cotton, the spacious arm room and light fabric do let you move with ease.
Carhartt’s relaxed-fit tank really announces itself as part of the frat boy or gym bro starter pack, and we’re here for it. The cotton jersey knit feels soft and doesn’t get warm on hot days, and there’s even a nifty pocket to hold your small accessories or tools.
Styling-wise, in my experience, due to its loose, oversized fit, I recommend wearing it on its own, under nothing, because that’s how it’ll shine and bring the eyeballs to your chiseled arms.
Tracksmith specializes in high-end running gear that looks great on and off the track. This singlet is rendered with sleek finishes like a collegiate sash and a perforated fabric for breathability and a stylish texture.
Our favorite part is that it mixes a '70s retro color-blocking design with performance. The fabric feels light but incredibly stretchy—thanks to 18% of spandex!—and it really wicks away moisture when we run and perspire in it.
After years of testing out many athletic singlets, this became my go-to running tank top. The super fine mesh lets air flow through without chafing and keeps the weight so light, you barely feel anything on the move. New Balance got the length just right by cropping it a bit shorter than standard tank tops and t-shirts, which also increases airflow by minimizing overlap with your shorts.
My favorite part about this athletic tank is that it also doubles as a casual top or undershirt. Since it is solid black, with one understated logo, it is easy to style. The fabric is lighter and breezier than pretty much any fashion tank top out there.
Vacation fits call for relaxed tanks. Take this one from Ser.o.ya, which has a deep cut neck and arm holes that feel like a breeze to move in. The fabric is so thin that it is nearly sheer, but the fit is a little baggy and drapes loosely over your torso. This combination keeps the weight and coverage minimal without being showy.
A great travel tank top can be styled in multiple ways. This one is light enough to be a base layer, with a long sleeve button down or light sweater over top. On warmer days, wear a short sleeve camp collar shirt overtop with the front left open. It can also be worn solo with swim trunks and sandals.
Having worn this with a full suit or a dress-shirt-and-chinos office fit before, I love how comfortable the silky-soft modal fabric feels, and how it really stays tucked in the pants—and won’t rise up even when I’m stretching, courtesy of the 10% spandex.
No matter how I sweat or how many times I wash it, this has always felt breathable and fresh to me, so I always wear it while relaxing at home as well. Even through it is form fitting, the smooth matte finish is modest enough to go as a stand alone top in casual settings.
Moisture-wicking is part of polyester’s DNA, and Sunspel uses its proprietary Drirelease™ fabric to bring out the best of it. No matter how you sweat, this tank can dry you in a heartbeat while remaining soft, ensuring you never feel clammy ever again.
We also love its muscle-tank silhouette which is cut to allow more movement and also cut slightly higher to look more everyday-friendly, meaning you can easily wear out in this tank besides working out in it.
From testing several tank top fits in our fashion closet with our Fashion Director, we recommend getting the fit and occasion right before you start styling.
For fitness or sports, a relaxed fit like that of muscle tanks will absolutely do. Pairing it with shorts is also a no-brainer. But if you're going out in a loose tank top, avoid overly baggy—or tight—tanks that can make you look sloppy.
For layering, tank tops in summer can easily go under short-sleeve shirts like Hawaiian shirts aside from being worn on their own. In the fall or spring, wear them under unbuttoned shirts or shirt jackets to let you breathe without getting cold.
Lastly, we caution about experimenting prints—a solid color is what we recommend, and that's where you should get creative with. If you do want to go for bold patterns or graphic prints, those classics like Adidas stripes, Nike checks, or just camos and color-blocking stripes will work the best—keep it to the minimum is what we're saying.
You can rest assured that our product recommendations all derive from first-hand experience as well as testing. For instance, at Men’s Health, we have a fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest tank tops. We have put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a tank top’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.
You can also trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan who actually know the materials—such as that polyester isn't actually breathable—but we also have a panel of style experts, including stylists, fashion influencers, and designers, whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
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