10 Best Tank Tops for Men in 2025, Tested by Style Editors
What to Consider
Material
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.
Fit
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.
Occasion
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.
How We Selected
To find the best tank tops for men, our style team, led by Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan, has tested a bunch of styles from over two dozen menswear brands. We tried trusted labels like Calvin Klein, Hanes and Carhartt, to new names Alo, Lululemon, and Vuori. Each option underwent weeks of field testing to get a true feel for its fit and quality.
We took notes on how snug it was, how it felt after a long day of wear, and its visibility underneath other shirts. Athletic singlets saw hours at the gym and on the run 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 10 tank tops to sport this summer.
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Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Best Overall Tank Top
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Rib Tank
Pros
- Soft modal blend
- Comes in a single, three-pack, or discounted bundle set
- Stretchy fabric
Cons
- Not the best option to wear for workouts
After testing a ton of tank tops, Mack Weldon stands out for striking the right balance between comfort, fit, and structure. Like the brand’s bestselling Airknitx Boxer Brief, this tank feels soft enough to lounge or sleep in, while keeping you cool from day to night. Whether you’re wearing it under a button-up or rocking it solo on a hot July afternoon, it never feels flimsy or overly tight. Our testers with more sculpted physiques found it especially flattering—it highlights the shoulders and biceps without veering into full compression mode.
The cotton-modal-spandex blend holds its shape under any layer. But what’s really unique is the construction process: the manufacturer waits 18 hours for the fabric to fully expand before cutting it, locking in a perfect fit that won’t warp, even after repeat wear and washes. That said, I’ve found it’s not the best choice for workouts as the heavier fabric that doesn’t wick moisture or breathe as well as technical fabrics during sweaty gym sessions. Style-wise, it can be worn on its own with shorts for a casual summer fit, but is also light enough to wear as an undershirt.
Read More: Best Undershirts for Men
| Material | 48% Cotton, 47% modal, 5% spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Form fitting |
| Use | Undershirt |
Amazon Bestseller
Hanes Cotton Tank Undershirts Pack
Hanes has updated its classic white undershirt with a cooling cotton fabric that kept me dry for hours. Even when I wore it solo in 70-degree temps, I didn’t experience any clammy feeling—just pure softness. Since it’s more sheer than expected, I keep it layered under my plaid shackets. That said, it’s fine on its own around the house, but not exactly beer-run material. The good news is that my pits stayed smelling fresh from sun up to sun down.
One area where this tank top lacks is flexibility. The first time I pulled the tank top over my head, I noticed it wasn’t as stretchy as the others that I’ve tested infused with spandex or elastane. But the extra-long length that assures the hem stays tucked, making it a neat base that won’t ride up.
| Material | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|
| Fit | Form fitting |
| Use | Undershirt, casual |
Best Budget Tank Top
Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Tank Top
Pros
- Very affordable
- Stretchy
- Hides sweat well
Cons
- Armpit is a bit high
For a tank top that is definitely not an undershirt, this one from Amazon ticks all the right boxes. We love its slim-but-not-tight fit, making it versatile for workouts or casual wear. The cut is much longer than others on the list, which offers more coverage than while preventing those awkward mid-rep ride-ups. The elastane provides a solid amount of stretch, but the racerback design really amplifies mobility, so you’re not feeling restricted when you’re crushing lat pulldowns and shoulder presses.
Given its affordable price point, I was impressed by its overall quality and function. No matter how much I sweat, this tank has always felt breathable and stayed fresh post-gym, which is why I still felt comfortable enough to keep it on for dog walks and smoothie runs. While I wouldn’t try to style this tank and layer it under a button-up, it definitely gets the job done for performance and holds up after multiple wash cycles.
| Material | 95% Polyester, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Use | Casual, athletic |
Best Undershirt Tank Top
Calvin Klein Cotton Classic Fit 3-Pack Tank Top
Calvin Klein boxer briefs tend to steal the spotlight, but the brand’s ribbed tank top deserve some love, too. The classic fit skims the body, but doesn’t hug your chest super tight. It has a standard neckline and wider armholes to flaunt your new arm day gains. Where this Calvin really shines, though, is in the soft, breathable 100% cotton fabric. Despite lacking spandex (which usually trades softness for stretch), the tank isn’t exactly rigid. I can fit it over my head without feeling like it’s going to tear, which is a problem I’ve run into with tanks made from stiff, low-grade cotton.
Wearing a form fitting undershirt tank as an exposed base is very much on-trend, especially in spring. I’ve worn this one under an opened button-up, tucked into chinos, and it delivered on both comfort and style. It’s the kind of tank top that earns its place in your rotation, whether you’re layering or going minimal.
| Material | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|
| Fit | Form fitting |
| Use | Undershirt |
Best Quick-Drying Tank Top
Uniqlo Dry Color Ribbed Tank Top
A quick-drying tank top in the summer is my secret weapon against sweat. That’s why we recommend this ribbed style from Uniqlo. The brand uses a proprietary moisture-wicking treatment to keep you feeling cool, even in blazing temps. Our testers range from lean to buff dudes, and this tank fits all of them, so it’s universally flattering. The deep neckline and large armholes draw attention to those chiseled pecs and biceps. Plus its light fabric can pull double duty as an undershirt.
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, the list goes on. Although it’s the least expensive item on the list, the quality feels more premium than what you’re paying for. And of course, you can stock up one in every available neutral color and not break the bank.
| Material | 73% Cotton, 27% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Use | Casual, Athletic |
Best Workout Tank Top
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt
Lululemon’s new Metal Vent Tech singlet is the tank version of one of our favorite workout shirts. It has mesh zones along the front and back to keep air flowing, so I wasn’t drenched or feeling weighed down five minutes into my hot weather workout. I found the fit is perfect–not too tight, not too loose. It skims the body from the chest to the waist, allowing me to easily hit sprints and tackle arm curls. During my HIIT circuits full of burpees and jump squats, I noticed that this tank now comes with more flex than ever as well.
Yeah, it’s the priciest performance option on the list, but you get what you pay for. It doesn’t stretch out or lose shape, even after a bunch of washes and wears, thanks to the a bit of elastane in the mix. On top of that, you can get away with wearing it more often and staying fresher for longer without worrying about BO, since it’s made with Silverescent technology—the brand’s proprietary fabric that helps prevent buildup of bacteria that can cause funk.
| Material | 53% Nylon, 40% polyester, 4% elastane, 3% X-static® nylon |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Use | Athletic |
Best muscle tank top
Alo Yoga The Triumph Muscle Tank
Pros
- Very soft material
- Modest fit
- Wide color variety
Cons
- Neck is a bit tight
This tank puts your chest and arm gains on full display. The relaxed-not-baggy cut has armholes large enough for buff guys looking to flex. The neckline is wide and rounded, rather than being deep, which can transition from the gym to lunch.I’ve found the soft jersey fabric is super breathable and keeps me relatively dry during my sweat-dripping Barry’s classes. Speaking of workouts, this tank comes in neutral colors that easily match with your gym shorts.
There’s also a few limited-edition shades that bring a street-ready vibe that’s better suited for park picnics or rooftop drinks than the gym. No matter which you decide to go with, each one can pair with regular shorts, too. When I’m not doing yoga or out and about, I wear this tank to lounge in front of the TV, because the material feels that comfortable.
| Material | 50% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Use | Athletic, casual |
Most Durable
Carhartt Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Sleeveless Pocket T-Shirt
Pros
- Chest pocket adds functional element
- Oversized fit increases breathability and comfort
- More shoulder coverage
Cons
- Fabric might be too heavy for workouts
Carhartt’s relaxed-fit tank brings more shoulder coverage than your standard tank, and a lot more grit. This cut announces itself as part of the frat boy or gym bro starter pack, and we love the vibe. Made from 100% cotton, the jersey knit is noticeably heavier than the others on the list. That added weight gives it serious durability, though it’s not the best pick for high-intensity workouts.
It’s oversized, loose fit is where it shines. Wear it solo, without any layers, so the roomy cut can drape just right and put focus on your biceps. While I found the cotton fabric is more substantial than polyester-blends, it still feels comfortable on the skin and breathes in hotter temps. And unlike your average basic tank, this one comes equipped with a chest pocket, a practical bonus for stashing your keys or small cash.
| Material | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|
| Fit | Oversized |
| Use | Casual |
How Can a Guy Look Good in a Tank Top?
From testing several tank top fits in our fashion closet with our style editors, 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.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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