The Best White Tanks for Women That Will Cover Your Bra
I always find it funny when a wardrobe classic becomes a “hot trend.” One of the biggest trends this season is the classic white tank. We grown women have likely owned one (or a dozen) over the years, but may not have a great one currently in our closets. I decided to do some research for the best white tanks for women so we can update our closets with a classic made of quality that will last beyond this “hot trend.”
The thing is, the white tank never truly goes out of fashion. Worn under an oversized blazer, paired with an elaborate maxi skirt, a pair of slouchy menswear trousers, or perfectly broken-in jeans, the white tank is a closet staple. However, not all white tanks are created equal, and IMO grown women have different needs from their white tanks. Below, I share the best white tanks for women.
What Makes for a Great White Tank?
I have certain criteria that go into a really great white tank for us grown-ass women:
- Opacity. You can't see what color bra I'm wearing, you can't see my belly button, nor can you see the mole on my back. I want my tank completely opaque.
- Can Wear a Standard Bra. I love the look of string tanks, cut-out shoulders, and deep racerbacks but as a grown woman, I am not going to buy a new bra just for my white tank.
- Safe for Work Neckline. While I may not be wearing my white tank to the office, I don't desire a tank that is practically showcasing my areolas. I may like a bit of scoop, but a little is plenty for me these days, thank you.
- Grown Woman Sizing. I won't support any business that has their largest size end around a US Women's 12. If the average woman in the United States is plus-sized, it's ridiculous for a brand to only offer junior sizing.
If this looks familiar, it's because this “hot trend” keeps coming in and out of fashion, so I update it with the latest and greatest offerings. All through the year, I look at lists of best white tank tops, try the ones that I know will cover a standard bra, be long enough to tuck in, but not be too long to leave out, and work with the needs of a grown woman so I can keep this list fresh with the best white tanks. My recommendations:
My Picks for The Best White Tanks for Women That Will Cover Your Bra
1. Universal Standard Roitfeld Ribbed Tank
When Universal Standard launched their Roitfeld Tank, I immediately ordered one to see if it was a good choice for us grown-ass women. I ordered the same size I wear in their t-shirts, but it was way too tight. I then sized up and found perfection. Not too low, not sheer, covers a traditional bra, and instead of traditional mini ribs, the ribbing is spaced out and looks elevated. Not only is it one of the best white tanks, but it's one of the most comfortable tanks. And now I am on Summer 3 with my Roitfeld tanks and they still look and fit great.
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Universal Standard is working to democratize fashion by offering every single one of their styles in sizes 00-40. Each size is designed with a separate fit model to ensure the pieces fit well, and aren't just graded smaller or larger like many other fashion brands. Available in sizes 00 (4XS) – 40 (4XL).
For more personal takes and honest reviews, check out my Universal Standard Archive.
2. Soma Seamfree Turnaround Tank
If you want a tank that covers your bra but is trim enough to be a cami, the Soma Seamfree Turnaround tank may be just what you're looking for. I have owned this tank in a variety of colors over the years, and I love how it is opaque but super lightweight, creating a trim silhouette or layering beautifully under other garments.
One side of this tank is a V-neck, the other a scoop, so you have a lot of variety. This is a good tank for those who have a long torso or desire a slightly lower neckline that still covers the bra. If you wash it on gentle and line dry, you will extend its life (I have a three-year-old one in black I still wear regularly). Available in sizes XS-XXL.
For more on Soma's products, like their intimates, robes, and gift guides, visit my Soma Archives.
3. Chico's Microfiber Tank
If you desire a white tank that has a bit more polish than your typical ribbed jersey version, the Chico's Microfiber Tank may be perfect for you. That's me wearing it in three of the photos above; I am a big fan of its opacity, silkiness, and how it's fitted but not clingy. This is a great layering piece under cardigans and blazers for the workplace and looks chic paired with an elegant skirt or your favorite jeans.
Not too low for work but not frumpy, this tank fits nicely under the arms and will cover the straps of any bra. If you want a drapey fit, go up a half size. If you want it tight like a bodysuit, go down a half size. I am wearing a size 2 in the photos above. Available in Chico's unique sizing, which matches up to a 0/2-20/22. I can confidently say that this is one of the best white tanks I have ever owned.
I'm a big fan of Chico's all-around, check out my Chico's Archive to see for yourself. And if you want to be in on a little Chico's family joke of mine, check out this video I posted on Instagram!
4. Ashley Stewart The Basic Knit Tank Top
Ashley Stewart is a mixed bag when it comes to plus size fashion style and quality, but it's been a go-to great destination for basics for many years. And The Basic Knit Tank Top from Ashley Stewart is a prime example. A smooth knit, this tank can dress up or down. This white tank top is opaque, well-fitting under the arms, and has a high enough neckline to be a really great option for both work and play, all at a really nice price. Sizes 10/12 to 34/36.
5. Duluth Women's No-Yank Tank
Years ago, I tried the Women's No-Yank Tank from Duluth and found it a dud… and then I realized Duluth runs big. The following year, I sized down and saw why the No-Yank Tank has practically a cult following. It doesn't shrink, it's not see-through, the straps are wide enough and the armholes cut well enough that your bra is covered, and it's a bit longer than many tanks on the market so you can keep it tucked in (and it's a great choice for those of you who are tall and/or have a long torso. This link offers the tank in Misses sizes XXS-XXL, and this link offers the same tank in Plus sizes 1X-3X.
6. Nic + Zoe Perfect Knit Rib Scoop Tank
In a previous iteration of this review, someone in the comments recommended Nic + Zoe for tanks, so I ordered one and I didn't like it. Then, the next year, Nic + Zoe had a completely different page and sku for a white tank and I ordered it, and I totally understood the rave review. This is a high-quality white tank with a great fit that isn't frumpy, but covers everything you want. The length I find to also be excellent; it can be tucked in or casually left untucked hitting at the hip. I find it also launders well. Available in Misses sizes XS-XXL, Petite sizes P-L, and Plus sizes 1X-3X.
This post has been updated yearly, as retailers keep changing their offerings. Remember when you could easily buy the same great white tank from the same great label summer after summer? Now that is a rarity, and even if the label still has a tank of that name, the quality and fit may not be the same. Hence, a constant update to my best white tanks list!
Because I keep updating this post, I have deleted the older comments
With that said, do you have a favorite white tank that isn't listed here? Do share it in the comments; your fave may be exactly what another member of the Wardrobe Oxygen Community is looking for! Plus, I would always love to update my list with new recommendations.
J Crew Factory has a tank very similar to the Soma one linked here. I have it in white, black and nude. Works GREAT under work tops that need some extra coverage.
Oh I’ve been wanting a white tank! Thank you for the good suggestions! I have a black tank from Universal Standard that I love but haven’t tried their white yet. And white is hard to do really well!
THANK YOU THANK YOU! I live in Florida, so a good white tank is pretty much a necessity. I’m also very long-waisted, so many tanks end up being belly shirts and, well, NOPE.
What a helpful and great post!! This does the homework for me so I can zero in on where to look. Thanks Alison!