How to wear a men's tank top?

It’s nice to see a man in a tank top/pants. A simple, effective outfit, no fuss. With or without a shirt, with or without muscles, the ‘tank top’ or undershirt is the basic garment of a casual style. But the tank top look is an art that requires mastering the codes. So how to wear a men’s tank top? Here are some fashion tips and tricks in pictures so that your outfit raises no controversy and no man hears anymore, in France or elsewhere: “hide that tank top that I cannot see.”

The tank top in daily life: a casual style

In the large family of men's clothing, the tank top is... a second skin. It means exactly what it says. In any case, that’s what Marcel Eisenberg, creator of the legendary Marcel in Roanne, had in mind: a cotton undershirt without sleeves to wear under any outfit. Considering the thermal function of this little gem, a top among tops, often made of noble materials (organic cotton, Merino wool…), there’s not much to ponder about the style of the beast... One should simply choose a tank top close to the body and in a neutral color, white or black, which will go unnoticed under other garments, a shirt or a sweater, increasing their lifespan. However, if you wear a tank top out in the open, it must, of course, be combined with a casual look and outfit. The tank top is casual and must remain so. Can we get married, apply for a loan, or lead a conference on quantum physics in a tank top? From a legal standpoint, yes. However, it’s best to go all-in on it in less formal circumstances. During outings, walks, evenings, paired with boyfriend jeans, trousers or chino shorts, alone or under an open shirt or polo, with suspenders, a sweater, a blazer, a parka, or a leather jacket and appropriate shoes... the tank top, worn rather loose, is the ultimate sportswear style asset. As for the joggers/tank top combination... a piece of advice: keep it official for sports and only for sports. Until the “smart casual” look separates them. There’s no need to confuse the issues with poorly matched tops. Fashion loves clear messages.

Bodies - Tank Tops

Or how to choose your tank top according to your physique? This undershirt worn on bare skin is often associated with men sculpted like Marlon Brando or Bruce Willis. So does this mean the tank top is a “forbidden” item for all the Gods of the stadium who are a bit of an exhibitionist? No! But there are a few fashion rules to follow. If you are among the handsome boys, this sleeveless shirt is naturally made to enhance your arms, pectorals, and V-shaped torso. Opt for wide straps and a close-fitting cut that proudly declares its color in solid, neutral tones to avoid excess. If you are a slim man, choose a fitted tank top, but not too tight, with fine straps and a round neck. Finally, if your figure displays a few lovely love handles or a bit of indulgence, the cotton tank top is also made for you: simply choose a size up, as the looser it is worn, the more it will flatter you. Go for trendy colors like gray, black, or white. In short, the tank top suits all bodies, all shapes, as long as good taste is part of the combo. This, brands have well understood. They convey today, against a backdrop of chic sportswear, an enhanced and energized image of the more than famous men’s tank top.

Do tank tops like color?

As mentioned, the cotton tank top suits many outfits, but it’s best that it be the sole piece associated 100% with sports. It will therefore be perfect with jeans, chinos, linen pants, well-cut shorts, an open shirt (avoiding a shiny gold chain), sunglasses, a dressed jacket, paired with sneakers, espadrilles in summer, boots in autumn... The same goes for color. If the sleeveless undershirt is now a staple of men’s fashion, the least controversial colors to wear it remain white, black, and gray. Neutral colors, elegant, easy to combine, and right in line with current trends. Prints, texts, and vibrant colors should be used with the utmost moderation. We even recommend a real case study beforehand. On the other hand, nothing prevents you from trying a horizontal striped tank top, like a sailor shirt, to enhance the polished look, or even a blue tank top instead of black, or a pink tank top instead of white, to personalize your style. So yes, tank tops like color, but, be careful, slippery slope. And not everyone learned to drive on snow or dress without advice. The black or white tank top remains the sure value of a versatile wardrobe rooted in its time.