The staying power of the white tank is one that requires no explanation. It joins numerous other sartorial staples that defy time; a wardrobe classic that makes for an easy reach in the morning. Yet, the white tank can be said to have evolved above and beyond its origins. What had started as a men’s underpinning to be worn under shirts in the 1910s has transformed phenomenally in the last 30 years—especially considering its recent renaissance on the runway and out on the streets.
Whilst there’s no question that today’s It-girls are also leading the charge, it seems the rulers of the runway are undeniably the ones who have been cementing its wardrobe hero status. During Loewe’s spring/summer 2022 show, the plain white tank—embellished by a single logo—made for a brilliant pairing with chiffon pants, whilst Kaia Gerber’s strong show-opener at Prada fall/winter 2022 was a clear stamp of approval for the style’s resurgence. Within the same season, Chloé and Acne Studios delivered offerings that felt more luxurious, by way of its overall tactility and polished team-up with jewellery. Then, at Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer 2023 show, Matthieu Blazy sent out Kate Moss in a delicious look reminiscent of her yesteryears; when the supermodel was remembered for the effortlessly chic way in which she could pull off the everyday essential.
With this overarching sentiment swiftly being reflected in kind—through the street set’s keen desire for a ‘90s revival—perhaps there is only more to learn from the runway in order to truly do the wardrobe staple justice. What more with today’s options running the gamut from alternative necklines to louche silhouettes and bodysuit variations, the white tank is no longer restricted to mere casual wear. As it continues to affirm its place in designers’ collections, we’re jotting down the style notes we’ve learnt from runway looks, and how one might best emulate them, all below.
1 / 34
The tried-and-tested outfit formula
It’s the foolproof outfit formula: a white tank and a pair of jeans. But should you be pulling your ensemble from Bottega Veneta’s fall/winter 2023 collection, you just might be drawing the attention of the fashion insider crowd with its luxuriously tactile offering. Whatever it is, make sure to have your flannel or jacket on hand (or on waist) to throw on at any time.
5 / 34
Bottega Veneta large Andiamo bag, $10,960
Available at Bottega Veneta.
6 / 34
Summer-ready
Head right into the balmy summer vibe—by teaming your tank with a flowy skirt. Take your cues from Coperni’s spring/summer 2023 season and opt for an asymmetrical piece and some chic accessories such as a pair of beach-ready sunglasses to keep the look interesting.
11 / 34
Sleek and chic
Might you be looking to keep the look clean and minimal, look to Ferragamo’s fall/winter 2023 runway for the ultimate inspiration. Tuck a snug, fitted tank with into a tailored pant, and accessorise with minimal earrings and a structured clutch for a touch of polish and sophistication. This is one look that will transform easily under a blazer should you so be needing the business-oriented option.
15 / 34
Saint Laurent metallic leather slides, $1,140
Available at Net-a-Porter.
16 / 34
Diversify your layers
Keep it fresh by way of experimenting with your layers. Rather than a simple jacket or coat addition, emulate this particular look from Fendi’s fall/winter 2023 runway—and try twisting your cardigan into an elegant cape that hangs off your neck and over one shoulder. This way, you’ll have an additional layer ready at hand, whilst maintaining an ensemble airy enough for the warmer weather these days.
21 / 34
Experiment with your necklines
Depending on the neckline of your dress, consider adding some unexpected dimension to your look by layering your floaty number over a tank with a higher neck à la this Gabriela Hearst runway look. Should your dress also be slightly more sheer, you’ll also be creating more visible texture with the tank underpinning.
25 / 34
Play with proportions
If you want to keep it effortlessly chic yet comfortable, we’ll suggest to play with your outfit’s proportions instead. As with this particular look on the Jil Sander spring/summer 2023 runway, try a longer, more louche tank cut and pair it with a pair of culottes or wide-leg pants. Opt to throw a vest over just like Bella Hadid’s bookend look on this runway and there you have it: a look you could wear from Monday through the weekends.
30 / 34
Monochrome is the way to go
If there’s a consistent theme that often emerges from the white tank runway looks, it’s that of a pristine white look. Granted, the wardrobe essential is one that gives way to the easy creation of a tried-and-tested monochromatic look: white-on-white. Conner Ives’s fall/winter 2023 version simply gave it a little more pizzazz with the hooded accessory and excess fabric. Looking to add a splash of colour still? Go with a not-so-basic white tank that comes with its own alternative colour blend.
31 / 34
JW Anderson twisted tank, $457.60
Available at The Frankie Shop.
