Sophie Shaw/CNN Underscored
Tank top with built-in bra quick picks
When you’re not sure what to wear this summer, take TikTok’s lead and invest in some tank tops with built-in bras for maximum convenience worn on their own or layered under your favorite hoodies and cardigans.
Ideal for going braless in the summer heat — the fewer layers and straps peeking out from under your clothes, the better! — tanks with built-in bras make as much of a style statement as they do a functional one. Whether you’re working out or chilling out, here’s exactly how to find the perfect tank top with a built-in bra.
Not all tanks with built-in bras are created equally, so you’ll want to keep several factors in mind when selecting the right one for your purposes.
Bonnie Riddle, co-founder of Sierra Madre, recommends looking for removable pads. This way, you get to customize your level of support based on your activity. Hate opening the washing machine only to find your padded cups all bunched up in a ball? Remove them beforehand to solve that problem while also making the whole top easier to clean.
Whereas cups provide a shapewear element to your chest while preventing any nipple appearances, adjustable straps anchor the entire top onto your torso and shoulders for additional support. Catherine Bibeau, a fashion stylist, says “tanks with adjustable back straps are essential for customized fit and added support for when you need it.”
The built-in pads don’t exist within a vacuum — they sit atop an elastic band, and its quality should not be overlooked, according to Riddle. “You want something that is soft yet supportive, providing the necessary hold without cutting into your ribs,” she says.
Claire Jones, a spinning instructor at SoulCycle, echoes the importance of a durable under-boob elastic: “With the built-in bra, you want to make sure that you’re still getting the proper support after you wash it a couple times,” she says. “A tank top with a built-in bra can be so uncomfortable if the elastic is misshapen after its first wear.”
Chances are, you’re wearing your tank with a built-in bra in the blazing hot sun or at the gym. Both of those cases require “breathable and moisture-wicking [fabrics] because there’s nothing worse than boob sweat,” says Bibeau. Solid options include soft and breathable cotton, performance-driven and low-maintenance polyester and nylon and stretchy elastane for range of motion during your workouts.
Your tank with a built-in bra should make you feel confident. Bibeau says a V-shaped neckline looks universally flattering while creating the illusion of curves. Bonus: The deeper the plunge, the more breathability and ventilation where you might need it most. Looking for more support? A scoop neckline that sits high up at the collarbone works well for bustier folks.
For a date night-friendly camisole with an athleisure vibe, it doesn’t get better than this expert-approved option. “This Lulu tank is the perfect on-the-go bra top and I love the skinny delicate straps that allow it to work for casual day wear or for a night out. We all love a good transitional closet staple!” says Bibeau. “This is the perfect example of a built-in shelf bra that features sweat-wicking fabric for extra comfort and support.”
“This workout tank top was all over TikTok a few years ago, so I grabbed it in black and then quickly bought another in olive green because I loved it so much,” says beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw. “They’re made with a high-quality yoga material that is fairly compressive, so it’s great for workouts, walking the dog and lounging. Both of my tank tops have held up well over two-plus years, which is pretty impressive considering the price.” The tank top has removable cups and a built-in shelf so you’ll always feel supported, and the style comes in 27 colors.
Looking to breathe a little easier? This breezy option has you covered. “This is a great racerback tank option with a looser fit made of a buttery soft modal jersey, which is lightweight and non-clinging,” says Bibeau. “The built-in bra features a mesh center for breathability, lifts, shapes and supports your bust, smooths your upper back and sides, making it comfy enough to wear from day to night.” She also appreciates its eight cool colorway options from orchid to apricot.
Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus bought two of these tanks from Uniqlo last summer, when she saw them going viral on social media. “They’ve since become a warm-weather staple in my closet, and I tell everyone about them,” she says. “They’re so versatile, too — I wear them with athleisure or with a silk skirt for an elevated, yet effortless look. I love that I don’t have to worry about finding the right bra to go under it when I’m rushing to get ready in the morning.”
Plucked straight out of an influencer’s Get Ready With Me-style video, this TikTok-approved tank is all over your style and fitness feed for a reason. “This might be the most popular workout top you see all your favorite bloggers and influencers wear,” says Bibeau. “With a built-in shelf bra and a perfect [racerback], this fan-favorite yoga tank is available in endless colors. It also features UPF 50 protection, which is a plus in the hot summer months, medium support and soft straps that never dig in.”
“No joke, I’ve had this tank top since 2014 and it still looks and feels as good as new,” Shaw shares. “I ditched the removable cups years ago, but it also has a shelf bra that provides ample support for low-intensity activities.”
It’s also a favorite of Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Yoga Kawa. “As a yoga enthusiast, I need comfortable support that doesn’t restrict movement,” Wang says. “My ribcage needs all the space it can get for deep breaths and poses. [This tank top] ticks all the boxes: It’s comfy, supportive and long enough to stay put during even the most dynamic poses. It saves me from the annoyance of constantly tucking my shirt back in and keeps everything in place without feeling tight.” Plus, the ribbed, sweat-wicking material is machine washable and can even go in the dryer, making it a low-maintenance pick too.
This classic tank serves as the ultimate base for any outfit, whether you’re sweating through a Pilates class or looking to tone down your blazer at work. It’s made of a cotton, modal and elastane blend that’s soft, wrinkle-proof and stretchy enough to assist with range of motion. Its curved hem provides endless styling opportunities while offering a hint more coverage than its straight hemmed counterparts.
Adjustable straps make this sporty and stylish tank a true winner on or off the court. Its shelf bra provides light support and its four versatile colors make it easy to style with your favorite leggings, flares, sweats, skorts and the list goes on.
Available in a whopping 13 colors (we’ll take the pretty Poinsettia red or stunning Sun Baked terracotta, please), this budget-friendly bra tank serves as a lovely alternative to the slightly pricier Lululemon Align top. Its classic V-neck and removable pads make it both flattering and functional to wear from the studio to the street.
The Transcend tank from Athleta transcends comfort with its high neckline for added support, unique open back for added ventilation and the brand’s feather-light Vitafree material that wicks away sweat on contact so you can look and feel cool through your asanas. And the colorways? *Chef’s kiss.*
This chic tank with a built-in shelf bra looks so much more expensive than it actually is with its on-trend square neckline, colorblocked straps for a preppy tennis-inspired look and a soft and stretchy sun-protective fabric that’ll look and feel incredible day to night. Flatlock seams and a moisture-wicking construction make it comfortable enough for all-day wear.
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