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, either 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 equal, so you’ll want to keep several factors in mind when selecting the right one for your purposes.
Bonny Riddle, co-founder of Sierra Madre, recommends looking for removable padded cups. 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,” Bibeau says. 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.
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,” Bibeau says. “The built-in bra features a mesh center for breathability; lifts, shapes and supports your bust; [and] smooths your upper back and sides, making it comfy enough to wear from day to night.” She also appreciates its eight cool color options from Orchid to Apricot.
