Style Guide: Rocking A Loose Tank Top

Tank tops are a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They are a great way to express your personal style and are perfect for layering. When wearing a loose tank top, it's important to consider the fit, length, and style, as well as what to wear underneath. Here are some tips on how to wear a loose tank top:

- Choose the right bra: Opt for a seamless, wire-free, or non-padded bra to avoid visible bra lines. If you're feeling daring, you can also choose a racy cage bra or a pretty back bra with lace butterfly straps.

- Consider the fit: Tank tops should be loose but not too baggy. The ideal fit is similar to a comfortable T-shirt, with some room for airflow. Avoid tight-fitting tank tops, especially in hot weather, as they can be uncomfortable and accentuate sweat marks.

- Pay attention to the length: A good rule of thumb is to ensure the tank top reaches your belt loops. This allows you to tuck it in or wear it loose, providing convenience and versatility.

- Style it right: Loose tank tops can be paired with various items, such as jeans, cotton trousers, joggers, or shorts. For a classic summer look, layer your tank top over a shirt, leaving all the buttons open. You can also add a scarf, jacket, or blazer for a more polished ensemble.

- Groom appropriately: Tank tops showcase more skin than other garments, so consider grooming your body hair, especially on your shoulders and chest, for a more polished look. However, personal grooming is a choice, and you can rock a tank top with confidence regardless!

Choosing the right bra

• If your tank top has thin, spaghetti straps, opt for a bandeau or strapless bra. Regular bra straps often don't fit comfortably under thin straps and may look awkward. A strapless bra will provide support without drawing attention to the straps. If you can't find a comfortable strapless option, consider a bra with clear straps. Alternatively, if you plan to wear a shirt or cardigan over your tank top, you have the freedom to choose any bra you prefer.
• For knit or form-fitting tank tops, a seamless bra is a good choice. These tops tend to reveal every bump and lump, so a standard underwire bra may be noticeable and unflattering. Instead, a wireless, seamless bra will blend with your torso and appear invisible under your top.
• If you have a large bust, thicker straps on both your bra and tank top can offer more support. A strapless bra may not provide enough hold, so a regular bra with wider straps might be a better option. You can choose a tank top with wider shoulders to conceal the bra straps, or opt for a skinny-strap tank top and layer it with a cute cardigan.
• Match the width of your bra straps to the width of your shoulders. If you have broad shoulders, thicker straps are generally more flattering, while narrower shoulders tend to pair well with skinny spaghetti straps.
• Choose a neckline that flatters your chest size. Detailed necklines, such as those with ruchings, pleating, or ruffles, can make your bust appear fuller. On the other hand, if you want to draw attention away from your bust, select a tank top with a neckline that ends just above your cleavage.

Layering with jackets and cardigans

Tank tops are a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways. Layering a tank top with a jacket or cardigan is a great way to transition a summer staple into your autumn and winter wardrobe.

When layering with jackets and cardigans, it is important to consider the fit and length of the tank top. Firstly, the tank top should be long enough to reach your belt loops, allowing you to tuck it in or wear it loose. Secondly, the tank top should be loose-fitting, with some room for air between the skin and fabric. This will ensure you stay cool and avoid unsightly sweat patches.

When it comes to the jacket or cardigan, opt for an oversized or loose-fitting style. A good option is to pair a solid-coloured tank top with an oversized white button-up, a boxy denim jacket, or a knee-length duster coat. For a more sophisticated look, add an oversized blazer or leather jacket. If you're aiming for a more casual vibe, try layering with a shirt or blouse. Keep all the buttons open for a classic summer look that will increase your cool factor.

For a simple yet chic outfit, pair a white tank top with wide-leg tailored trousers. To elevate this look, add some chunky chain necklaces or a pair of gold statement earrings, along with sunglasses and a shoulder bag.

For a more feminine look, wear a cardigan over the tank top, leaving it unbuttoned so that the tank top is visible. Choose a cardigan in a different colour to the tank top—for example, a pink cardigan over a white tank top.

If you're looking for a more polished look, opt for a plain white or black blazer with a solid-coloured tank top. Alternatively, go for a patterned or embellished jacket or blazer for a more summery feel.

For those in-between days when it's not quite winter but not summer either, pair your tank top with a jacket or cardigan to create a stylish look that will keep you warm.

Styling with scarves

Scarves are a great accessory to wear with a tank top. Here are some tips on how to style a tank top with scarves:

• Opt for a nice cotton scarf with a friendly pattern: A scarf with a fun pattern can add a touch of whimsy to your outfit. Go for a cotton scarf to keep the look light and breezy. This combination is perfect for creating a boho-chic vibe when paired with loose tank tops and shorts.
• Choose the right scarf material: Consider the fabric of your scarf to ensure it complements your tank top. For example, a silk scarf can add a touch of luxury to your outfit, while a chiffon scarf can provide a sleek and elegant finish.
• Play with proportions: When styling your tank top with a scarf, pay attention to the proportions. If your tank top is loose and flowy, consider pairing it with a longer, narrower scarf. If your tank top is more fitted, a shorter, wider scarf can add a stylish accent.
• Experiment with colours and patterns: Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and patterns when choosing your scarf. Go for a scarf that complements the colour of your tank top, or adds a pop of contrast. If your tank top is plain, a patterned scarf can add visual interest to your outfit.
• Try different ways of tying your scarf: There are many ways to tie a scarf, so feel free to experiment. You can loop it casually around your neck, wear it as a headband, or even tie it around your waist as a belt.
• Layer with a jacket or cardigan: On cooler days, you can layer your tank top and scarf with a jacket or cardigan. This will not only keep you warm but also give you a put-together look.

Pairing with jeans or trousers

Loose tank tops are a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some tips on how to style a loose tank top with jeans or trousers:

Styling with Jeans

• Tuck it in: If you're wearing a loose tank top, consider tucking it into your jeans to add structure to your outfit. This can help create a more polished and put-together look.
• Add a layer: Layering a tank top with a jacket, blazer, or cardigan can elevate your look and make it more suitable for cooler temperatures. Opt for a plain white or black blazer for a polished look, or choose a patterned or embellished jacket for a more summery feel.
• Accessorise: Add some interest to your outfit with bold accessories. A statement necklace, earrings, or a scarf can dress up a simple tank top.
• Choose the right bra: If your tank top has thin straps, consider wearing a strapless or bandeau bra to avoid visible bra straps. For a seamless look under form-fitting tank tops, opt for a wireless, seamless bra.
• Balance proportions: If you have broad shoulders, choose a tank top with thicker straps to balance your silhouette. Conversely, if you have narrow shoulders, stick to skinny straps.
• Create a monochrome look: Opt for a tank top and jeans in similar colour families for a sleek and stylish ensemble. For example, pair a white tank top with white jeans, or experiment with different shades of blue.

Styling with Trousers

• Go for a contrast: Pair a loose tank top with tailored trousers for a stylish contrast. Look for trousers in rich hues or fun prints to elevate your outfit.
• High-waisted trousers: Pairing a loose tank top with high-waisted trousers can create a stylish silhouette. This combination works well with both wide-leg and cropped trouser styles.
• Layer with a vest: Adding a vest over your tank top can bring a bold twist to your outfit. Opt for a suit vest, a woollen vest, or even a leather vest to make a statement.
• Keep it casual: For a casual look, pair your loose tank top with more relaxed trousers, such as linen cotton trousers or cropped wide-leg pants. Finish the look with minimal trainers or leather sandals.
• Monochrome magic: As with jeans, you can create a stylish monochrome look by pairing your tank top with trousers in a similar colour family. Try an all-black ensemble or experiment with different shades of earth tones.

Grooming and hair removal

Tank tops are a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down, and are perfect for layering. They are a fun way to express yourself and your style, but there are some things to consider when wearing them, especially in terms of grooming and hair removal.

Firstly, the amount of skin on show means that you may want to consider hair removal. While this is a personal choice, and you should do what makes you feel comfortable, it is something to think about. If you are going to remove hair, make sure you prepare in advance of wearing your tank top. You could consider removing hair from your shoulders, chest, and armpits. If you are going to keep your body hair, make sure it is neat and trimmed, especially if it is long, to avoid it becoming tangled in the straps or poking out of your top.

If you are wearing a tank top with a low-cut neckline, you may want to consider the hair on your chest. Again, this is a personal choice, but you could decide to go hairless or leave a manicured patch of hair. If you do opt to keep your chest hair, make sure it is trimmed to avoid any strays appearing around your neckline.

Tank tops are a great way to show off your arms, but if you are going to wear one, make sure you are happy with how your arms look. You could consider toning your arms with some simple exercises, or, if you are already happy with your arm muscles, make sure they are hair-free.

Finally, don't forget to shave your armpits!

Frequently asked questions