What Counts As A Shirt? Tank Tops Explained

Tank tops, also known as sleeveless shirts or singlets, are garments with shoulder straps that leave the arms exposed. They are typically sleeveless and feature a round neckline, coming in a variety of styles and lengths, such as fitted, loose, cropped, or longline. While they are often worn as undershirts, they can also be worn on their own, particularly during hot weather. The term wife-beater is sometimes used as a slang term for a tank top, especially when referring to a man's sleeveless undershirt, although this term is considered offensive and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Tank tops are worn alone or under other clothing

Tank tops are a type of garment that exposes the arms and typically features shoulder straps and a round neckline. They can be worn in a variety of ways, either alone or as an underlayer. When worn on their own, tank tops are often paired with casual bottoms like shorts or jeans, especially in hot weather. They can also be worn as an outer layer over other clothing items for a layered look.

Tank tops are commonly worn as undershirts, providing an extra layer for warmth and sweat absorption. They are particularly useful under dress shirts or other tops, where they are meant to be discreet. This is a common practice for both men and women, as it adds a layer of comfort and can help prevent sweat stains on outer clothing.

The versatility of tank tops makes them suitable for various activities and occasions. They can be worn as lounge wear, while doing yard work, or as athletic wear. Their lightweight and breathable fabric ensures optimal comfort.

In terms of style, tank tops can be fitted or loose, and they come in various lengths, such as cropped or longline. They are typically sleeveless, making them ideal for layering or wearing on their own in warm weather. The necklines and armholes can vary, with some featuring dropped armholes that reach down to the bottom of the chest.

They are called tank tops because they resemble swimwear worn in tanks/pools

A tank top is a type of sleeveless shirt with thin straps and a low neckline. It can be worn as an outer garment with shorts, skirts, or jeans, or as an undershirt beneath another piece of clothing. Although they are commonly associated with warm weather, their use extends beyond this context.

The tank top was introduced in 1917 by the U.S. military, who used them as part of their uniforms during World War I. However, the term "tank top" was coined in the 1920s, referring to the sleeveless undershirts worn by men under suit jackets or vests. The name "tank" comes from the one-piece bathing suits of the 1920s, known as "tank suits", which were worn in tanks or swimming pools. The tank top design was later adopted by athletes in Olympic swimming pools.

Over time, the tank top evolved from being an undershirt to a standalone shirt and became popular casual wear for both men and women. The sleeveless design offered greater freedom of movement, making it particularly popular for sports and physical activities. Today, tank tops are a staple in modern fashion, worn by people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. They are versatile and comfortable, making them a must-have item in everyone's wardrobe.

Tank tops are typically made with reinforced necks and armholes for durability and often feature large armholes and neck holes. Women's tank tops usually have smaller holes for modesty, and they may be made longer for easier tucking into pants. They are usually buttonless, collarless, and pocketless. The tank top designed for a tight fit and made of ribbed cotton is also known as an A-shirt, with various slang terms used in different regions, such as "wifebeater", "beater", or "vest".

Tank tops are also known as muscle shirts

Muscle shirts are typically loose with thick straps that may form into a mini cap sleeve and sometimes have wide armholes. They are meant to be worn as the main shirt, along with a sports bra or a regular bra, depending on the activity. They are usually breathable, loose, and lightweight, which makes them a great option for workouts or casual night outs.

Muscle shirts are tank tops, but tank tops are not always muscle shirts. There are various types of tank tops, including muscle shirts, camisoles, cropped tank tops, and racerback tank tops. The average tank top is typically like an undershirt made of cotton ribbed material, with a scoop neck, thin straps, and falls at the hips. They are also worn as foundation layers under see-through tops or low-cut V-neck tops.

The term "muscle shirt" is falling out of favour due to its association with the term "wife beater". The latter term originated from a 1947 criminal case where a man named James Hartford Jr beat his wife to death and was pictured in a stained white undershirt.

They are called wife beaters, a term considered offensive and derogatory

A tank top is a casual sleeveless shirt. It is called so because it is named after tank suits, one-piece bathing suits worn in the 1920s in tanks or swimming pools. They are worn by both men and women.

The Term 'Wife-Beater'

The term 'wife-beater' is often used to refer to a tank top, a term that is considered offensive and derogatory. There is no single agreed-upon story as to why these tank tops are called 'wife-beaters'. However, there are several theories that span from medieval times to the 1990s. The idea behind all of them is the same: the shirt has become a pop culture symbol of drunken, slovenly men who either beat their wives or look like they do.

One theory suggests that the term originated in medieval times when soldiers who had lost their armour and were left behind to be beaten or killed were known as 'waifs'. These soldiers were left with only a thin chainmail undershirt for protection, and so they began to call these undershirts 'waif-beaters'. Over time, the term evolved into 'wife-beater'.

Another theory points to a criminal case in 1947 where a man in Detroit was arrested for beating his wife to death. Newspapers printed a photo of the "wife beater" wearing a stained undershirt, and the term became associated with the type of shirt he was wearing.

The term 'wife-beater' has also been associated with the character of Stanley Kowalski in the movie 'A Streetcar Named Desire', who was a drunken, abusive husband often seen wearing a stained white vest.

Despite the negative connotations, the white tank top has had several moments in fashion history, including in the 90s when it became the unofficial off-duty uniform of models, and in the 2020s when Gen Z influencers led a rebranding effort, coining the term 'wife-pleaser'.

They are worn by both men and women

Tank tops are worn by both men and women and are a staple in modern fashion. They are a type of sleeveless shirt or garment that exposes the arms and typically features shoulder straps and a round neckline. They can be worn as undershirts or as casual wear during warmer weather. The versatility of tank tops makes them suitable for various activities and occasions.

In terms of design, tank tops can vary in style, fit, and length. They often have reinforced necklines and armholes for durability, with women's tank tops featuring smaller holes for modesty. They are typically buttonless, collarless, and pocketless. The fabric used for tank tops is usually lightweight and knitted, such as cotton or cotton-blend materials, providing comfort and breathability.

Tank tops are known by various names depending on the region and specific style. In the United States and Canada, they are commonly referred to as "tank tops" or "tank shirts." In the UK, when used as an undershirt, it is known as a "vest." In Australia and New Zealand, it is called a "singlet," while in the Indian subcontinent, it is known as a "banian" or "banyan."

The term "wife-beater" is sometimes used as a slang term for a tank top, particularly a men's sleeveless undershirt. However, it is considered offensive and perpetuates harmful stereotypes, so more neutral terms like "undershirt" or "tank top" are recommended.

Tank tops are versatile garments that can be worn in different ways. They can be layered under other clothing or worn on their own during hot weather. When worn as an undershirt, they provide an extra layer of warmth and absorb sweat. As casual wear, they can be paired with shorts, jeans, or other casual bottoms. Tank tops can also be layered with open-button shirts, flannel shirts, or jackets for a relaxed and fashionable look.

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