A tank top is a type of sleeveless shirt, typically collarless, with a low neckline, and wide shoulder straps. It is a casual garment worn by both men and women and is often used as an undershirt or for athletic purposes. The term tank top is used in US, Australian, and Canadian English, while other parts of the world have different names for this garment. For example, in the UK, it is known as a vest, in Australia and New Zealand, it is called a singlet, and in the Indian subcontinent, it is referred to as a banian or banyan. The tank top's name is derived from the tank suits of the 1920s, which were one-piece bathing suits worn in swimming pools or tanks.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Tank Top |
Other Names | Tang Top, Sleeveless Shirt, Muscle Shirt, A-Shirt, Vest, Singlet, Spaghetti Strap Shirt, Wife Beater, Beater, Guinea Tee, Dago Tee |
Description | A sleeveless shirt, with a low neckline, no collar, and usually wide shoulder straps and no front opening |
Variations | Spaghetti Strap Shirt, Wife Beater (men's ribbed tank top), Singlet (Australia and New Zealand) |
Usage | Casual wear, athletic wear, undershirt |
Gender | Unisex |
What You'll Learn
Tank tops are worn alone or as undershirts
Tank tops are a type of sleeveless shirt. They are collarless and usually have wide shoulder straps and no front opening. They are often worn in warm weather or during athletic activities, and they can be worn as a standalone shirt or as an undershirt.
When worn as a standalone shirt, tank tops are typically worn in casual settings, such as while lounging or doing chores around the house. They are also commonly worn during athletic activities, such as track and field or triathlon, and were particularly popular among surfers and bodybuilders in the 1980s. Tank tops are often made with large armholes and neck holes, with women's tank tops featuring smaller holes to provide more coverage.
When worn as an undershirt, tank tops are typically worn under a dress shirt or suit, especially in more formal settings. They can help to absorb sweat and prevent stains on the outer shirt, and are commonly referred to as "wifebeaters" or "beaters" when worn in this context. This term is more commonly associated with men's ribbed tank tops, which often come in packs of three and are specifically designed to be worn as undershirts.
The term "tank top" is primarily used in American, Australian, and Canadian English, while other terms such as "vest" (UK), "singlet" (Australia and New Zealand), and "banian" or "banyan" (Indian subcontinent) are used in other parts of the world. Tank tops are a versatile garment that can be worn alone or as an undershirt, depending on the context and the wearer's preferences.
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Tank tops are worn by both men and women
Tank tops are a type of sleeveless shirt, typically collarless, with a low neckline and wide shoulder straps. They are worn by both men and women and are a staple of casual wear, particularly in warm weather.
In the United States, Canada, and Australia, any casual sleeveless shirt can be called a tank top or tank shirt. The name is derived from the "tank suits", or one-piece bathing suits, that were popular in the 1920s. Tank tops are often worn as athletic wear, especially in sports such as track and field and triathlon. They are also commonly worn as casual attire, and in very warm or humid weather, they may be worn without a dress shirt or top shirt.
Tank tops are versatile and can be styled in various ways. Women often wear them for layering under transparent or thin fabric garments or for added comfort. Men typically use tank tops as undershirts to prevent sweat stains on outerwear. Tank tops with thinner straps are sometimes called "spaghetti strap shirts", while those with narrower armholes and smaller straps are referred to as "sleeveless T-shirts".
While the term "tank top" is commonly used in the US, Canada, and Australia, the garment has different names in other parts of the world. In the UK, it is often called a "vest", especially when used as an undershirt. In Australia and New Zealand, it is known as a "singlet", and in the Indian subcontinent, it goes by the name "banian" or "banyan".
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Tank tops are collarless and sleeveless
The name 'tank top' originates from the US, Canada, and Australia, and is derived from the 'tank suits' of the 1920s, which were one-piece bathing suits worn in swimming pools or 'tanks'. Tank tops are simple in design, often featuring reinforced neck and armholes for durability. The armholes can vary in size, with women's tank tops usually having smaller holes, and some men's tank tops featuring 'dropped armholes'.
Tank tops are versatile garments that can be worn as outerwear or layered as undershirts. They are commonly worn alone in casual settings, such as lounge wear, or for outdoor activities like yard work. They are also used as undershirts with suits and dress shirts to avoid sweat stains. In the UK, a tank top is often referred to as a 'vest', while in Australia and New Zealand, it is called a 'singlet'.
Tank tops come in various styles, including tight-fitting ribbed cotton versions, known colloquially as 'A-shirts' or 'wife-beaters'. The latter term, along with similar slang names, originates from a 1947 criminal case involving a man who murdered his wife while wearing a stained undershirt. Despite the negative connotations, the term 'wife-beater' is still used for this style of tank top, particularly in the US and Australia.
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Tank tops are worn during athletic activities or as casual wear
Tank tops, also known as sleeveless shirts, are a common type of clothing worn by both men and women. They are typically worn during athletic activities or as casual wear.
Tank tops are often worn during athletic activities due to their comfort and breathability. The sleeveless design allows for a full range of motion, making them ideal for sports such as track and field, triathlon, and surfing. They are also commonly worn at the gym, with some tank tops bearing the names and logos of gyms. Additionally, the large armholes and neck holes characteristic of tank tops for men allow for increased airflow, providing a cooling effect during warm weather.
As casual wear, tank tops can be worn as outerwear or layered under other garments. They are often made with lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, making them suitable for warm weather. Tank tops can also be made with ribbed cotton, which is commonly associated with men's tank tops, also known as "wifebeaters". Women's tank tops, on the other hand, typically have smaller armholes and neck holes to provide more coverage.
The versatility of tank tops extends beyond athletic and casual wear. They can also be worn as undershirts, especially with suits and dress shirts, to absorb sweat and prevent stains. This is particularly common with men's tank tops, which are designed to be worn under other garments. Additionally, tank tops can be worn as lounge wear or while doing chores around the house.
Tank tops are a staple in many wardrobes due to their comfort, versatility, and ability to regulate body temperature. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a variety of occasions and activities. Whether worn during athletic pursuits or as a casual outfit, tank tops are a popular choice for many individuals.
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Tank tops are also called muscle shirts, beaters, wifebeaters, vests, singlets, or spaghetti strap shirts
Tank tops, a type of sleeveless shirt, are known by a variety of names, depending on the region and specific style. In the US and Canada, any casual sleeveless shirt can be called a tank top or tank shirt. The term is derived from the "tank suits", one-piece bathing suits popular in the 1920s, worn in tanks or swimming pools. Tank tops are typically collarless and buttonless, with wide shoulder straps and no front opening. They are often worn as casual wear, athletic wear, or undershirts by both men and women.
One variation of the tank top is the muscle shirt, which is a sleeveless shirt with a similar design to a T-shirt. Muscle shirts usually have smaller, narrower armholes and were particularly popular in the 1980s among surfers and bodybuilders, hence the name. Another colloquial term for this style of shirt is a "wifebeater", a controversial term that may originate from a 1947 criminal case or may be derived from a stereotype.
In the UK, tank tops are often referred to as vests, especially when used as undershirts. In Australia and New Zealand, they are commonly called singlets, while they are known as banian or banyan in the Indian subcontinent and sando in the Philippines. Tank tops with thinner straps may be called spaghetti strap shirts, and camisoles or "cami" tops if they have a loose-fitting, sleeveless design that typically covers up to the waist.
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Frequently asked questions
It is called a tank top.
A tank top is a sleeveless shirt with a low neckline, usually collarless and with wide shoulder straps.
The name "tank top" comes from the 1920s when they were worn as swimming suits in tanks or swimming pools.
Yes, depending on the region and style, they may also be called muscle shirts, wifebeaters, vests, singlets, spaghetti strap shirts, or A-shirts.