The Perfect White Tank

My wardrobe this summer has been all about the white tank top. But with so many options to choose from, it’s surprisingly hard to find the one. I made it my mission to track down the very best—and I set some clear criteria before diving in: reasonably priced, not see-through, fitted (but not skin-tight), flattering, and comfortable enough to wear all day.

Why the White Tank Top?

A white tank top is one of those deceptively simple pieces. It works with everything: tucked into denim shorts, layered under an oversized button-down, paired with linen pants for that easy summer uniform. But the wrong one can instantly look cheap or unflattering. The right one, though? It’s magic—minimal, crisp, and instantly chic.

Reformation Calie Tank

This was the first white tank top I ordered, and I had high hopes for this one. I love Reformation because I always try to prioritize sustainable fashion, and I feel like their pieces are really great quality most of the time. I love the style of the Calie Tank— how it's a scoop neck without being too low cut, and I love the thin straps. While I’m happy with this purchase and will definitely wear it, it’s not the perfect white tank top for me. The fabric is a bit too sheer for my liking, which takes away from the versatility I want in a true wardrobe staple.

Abercrombie Vintage-Style Rib Tuckable Scoopneck Tank

The second tank top I purchased was the Abercrombie Ribbed Tank, and I was super impressed with the material. It’s thick and feels high quality—definitely a step up from your typical fast-fashion basic. This one checks a lot of my boxes: it’s not sheer, it’s fitted without being too tight, and it has that classic, versatile look I was searching for. I found the straps to be a little too long and slid off my shoulders. This one was close, but still not the perfect white tank.

Zara Strappy Rib Top

This Zara tank is super similar to the Abercrombie one in both style and material, but I actually like this one more. The fabric feels slightly thinner than Abercrombie’s, but without being sheer, which makes it a bit lighter and more comfortable for hot days. The fit is flattering and easy to style—snug enough to look polished but relaxed enough to wear all day.

For me, this one edges out the Abercrombie tank as the better option, especially for summer. And for less than $15, this is one I've been reaching for a lot lately.

Aritzia HomeStretch™ Rib Scoopneck Cami Tank

Next I tried on quite a few tanks from Aritzia, including this Scoopneck Cami Tank. This style is very similar to both the Zara and Abercrombie tanks, but it has a more form-fitting cut. The fabric is on the thinner side—light and breathable—yet it’s not see-through, which I really appreciate.

I love Aritzia for basics and this tank did not disappoint. While it's not my absolute favorite out of all the white tanks I tried on, it's definitely a top contender. It’s a great option if you like a sleek, minimal fit. I actually ended up buying one for my mom too, and she loves it.

Aritzia HomeStretch™ Rib Squareneck Tank

I had high expectations for this tank after trying on the Scoopneck Style, but I didn't love it. Maybe I just didn't find the square neck as flattering on me—it might work beautifully for some, but it wasn’t my favorite cut. In the end, I didn't end up purchasing this one.

Aritzia Busy Tank

The Aritzia Busy Tank was my least favorite out of all the white tanks I tried. It felt thinner than the other Aritzia tanks—and noticeably more sheer. On top of that, I didn’t find the neckline as flattering on me, so it just didn’t feel like something I’d reach for often.

In the end, I passed on this one—it just didn’t meet the bar set by the others.

Aritzia HomeStretch™ Rib Scoopneck Cami Tank

And finally, my holy grail of white tank tops: the Aritzia Rib Scoopneck Cami Tank. I have nothing but good things to say about this tank top. I love the scoopneck—how it's slightly lower than the Reformation version. I also love the thin straps. The material is perfect—soft yet still form-fitting and not sheer. It feels like one of those pieces you can throw on with anything and instantly feel put together. This is the one I’ll be reaching for all summer long. And I also bought it in black.

After trying on what felt like every white tank top on the market, I can officially say the search was worth it. Each one had its own strengths—whether it was sustainability, structure, or that perfect neckline—but the Aritzia Rib Scoopneck Cami Tank came out on top for me. It’s flattering, comfortable, not sheer, and has just the right amount of stretch.

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that a “basic” like a white tank top is anything but simple. The right one can become the backbone of your summer wardrobe, and for me, that perfect tank is officially checked off my list.

Here’s to never underestimating the power of a really good basic.

xx Patsy