I Still Stand By Cheap Tank Tops
Because you're just going to sweat through them.
Today and tomorrow are Amazon Prime Day and thank GOD I no longer work in a job where I have to cover this nonsense. The way traditional media jobs are forced to write about “deals” is miserable and soul sucking but I get it — the amount of revenue to be made is incredibly lucrative. Given the way brand marketing budgets are sliced and diced, this has become a substantial revenue stream. But I really wonder when that cash flow will stop. Readers are savvy and the tide is turning against shopping on Amazon, especially on non-essential items like clothes and accessories. I remember sifting through pages and pages of stuff that would be destined for the landfill thinking how I could in good conscience recommend people purchase these pieces. Obviously I had to find something since it was a part of my job and there was pressure to show that I could make money but wow, did I hate it all.
Amazon is a tricky place, I do occasionally link to the site because they carry Korean and Japanese beauty items that I stand by, even if it’s marked up. On top of that I also get other essentials on the site because the average Target/CVS experience in NYC is pretty damn awful. I don’t want to summon someone to unlock my dish detergent, toothpaste, and tampons. And there are a few key fashion and accessory items that I do love on there — whenever I need novelty socks or cute charms, that’s the place to go.
One thing I won’t buy on there though, are clothes. The quality and cut, even for basics, just does not work, no matter what Amazon influencers say. That brings me to today’s newsletter: a quick update to the tank top post I wrote two years ago. Since then, the designer tank top trend died down. This time in 2023 it seemed like all everyone wanted to wear was some stretchy cotton basic with a logo slapped on it. As much as I love a fancy piece, this was the one item I didn’t understand. Why spend hundreds of dollars on something that would inevitably be sweaty and gross due to wear and tear? It’s not like there’s anything particularly special in the fabric or design to justify the cost.
There’s nothing better than a cheap tank top (not sourced from Amazon) that can be worn through the hottest days of the summer and then tossed into the washing machine without a worry. And if somehow gets stained or comes out misshaped, at least you can relegate it to the home clothes pile.
The only downside is that you do need to replace cheap tank tops every few years and it’s that time for my stash. After taking inventory and seeing what held up or didn’t, here’s what I would buy again along with some new finds.
My favorite Aritzia tank, which I bought three years ago, is sadly discontinued. But, they have a similar style using the same contour fabric which I absolutely love. It’s silky smooth and sits so well on the body without feeling like you’re being restrained. My version is the perfect cropped length on me and I wear it literally every time I travel. The best part is that if you are small chested, you can get away without a bra or nipple covers. This tank has a similar neckline and hits at the hip, so it’s a different silhouette but still very very versatile given its price. I also love the high neck version.
I was SUPER skeptical about the Gap Renaissance everyone was touting…until I actually saw the pieces IRL. I was wrong! There’s some good stuff in the mix, like the little bubble shorts from Gap Studio drop 01 as well as their petite barrel jeans. So good in fact, they’ll be getting their own moments in future newsletters. In the meantime, I’m also a fan of their tank tops like this bubble crop top. At $34, it’s inexpensive and has a Cecilie Bahnsen-vibe that would be perfect over a skirt.
Another favorite that’s held up over four years is this Axel Arigato tank, that I’m wearing in the main photo. It’s so good that I wear it even though I have a few stains from wearing it to the salon for root touchups. The neckline is super flattering and makes a plain ribbed tank from feeling too boring. My black version is sold out but you can find it in dark grey (sizing is limited) for $29. For $46 it also comes in white, butter yellow, and pale blue in an array of sizes.
Speaking of 90s-era brands that have made a big comeback, J.Crew is another one that I’m pleasantly surprised by. This ribbed tank reminds me of another one I have by Vince, except at a fraction of the price. It’s ultra thin given that it’s a mix of cotton, modal, and elastane making it the perfect, inexpensive piece for repeated wash and wear. And it’s not just me who loves this — if you look at the bottom of the page you can see that 79 other people bought the same tank in the last 24 hours.
If you’re in need of something a bit dressier, a silk cami is my favorite for evening events, especially if it’s still 90 degrees come sundown. This one is marked down at COS and has sheer panels for extra air flow. Also, the low back has adjustable ties which is something I always appreciate given that I inevitably need to shorten the straps of whatever I’m wearing.
The one hole in my tank top collection is a looser silhouette like this COS version. At $27, it’s a decent price considering it’s made from cotton and linen. I’d recommend sizing up on this, just to ensure it has that breezy fit.
I love the asymmetrical lines of this Baserange cami that go across the body — it adds something to an outfit that a plain muscle tank could never. And before you say, “but what about the tan lines”, reminder to slather on the sunscreen and this won’t be a problem.
After shopping my way through Seoul this year, I’ve come to love Recto. They offer up some good takes on basics, albeit with some twists. This cropped cotton and linen tank with a curved neckline is a great example of their sensibilities — it’s familiar but still visually interesting.
Last but most certainly not least is this Commando bodysuit. I wore my first one to shreds — a hole literally formed after repeatedly putting it through abuse for five years. I finally got a replacement last year (wearing in the above photo with Cecilie Bahnsen x The North Face shorts) and it’s still the one thing I gravitate towards when temps break 90. The stretchy fabric is one size fits most and clings to the body in a way that feels like second skin. And for those who hate the idea of a bodysuit, know that you don’t need to snap the crotch in — it sits just fine without!
See you later this week with a few July favorites and other bits of news that came my way. I’m sure there will be a bit of a couture recap in the mix as well since I already have fallen in love with the black lips at Schiaparelli. Until then!
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