10 Best Tank Tops for Women That Are Ideal for Travel
The tank top may be a humble one, but it deserves some serious attention in your packing list. From staying cool on walking tours to giving you layering options on long-haul flights, finding your Holy Grail tank top is key to setting the solid groundwork for your ideal capsule wardrobe. Haven’t found your ride-or-die yet? We got you. Here’s a lot at some of the best tank tops for travel.
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10 best tank tops for women, ideal for travel in 2024
1. Best overall tank top: Icebreaker Merino
For a tank top with just the right amount of stretch, durability, and comfort, feast your eyes on the Siren Merino Tank Top from Icebreaker Merino. Made out of a special tri-fabric blend (that’s 85% Merino, 12% nylon, and 5% elastane), this tank top is ideal for long travel days where you need to stay comfy from plane to train to taxi ride. Plus, the odor-resistant fabric blend certainly comes in handy for long layovers when you haven’t seen a shower in 30+ hours. (Just sayin’.) Take your pick from the selection of modern earth tones (think Snow, Umber, Praline, and Loden) and settle in for a cozy day of travel.
Price: starting at $70
2. Best affordable tank top: Quince
We love quiet luxury as much as the next girl. But when it comes to everyday staples, we want to stock up on favorites that are affordable. Enter the Cropped Square Neck Ribbed Knit Tank from Quince. Humble-bragging as the “tank top that hugs in all the right places,” we’ve got to say—this affordable tank top may just be the one to beat. The Ottoman stitching adds a bit of structure and soft-to-the-touch texture while still being stretchy enough to comfortably sculpt your curves. Available in gray, black, and white, this tank top gives the basics a fun twist with its square neckline that will definitely keep us coming back for more.
Price: starting at $35
3. Best Merino wool tank top: Unbound Merino
Produced by Merino sheep, Merino wool is coveted because it’s super soft, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and even antibacterial. (TLDR; it’s a total slam dunk compared to other kinds of wool.) If synthetic blends make your skin crawl (literally) and you’re looking for the purest of the pure, Unbound Merino has got the goods. Their Women’s Merino Muscle Tank is made out of 100% Merino wool. Because the fabric has natural temperature-regulating qualities, this Merino wool top will help you cool down when it’s hot and warm up when it’s cold, making it the perfect travel companion no matter where you go.
Price: starting at $70
4. Best tank top with built-in bra: Outdoor Voices
Let’s be real: Finding the right travel bra to coordinate with your tank top can be a real pain in the a**. And if you’re not comfortable going braless, then the search for the perfect strapless bra continues. That is—unless you can get your hands on the TechSweat™ Move Free Tank from Outdoor Voices. Featuring a built-in shelf bra, removable pads, and adjustable straps, this lightweight tank top is a braless girl’s best friend. Plus, it’s made out of the brand’s signature cool-to-the-touch fabric, so you can sweat it out in yoga, Pilates, or spin class without coming home a grimy mess. Available in eight fun colors (like Evergreen, Poppy, and Ice Melt), this tank top with a built-in bra also plays well with high-waisted jeans or shorts for a cute travel outfit that’s always comfy.
Price: starting at $58
5. Best cropped tank top: Beyond Yoga
The Y2K fashion trends may be coming in hot, but we’re not seeing the 90s crop top losing its forever fans any time soon. And if you love to flash a bit of midriff, who are we to stop you? Instead, may we turn your attention to the Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank from Beyond Yoga? Designed to sit at your natural waist, this cropped tank top is made out of quick-drying fabric with a four-way stretch to snugly hug your body whether you’re hiking in Poland, barhopping in Spain, or squished into your economy seat on a long-haul flight. Grab it in Forest Green Pine, Chai, Chocolate Chip Espresso, or any of the 15 different colors for cozy comfort on the go.
Price: starting at $58
6. Best UVA/UVB-blocking tank top: Coolibar
To all our location-independent friends planning on spending winter in a hot climate: Sun care is sexy! Alongside your sunglasses, SPF, and sun hat, don’t forget to add a UVA/UVB-blocking tank top to your packing list, like the UPF 50+ St. Tropez Tank Top from Coolibar. How does it work? UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. Most cotton shirts offer a UPF of about 5, says the Cleveland Clinic, so a special UVA-UVB-blocking tank top gives extra protection for long days out in the sun. Besides fighting sun damage (no thanks, skin cancer or premature wrinkles), this UPF tank top gives you lightweight, breathable comfort for days spent lounging in the park or poolside. Trust your—your skin will thank you later.
Price: starting at $65
7. Best moisture-wicking tank top: Woolly Clothing
We’ve already sung the praises of Merino wool and why it’s one of the best fabrics for travel … So why not stock up on the staple? Combining 95% Merino wool with 5% elastane for an added comfy stretch, the Ultralight Merino Wool Tank Top from Woolly Clothing deserves a spot on your packing list, no matter the season. Totally itch-free and odor-resistant, this moisture-wicking tank top doesn’t just go from day to night—it goes from season to season. Pair it with shorts in the summer to stay cool and then layer it up with a sweater and jeans in the fall. For location-independent gals who never know where their next trip might take them, this travel tank top is a versatile must-have.
Price: starting at $55
8. Best silk tank top: Tara Sartoria
Who said all tank tops have to be sporty? Well, Tara Sartoria definitely didn’t! Made out of 100% mulberry silk, her Luxury Artisan Silk Tank Top is not your average travel tank top. Available in 12 classic hues, like Champagne, Vintage Rose, and Midnight Blue, this silk tank top deserves a spot in your travel capsule wardrobe. Instantly elevate basic jeans or a casual skirt for a night out exploring downtown, and you’ll never want to go back to your LBD. Best of all, when you shop this silk tank top, you’re supporting a family-owned (woman-owned!) small business. Each piece features handcrafted French seams—and 10% of all profits are donated to her charity partner, PPMK (Empowering Women to Fight Poverty).
Price: starting at $70
9. Best tank top 3-pack: Splendid
You know what they say: “Good things come in threes.” And we’re pretty sure they were talking about Splendid when they said it. Their 3-Pack Women’s Classic Tank is a can’t-miss for our minimalist gals on the go. Made out of 60% cotton and 40% rayon, these tank tops feature a scoop neck, a hip-length cut, and that hugs-you-just-right fit that you’ll want to wear over and over again. Grab this 3-pack in all black, all white, or a mix of black, white, and oatmeal, and consider the foundation to your capsule wardrobe halfway complete. Pair these beauties with skirts and shorts in the summer, sweaters and scarves in the fall, and your favorite jeans all year ‘round for a timeless look that’ll never make Future You cringe when she looks through old photos.
Price: starting at $43
10. Best relaxed fit tank top: Lucky Brand
We know some of you have been waiting for this one: the tank top that DOESN’T hug each and every curve. Hey, some days we just want more of a relaxed fit, right? IYKYK. And it’s hard to beat the top-notch quality of legacy retailer, Lucky Brand. Try on their Sleeveless Popover Shirt and you won’t find a synthetic fiber in sight—just 100% cotton that lets you breathe no matter how clammy the subway is today. Go girlie in Super Pink, flirty in Cream Multi, or classic cool in Cream, and enjoy another timeless piece that you can easily mix and match with that scarf you just bought in Thailand or those boots you scooped up in Montreal. It’s the OOTD that keeps on giving.
Price: starting at $70
Tank Tops for Women - Common FAQs
How should a tank top fit women?
The best fit for a women’s tank top is the Goldilocks style: not too tight; not too loose; not too short; not too long. Think a comfy, snug fit that hits right above the belt loops. Of course, there’s no one stopping you from getting fancy with a crop tank top or a more relaxed fit for lazy days.
What goes best with tank tops?
We’ve never seen a tank top that didn’t love a good pair of worn-in jeans. Other favorites that play nicely with tank tops include shorts, cargo pants, and casual skirts. For chilly spring days and warm fall afternoons, tank tops are also a great match for knit cardigans so you can cool down or cozy up on demand.
What kind of bra should I wear under a tank top?
A low-back, wire-free bra is the best bet to wear under most tank tops. If you’re sporting a racerback or halter tank top, look for a special halter or convertible bra to avoid the sight of unwanted bra straps. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a strapless bra for a clean, elegant look.
