Also known as muscle tees, sleeveless T-shirts or singlets, there are few clothing items more polarising than the tank top. In large part thanks to vested American actors dominating Hollywood in the Forties and Fifties in films like A Streetcar Named Desire, the simple white tank has long been the epitome of roguish and rebellious style.
But tank tops have somewhat humbler origins, and were actually a garment used to maintain modesty in public swimming 'tanks' — which would later become pools, in the early 1900s.
Fast forward a century or so and tank tops are just as popular as they were with Brando et al, proving that fashion really is cyclical. Plus it’s never a bad idea to have a few sleeveless tees to wear alongside a trusty pair of gym shorts when the mercury rises, or when you're getting a serious sweat on.
The fact that tank tops have permeated the activewear scene for the past 100 years isn't so surprising, given that they’re naturally cooler to wear, plus the free range of motion they provide. Almost every single sports brand, from giants such as Nike, Gymshark and lululemon to off-the-radar brands like Satisfy have tapped into the benefits of the tank — and it’s high time you did too.
28 Best Men's Tank Tops to Shop in 2024
Whether you're after a sweat-wicking number, dropped armholes for mobility or just fancy flaunting the guns, we've covered all the bases in our guide to the best tank tops for men below. Sweat patches? We hardly know 'em.
Every gym wardrobe needs a staple Nike tank, and it should come as no surprise that the US sportswear giant makes an excellent one.
This pared-back offering has a flatteringly loose fit without weighing you down with excess material, while sweat-wicking tech keeps you dry, and there's decent coverage at the back of the neck to protect against a barbell. A timeless classic you simply can't go wrong with — and if you're competing in the CrossFit games, being fast-drying and breathable, it's a no-brainer.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XXL |
Colours | Black, olive, grey, navy |
2
BEST TANK TOP FOR COMFORT
lululemon Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt
2
BEST TANK TOP FOR COMFORT
lululemon Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt
You really have to experience lululemon to understand just how comfortable the brand's workout gear (and loungewear) is. If you haven't yet, consider this tank your sign to give it a go.
As well as unparalleled comfort, this tank top's main USP is lululemon's smart 'anti-stink' tech that stops causing bacteria in its tracks — so no more unholy whiffs when you open your gym bag. There’s also a touch of elastane for stretch and a seamless design for chafe-free training.
Available in five easy-to-match colours.
Product details
Material | Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - XXL |
Colours | Black, white, navy, blazer blue, soft denim |
This Gymshark tank is more than just a bargain. It's super lightweight and slim-fitting so nothing gets in the way of your workout, with a flattering straight hem and moisture-wicking like nobody's business. It almost feels as if you're wearing air.
Available in nine colours to match any gym 'fit.
Product details
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 3XL |
Colours | Black, white, navy, grey, utility blue, lido green, olive, iceberg blue, pepper red |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
BEST TANK WITH ANTIMICROBIAL TECH
Myprotein MP Men's Training Tank Top
4
BEST TANK WITH ANTIMICROBIAL TECH
Myprotein MP Men's Training Tank Top
Stocking up on protein? Chuck this tank in your cart while you’re at it — it's sweat-wicking and breathable, with a generous cut and dropped armholes to allow for full mobility and keep you cool as you smash that PR. It's even been treated with antibacterial tech to keep you fresh.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XXS - XXXL |
Colours | Black, navy, stone |
We get it; you’re a beefcake and you want to show it. As well you should! But you probably also want dropped armholes for full range of motion, no excess fabric getting in your way and mesh panels to keep you cool. Well sir, this tank delivers on all the above. We'll take three.
Available in seven colours.
Product details
Material | Cotton, polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 3XL |
Colours | Black, white, navy, grey marl, tropic green, dusk green, onyx grey, silhouette grey print |
You know when something's so soft you can't bear to take it off? That's what this men's tank from Californian activewear brand Vuori is all about.
But that doesn't mean it can't go hard too, with supreme sweat-wicking, anti-odour tech and even a UPF rating of 30+ for outdoor training. That said, we won't tell if you only wear it for rest days (read: lazy Sundays).
Available in charcoal heather (pictured) navy heather and heather grey.
Product details
Material | Polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XXL |
Colours | Charcoal heather, navy heather, heather grey |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
BEST BASIC COTTON VEST
Nike Men's Athletic Training Gym Vest Tank Top
7
BEST BASIC COTTON VEST
Nike Men's Athletic Training Gym Vest Tank Top
Stock up on cotton basics you can trust. This Nike tank top is a brilliant all-rounder, with a regular fit, classic round neck and that tell-tale swoosh above the left pec. (We're not mad about the price either.)
Product details
Material | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XL |
Colours | Grey, navy blue, black |
If you wanted a gym tank with a seal of approval from anyone, we’re guessing Dwayne Johnson would top your list.
So it’s no wonder his Project Rock collab with Under Armour ticks all the boxes for someone who might be rather pleased with their biceps — narrow shoulders, dropped armholes, a comfortable cotton blend plus motivation from the man himself (sort of). Sold.
Available in four colours.
Product details
Material | Cotton, polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - XXL |
Colours | Black, white, grey, glacier blue |
9
BEST TRAINING TANK TOP
lululemon License to Train Tank Top
9
BEST TRAINING TANK TOP
lululemon License to Train Tank Top
Made for intense sweat sessions, this tank is laced with lululemon's famous anti-stink tech and has a clever way of not sticking to clammy skin, leaving you to focus on your sets. There's even a hanging loop should you wish to whip it off mid-sesh.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester, nylon, lycra elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - XXL |
Colours | Black, white, navy, iron blue, taupe, aero blue |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
H&M makes some of the best activewear on the high street at competitive prices, and you simply can't go wrong with this tank top. Crafted from stretchy, moisture-wicking material it will keep you comfortable and able to move freely, plus it has a flattering dipped hem at the back.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 3XL |
Colours | Black, dark brown |
11
BEST NIKE RUNNING TANK
Nike Miller Men's Dri-FIT Running Tank Top
11
BEST NIKE RUNNING TANK
Nike Miller Men's Dri-FIT Running Tank Top
This tank is designed for running but makes a great gym vest and comfortable lounging top. Breathable, sweat-wicking and loose-fitting, it's made from super light recycled polyester for supreme comfort, whether you're pushing hard or chilling out.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XXL |
Colours | White, black, blue |
12
BEST FAST-DRYING TANK TOP
Under Armour Men's UA Sportstyle Logo Tank Vest
12
BEST FAST-DRYING TANK TOP
Under Armour Men's UA Sportstyle Logo Tank Vest
This tank from Under Armour is comfortable, incredibly fast drying (so great for intense workouts and CrossFit) and is super easy to style with any and all gym garms. Grab a few in different colours.
Product details
Material | Cotton, polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 3XL |
Colours | Available in 15 colours |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY
Under Armour Men's UA Iso-Chill Laser Singlet
13
BEST FOR BREATHABILITY
Under Armour Men's UA Iso-Chill Laser Singlet
Made using Under Armour's trademark 'ISO-chill' tech (heat-dispersing wizardry to you and I), this racerback singlet keeps you calm and cool when you need it most.
Throw in the perforated panel on the back and sweat-wicking polyester and you have one seriously breathable tank.
Product details
Material | Polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XXL |
Colours | Black, white |
14
BEST VALUE TANK TOP
ASOS DESIGN 2 Pack Vests With Scoop Neck
14
BEST VALUE TANK TOP
ASOS DESIGN 2 Pack Vests With Scoop Neck
It’s hard to beat a classic — get two tanks, one black, one white, for under £15 at ASOS. They're bang on trend, with a relaxed fit, low scooped neck and slightly dropped armholes, and even better, they’re made from 100% soft jersey cotton.
Product details
Material | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | 2XS - 2XL |
Colours | Black/white |
If you personally can't see what's wrong with working out in your favourite cotton tee but the sweat stains are getting a bit much, this is the tank for you. It has the reassuringly weighty feel of a much-loved T-shirt but the technical features to cement it firmly in the fitness category.
We're talking great stretch, moisture-wicking and fast-drying properties plus a roomy fit for extra comfort and mobility. We're getting one in every colour.
Product details
Material | Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - XXL |
Colours | Black, white, grey, taupe, blue, lilac |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
BEST TIGHT TANK TOP
Under Armour Men's UA Compression Tank Top
16
BEST TIGHT TANK TOP
Under Armour Men's UA Compression Tank Top
Looking for a compressive fit? This snug tank from Under Armour can be worn alone or as an undershirt and is super tight without being restrictive.
It's breathable thanks to back and underarm mesh panels, lightweight and has all-important anti-odour technology.
Product details
Material | Polyester, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 4XL, plus tall sizes |
Colours | White, black, grey, navy |
It's sleek, it's minimal, it has wide shoulders and generous arm holes. Basically, it's cool AF and an ideal gym companion thanks to the slim fit, split seams and sweat-wicking AEROREADY tech.
Product details
Material | Lyocell, recycled polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 2XL |
Colours | Beige |
Whether you're a fan of the cut, fancy a little more coverage or just want to channel Mac from It's Always Sunny (karate sound effects required), this muscle tee-style tank from H&M is a solid bet.
It's light and breathable, with a flattering loose cut and decent stretch that allows for full range of motion.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester, lyocell, elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - 3XL |
Colours | Beige, black, brown patterned |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Designed for racing, this super-lightweight tank is almost more perforation than not, so expect supreme air flow, whatever you wear it for.
Inside-out seams reduce chafing, and the Dri-FIT material is made from at least 75% recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
Available in white, black and jade or find the pink version here.
Product details
Material | Recycled polyester |
---|---|
Sizes | S - XXL |
Colours | White, black, jade, pink |
20
BEST PREMIUM COTTON VEST
PE Nation Fortitude Tank
20
BEST PREMIUM COTTON VEST
PE Nation Fortitude Tank
Take it from us, this tank is super flattering as well as functional to boot. We love everything from the vintage look to the wide shoulders and generous raw cut arm holes — plus it's made from all-natural organic cotton..
Product details
Material | Organic Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | XS - XXL |
Colours | Black |