From sightseeing to safaris, here are our favorite tanks for travel.
Credit: Travel + Leisure/Talia Ergas
I always travel with multiple tank tops. Compact and versatile tank tops are essential staples for my travel capsule wardrobe, whether I’m layering them under sweaters in colder climates or wearing them as cooling tops for safari rides.
Still, different occasions call for different tank tops, so the Travel + Leisure team tested various styles from trusted brands to find the best ones for workouts, evening events, and everything in between. During our travels and real-world testing, we paid close attention to each tank top’s fit, quality, opacity, and versatility. The Good American Stretch Jersey Ruched Tank Top is our favorite for its comfortable fit and elegant, flattering design. But if you’re looking for something suited to different needs or styles, we’ve rounded up plenty of other great options for every type of trip and occasion.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Good American Tank Top at Revolve $69 Jump to Review Best Colors: Colorfulkoala Tank Top at Amazon $22 Jump to Review Best Ribbed: Quince Cropped Ribbed Knit Tank at Quince.com $35 Jump to Review Best Athletic: Athleta Tank Top at Athleta Jump to Review Best for Layering: Hikerkind Tank at Backcountry Jump to Review Most Stylish: Vktori Tank at Vktori.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Old Navy Rib-Knit Tank Top at Old Navy Jump to Review Best Halter: Uniqlo Bra Top at Uniqlo.com Jump to Review Best Scoop-neck: Abercrombie & Fitch Scoopneck Tank at Abercrombie.com Jump to Review Best Cotton: SALE Goldie Lewinter Crop Tank at Shopbop.com $80 $40 Jump to Review
Best Overall
Good American Tank Top
Credit: Good American $69 at Revolve View on Goodamerican.com Why We Love It
- The ruching on this stretchy tank top is flattering on many body types.
What to Consider
- It’s not the most breathable construction.
Whether we’re layering it under a cardigan or wearing it on its own, this tank top is our favorite to travel with. Crafted from a soft and stretchy jersey fabric, the tank has a body-skimming silhouette that’s neither too loose nor too tight. T+L associate editor Anna Popp especially loves the ruching down the sides of the bodice, a touch that’s flattering and aesthetically pleasing. The high neck and thick straps keep this top supportive and stylish. It’s a versatile wardrobe workhorse that works just as well underneath a blazer at the office or with a pair of jeans and sandals for brunch. Though it’s a bit of a splurge, we found this tank top well worth the price, considering how sturdy and well-made it feels. We tested the butter yellow color, which wasn’t see-through at all and completely concealed our bra straps. Despite laundering frequently, we haven’t seen any color fading.
The Details: XS-4XL | 93 percent rayon, 7 percent elastane
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Best Colors
Colorfulkoala Tank Top
Credit: Amazon $22 at Amazon Why We Love It
- The buttery soft and stretchy tank is perfect for hikes and working out.
What to Consider
- It has a compressive fit, so it may run small for some.
When it comes to affordable workout clothes that feel more expensive than they are, Colorfulkoala is one of the best brands. I’ve owned this buttery-soft, high-neck tank top in black for years, and I reach for it repeatedly for fitness classes and hikes. I love that the thick, polyester-spandex blend fabric is stretchy and supportive like a sports bra. In fact, I usually wear it without a bra underneath. Last year, when I was headed on a safari, I bought a second top in the coffee color (there are 17 hues to choose from). It was the perfect shirt to keep me cool yet supported while I bounced around in the back of the open-top safari vehicle. I also appreciated that it didn’t wrinkle in my suitcase.
The Details: XS-2XL | 85 percent recycled polyester, 15 percent spandex
Best Ribbed
Quince Cropped Ribbed Knit Tank
Credit: Quince $35 at Quince.com Why We Love It
- This thick, ribbed tank feels much more expensive than it is.
What to Consider
- It doesn’t come in a wide range of sizes.
Quince is known for its high-quality basics at a fraction of the cost of traditional retail, and this knit tank is among our favorite staples. The recycled nylon-blend fabric feels thick and luxurious. The square-neck tank top is form-fitting without being too tight, and the cropped length is flattering. Thanks to thick and sturdy straps, it doesn’t slide around or bunch up. It’s great for layering or wearing on its own, and it looks especially good with high-waisted jeans. T+L editor Hillary Maglin was impressed that the white color was completely opaque, which can be a rarity when shopping for white tank tops.
The Details: XS-XL | 72 percent recycled nylon, 26 percent polyester, 2 percent spandex
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Best Athletic
Athleta Tank Top
Credit: Athleta View on Athleta Why We Love It
- The loose-fit, breezy tank is leggings-friendly.
What to Consider
- It’s casual and a little bit sheer.
If your trip includes active outdoor pursuits such as hiking or running, you’ll want to pack a breathable, moisture-wicking tank top like this one from Athleta. T+L senior editor Jackie Cucco appreciated that the thin, lightweight fabric kept her cool on a run in hot, humid conditions. The loose fit and longer silhouette offered the perfect bum coverage when paired with bike shorts or leggings. We love that it comes in three lengths and 11 beautiful colors. Still, the fabric’s sheerness won’t be to everyone’s preference, and its overall casual look makes it less versatile than some of the other options on our list.
The Details: 2XS-3XL (petite, regular, and tall) | 55 percent Tencel modal, 45 percent polyester
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The 13 Best T-shirts for Women, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Layering
Hikerkind Tank
Credit: Hikerkind View on Backcountry View on Hikerkind.com Why We Love It
- The wool-blend fabric is antimicrobial, odor-controlling, and thermoregulating.
What to Consider
- Size down if you’re in between sizes.
Tank tops are great for layering because they’re lightweight and comfortable, adding warmth without bulk. This ribbed tank feels thick and supportive as a base underneath a sweater or other warmer top layer. Senior editor Jasmine Grant likes to pack it as an additional layer for trips during the shoulder seasons. The Merino-wool-blend fabric kept Grant warm but not hot, plus it’s antimicrobial, odor-controlling, and thermoregulating. The tank top’s minimalist, classic design, and neutral color options make it easy to mix and match with a variety of outfits, and we appreciate its opaqueness.
The Details: XS-3XL | 65 percent polyester, 32 percent Merino wool, 3 percent elastic
Most Stylish
Vktori Tank
Credit: Vktori View on Vktori.com Why We Love It
- The tank’s built-in bra is supportive for a variety of cup sizes.
What to Consider
- It’s expensive.
For an evening out, Grant also raves about this sculpted tank’s elegant design. The fitted silhouette offers a snatched look, while the wide straps are both flattering and secure. Grant paired it with wide-leg jeans and heels for a concert and was impressed with how well the straps stayed put all night long. The best feature is the built-in bra, which Grant found convenient for its ease and for eliminating visible bra lines. The bra is secure and can accommodate a variety of cup sizes. The thick material has reinforced stitching and has held up well in the wash. However, the low-cut neckline might not be appropriate for professional settings.
The Details: 2XS-XL | Ponte fabric
Best Budget
Old Navy Rib-Knit Tank Top
Credit: Old Navy View on Old Navy Why We Love It
- The cotton-blend tank comes in an inclusive range of sizes and lengths.
What to Consider
- The racerback may show bra straps.
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this ribbed tank top has a surprisingly high-quality feel. The cotton-blend fabric is stretchy and opaque, making it versatile for layering or wearing on its own. T+L updates writer Anne Taylor has owned multiples of this tank for years and worn it to Disneyland, hikes, and on safari. She has laundered it numerous times without damaging the fabric. The tank is curve-hugging, though you could size up if you prefer a looser fit.
The Details: XS-4XL in petite, regular, and tall lengths | 48 percent cotton, 47 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
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Best Halter
Uniqlo Bra Top
Credit: Uniqlo View on Uniqlo.com Why We Love It
- It has a built-in bra that eliminates additional visible straps.
What to Consider
- It’s not the best fit for physical activities.
Though halter tops are a cute summer staple, they’re notoriously tricky when it comes to concealing bra straps. Enter another favorite of Taylor’s: the Uniqlo Halter Neck Bra Top. It has a padded built-in bra that provides support and coverage, simplifying our outfit and reducing visible lines. The 94 percent cotton fabric feels high quality and sturdy, and it has a touch of spandex for stretch. It hasn’t pilled or faded throughout multiple washes. The fit is intentionally loose, so we recommend choosing your actual size. The tank top, available in five colors, can comfortably be tucked into high-waisted pants.
The Details: XS-2XL | 94 percent cotton and 6 percent spandex
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Best Scoop-neck
Abercrombie & Fitch Scoopneck Tank
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch View on Abercrombie.com Why We Love It
- A delicate lace trim elevates this basic, 100 percent cotton tank.
What to Consider
- The size range is not very extensive.
A cotton tank top is breathable, soft, and moisture-absorbing, making it comfortable for all-day wear and ideal for layering. This version is another one of Cucco’s favorites for its stylish, lingerie-inspired details, including a delicate lace trim and a deep scoop neck in the front and back. Its slim-fit silhouette and thin straps make it easy for layering underneath sweaters and shirts, though it can also be worn on its own. Cucco wore it around New York City, noting that it’s a great option for daytime sightseeing when you want a casual look.
The Details: 2XS-XL | 100 percent cotton
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Best Cotton
Goldie Lewinter Crop Tank
Credit: Shopbop $80 $40 at Shopbop.com View on Goldietees.com $80 $40 at Revolve Why We Love It
- It’s crafted from super-soft 100 percent Pima cotton that drapes beautifully.
What to Consider
- The white is a little see-through.
This tank top is made of 100 percent Pima cotton, a premium variety known for its extra-long fibers, which make it exceptionally soft, durable, and resistant to pilling. Associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker has owned it for nine months, and it still looks as good as new. “It’s super soft and loose, so it’s great for a flight,” she said. “It’s cropped but not so short that I feel self-conscious lifting a bag into the overhead bin.” The versatile tank can also be elevated with statement jewelry, jeans, and a belt. “The scoop neck is flattering to show off jewelry,” Parker added.
The Details: XS-XL | 100 percent Pima cotton
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Best Vest
Aritizia Linen Blouse
Credit: Aritizia View on Aritzia.com Why We Love It
- Stylish details like ruffled edges and a boxy cut elevate the breathable linen tank.
What to Consider
- It wrinkles easily.
It’s tough to find a more elegant tank than this vest-style blouse with delicate ruffled edges and fabric-covered buttons. Made from 100 percent linen, the tank top is lightweight and breathable. The boxy cut adds to the airiness, though the wide and loose arm holes showed our bra slightly. The top hits right around the top of our hips and pairs well with jeans or a skirt. It’s the perfect dressy top for hot and humid days, according to Popp, who wore it in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the temperatures were boiling each day.
The Details: 2XS-XL | 100 percent linen
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Best Size Range
Gap Tank Top
Credit: Gap View on Gap Why We Love It
- The comfort of this super stretchy tank is unmatched.
What to Consider
- It has a very casual look.
I’ve worn this tank top in various settings—paired with hiking pants on safari and tucked into jeans for a casual daytime look—and it’s proven to be a comfortable and versatile piece. It fits true to size, though the fabric is so stretchy that you could likely size down if you prefer a closer fit. The mid-length cut is ideal: long enough to tuck in, but not so long that it feels bulky. Though the fabric leans casual and isn’t ideal for dressier occasions, I love that it’s soft, very stretchy, and holds up well after months of wear and washing. The beige color I own isn’t see-through, which is a plus given the fabric’s thinness. Overall, this tank has a relaxed, casual vibe that I enjoy.
The Details: 2XS-2XL (petite, regular, and tall) | 58 percent cotton, 38 percent modal, 4 percent elastane
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Other Tank Tops We Liked
Quince European Linen Fitted Tank: We loved the fitted design and the stretchy panel in the back, but we found the zipper uncomfortable and unnecessary.
Travel + Leisure
Aritzia Babaton Sculpt Knit Squareneck Tank: This ribbed tank has the perfect amount of compression for support and comfort all day long, but with its similarity to the Quince tank top we tested and loved above, the price tag (which is twice as much) could be a deterrent.
Our Testing Process
The tank tops on this list are owned and loved by T+L editors and contributors, all of whom are frequent travelers with a keen eye for functional, stylish wardrobe essentials. We’ve tested these pieces extensively on trips around the world and in our daily routines to ensure they perform well in a wide range of real-life situations. Each one on our list stands out for its exceptional fit, versatility, quality of fabric, and opacity, making them reliable staples in any travel wardrobe.
Tips for Buying Tank Tops
Consider the fit and style
When shopping for tank tops, think about how you plan to wear them. A high neckline offers more coverage, while a scoop or V-neck creates a more relaxed look. Slim-fit silhouettes tuck neatly into pants and work well for layering, whereas looser styles provide a breezier, laid-back feel. Details such as strap width, hem length, and fabric texture can impact comfort and visible lines and bra straps. Selecting a style that aligns with your personal style and intended activity ensures the tank becomes a well-loved staple, not something buried in your suitcase or closet.
Think about the materials
Fabric choice significantly affects how your tank top performs, especially during travel. For hot, humid destinations, lightweight and breathable options like linen help keep you cool. If you plan to layer warmer pieces over your tank top, choose a cotton top with the softness and stretch you’ll want under sweaters or jackets. Materials like Pima cotton or modal can also add a touch of luxury without sacrificing comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
A seasoned style editor and traveler, Talia Ergas has a wealth of experience analyzing clothing for travel. She owns dozens of tank tops and always packs a few when she vacations. Last year, she packed the Colorfulkoala Women’s High Neck Tank Top and the Gap Modern Rib Halter Tank Top for a South African safari. She also owns and loves the Abercrombie Vintage Rib Lace-trim Scoopneck Tank. To write this list, she examined testing insights from the Travel + Leisure team, too.
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