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NBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
$75? For a tank top? Here's what to know about the Tankair Studio Tank — and whether we think it's worth it
Last November, I did what many would consider an irrational, bordering on nonsensical thing: I paid $75 for a plain tank top. Then, a couple months later, I went back and did the same thing again — another $75 dollar tank top from the same brand. The reason being? They made one of the best tops I've ever worn. If your algorithm looks anything like mine, you can't open Instagram or Tiktok without seeing or hearing about Tankair Studios ' Studio Tank. The question on many people's mind has been 'is this tank top really worth $75?'. Well, for me, the answer is an easy and resounding yes. I've had the Studio Tank for over nine months, and I can honestly say I'd make the purchase again in a heartbeat. Now I'm no stranger to Tankair; I made my first purchase from the brand in January of 2022 with one of its very first products, the Collect $$ Mini Skirt (and it's held up fabulously over the years). However, I've been on the hunt for the perfect white tank top to add to my wardrobe for years now — one that's not too sheer, maintains its color, and is comfortable enough for me to wear all-day and year-round. After trying dozens of options that haven't lasted more than a few months, I believe I've finally found my holy grail tank top with Tankair. Curious as to how the Studio Tank fits the bill? Read below to find out. The Studio Tank is a camisole-style tank top from boutique brand, Tankair Studios, that retails for $75 on the brand's website. It's made from a heavyweight blend of polyester and spandex, and has a stretchy, slightly-sueded surface that gives it a soft feel while wearing. The heavier weight is also designed to offer support when you feel like going braless (more on that below). The tank has a scooped neckline and a slightly-cropped and flared hemline that stops just below the belly button on my torso (I'm just over 5'8' and my torso is on the longer side of average). It's inclusively sized, with sizes available between XXS and XXXL, and the brand also has an email advice service for anyone who's unsure of which size is right for them. The Studio Tank is available in a range of colors, all of which have a solid, matte finish, making it a great statement or support piece in your wardrobe depending on the shade you choose. To wash the tank, the brand suggests using a delicate machine cycle and hanging or laying it flat to dry. How I wear the Tankair Studio Tank Like I said before, I've been in search of the perfect white tank top for basically forever, so my color choice here was almost a no-brainer — when buying my Studio Tank I decided on Milk, a solid pure-white color that has a matte finish. As for size, I went with a large, since I have a fuller chest and didn't want to look like my chest was bursting out 24/7. It ended up being the perfect choice — I've lost over 20 pounds since originally buying the top and it still fits perfectly, which, in my eyes, is a testament to how well the top stretches within a given size range. When I think about how I use this top, it's hard for me to describe, because I wear it for any and everything. I prefer to wear it without a bra in milder weather or for shorter periods of time, and with a bra when it's hotter out or I'll be wearing it for the long-haul. I wear it as a standalone top in the summertime, but when the weather is cooler I like to pair it with heavier sweaters or jackets (but never as an undershirt — I like the tank to stay visible because of how good I think it looks on me). I usually wear it a minimum of one to two times a week, and I wash it every one to two wears (so almost on a weekly schedule). Why I love the Tankair Studio Tank No bra? No problem I'm not a big fan of bras — I prefer to let my girls hang loose, so to speak, and the Studio Tank is perfect for just that. The form-fitting body gives me a light amount of hold, and the thicker fabric supports me enough so that my chest feels secure without being overly-compressed. I know that may sound normal for a tank top, but when it comes to double-Ds like mine, that's no small feat. I also like that going braless doesn't interfere with the thin straps of the tank, and results in an overall cleaner look. The only downside is that, since my Studio Tank is white, if the weather is on the warmer side I'll start to show underboob sweat stains, which is why I prefer to wear a bra when it's hotter outside. Luckily, the Studio Tank also looks great with bras (although I'd recommend a smooth, T-shirt-style bra for the most seamless look). The white stays white White tees are notorious for changing color over time, and I honestly expected to have to compromise on that with this tank, but thankfully I've had to do no such thing. As I said before, I've had this top for over nine months. At an average of one wash a week, that's about 36 washes total — which means 36 chances for the Studio Tank to lose its color, and 36 times it held up despite that. The color is very much still a bright, crisp white, which is more than I can say for some of my other (formerly) white tank tops and T-shirts. As a heavy sweater, yellowing around the underarms is a constant struggle with my white tops, but I've encountered none of that here. Once it dries down, it looks like the sweat was never there, and once it's washed? It looks basically brand-new. The tank sometimes has a bit of lint stuck to it after washing, which can make the color appear to have greyed or changed. However, a quick swipe with a good lint brush once it's finished drying will solve the problem quickly and easily. Chic, versatile silhouette Despite the Studio Tank's many draws, the biggest one is easily the tank's shape and silhouette. In my opinion, it's the perfect embodiment of hugging you 'in all the right places' — it feels impossible to not look good in it. It fits my body very closely in a way that almost sculpts my figure, and the flared hemline further enhances what I like to call the tank's 'hourglass effect'. The slim straps and scooped, rounded neckline make my chest look full and, as I said before, are still supportive enough to keep my breasts from sagging, drooping or bouncing uncomfortably. Also, although I can admit that the slight crop of the Studio Tank's bodice may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's certainly mine. I love that I can pair it with a pair of high-waisted pants or shorts for full coverage when I'm going into the office, or with a miniskirt or a pair of low-rise jeans when I'm going out and feel like showing a little more skin. The Studio Tank's fabric composition also adds to its versatility. Its stretchy texture gives the sizes range, so that if you're someone whose weight tends to fluctuate from week to week (as mine definitely does), it will still fit beautifully regardless. When I initially bought it, I thought that I'd suffer during warmer days because of the top's heavier fabric. However, I've worn the top through a New York summer and a trip to Rio de Janeiro and haven't experienced any overheating yet. Airier tops always tend to be a better choice for hot weather, but this is a great close-fitting option because of how well the fabric absorbs sweat. This also makes it ideal for layering during the colder months — the fabric strikes a great balance between light enough for summer and warm enough for winter. The bottom line I know that $75 for a seemingly basic tank top seems ridiculous at first glance. But that's just the thing — I don't think the Studio Tank is a basic tank top at all. Sure, it's a staple piece, but that's the only thing basic about it. The fit, the material and the longevity take it to the next level, and in my opinion, justify the high price tag. There are of course alternatives, for those who are looking for a similar style at a lower cost; Abercrombie, Garage and Amazon all have form-fitting camis that can get the job done, all for under $30. However, for me, this tank top takes the cake — its quality is undeniable, so much so that I bought another $75 top (the equally fab Half Moon Halter) from the brand shortly after, and I have no price tag-guilt on that purchase either. Once you buy it, you won't regret it, and the only time you'll be thinking about the price is while congratulating yourself on making a lasting, worthwhile (and incredibly chic) addition to your wardrobe. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter who's been covering skin care, hair care, lifestyle and more for NBC Select for two years. I've helped test and rank the best white Tshirts, leggings and more. For this story, I used my apparel expertise to give my thoughts on the viral Tankair Studios Studio Tank after owning it for almost a year, and why I think it's worth every penny of the $75 price tag.
New York Times
29-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
We Need to Talk About the $75 Tank Air Tank Top
A few testers, myself included, were taken aback by just how tiny the tanks looked out of the box. But don't fret: The fabric has plenty of stretch. Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter The Studio Tank and the Half Moon Halter (and a few other basics from Tank Air) are made of the same fabric, a blend of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. That fabric makeup is one of the main gripes that have surfaced in the Tank Air social media discourse, as polyester has a reputation for being cheaper in comparison with natural fibers such as cotton or silk. But in the hand, with just one smooth layer, it feels soft and substantial — as thick as a double-lined tank might feel. It certainly doesn't feel cheap. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's great quality. The fabric composition is 88% polyester 12% spandex (for reference, many leggings range from around 10% to 30% spandex). Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter To assess the fabric quality, I brought both tanks into the office of Preeti Gopinath, a textile designer and associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design in New York City. After feeling the tops and inspecting both their fabric and finishings, Gopinath said they are made with 'high-quality' polyester and knit in a very tight, compact manner. That tight knit, combined with the thickness of the polyester, is responsible for the tank tops' contouring effect and their ability to hold their shape after multiple wears. The edges and seams are finished neatly, both of which are signs of a well-made garment, she said. Based on her initial inspection, Gopinath said these tank tops have the potential to last quite a while, but she noted that longevity would require proper care. (According to the tag, you should machine-wash the tops on a delicate cycle and lay them flat or hang them to dry.) Functionally, the fabric also fared well against summer heat. Even in the humid New York City weather, this tank kept me relatively cool and dry considering how thick the fabric is. The polyester material effectively pulled sweat from my skin and allowed it to evaporate quickly, preventing the heavy, damp feeling I often experience with my 100% cotton tank tops. The tanks also survived multiple washes (and one accidental trip to the dryer) without pilling or losing their compressive shape. However, like many other articles made of soft fabrics, these tanks attracted lint and fuzz, which required occasional removal between wears. We haven't tested these tops for enough time to speak to their longevity, but they did resist initial wear and tear, feeling as good as new after a few weeks of consistent wear and washing. The compressive, body-hugging fit is comparable to that of an athletic tank top or ultra-comfortable shapewear but with a soft matte finish that gives it a more elevated look. 'It didn't, at all, look athletic-y or Spanx-y — there was none of that sheen that really bothers me,' said Wirecutter deputy director of newsletters and audience Sofia Sokolove. Every tester noted the body-hugging sensation as a win; one described it as 'waist-cinching,' and another deemed it 'shapely.' Some people hope that compressive tops like these can eliminate the need for a bra, and for the most part the Studio Tank delivered in that regard. All of the testers said the Studio Tank supported their chest even without a bra. Some considered the gentle support appropriate for wearing to the office, while others said it was acceptable only for more casual settings. Two panelists tested the white color (which Tank Air calls 'milk' on its website) and while one found it to be slightly see-through when worn without a bra, the other said it was perfectly opaque. The Half Moon Halter, however, didn't provide quite as much support or coverage as the Studio Tank, especially for testers with larger busts. Whether these tanks are fit for bra-less wear is ultimately a personal choice, but our panel did find the fabric to be quite supportive for a tank top, and the Studio Tank didn't reveal too much cleavage. Some people might argue these tops are too plain for the cost, but during testing our panel found their simple style to be a real benefit. Their straightforward design makes them especially easy to integrate into any wardrobe, improving their potential cost-per-wear. We tried them with everything from jeans and slacks to shorts and skirts, and they looked great worn alone (channeling a '90s minimalist vibe) or layered under button-ups and sweaters. Plus, the tanks come in a range of fun colors (something our panel enjoyed), should black or white seem too boring for a simple silhouette. The Studio Tank rode up as I walked. I have a long torso, so this unfortunately is pretty common with slightly cropped tops. But if you too have a long torso, take note. Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter The most common complaint testers expressed concerned the slightly cropped length, which falls somewhere between a true crop (which typically hits around the waist) and standard full-length. That crop caused fabric bunching around the waist for some testers and quickly became a nuisance for them to keep pulling down. 'It was a really, really awkward length for me — too long to be a crop top but too short and not stretchy enough on the bottom to fit over my hips,' said editor Hannah Rimm, whose waist is significantly more narrow than her hips. Personally, I found the tanks to be slightly too short for my long torso. They hit just below my belly button, which would be fine if they stayed put, but as I walked, the bunching began. For other testers, like Sofia, the length was just right: 'It hugged in all the right places and hit at exactly the right length,' she said, adding that it was long enough to wear with work-appropriate pants without showing midriff but not so long that it overlaid low-rise jeans or shorts. Whether this tank works for you depends on your body and your preferences, but getting the right size, of course, can help. If you're not sure what size to order, I suggest taking Tank Air up on its offer to help: According to the Studio Tank product page, you can send an email with your bust, waist, and height measurements to info@ and the company can assist in finding the right size for you. We, however, didn't test this service. The straps aren't adjustable, but they are quite stretchy. Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter Both tank tops have pre-fixed — but stretchy — straps. In terms of comfort, the Studio Tank fared well with those pre-fixed straps, but the Half Moon Halter less so; multiple testers, especially those with larger busts, wished for an adjustable tie-halter instead of the pre-fixed length. With halter tops, it's generally a bit harder to nail the perfect fit, and adjustability would have helped those testers find the right balance of support for their chest. That said, for some of our testers the lack of adjustable plastic clips on the Studio Tank earned style points. One of the common queries online is whether these tank tops are worth their $75 price tag. The answer depends on a few factors. To understand what goes into making these tops, I spoke with Claire Robertson-Macleod, the founder of Tank Air. She's aware of the consumer skepticism concerning polyester, she said, but she stands by her choice for the sake of performance. 'We tested a bunch of fabrics, including those with natural fibers, but this one was so superior,' she said, explaining that the polyester fabric stood out for its compressive fit, durability over time, and colorfastness. Her goal was to make a tank top that would be in a customer's weekly rotation and stay nice for years to come. If these tank tops do last many years, as Gopinath suspects and as the brand founder says, they may be well worth $75. That's especially true for people who frequently wear tank tops of this style and find themselves regularly replacing old ones that are faded or stretched out. NYT Wirecutter But, quality aside, for an expensive item such as the Tank Air, it's important to consider how often you'll wear a tank top like this. While it may be a wear-anytime staple for many people, it doesn't make sense in everyone's wardrobe. If you rarely wear tank tops like this — spaghetti straps, slightly cropped, body-hugging — it might not be worth spending $75 on. But if you have a graveyard of once-vibrant close-fitting tank tops living in your pajama drawer, it might be time to consider investing in a category you wear so often. And if the piece lasts longer, you could save money in the long run. Personally, as a frequent tank top wearer, I know that if I were to add up the price of my cheaper and shorter-lived tank tops from the past few years, the total would be well over $75. Although this tank isn't quite long enough for me to purchase myself, I wouldn't be opposed to investing in a longer version should one come out someday. It's comfortable, the fabric feels great, and the simple look is a perfectly versatile fit for my wardrobe. So if you're in the same boat, I'd say that the Tank Air Studio Tank is worth considering. While it is undeniably expensive, it could finally help you get off the unsustainable merry-go-round of frequently buying and discarding cheap, short-lived tanks. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. Shapewear has deservedly gotten a bad rap. We were determined to find better options, and—after extensive testing—emerged with seven (actually comfortable) winners. After carefully scrutinizing fit, feel, quality, and style, we found four white tees that are the best suited for a variety of occasions and body types. Timeless and versatile, jeans are a key player in any wardrobe. We found ten pairs that fit a range of body types, tastes, and budgets. What I Cover Hannah Frye is a staff writer reporting on beauty and style for Wirecutter. She was previously an editor at Mindbodygreen. She has been using skin-care items since she was 11 (which, she says, is a fact, not a recommendation). When she isn't making new Pinterest boards or shopping for vintage clothes on eBay, she's testing vegan recipes in her Brooklyn apartment.
