Fit in a tank top

Short answer: The straps should stay in place without digging in, the armhole should cover, and the length should reach below the waistband. Those three points decide whether a tank top gets worn or stays in the drawer.

Straps first

The straps are the first place to see whether the size is right. If they slide off the shoulder when you move your arms, the top is too big. If they dig in or leave marks, it is too small. They should lie flat and stay put all day. See the styles among women's bamboo tops.

The armhole should cover

An armhole that is too large shows more than intended, especially when you reach up or lean forward. One that is too small rubs under the arm. The right armhole follows the body without standing away from the side. It is cut differently from style to style, so check the fits of the bamboo tank top for men if you are choosing for him.

Length below the waistband

The top should reach a little way below the waistband so no bare skin shows when you stretch or sit down. If it is too short, it creeps up during the day and needs pulling down again and again. Check the length while seated, because your back gets longer when you bend.

Close fitting as a base layer

Worn under a shirt or a jumper, the tank top should fit close. Then it lies smooth without folds and can move moisture away from the skin. A loose top under another layer bunches at the waist. Choose the size that follows the body without pulling across the chest or back.

Looser when worn on its own

If you wear the tank top on its own, at home or on warm days, it can sit a little looser. It hangs better and feels more airy. This is mostly a matter of taste. Some choose a size up for this and keep the closer size for layering. See the women's range.

Soft fabric changes a little

Soft fabric with stretch shapes itself to the body with wear. A top that feels close on day one can feel more comfortable after a little use. A top that is already loose rarely gets tighter. If you are between two sizes and want a close fit, the smaller one is often the better choice.

Washing and drying

Wash the tank top at a low temperature and let it air dry, flat or over a hanger. A hot tumble dryer can shrink the fabric and pull the straps out of shape. Turn the top inside out before washing so the surface stays neat for longer.

How to check the fit

Put the top on and stand in front of a mirror. Lift your arms over your head, twist your upper body and sit down. Do the straps stay on your shoulders, does the armhole cover, and does the length stay below the waistband? Then it fits. If one of the three is off, swap the size.

Frequently asked questions

Should a tank top fit close

As a base layer, yes, so it lies smooth and can move moisture away from the skin. Worn on its own, it can be a little looser, whichever you prefer.

What if the straps slip

Then the size is too big, or the straps need adjusting if the style allows it. Try one size smaller if the rest of the top also feels loose.

Can a tank top be worn on its own

Yes, many wear it on its own indoors and in warm weather. It is a matter of taste, but a slightly looser fit tends to hang better on the body.