Despite living in a casual society - nowadays it is common to go to the office in a T-shirt and rubber shoes - there is still a certain amount of suspicion towards the most casual of garments, the tank top.
Because of its sleeveless nature, it allows for better movement and breathability. Ideal for exercise but not the best look for dining out. As simple as they are, there are certain rules to follow when wearing one.
In this post, we'll go over the different points to keep in mind when wearing a tank top. Whether you're looking for summer clothes or just want a garment to wear to the gym, here are some useful tips.
Unlike what the sizes in the shops tell us, all of our bodies are different. To look our best, it's important to understand what our attributes are and how we can highlight them. It may seem complex but the truth is that by understanding a couple of basic concepts, anyone can learn how to choose clothes that flatter them.
These tend to draw attention to themselves and therefore make something look bigger than it really is. In general, avoid graphics from the waist down as these tend to make the belly look bigger.
For men, blocks of colour that are on the chest are recommended. This will create a triangle shape which is very flattering on the male body.
Women can opt for vertical lines which generally give the illusion of a slimmer figure. Strategic colour blocking can highlight body pairs and turn the body into a 'pear' or 'hourglass' figure.
It doesn't matter if you have Cristiano Ronaldo's muscles, too-tight tank tops never look good on anyone. And when I say this I don't mean tight-fitting or slim-fitting, I'm referring to those garments that are so tight that they look stuffed.
Not only should they be avoided for aesthetic reasons, but clothes that are too tight can also cut off circulation and even stimulate the creation of cellulite. Yes, men can suffer from cellulite too.
Just like lines, the relationship between these can make an outfit flattering or unflattering. Generally speaking, it is recommended that the thinner the arms, the thicker the straps. The theory being that this would help to 'hide' weak arms.
If, on the other hand, you want to emphasise how slender your limbs are, then thin straps would be best.
Fabric will almost always be the difference between a good and a bad quality garment.
Tank tops that are made of 100% cotton are pleasant to the touch and breathe well. Their only problem is that they absorb too much liquid. Perhaps too much. This is why they should be avoided when we are going to engage in an activity where we are going to sweat.
Synthetic fabrics, although they have a bad reputation, are ideal for sports. Materials such as elastane are tough and can stretch much further than natural fibres. I just recommend staying away from bright colours as you might end up looking like a Power Ranger.
Let's take a look at the different types of tank tops. Then you can choose the right one for your next occasion.
These tops are designed to allow for great arm mobility. For this reason, they are perfect for the gym. To get more fun out of them, you can go for funny workout tanks, they look very cute and amazing.
Like the previous ones, these allow for greater agility.
For the past few seasons, tank tops with a long torso have been in fashion. These can be worn in a larger size for more effect. They are not recommended for the gym as the excess material can get tangled up in the equipment.
These shirts, as the name says, are for playing basketball. The fabric is synthetic and they can have round or v-neck collars.
These are the traditional cotton tank tops, designed to be worn under a shirt.
Like the technical ones, these are also made of synthetic material but the difference is in the cut. The former are tighter to the body, while the latter are looser for greater comfort when eating.