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The Best Sleeveless Tops

Last updated on August 8, 2022

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Staying cool when the temperature spikes can be tough. But the right clothing can make a big difference. Obviously, clothing made from thinner, more lightweight fabric is ideal, but it’s also best to minimize the coverage. A sleeveless top can satisfy your modesty while also keeping you from overheating.

But there are a couple of other factors that can influence your comfort in warmer conditions. The CDC recommends loose-fitting clothing, which will help air circulate. An untucked blouse that drapes will offer space between your skin and the material, providing a cooling effect. You should also wear lighter-colored clothing in the summer months. It’s especially important to avoid black, which absorbs more heat than other colors.

Sleeveless tops don’t just help when the weather turns warm. Dressing in layers can help create insulation, trapping body heat between the layers. A sleeveless tank can be worn under your favorite sweaters and winter tops to keep you warm. The absence of sleeves will keep your arms free to move—an important feature if you’re wearing bulky sweaters and jackets.

For overall comfort, you can’t go wrong with a sleeveless top. First, it’s important to determine whether you’re wearing it alone or as a foundation garment. Some can be sheer, so for a top you’re wearing alone, you’ll need to make sure you won’t need a tank top underneath it. For looser-fitting sleeveless tops, it’s also important to make sure the armholes will remain in place throughout the day. Some will reveal a little too much when you move.

One big consideration when shopping for a sleeveless top is what you’ll pair it with. A top you’re wearing with jeans will be different from a top you wear with a skirt or dress pants. Also pay close attention to dress codes if you’ll be wearing your top somewhere that applies. Some dress codes forbid sleeveless tops unless worn beneath a sleeved garment of some type.

Our Picks For The Top Sleeveless Tops

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

XIEERDUO Lace V-Neck Side Split Tank Sleeveless Top

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

XIEERDUO

Lace V-Neck Side Split Tank Sleeveless Top

This sleeveless top features a loose, flowy fit with a lace trim to dress it up a little. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes from Small to 3X-Large. You can machine wash it on cold, but it’s best to hang to dry.

Overall Take

Wardrobe StapleYou’ll get a lot of use out of this top, which can be worn alone or under other clothing items.

 Runner Up

BLENCOT Lace Trim V-Neck Tank Sleeveless Top

BLENCOT

Lace Trim V-Neck Tank Sleeveless Top

Available in a comfortable polyester-spandex blend, this sleeveless top is great for staying cool throughout the day. The top is lightweight, with a relaxed fit that keeps you comfortable throughout the day. It features a lace trim to dress it up more than standard tank tops, making it great for wearing alone.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionWear this with jeans or a skirt, alone or under your favorite jacket or cardigan, for a versatile clothing option.

 We Also Like

AWULIFFAN V-Neck Loose Tunic Sleeveless Top

AWULIFFAN

V-Neck Loose Tunic Sleeveless Top

Choose from a wide range of colors, from neutrals to bright pastels, with this sleeveless tunic. The material is 95 percent rayon with 5 percent spandex added in for stretch. It can be both machine washed and tumbled dry for an easy maintenance option.

Overall Take

Moves With YouThe longer, loose-fitting design of this top ensures it moves as you do.

 Strong Contender

MIHOLL Waffle Knit Twist-Knot Sleeveless Top

MIHOLL

Waffle Knit Twist-Knot Sleeveless Top

The polyester-spandex makes this tank top both soft and stretchy for comfort. The drawstring closure helps it adjust to your shape. You can choose from multiple patterns and colors to create your own look.

Overall Take

Fun HemlineThe twist knot in the hemline gives this tank a new twist on the classic look.

What to Look For

  • For warmer weather, you can’t beat a sleeveless top with a loose fit. Not only does this keep your arms free, but it also allows air to circulate.
  • If you’re wearing your sleeveless top under another garment, look for one that won’t create bulk. This is when you’ll likely want something a little more form fitting. One of the biggest benefits of layering garments is that the material that makes contact with your skin can act as a moisture barrier, helping keep you dry throughout the day.
  • Small details like lace trim can dress up a blouse that would otherwise be casual. The right pattern can also help fancy things up.
  • Look at the care instructions for any sleeveless top you buy. While many can be laundered, to be careful, you may want to wash your blouses on cold and hang them to dry. At the very least, tumble dry on cool to prevent shrinking.
  • A little spandex can go a long way in making your top more comfortable. That small amount of stretch will ensure your top moves with you throughout the day.
  • Some sleeveless tops come in multiple pattern options. That means if you find a top you love, you may be able to stock your wardrobe with various takes on a clothing item that fits and wears well.
  • A properly fitted bra is essential when you’re wearing a sleeveless top. Tight bras can cause side bulges that wouldn’t show with a sleeved blouse. If you haven’t been fitted in while, it’s important to take the time to get measured, which you can do yourself or at select lingerie shops and department stores.
  • If you’re concerned about how your arms look, consider a blouse with a V-neck. The dip elongates the neck, drawing attention away from your arms.

More to Explore

Sleeveless tops are a normal part of most women’s wardrobes, but before the 1920s, showing bare arms in public was unheard of. The Roaring 20s changed all that, bringing in an era of women with short hair and more revealing clothing. But the tank top made its big debut a decade earlier when swimmers wore them in the 1912 Olympics.

As the 1900s progressed, the tank top became closely associated with bad guys in movies. Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar Named Desire, lending the garment a darker reputation. But the rebellious 1970s brought the sleeveless garments out in the open, and tank tops were often paired with leather jackets and bell-bottomed pants and jeans. The popularity has only continued to increase with each generation.

More to explore