Fashion Archives • Page 3 of 3 • Living Gorgeous

When you think about wardrobe essentials, what comes to mind? We know, we know, you’ve seen it all before. There are a thousand and one articles with names like ‘The 10 items you must have in your wardrobe’, ‘Seven items for timeless style’ or ‘Closet staples everyone should own’. Are tank tops with a built-in bra the new wardrobe essentials? But seriously think about it, it’s likely both black and blue denim jeans make the cut along with items including a leather jacket, simple silk cami, structured blazer, and, of course, the perfect little black dress. Don’t even get us started on the essential shoes and accessories... But what about those item which aren’t necessarily what you’re wearing for a night on the town or to work each day? They’re not the most glamourous pieces in your wardrobe but what are they are is versatile and comfortable, the foundations of a great outfit. They’re items you’ll get tons of use out of, day in and day out. Hard working, easy to wash, multi-use – those are the real closet staples. Quick List of Tank Tops Here are our top picks for those in a hurry (Linked to Amazon), you can read the full review below: Pact Women’s Organic Cotton Shelf Bra icyZone Women Workout Yoga Spaghetti Tank Top HANRO Women’s Allure Bra Camisole HBY Womens Camisole Built in Shelf Padded Bra Outdoor Research Women’s Bewitched Tank Top More What are we actually talking about here? You guessed it – Tank Tops with Built in Bras. Stay with us, we know there might have been an eye roll or two there but there’s an argument for adding these to your wardrobe rotation so keep reading and don’t stop now. They’re the real MVPs, able to be called upon for almost any occasion whether it’s a day on the couch watching Netflix, shopping with friends (especially when you’ll be trying on a million items in tiny change rooms) or even getting active, as long as they’re supportive enough. Tank tops with built-in bras don’t have the best track record when it comes to those with larger busts, we’ll be honest, but some do have surprisingly good support so give them a chance. Most will likely suit everyday low impact needs, and if you’re layering up anyway, a number of the tank tops on our list below will help eliminate a set of pesky bra straps from your layering line-up. You’re welcome! More: Best Body Shapers Bras can be pretty uncomfortable so a tank top or camisole with one that’s built in will give you a great break from the monotony of pesky underwires sticking into your chest. Every once in a while it’s actually nice to try different things, right?! Tanks can also help achieve a nice clean line under clingy silhouettes, go on, give them a try – you know you want to! Whether you’re after something to wear to yoga class on a Sunday, hiking through forests and national parks, lounging around the house, or even just to run errands, you’re sure to find something suitable in the range we’ve carefully compiled for you. There are all kinds of colours, fabrics and features you can imagine included on the list. Besides, providing an all-in-one option with comfort and support, who could go past adding at least one to their wardrobe? Best Tank Tops with Built-in Bra We’ve rounded up a list of the top ten tank tops and camisoles with built-in bras, just for you. There is quite a range to choose from whether you’re after a sportier garment for the gym or one for layering and lounging. Neutral and fashion colours are on the list too, so you can make a statement if you like. The choice is yours. 1. Pact Women's Organic Cotton Shelf Bra Camisole Tank Top Super soft and comfy, this tank top from Pact has all the essentials – breathable fabric, adjustable straps, and the in-built shelf bra – wire free, of course! Check Price on Amazon Made from 95% organic cotton, this top is soft, soft, soft. It’s also been prewashed and the fabric is shrink resistant so you know you’ll get a good fit which will actually stay that way for quite a while. Pop it in the machine on a cold cycle and you can even tumble dry it on a low setting. Simple. The Pact brand prides itself on using ethically sourced materials, and with a fair trade certification you can be assured the farmers were paid a fair price for the cotton which has gone into every garment. The organic cotton is also GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified and doesn’t contain toxins found in pesticides, fertilisers or bleaches. 2. icyZone Women Workout Yoga Spaghetti Tank Top If you’re looking for a tank which also pulls double duty as a workout top, this one might just be for you. Made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking material, this tank will be comfortable all day long. They’ve even flatlocked the garment seams to help eliminate any irritation or chafing. Check Price on Amazon Functional and stylish, the tank comes in a range of colours and patterns with a built-in bra. The spaghetti straps which crisscross at the back aren’t just a pretty detail either, they also allow you to move around easily. What makes the tank even better is that it’s machine washable – winning! An activewear brand, icyZone will have you looking on trend while also be comfortable at the gym or anywhere you like. The brand even has its own factory for production, established in 1993. 3. HANRO Women's Allure Bra Camisole A refined version of the brand’s best selling basic, this camisole is a great addition to any wardrobe. Wear it underneath tops, jumpers and jackets or even on its own. It’s more supportive than other camisoles given the addition of an underwire to the in-built, lightly padded cups, all of which give a natural and smooth shape when worn. Check Price on Amazon The fabric straps are adjustable so you can get a great custom fit for maximum comfort, and all hardware is free of nickel, chrome and cobalt. The HANRO camisole is machine washable. 4. HBY Womens Camisole Built in Shelf Padded Bra Tank Top HBY STORE is a brand built on simple, quality garments which last, aiming to provide the building blocks for your wardrobe. They certainly deliver with this cami tank top, a fantastic wardrobe basic which can be worn for any occasion – casual, work, even going out on the town. Check Price on Amazon A classic design with the easy-to-wear round scoop neck makes this top one which will be on high rotation. The longer fit will flatter your body and take any outfit to the next level. It’s functional too, with adjustable straps to find your best fit, as well as the padded built-in shelf bra for support. 5. Outdoor Research Women's Bewitched Tank Top Outdoor Research is built on the idea of life as an adventure and by creating the best gear they can make it more fun. Know what that means? This is one tank top that’s built for adventure! It’s perfect for hiking and climbers, as well as a range of action-packed outings. Check Price on Amazon The moisture wicking fabric is a blend of polyester (84%) and spandex (16%) so you’ll be dry and comfortable all day long. Cut with a close fit, the tank will flatter your frame and won’t get in the way if you’re out and about getting active. It also has adjustable shoulder straps to create a custom fit, as well as a supportive built-in shelf bra. 6. Panache Women's Cotton-and-Lycra Camisole with Built-In Bra Panache designed this camisole with full-busted women in mind and boy, does it deliver in terms of support, almost like a normal bra and camisole combined in one. The built-in cups help contour and shape while underwires and a hook and eye closure at the back are hidden away, providing seemingly invisible support. Check Price on Amazon Non-elastic yet fully adjustable shoulder straps help to further customise the fit to your individual shape while the square neck shape on this camisole makes it versatile under a range of garments. This camisole is hand wash only, which does mean a little extra laundry work, however the support features make this well worth it as a frontrunner for women with fuller busts. 7. Sociala Women's Shelf Bra Camisole A great basic tank top option which comes in a pack of two, you can choose from fashion colours, neutrals or one of each! They are easy to wear on their own or underneath other tops and jackets for a variety of occasions. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, the Sociala tops are soft and breathable with added stretch for comfort. Check Price on Amazon Support is provided with a shelf bra built-in to the tank top, though this is in the form of an additional layer of fabric with no padding in the garment. The fit may be customised using the adjustable shoulder straps. Be sure to take care in the laundry as these are hand wash only and not suitable for tumble dryers. 8. Alo Yoga Women's Rib Support Tank A classic rib tank shape, Alo have given it a sexy, sporty update. Made for the yoga studio but equally perfect for street style, this is a versatile tank which is a great addition to your closet rotation and will become a wardrobe staple for quite some time. The slim fit flatters your figure and includes removable cups for modesty, shaping and support while the fabric includes moisture-wicking and antimicrobial technology, along with a 4-way stretch for maximum comfort. Check Price on Amazon What could make this tank even better you ask? It’s machine washable. So simple, so easy, and exactly what we love! Rest assured you’ll be comfortable all day and wearing a super flattering tank as Alo’s in-house team conducting wear tests on each piece to ensure a great fit. 9. ASICS Women's Studio Fit-Sana Contour Tank ASICS is a leading brand in sportswear and sports shoes, recognised across the world for great quality and technical superiority, so it’s no surprise they make an appearance on our list of the best built in bra tank tops. The Women's Studio Fit-Sana Contour Tank is 85% polyester and 15% spandex. It includes radiant keyholes which are strategically placed throughout the garment for even better breathability. Check Price on Amazon It’ll turn heads with the fashion-forward colour and tonal barcode stripe, perfect for adding a bit of style to your workout. Featuring the added support of an inner 360 degree compressible bra liner, this tank will keep you comfortable, cool and stylish whether you’re in the gym, out for a run or just lounging around. 10. Alessandra B Underwire Bra Classic Camisole Whether it’s for layering or something to wear on its own, the Alessandra B Underwire Bra Classic Camisole is a great choice in a classic shape and style. A massive range of colour options make it easy to find one suitable for any outfit or occasion. Check Price on Amazon It even includes the same features as a normal bra with a built-in underwire bra for enhanced support and a hook and eye closure at the back – winning! The Alessandra B camisole is hand wash only but the supportive features make it well worthwhile. So, there you have it – our top ten tank tops to choose from and what you should be looking for and considering when it comes to the features. Don’t forget to consider the type of activities you’ll be wearing it for when you’re looking at those all important features – you’ll thank us later. We know you’re going to love the comfort so perhaps pick up two or three if you’re super keen – they go with everything anyway! Features you should look for in a tank top So, what features should you look for in a tank top with built-in bra? Well you should definitely consider the type of activity you’ll be doing while wearing your tank top, this will help inform your decision making on various factors such as the fabric, comfort and support you might want (it’s serious business, you know). Also remember to consider the special care instructions for your tank top, think about whether you want to be able to throw it in the washing machine with everything else or if you have time to give each piece the care it needs. A little thought now will help you choose the best one for your needs, we promise, there’s a lot to consider! What’s it made of? Consider the fabric. You want something soft to the touch so cotton is an obvious choice but don’t discount other options. A variety of fabrics can deliver the softness you’re after with additional benefits such as moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry. Consider what activities you might be up to while wearing your tank and let that be your guide, or perhaps get one for lounging and one for more active pursuits. How does it deliver in terms of comfort and support? Comfort is a strong consideration when choosing the tank top with a built-in bra for you. It’s not just the fabric which can impact but also the cut and what kind of support is included. Often included as the supportive element in a tank top or camisole is a shelf bra, a tighter layer of fabric with elastic that sits just under the bust for additional support. Think about whether this is sufficient support for the activities you’re doing. Those with larger busts may be more comfortable and supported choosing a design with in-built underwires and other features more like traditional bras (including hidden hook and eye closures). The other factor which can play a big role in how comfortable and supportive a tank top will be is what kind of straps it has. Are they racer back? Spaghetti straps? Crossover? For a better all over fit, why not try looking for a tank with adjustable straps, that way you can customise the fit to your unique body shape, as well as tighten them if they stretch out a bit after a few wears. Can I throw it in the laundry with everything else? Last but certainly not least, think about how you’re going to wash your tank top. Some are easily machine washable but others have special care instructions like hand washing or no tumble drying. Consider how often you’ll wear the tank and if you time for special care or would prefer to go the no fuss route. A tank that’s perfect to wear but difficult to wash or too much hassle won’t be worth the money you’ve spent. Bring that cost per wear down by choosing one you’re confident laundering because these babies are comfortable, in fact, you’re probably going to want to wear them every single day. Overall, think about the activities you’ll be doing, the support you might need and how you’re going to wash the tank top. You need something which will suit your lifestyle first and foremost, and if in doubt? Buy a couple for different purposes, there’s nothing wrong with that!