Summer is heating up, and it’s time to refresh our wardrobes with the breathable, lightweight staple that no warm-weather closet is complete without: the graphic tank. Graphic tanks transition seamlessly from running errands to meeting friends for drinks, making them an essential item for staying cool while looking hot all season long.
With so many styles and designs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the graphic tanks that best complement your personal taste and body type. This article will provide tips for choosing the ideal graphic tank for you while highlighting the top 5 bestselling and most beloved graphic tanks for summer 2022. Keep reading to find your perfect graphic tank match!
The Best of the Best: Top 5 Graphic Tanks for Women
Graphic tank styles run the gamut from subtle and ethereal to bold and edgy. With countless prints and sayings to choose from, here are 5 of the most popular graphic tanks dominating summer fashion trends right now:
Bella + Canvas 3001C Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee
This soft jersey graphic tank has been a top seller for Bella + Canvas for years thanks to its dreamy drape and buttery soft fabric. The mini cap sleeves add just enough coverage while showing some skin. With sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, you can find an ideal fit for every body type. The polyester/cotton blend makes it lightweight enough for hot days while keeping its shape wash after wash.
Pros: Ultra-soft fabric, flattering drape & fit, capped sleeves Cons: Runs small, limited color/print options Ideal For: Casual everyday wear Price: $10 – $15 Where to Buy: Direct from Bella + Canvas or Amazon
H&M Sleeveless Jersey Top
For graphic tank lovers on a budget, H&M delivers with their sleeveless cotton jersey graphic tees. The range of graphics feels endlessly fresh and on-trend. Silhouettes come in standard and oversized fits with curved or straight hems. The 100% organic cotton fabric and affordable pricing make these tanks a summertime steal.
Pros: Organic materials, range of stylish graphics, budget-friendly pricing Cons: Limited plus sizes, shirts can run short Ideal For: Casual wear, weekend, working out Price: $12.99 Where to Buy: H&M stores and website
Free People FPMovement Seamless Rib Graphic Tank
With its slim fit and quick-drying fabric, this Free People training tank transitions seamlessly from the gym to running errands. The seamless design and ribbed fabric move with you while providing coverage during downward dog or sun salutations. For low-impact days, the compressive fit sculpts curves.
Pros: Great for working out or casual wear, ribs provide flattering shaping Cons: Cropped length can feel too short for some, hand wash only Ideal For: Yoga, pilates, lounging about town post-workout Price: $48
Where to Buy: Free People website and stores
Year Of Ours Mock Neck Muscle Tank
For those craving a bit more coverage, Year of Ours’ mock neck muscle tank combines the best of both worlds. The welcoming mock neckline and roomier arm openings provide a flirty peek of skin without full exposure. Made of a breathable modal spandex blend, the fabric keeps you cool while retaining its opaque coverage.
Pros: Provides more coverage while still showing some skin, high neck flatters Cons: Loose fit not ideal for busty figures, delicate fabric Ideal For: Casual daywear, weekend brunch, going out at night Price: $78 Where to Buy: Year of Ours website
Champion Women’s Fashion Graphic Tank
Champion continues to prove their fashion relevance with on-trend graphic tanks made of their signature breathable cotton blend. Shoulder cutouts, raw edge hems and oversized arm holes add playful detail to basic tanks. With inclusive sizing up to 5XL, people of all body types can rock these sporty-chic tanks.
Pros: Inclusive range of sizes, cotton/polyester blend ideal for summer Cons: Loose boxy fit not ideal for petite/curvy figures, limited graphics Ideal For: Lounging, casual everyday style, athleisure Price: $25 Where to Buy: Champion store, Macy’s, Target, Amazon
Now that we’ve covered today’s most coveted graphic tank styles, let’s explore how to select the best tank to complement your body type and personal fashion sense.
Choosing the Perfect Graphic Tank for You
With so many graphic tanks to choose from, deciding on “the one” can feel daunting. Keep the following tips in mind while shopping to find your ideal graphic tank match:
Consider Your Personal Style
Graphic tanks allow you to communicate your interests and personality through images and text. Are you preppy, edgy, artsy, minimalist? Seek out graphics that align with your aesthetic. If you prefer keeping it simple, go for solid color tanks in hues and silhouettes you love.
Focus on Fit and Length
How you want the tank to fit your frame and flow on your body will guide what styles you gravitate toward. Do you like a roomier fit or something more tight and cropped? Tank lengths range from barely-there cropped to hip to tunic. Pay attention to arm openings as well – do you like basic sleeveless, a bit of coverage with cap sleeves or that racerback look?
Pick Fabrics Suited for Your Climate
Consider the climate where you live. Lightweight jersey knits, cotton blends and modal are ideal for hot, humid summers as they breathe well. Polyester or nylon blends wick sweat better if you run warm. For milder temps, choose drapier fabrics like rayon or drapey blends.
Flatter Your Body Type
Certain styles and accents can either enhance or hide your favorite assets, so keep your body type in mind. Curvier figures can create balance with A-line tank silhouettes, high necklines or accents like ruffles. Petite gals look great in cropped and fitted tanks that show some midriff. Tall or athletic builds rock racerback tanks that highlight sculpted shoulders.
Select Necklines for Coverage and Support
Necklines impact coverage, support and how flattering a tank looks on your bust and shoulders. A scooped neckline flatters most body types. Look for a V-neck if you want to elongate the appearance of your neck and highlight your face. A squared neck offers more cleavage coverage.
Mind the Care Instructions
Pay attention to fabric content and cleaning requirements, especially if you want an easygoing graphic tank you can just toss in the wash. Cotton/polyester blends hold up well to regular washing. More delicate materials like modal or rayon and intricate graphics or embellishments may require gentler cleaning.
Get the Graphic You
Graphic tanks allow you to make a subtle statement or shout your interests loud and proud! If you want something more lowkey, seek out small, delicate graphics. Prefer to stand out? Go for large, bold graphics and eye-catching text motifs placed front and center. There are so many designs to explore until you find your perfect match.
Prioritize Inclusive Sizing
Every body deserves to rock the graphic tank style they love, so seek out size-inclusive brands. If you fall on either end of the size spectrum, look for extended sizing and brands who offer not just XL or XXL but a full range up to 5XL or 6XL. Review size charts to understand sizing for each brand.
Consider Sustainable Brands
Eco-conscious shoppers will love graphic tank options from sustainable brands. Look for tanks made from organic cotton, recycled polyester and other earth-friendly fabrics. Seek out brands who engage in ethical production and partner with organizations that support causes important to you.
Now that you know which features to look for in your dream graphic tank, let’s explore some frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphic Tanks
How Do I Care for Graphic Tanks?
- Turn your graphic tanks inside out before washing to protect any graphics
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent fading
- Avoid hot water or bleach that could damage fabrics
- Lay flat or hang to dry instead of putting in dryer on high heat
- For delicates, consider hand washing and lay flat to dry
How Do I Style Graphic Tanks?
The simple graphic tee pairs perfectly with so many combinations!
- Casual Daywear: Jeans, shorts, skirts, joggers
- Workout Wear: Leggings, bike shorts, sneakers/trainers
- Night Out: Add interest with kimonos, cardigans, moto jackets
- Dressed Up: Wear with midi skirts, heels or wedges vs. flip flops
What Types of Graphics Work Best?
Trending graphic styles include:
- Funny or sassy sayings
- Inspirational quotes and mantras
- Song lyrics and band/music logos
- City skylines, travel motifs, tropical prints
- Abstract and geometric patterns
- Whimsical illustrations and retro motifs
Are Graphic Tanks Only For Younger Women?
Absolutely not! Women of all ages can rock graphic tanks in styles that complement their bodies and personal tastes. Focus less on what’s deemed “age appropriate” and have fun with prints and silhouettes you feel fab in.
How Do I Pick The Best Tanks For My Body Type?
Curvy figures: A-line tanks, high necklines, and dark solids to slim and elongate
Petite frames: Cropped & fitted tanks, scoop necks, smaller prints/graphics
Tall/athletic builds: Racerback tanks, loose & breathable fabrics, sleeveless
How Can I Dress Up Graphic Tanks?
Elevate your graphic tee into dressier occasions with these easy styling tricks:
- Add a pretty kimono, crochet cardi or denim jacket on top
- Swap cheap plastic flip flops for some stylish leather sandals or espadrille wedges
- Trade your fanny pack or oversized tote for a cute circular bag
- Opt for nicer fabric like smooth modal over basic cotton
- Layer on some dainty gold jewelry instead of casual beaded pieces
Are Graphic Tank Tops Still in Style?
Graphic tanks have remained popular for decades thanks to their breathable comfort and unique way of letting wearers speak through fashion. As long as you choose graphic tanks in materials and silhouettes that flatter your figure, this versatile staple will always have a place in warm weather wardrobes!
The Takeaway
Hopefully this breakdown of today’s most coveted graphic tanks along with tips for selecting your new favorite has you feeling ready to find your perfect graphic tank match. With so many stylish options that work for casual lounging or dressing up for a night out, you really can’t go wrong with adding a graphic tank (or two!) to your summer wardrobe rotation.
Refreshing your look is as easy as throwing on a soft, lightweight graphic tank that lets your personality shine through. So embrace the hot weather and stay cool while looking oh-so-cute in the season’s best graphic tanks! Which new graphic tee will you rock this summer?