I consider tank tops the perfect wardrobe staple because they bring such versatility to my closet. I wear my thicker tank tops on their own and use thinner styles as an undershirt for extra warmth during colder months. Finding a women's tank top that fits right, whether you want it to hug your body or fit loose, and lasts after multiple wash cycles can become a complicated task for such a simple piece of clothing. Fear not: I did the hard research already so you don't have to scroll through pages of tanks.

Tank tops are basic by design, but select features differentiate one style from the next. We dive into the nuances below.

✔️ Material: "The majority of tank tops are made of a knit jersey material, which is stretchy, soft and comfortable," explains GH Institute's Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine. You may also find ribbed tank tops, like our picks from Skims, Madewell and Abercrombie & Fitch, which use alternating knit stitches for a textured feel. Tank tops typically blend cotton and "a fiber like spandex or elastane to lend stretch and help the tank top to maintain its shape after being worn," says Constantine. Some tanks may also include rayon, known for its lighter, softer feel, as well as polyester to improve durability and performance.