When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreChloe Caldwell/Business InsiderThere really isn’t a more universal item of clothing than a simple white tank top. Whether paired with skirts in the summer or layered under cardigans in the fall, this essential clothing basic spans all style preferences and aesthetics. The bottom line: it’s a piece worth investing in.I was in the market for a fresh white tank top, so I went on a mall-wide search to find the perfect one. I looked for styles made with comfortable fabric blends that don't look see-through and come at a mall brand price. My five stops included Aritzia, Gap, Anthropologie, American Eagle, and Abercrombie.Most stores had decent white tank tops for women, but there was one clear winner. Here’s how my afternoon of shopping went. Our main takeweay: The AE Daily Fave Tank Top from American Eagle was the winner. It fit incredibly well, was made with breathable cotton, and cost about $20. It comes in six different colors, and I was tempted to buy them all. First I went to Aritzia and tried the HomeStretch Rib Vinyl Tank.Chloe Caldwell/Business InsiderFit notes: Low scoop neckline, slight racer backFirst of all, I’ll never get over the fact that Aritzia still has no mirrors in the dressing room stalls. After putting on the HomeStretch Rib Vinyl Tank, I paraded out into the communal space to see how it fit. I initially liked the scoop neck, thick shoulder straps and subtle racer back. It felt soft on the skin and comfortable, made with 94% cotton and 6% elastane.However, it bunched a bit around the bust, likely due to the deeper scoop neck. Even though Artizia is more expensive, I would still consider paying $28 for this tank. It wasn’t an immediate yes, but it felt like a contender.At Anthropologie, I tried the Reegan Crew-Neck Crop Racerback Seamless Tank.Chloe Caldwell/Business InsiderFit notes: Cropped fit, high necklineThe only classic white tank top I could find at Anthropologie was the Reegan Crew-Neck Crop Racerback Seamless Tank. What I found concerning about this tank is that it's made with 94% polyamide and 6% elastane, but it cost the same amount as the $28 Aritzia tank, which is made of cotton. It also had a bright, bold red label warning me to “keep away from fire.” The flammability factor alone made it easy to pass.Upon trying it on, I noticed that the underarm area scooped a bit too low, showing the edges of my bra. The stretchy material also showed the outline of my bra and wasn’t very breathable. However, I did find the high neckline and the thick band at the hem flattering. This tank has a cropped fit, showing slight midriff. While I like a cropped tank for certain outfits, it is less versatile.The Modern Tank Top from Gap wasn’t right for my size.Chloe Caldwell/Business InsiderFit notes: Scoop neckline, long hemlineGap is my go-to spot for clothing basics. While the Gap Modern Tank Top was comfortable and reasonably priced at $20, the hem was awkwardly long on me and looked bunched up when I tried to adjust it. I'm 5-foot-2 and wear a size Small, so this tank might be better on tall people.I did like the ultra-scooped neckline, and the fabric blend (58% cotton, 38% modal, 4% elastane) felt comfortable and durable. Overall, this Gap tank wasn’t bad — just not for me.The Bra-Free Scoopneck Tank at Abercrombie was just okay.Chloe Caldwell/Business InsiderFit notes: Built-in padding, low backMy next stop was at Abercrombie, where I tried on the Bra-Free Rib Scoopneck Tank. I actually like having built-in pads, so I was excited about this one. I loved the fit of the body, and the material was comfortable, made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane.Unfortunately, the lining of the pads underneath are clearly visible. If you're going to design a tank with a shelf bra, it must blend seamlessly. And while I was a fan of the low back, the straps were a bit too long and didn’t feel secure on my shoulders. This caused some pleating around my chest.The surprising winner: American Eagle's $20 Daily Fave Tank Top.Chloe Caldwell/Business InsiderFit notes: Scoop neck and scoop back, wide strapsThis tank immediately won me over. It had all the parts I liked about the other options combined into one perfect white tank. The length hit perfectly at my waistline, and I loved the defined lining of the straps and neckline. It hugged my body without clinging, and the fabric (92% cotton, 8% elastane) felt comfortable and breathable. I can see myself wearing the Daily Fave Tank Top everywhere. The kicker: it costs $19.95, proving the cheapest option can also be the best.Read the original article on Business Insider
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