How did tank tops get their name?

Photo by Grzegorz Rakowski on Unsplash

October 31, 2022

In the 1920′s, women were required to dress more conservatively when taking a dip in the ‘swimming tank’, now more commonly referred to as the ‘swimming pool’.

These bathing suits were once referred to as ‘tank suits’.

The similarity between tank suits and tank tops helped coin the name ‘tank top’; the garment that would eventually evolve into the “Suns Out, Guns Out” top we all know today.

Somehow, the tank top became associated not with female sports legends, but with overly macho men.

In addition to athletic usage, tank tops have traditionally been used as undershirts, especially with suits and dress shirts.

They are sometimes worn alone without a dress shirt or top shirt during very warm weather.

There are 10 rules for wearing a tank top:

  1. It’s all about the fit – not too big or too loose. The length should be the same as other untucked shirt, middle of the crotch.
  2. Never tuck in a tank top. EVER.
  3. Basic is better. Colour, you can play with. but you can never go wrong with the basics (white, grey, black).
  4. There is no such thing as a ‘dress tank top’.
  5. No peaky nipples – keep ’em covered (Ladies & Gentlemen please)
  6. Mandatory manscaping – shoulders and back hair manscaped and manage chest hair. No white-caked deodorant in arm pit hair.
  7. No string tank tops.
  8. Don't look like a 'Dodgy Dude' – they are undershirts that are super tight and long (unflattering)
  9. Never wear one on a date and when you are trying to impress someone. You are okay at the pool, the gym, beach, and extremely hot outside.
  10. Hit the gym!

Simples.

Now you know.

White Mesh Tank Tops can be the best part of an outfit for sure.

So not only at the gym or beachwear or while running, but you can also style a Black Speckled Tank Top for separate occasions too.

Keep this point in your mind ladies!

A White Speckled Tank Top is incredible for layering under light coats, jackets, oversized shirts, and even under mesh tops.

You can don it under a denim jacket and can go for clubbing trust this gives you all classic chick vibes!

Considering the facets of slaying in a Khaki Speckled Tank Top, ladies, you should try to style not only in accordance with the fashion trends but also go with physical attributes and attitude!

Sleeves can feel a little suffocating and cause you to sweat more and even overheat when you're really pushing in the gym. 

A Blue Speckled Tank Top will keep you cooler throughout your session.

Wearing a Blue Mesh Tank Top to the gym can help you to show off your arms during a workout.

Stringer vests and a Khaki Mesh Tank Top are among the most prominent tops featured at any gym and even though these shirts may not be everyone’s chosen style, they do provide significant benefits for those who wear them.

In short, YES, you can wear tank tops to the gym.

As long as it's a Black Mesh Tank Top.

Not sure what else we can say about Tank Tops except buy a new one, today.

Prologue: The Legacy of the Tank Top

Delving into the history of clothing, one finds a tapestry of human expression, societal norms, and evolving fashion sensibilities. The 1920s was an era of remarkable transformation, where the world, recovering from the throes of World War I, witnessed a cultural shift. The 'Roaring Twenties' were marked by jazz, flappers, and of course, the swimming 'tank' which set the stage for the tank top’s origin.

It's fascinating to see how tank tops, which originated from the modest 'tank suits' of the 1920s, morphed into the contemporary, multifaceted garment they are today. From conservative swimming attire to symbolizing machismo, tank tops have travelled a long and diverse journey.

Today's tank tops offer the freedom of movement, aesthetics, and comfort. These attributes make them so cherished in various settings, from athletic endeavours to relaxed, informal settings, and even for that bold fashion statement.

The dynamism of tank tops rests not just in their versatility, but also in their rich history. In every thread, every colour, and every style, there's a nod to the past - to the women of the 1920s who first donned 'tank suits', and to the subsequent generations that repurposed and restyled this garment.

With fashion being cyclic, who knows, we might soon see a revival of the 1920s style in modern tank tops, fusing the old with the new, reminding us of the timeless nature of fashion and the enduring legacy of the tank top.

To sum it up, tank tops aren't just a piece of clothing; they are a canvas, painting the evolution of societal norms, individual expression, and the ever-changing world of fashion. The next time you wear or see a tank top, remember, it’s not just fabric; its history wrapped around the body, narrating tales from a bygone era while carving new stories for the future.

So, whether it's a casual day out, a rigorous gym session, or an avant-garde fashion statement, let the tank top be your go-to choice. Dive deep into its legacy, embrace its versatility, and continue the story it began almost a century ago. And if you're yet to own one, maybe, just maybe, it's time to get one and be a part of this ongoing history.

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