Thanks to a rise in social media, a rapidly churning fashion cycle and more microtrends than we quite know what to do with – capri pants, dresses over jeans and big bows on literally everything are just a handful that spring to mind in recent months – many of us are experimenting with clothing more than we have before. There’s something fun about styling old pieces in new ways, after all, especially when prints and bold colours are involved – hello, leopard print and red shoes.

Despite these new trends and fashion finds, however, it seems this summer is all about one simple basic: white tank tops (or vest tops for those well-versed with the British wording) are booming. Yes, the same simple top that made many a famous outfit on the likes of The Fast And The Furious’s Vin Diesel, Goldie Hawn in Overboard, Lara Croft and Carrie Bradshaw as she sat typing away at that window-facing laptop. But I couldn’t help wonder, why is this basic item back in our wardrobes?

According to Instagram fashion analyst Madé Lapuerta (@DataButMakeItFashion), who analysed thousands of online posts referencing the outfit building block, white tank tops are now the most popular they’ve been in five summers. 

At Gap, tanks have been “very much in demand this year and we have seen a 30% increase in our sales”, shares buying director Sapna Brooks, noting ribbed 90s racerback tanks are particularly popular. Similarly, at high street store Jigsaw, merchandising manager Louise Calvert notes the brand has seen “increased sales this year on the white slub tank versus previous years… and has almost sold out”.  

Clearly, fashion fans are snapping up the style at a rapid rate and, as with most trends, it seems to have seeped off of the runway.

Proving the basic building piece can work with any outfit, Tom Ford paired the style with a standout sequin skirt for its 2025 resort collection. Stella McCartney created a sheer style paired with baggy jeans; Michael Kors made a case for styling it with a black midi skirt, contrasting David Koma’s white sheer skirt and white vest look; while Bally leaned into a longer mid-thigh length tank top.

Prada, Miu Miu and Loewe have all recently created logo-emblazoned options, which all racked up an impressive number of fashion fans spending upwards of £300 on the cotton cops. Stylist’s fashion team has created a shopping list of the best white tank tops to buy well under this price point, so if you’re yet to own one of these everyday basics, now may be the time to pick one up. 

Images: Getty