What is the 2022’s Most Fashionable Top?

Fashion isn’t new to the concept of a capsule wardrobe, which is a wardrobe that includes basic pieces like black T-shirts, button-downs and little black dresses. The white tank top is a fashion staple and has become a wardrobe essential.

Prada displayed a variety of white tank tops with the house’s triangular logo on models Kaia Gerber, Hunter Schafer in one of the most talked about fall 2022 runway moments. Bottega Veneta transformed the ribbed tank top into a leather version, while Acne gave the sleeveless piece a high-fashion makeover with oversized trousers.

The Loewe white tank-top from spring 2022 is hard to find today, as it has become the top of the season.
The humble tank top has not really left fashion’s fashion trends cycle. However, with the return of Y2K fashion as well as the rise of genderless fashion, this versatile staple is enjoying a moment of prominence. Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian have been seen wearing white tank tops paired with cargo pants and mom jeans in the ’90s. Bella Hadid paired the basic tank with everything, from knitted shrugs and off-the shoulder tops.

“The white tank top is timeless. It’s simply timeless,” Mark-Evan Blackman is assistant professor of fashion design at Fashion Institute of Technology. “Today’s designers use the item to present their vision in a very modern time.”

The first white tank top, which was designed as an undergarment for men, was created in 1910. It could be worn while swimming or underneath shirts. The white tank top became an outerwear item in World War I and II when men began to wear them as underwear. The first time this article of clothing was made visible to the public was in the scene in It Happened One Night, in which Clark Gable removed his shirt to expose a white tank top beneath. Although the audience was shocked, sales soared.

The white tank top was a staple in men’s wardrobes 15 years later. He says that “Male Hollywood icons like Marlon Brando or James Dean were wearing them, which was being embraced by everyone.” These media portrayals also led to the term “wifebeater” due to the fact that they were often used in scenes of men physically abusing their wives.

Blackman believes designer fashion’s interest in the utilitarian white fabric is ironic, given its history. While you can still find inexpensive versions of this look in big-box shops, it is not uncommon to find $300-plus styles in high-end stores. He says that people who wear them now fashionably are still using 70-year-old styles.

The popularity of the white tanktop reached new heights during the hip-hop era in the 1990s and 2000s. This was thanks to Kate Moss’s off-duty looks, which included white tank tops paired with jeans skirts or minimalist trousers. Calvin Klein was inspired by this to include the model in their ads wearing the item. It was also featured on many music videos and album covers during the ’00s. For example, Beyonce wore a halter neck version in “Crazy In Love” in 2003. Jennifer Lopez wore a cropped, bedazzled version at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

The white tank top will be a staple item for designers and brands in 2022. Blackman states that people are willing to purchase them for their incredible comfort. The item was paired with casually dressed items that reflected the desire for effortless fashion as we emerge from our pandemic cocoons.
After two years of sartorial uncertainty during which we put away our fancy heels, the white tank-top trend has remained a consistent, one that can be worn no matter what budget or circumstances.
Blackman says, “It’s an contemporary statement piece.”