Vibe-Checking the $70 Tank Top Dividing the Internet
Photo:
@indyabrown; @aishafarida; Backgrid;
Photo:
@aishafarida; Backgrid; @oliviapezzente
Photo:
@indyabrownBut back to the tank top—its internet mythology definitely piqued my intrigue. Could such a no-frills top be worth it to fork over $70? After all, The Row and Lemaire do demand $175 and $400 for plain cotton tops, respectively, and fashion people gladly oblige. In the grand scheme of things, Tank Air's white tank top isn't that egregious, especially considering that it's made locally and the fact that the brand's workers are paid fair wages. As Robertson-Macleod explains, the brand works directly with sewers in DTLA, where they are paid "well above" minimum wage. Production is also limited to small runs to ensure quality, but overall, the piece's higher cost just comes down to simple economics. "The truth is higher-quality fabrics just cost a lot more per yard than lower-quality options. We use a heavyweight, sueded jersey that has a soft feel but is also thick enough to provide support (you don't have to wear a bra with it) and to provide full coverage (our white Studio Tanks are completely opaque)," she says.
And honestly, the tank really does excel. As I'm someone who buys white tanks in multiples and owns no less than 10, the Studio Tank is unlike any currently in my collection. It almost feels akin to shapewear—but without the tension headaches and feeling of perpetually sucking it in. The heavyweight fabric smooths and snatches you in, and as Robertson-Macleod said, wearing nipple covers or a bra isn't necessary. All of this is to say it's become the tank I reach for just for the increased ease. Thoughtful design really does matter!
In the grand scheme of things, Tank Air is more than just one "controversial" tank top. Although the shirt is one of its best sellers, the brand releases new drops on a consistent basis, and each of its modernized staples is just as good. Its bedazzled baby tees and bodysuits are perpetually sold out (I'm patiently waiting on a restock). And following its sustainable ethos, new releases come out in a drip rather than a flow, with new items dropped every few months as opposed to every day like most fast-fashion retailers. It speaks to how Robertson-Macleod envisions Tank Air as more than a moment of virality. It's something for the long haul. "We've been working on a children's book to inspire young girls," she says. "I've always wanted Tank Air to be more than just clothes but all for the same purpose."
