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Every savvy traveler needs a really good white tank top in their arsenal. Apart from taking up little to no space in your suitcase, it’s a foolproof option that will go with essentially anything you pack. And speaking from experience, you’d be surprised just how hard it works in your wardrobe.
I’ve tested my fair share of white tanks from a slew of different retailers to find a style that’s versatile enough for most any occasion. I had very specific requirements when searching for the perfect tank: It must have a higher, less traditional neckline; be made from a natural fiber like cotton, tencel, linen, or some sort of blend; and have a hint of stretch for maximum comfort. I was open to subtle ribbing—as long as it didn’t look too sporty and take away from the elevated feel I wanted. Hence my gravitation towards Bandier’s Wesley Rivington ribbed tank.
Amongst all the options available on the market, this top from athleisure brand Bandier’s in-house label ticked all the boxes on my list of requirements. It’s also worth noting that, according to the brand, during a particularly viral moment last year, one tank was sold every one minute and 45 seconds. Naturally, upon hearing that stat, I was intrigued.
After getting my hands on the tank and bringing it along on trips to Paris and Miami for Paraiso Swim Week, I quickly understood the hype. It was flexible, but clung to the body for a second-skin fit. Most importantly, it kept me cool in warm-weather climates, even ones riddled with humidity. Eventually, I started traveling everywhere with the wear-with-anything style, even when I wasn’t necessarily going somewhere hot—mainly because it makes for such a great layering piece as well.
That said, having worn my tank into the ground over the past year (so much so that I purchased another to have as a backup), here’s everything you might want to know before adding it to your own packing list.
What’s it made from?
Unlike all the stretch-cotton styles in my collection, Bandier Wesley’s Rivington tank is made from a sustainable wood pulp material, most commonly known as tencel, with a hint of spandex for flexibility (about three percent). This makes it equal parts breathable and lightweight, without being too see-through or fragile. In other words, it can withstand multiple seasons of consistent wear and tear without falling apart at the seams—making it a great staple for long trips, where capsule wardrobes are key.
How does it fit?
I know some people don’t love wearing basics that have spandex in them, in fear of these pieces falling flat over time. But, I fall under the category of shoppers who prefer a little stretch for the sake of comfortability. When something so simple, like a plain white tank top, is made to be flexible, it gives the staple a chance to actually conform to your shape, allowing you to find your perfect fit. And this is absolutely the case with the Bandier tank. Rather than losing its shape after multiple wears, it seemingly gets even better with time, similar to a good pair of jeans or a leather jacket.
Does it stay white?
Like any other plain white piece of clothing, keeping the Bandier Wesley tank a white takes a little bit of maintenance. Though, a lot less than I expected. White tops have a tendency to get dingy as you continue to wear (and wash) them—especially when you factor in the sweat and body oils that come with wearing an item in warm weather. However, I've found that the Rivington tank is easy to keep white for months at a time, which means you can bring it along on long-haul trips where you may have to wash it a few times without worrying about fading. To maintain the color for longer, I always make sure to wash the tank in cold water with my whites, while also submerging it in a bleach bath from time to time to counteract any discoloration.
