A collage of tank tops.
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The $30 Uniqlo Tank Top I Pack on Every Single Trip

No matter where I'm headed, I pack at least two of them.

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My summer 2023 clothing obsession? A Uniqlo tank top I discovered on social media. Buying an influencer-recommended product can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with their taste and preferences. There are a few content creators whose closet guidance I loyally follow, though, and Mollie Campsie is one of them. Her focus on basics and versatile pieces aligns perfectly with my travel wardrobe needs.

When I first saw the London-based influencer post about the Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top from Uniqlo (which runs in sizes XS–2XL), I was curious. As I saw her incorporate the cotton tank into a variety of outfits featured on her feed, I decided it was time to place an order. My spring and summer travel outfits were in dire need of a high-quality, sleeveless top, so I purchased the cotton garment in four colors: off-white, black, gray, and blue. (It’s also available in olive and orange). While hopeful, I was also a bit wary. The tank top comes with built-in cups—so no bra is needed—but if you’ve ever spent time straightening out the padding of a bathing suit or sports bra, you know the cons occasionally outweigh the no-bra pros. While I had faith in Campsie’s glowing review of the Uniqlo product, the true test would come when I put on the tank top, ran it through the laundry, and re-wore it to see how it held up.

Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top

Several trips, wears, and wash cycles later, I can report that the Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top has earned the title of my summer suitcase staple. No matter where I’m going—whether it’s home to Virginia, a work trip to Texas, or a Bahamas vacation—I slide at least two of the tops into my packing cubes. It pairs easily with high-waisted jeans or denim shorts, and each bra cup is sewn in, so you don’t experience the aforementioned bunching issue.

As a staunch advocate of a monochrome look, I commonly wear the black or white version with a skirt in the same hue. Given its minimalist silhouette, it looks just as natural with leather slides or block heels as it does with sneakers. Plus, the ribbed material keeps its shape even after a long day in the air or walking around a city. 

This exact Uniqlo style is an updated version of a previous season’s design, and in the past few months, it’s made appearances across many fashion influencers' platforms—along with Campsie, Ally ChenEileen Lazazzera, and Reena Atienza have all given it their stamp of approval. In case it sells out (as viral products tend to do), we found several other tank tops that offer the same closet utility. 

More tanks we recommend

J.Crew Vintage rib shelf-bra tank

It’s a tie between Uniqlo and J.Crew for the brand with the best basics. This version of the built-in bra tank has slightly narrower straps and is longer in length. 

Aritzia TNALife Bounds Sport tank

A sportier take on the look, this built-in bra tank from Aritizia has removable cups and comes in 13 different colorways.

Everlane Organic Cotton Cutaway tank

If you don’t love the built-in bra feature but still want the same silhouette, try Everlane’s high-neck cotton tank. 

Abercrombie Double-Layered Seamless Fabric Squareneck bodysuit

A bodysuit can be a frequent traveler’s best-kept secret, as it can take you from a casual on-the-go breakfast to a fine-dining experience with a quick shoe change. 

Skims Cotton Rib tank

Similar to the Uniqlo style, the Skims Cotton Rib Tank falls right at the waist—and the ribbed fabric has plenty of stretch.