THE PERFECT TANK TOP:

SPORT THE "WIFE BEATER" TANK
WITHOUT THE CRIMINAL RECORD

And no, we are not encouraging domestic violence of any sort so get that out of your head. The "wife beater" tank top is a fashion term dubbed after men who wear Hanes' white tank tops (usually with holes and stains) as their central piece of clothing. It might sound offensive, but I swear it's a real term defined by the Urban Dictionary:

wife beater

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buy wife beater mugs, tshirts and magnets a very tight, white tank top that is ribbed in texture. this style of shirt is usually found on overweight white guys hailing from the trailer courts. unmistakeable markings of bbq sauce or chew spit on the front and smelling of old style beer and excessive perspiration. the wearer can be found at any type of festival which involves his toothless relatives working the carnival rides. dude, let's go to the state fair and check out all the trash wearing wife beaters.

EXHIBIT A: WIFE BEATER TANK ON BEER-BELLIED MAN. A FASHION DON'T.

EXHIBIT B: WIFE BEATER TANK ON HOT MALE MODEL. 6-PACK INCLUDED. FASHION DO.

That being said, we actually like the look of a higher class "wife beater" tank on women. Cut in a scoop at the neck, ribbed and snug around all the right assets, this tank top is a must have in your wardrobe. Perfect under a blazer or cardigan, the white tank top is not a simple find. You have to be choosy and select one that is long enough through the torso to work as a real layering piece and one that cuts appropriately at the arms - I like the racer back tank to show off shoulders . It also must be a thick enough material to be worn alone. Here are our favorite choices....

HHN HAUTE DRAPEY RIB RACER TANK,  $65 BUY HERE

JAMES PERSE WHITE TANK TOP, $50 BUY HERE

SPLENDID LAYERS TANK TOP, $46 BUY HERE

This tank top is crucial for layering during all seasons. You can NEVER have too many white tank tops so get different kinds - I have 5 or 6 and circulate them throughout the week. Think of this piece like a man's white undershirt. It is worth spending a bit more for a quality piece and one that will last a long time. Word to the wise, however, do not spin dry your ribbed tanks, they will get holes and fall apart. Hang dry and they'll last longer.

For a more asymmetrical look, which is tres chic these days, try one of these guys available at Madam Butterfly.

- sister