Tank Top Size Chart for Women and Men
Tank tops use the same letter sizes as tees, but with no sleeves the armholes, strap width and length decide how they fit. These charts translate letters and numbers into measurements and explain how each style changes the size you need.
A women's medium tank top fits a 35 to 37 in (89 to 94 cm) bust, which is US size 8 to 10. A men's medium fits a 38 to 40 in (97 to 102 cm) chest. Choose by bust or chest, then by armhole style: muscle and stringer tanks have deeper armholes and look looser at the same size.
- Women's M bust
- 35-37 in (89-94 cm)
- Men's M chest
- 38-40 in (97-102 cm)
- US women's 8
- Medium
- 32 in bust
- XS to S
On this page
Women's tank top size chart
Women's tanks are sized by bust first. Hip matters for longer styles that reach past the waist, because a fitted tank cannot stretch much over hips larger than its hem.
| Size | US | UK | EU | Bust | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0-2 | 4-6 | 30-34 | 31-33 in 79-84 cm | 34-36 in 86-91 cm |
| S | 4-6 | 8-10 | 34-38 | 33-35 in 84-89 cm | 36-38 in 91-97 cm |
| M | 8-10 | 12-14 | 38-42 | 35-37 in 89-94 cm | 38-40 in 97-102 cm |
| L | 12-14 | 16-18 | 42-46 | 38-40 in 97-102 cm | 41-43 in 104-109 cm |
| XL | 16-18 | 20-22 | 46-50 | 41-44 in 104-112 cm | 44-47 in 112-119 cm |
The EU column spans both European conventions (German-style labels are two lower than French-style labels for the same US size); the full breakdown is in the clothing size conversion chart.
Plus-size tank tops
Plus ranges continue in letters (1X, 2X, 3X) or numbers with a W. Typical bust ranges are about 42-45 in (107-114 cm) for 1X (14W-16W), 46-49 in (117-124 cm) for 2X (18W-20W) and 50-53 in (127-135 cm) for 3X (22W-24W). Plus tanks are usually cut with wider straps and more coverage under the arm, so the armhole fits closer than a straight-sized tank scaled up. A built-in shelf bra is sized by bust, not by band and cup; anyone above a C or D cup generally gets better support from a separate bra (see the bra size guide).
Men's tank top size chart
| Size | Chest | Waist |
|---|---|---|
| S | 34-36 in 86-91 cm | 28-30 in 71-76 cm |
| M | 38-40 in 97-102 cm | 32-34 in 81-86 cm |
| L | 42-44 in 107-112 cm | 36-38 in 91-97 cm |
| XL | 46-48 in 117-122 cm | 40-42 in 102-107 cm |
| XXL | 50-52 in 127-132 cm | 44-46 in 112-117 cm |
Men with a large chest-to-waist difference often find a tank fits the chest and billows at the waist, because most men's tanks are straight-sided. Athletic or fitted cuts taper the sides; that is a better fix than buying one size smaller, which also shortens the body and tightens the neckline. In British English a men's sleeveless undershirt is called a vest; see the vest size guide for that meaning and for waistcoats.
How armhole style changes the fit
The same size label can look very different depending on how deep the armholes are cut and how wide the straps are. Measure from the top of the shoulder strap down to the bottom of the armhole on a tank you own to compare styles.
| Style | Armhole | Sizing advice |
|---|---|---|
| Classic tank | Ends about 1-2 in below the armpit | Your usual tee size |
| Racerback | Cut away behind the shoulder blades | Usual size; size up if the straps dig in when you reach forward |
| Camisole | Thin straps, often adjustable | Size by bust; straps adjust length, not width |
| Muscle tank | Deep, often to mid-ribcage | Usual size; sizing up exposes the side of the chest |
| Stringer | Very deep, with narrow straps | Usual size or one down for a closer fit at the back |
| Ribbed / fitted | Close, high armhole | Usual size; size up if between sizes, as rib knit shortens as it stretches |
Tank top lengths
Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder strap to the hem. Because strap placement differs, compare lengths only within one brand, or against a tank you own. Typical ranges for a women's medium:
- Cropped: about 16-20 in (41-51 cm); ends between the bottom of the ribcage and the navel.
- Regular: about 23-26 in (58-66 cm); ends at the top of the hips, covering a mid-rise waistband.
- Long or tunic: about 27-30 in (69-76 cm); covers the seat on most wearers.
Men's tanks run longer, typically 28-30 in (71-76 cm) in a medium, close to the length of the same brand's t-shirt (see the t-shirt size chart for garment measurements). Each size up adds about 1 in (2.5 cm) of length in both men's and women's ranges.
How to measure for a tank top
- Bust or chest. Measure around the fullest part, over the bra you plan to wear with the tank, keeping the tape level under the arms.
- Hip (for regular and long tanks). Around the fullest part of the seat.
- Desired length. Stand straight and measure from the top of the shoulder, beside the neck, down to where you want the hem. Compare with the brand's listed body length.
- Pick the size whose range contains your bust or chest. If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller one for stretchy rib or compression fabric and the larger for woven or non-stretch fabric.
For running and lifting, check the armhole edge rather than the chest size. A tank that fits the chest but has a tight, high armhole will rub during arm swings. Performance tanks meant to be worn without a separate bra need support sized by cup; see the sports bra size guide. Other training clothes are in the athletic wear size guide.
Tank top sizes for layering
A tank worn under a shirt or sweater should be the same size as your tee or one size smaller in a stretch fabric, so it lies flat without bunching. Thin-strap camisoles under blouses should be sized by bust and adjusted so the neckline sits below the blouse neckline. For lingerie-style tops with built-in cups, the bralette size guide explains how letter sizes map to band and cup sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a 32-inch chest in a women's tank top?
A 32 in (81 cm) bust sits between XS (31-33 in) and S (33-35 in). Choose XS for a fitted or ribbed tank and S for a loose or racerback style. It corresponds to a US 2 to 4.
What does US size 8 mean on a tank top?
It is a women's numeric size, and on most charts it is a medium cut for about a 35-36 in (89-92 cm) bust. In UK sizing the same tank would be a 12.
Is a size 10 tank top a medium?
A US 10 is a medium on most charts (US 8-10). A UK 10 is smaller, equal to a US 6, which is usually a small.
Is a women's size 36 tank top a small, medium or large?
A European 36 is a small. On German-style labels it equals a US 6; on French and Spanish labels it equals a US 4. Both fall in the S range (US 4-6).
Should tank tops be a size smaller than what you usually wear?
Not by default. Going down a size gives a closer body fit but also shortens the tank and raises the armholes. Men who want a snug gym tank usually keep their tee size and choose an athletic or fitted cut instead.
What size tank top for a 6 ft 2 in, 200 lb man?
Many men of that build have a 42-45 in chest and wear a large, but height and weight are only a rough guide. Measure the chest: 42-44 in (107-112 cm) is L and 46-48 in (117-122 cm) is XL. At 6 ft 2 in, a tall size or longline cut keeps the hem below the belt.