How to find a white tank top that isn't see-through

Most white tanks go sheer the first time you wear them out. Here's why it happens, and what to look for before you buy.

Words by Basic Respect · 5 November 2026

Men's Respecter Tank in Porcelain, a white ribbed tank that isn't see-through

A white tank is the easiest thing in the world to wear and the hardest thing to get right. Too thin and you can see straight through it. Too loose and it looks like a singlet you sleep in. Here's how to pick one that works.

Why white tanks go see-through

It nearly always comes down to the fabric. Lightweight cotton lets light straight through, and a loose, open knit makes it worse. Cheap cotton also thins out as you wash it, so a tank that was fine in the shop can be sheer a month later.

Fit plays a part too. When a tank is stretched tight across your chest, the knit opens up and shows more. That's one more reason not to size down.

What to look for

1. Fabric weight. Check the GSM, the grams per square metre. The heavier the fabric, the less light gets through. Ours is 250GSM, which is on the heavier side for a tank. Here's what 250GSM actually means.

2. A proper rib. A ribbed knit is denser than a flat jersey, and a 2x2 rib is the more durable of the common ribs. It keeps its structure instead of going thin.

3. Cotton that holds up. Better cotton stays thicker for longer. Every Basic Respect tank is organic cotton, and we wore and washed our own samples almost every day to make sure the shape and feel stayed the same.

4. The right size. Close, not stretched. Take your normal t-shirt size. Our size guide explains why.

Women's Respecter Tank in Porcelain, a white ribbed racer tank

Men's white ribbed tank in Porcelain, 250GSM organic cotton

The quick test

Hold it up to a window or put your hand inside it. If you can clearly see your hand through one layer, everyone will see what's underneath when you wear it outside.

What to wear under it

If you're wearing a bra under a white tank, a skin-tone one shows far less than a white one. White under white tends to stand out more, not less.

Keeping it white

Cold wash it with other whites and line dry. Heat is what wears cotton out fastest, so skip the hot wash.

Our white tanks

Our white is called Porcelain. It comes in the men's Respecter Tank, the women's Respecter Tank with a racer back, the Raglan Long Sleeve and the Women's Ribbed Long Sleeve. All of it is 250GSM organic cotton rib, cut to fit true to size, and exchanges are free if you need a different size.