Skip to content
YouTube 6KFacebook 2.5KPinterest 160Linkedin 380Twitter 135
TextileTuts
  • Fibers & Yarns
  • Fabric Manufacturing & Care
  • Dyeing & Printing
  • GarmentsExpand
    • Dimensional Stability
    • Stained Clothes
  • Technical Textile
  • About UsExpand
    • Anik Yusuf
    • Kazi Sifat Muntasir
    • Iftay Khairul Alam
    • Shahrukh Islam
    • Asad Ullah Meem
    • Sabbir Ahmed
YouTube 6KFacebook 2.5KLinkedin 343Pinterest 158Twitter 136
TextileTuts
Garments Manufacturing & Care

Why Is It Called A Tank Top?

ByAnik Yusuf Hours Updated: December 25, 2023

The term “tank top” is believed to have been derived from the expression “tank suit,” a one-piece sleeveless bathing garment common in the early 1900s. The connection of the name to swimming enclosures, also known as “tanks” in England, lends credence to the derivation of this term.

Another story says that the tank top got its name from the sleeveless shirt that soldiers wore during World War I, also called tank tops.

In different geographical locations, the tank top goes by diverse names such as “vest” in the United Kingdom, “muscle shirts,” or “A-shirts.” Irrespective of the various labels, the modern-day tank top owes its existence to early bathing trends and continues to prevail as a fashionable and functional clothing piece.

Muscle Shirt

Today, we will take a look at the history of the tank top and how it got its name. Also, we will explore how this popular garment has evolved over the years and how it is worn today.

The History of Tank Tops

The history of the “Tank Top,” a popular wardrobe staple across the globe, has a unique heritage that can be traced back to early 20th-century fashion trends. Often worn for casual occasions, or as athletic or formal wear, the evolution of the tank top offers an interesting narrative about cultural changes in clothing styles.

British Freestyle Team Wearking Tanktop in 1912 Olympics
YearEvent
1913John L. Hammons patents the first tank top (There is evidence that it was worn before; he just patented it).
1920sTank tops become popular as a part of one-piece swimsuit for both men and women.
1940sTank tops become popular with women as casual wear.
1940s-1950sTank tops are often worn by soldiers during World War II.
1950sThe popularity of tank tops declines.
1970sTank tops make a comeback as a popular item of casual wear for both men and women.
1980sTank tops become a popular fashion item, especially among athletes and celebrities.
1990s-presentTank tops remain a popular item of clothing for both men and women.
Tank Tops Becoming Popular with Women in the 1940s

Here are some additional notable events in the history of tank tops:

YearEvent
1962The Beatles wear tank tops on the cover of their album “With the Beatles.”
1977Arnold Schwarzenegger wears a tank top in the movie “Pumping Iron.”
1982Madonna wears a tank top in the music video for her song “Lucky Star.”
1999Britney Spears wears a tank top in the music video for her song “Baby One More Time.”

The Origins of the Tank Top

The tank top is a piece of clothing that has been around for centuries, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. It was originally designed for soldiers to wear under their armor, but it has since evolved into a fashion staple for both men and women.

The tank top became popular in the United States during the 1920s when women started wearing them as beachwear. They became even more popular in the 1960s when men began wearing them as casual. Today, the tank top is a wardrobe essential for both men and women. It can be dressed up or down and is the perfect garment for hot summer days.

The tank top is a versatile and stylish piece of clothing that anyone can wear. It is a great way to show off your muscles and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. So whether you are headed to the beach or the gym, a tank top is a great choice.

Who Invented the Tank Top?

The invention of the tank top is often attributed to John L. Hammons, who patented a design for a sleeveless undershirt in 1913. However, there is evidence that tank tops were already being worn in the early 1900s, so it is possible that Hammons did not invent the tank top, but simply patented a new design for it.

There are also some who believe that the tank top was invented by Italian immigrants, who brought the garment to the United States in the early 1900s. These immigrants reportedly wore tank tops as a way to stay cool in the hot summer weather.

How the Tank Top Became a Fashion Staple?

How the Tank Top Became a Fashion Staple

It’s hard to imagine a world without tank tops. They’re such a staple in our summer wardrobe that it’s hard to believe they didn’t always exist. So how did the tank top become a fashion staple?

The tank top has its origins in the world of sport. In the early 1900s, tank tops were worn by swimmers in order to increase their range of motion. Soon, other athletes, including tennis players and runners, began to adopt the tank top.

The tank top first entered the world of fashion in the 1920s. Coco Chanel famously wore a tank top in her iconic “little black dress” design. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the tank top really took off as a fashion style.

It was in the 1960s that the tank top became associated with the counterculture movement. Tank tops were seen as a rebellious fashion choice and were often worn by hippies and other young people rebelling against the establishment.

Tank Top Worn by Hippies in the 70s

The tank top’s popularity only increased in the 1970s. This decade saw the rise of the disco scene, and the tank top was the perfect garment for dancing the night away. The tank top was also associated with the feminist movement, as it was seen as a garment that women of all shapes and sizes could wear.

Tank Top and the Feminist Movement

The tank top’s popularity has only continued to grow in the decades since. Today, it is a staple in the wardrobes of people worldwide. It’s the perfect garment for a hot summer day and can be dressed up depending on the occasion.

What Is The Difference Between A Tank Top And A Regular Top?

FeatureTank TopRegular Top
SleevesSleevelessSleeved
NecklineLow-cutVaries
LengthMidriff-baringLonger
FabricLightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or nylonVaries
OccasionCasual, athleticCasual, formal, business
StyleVersatile, can be dressed up or downMore formal

Why Are Tank Top Undershirts Called ‘Wife Beaters?’

The term ‘wife beater’ for a tank top undershirt might raise an eyebrow, but its origin story is fascinating.

The term reportedly came into use after a 1947 criminal case where a Detroit man, pictured in a stained undershirt, was accused of killing his wife.

There was a more colorful explanation that the term was derived from a medieval chain mail called a ‘waif-beater,’ but that was a ruse admitted by its proponent, film-maker Paul Davidson. The controversial nickname for an everyday garment reflects how popular culture absorbs and transforms mundane objects.

What is the origin of the name for different types of clothing?

The name “peacoat” originated from the Dutch word “pijekkat,” referring to a type of jacket worn by sailors. The English then adapted the word to “peacoat.” The garment was made from a coarse woolen cloth and designed to protect sailors from the harsh sea climate, which is why peacoats are named.

Final Words

Finally, we know why it is called a tank top. It turns out that the answer is quite simple and has to do with the fact that these shirts were originally designed to be worn by soldiers during World War II. The tanks at that time were very hot and uncomfortable, so the soldiers needed a shirt to help them stay cool. The tank top was born!

I hope this helped clear things up. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Anik Yusuf
Anik Yusuf
Clothing Technology Expert
Anik Yusuf
I‘m Anik. I have a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering, which means I know everything there is to know about making clothes. (Kidding!) I worked as a full-time production engineer at a composite knit factory for a while before quitting to start my own website, TextileTuts.com.
Expertise: Textile manufacturing, Clothing technology, Wet process engineering, Dyeing, Sewing

Clothing Technology Expert

I‘m Anik. I have a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering, which means I know everything there is to know about making clothes. (Kidding!)

I worked as a full-time production engineer at a composite knit factory for a while before quitting to start my own website, TextileTuts.com.

Facebook X Instagram Linkedin

Post navigation

Previous Previous
Why Are Men’s Suits So Tight?
NextContinue
Why Don’t We Tie Dye Hoodie?

Related Posts

  • Why Do My Knickers Roll
    Why Do My Knickers Roll? – Resolve The Rolling Woes
  • Tips for Washing and Caring for Terivoile
    Does Terivoile Shrink? Protecting Your Terivoile Garments
  • Does Canvas Shrink When Washed
    Does Canvas Shrink When Washed? – Insider Secrets
  • Do Gymshark Products Shrink
    Does Gymshark Shrink? Gymshark Sizing Debunked
  • Does Gildan Softstyle Shrink
    Does Gildan Softstyle Shrink? Shrinkage Secrets Unveiled!
  • Does Velour Shrink
    Does Velour Shrink? – The Ultimate Velour Enigma
  • Does Silk Shrink On Burning
    Does Silk Shrink On Burning?
  • Does Calvin Klein Underwear Shrink
    Does Calvin Klein Underwear Shrink? Find out the Truth!
  • Does Ripstop Shrink
    Does Ripstop Shrink? Let’s Settle the Debate
  • Does Algodon Shrink
    Does Algodon Shrink? – Debunking The Myth
  • CONTACT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS & CONDITIONS
  • IMAGE CREDIT
  • SITEMAP

Our Commitment to Quality and Expertise

At TextileTuts.com, each article undergoes rigorous evaluation by textile engineers, guaranteeing accuracy and relevance. Moreover, we test and review all the products featured on our platform to ensure their quality and performance.

  • +880 9638331133
  • JL Tower, Muktijoddha Sharak, Narayanganj, Bangladesh

© Copyright 2023 | TextileTuts

Scroll to top
  • Fibers & Yarns
  • Fabric Manufacturing & Care
  • Dyeing & Printing
  • Garments
    • Dimensional Stability
    • Stained Clothes
  • Technical Textile
  • About Us
    • Anik Yusuf
    • Kazi Sifat Muntasir
    • Iftay Khairul Alam
    • Shahrukh Islam
    • Asad Ullah Meem
    • Sabbir Ahmed