I Love My Loewe Tank, but Would I Recommend Buying It? Not Necessarily.
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Putting the internet’s favorite designer tank top to the test.
Three years ago, as we stayed home to curb the spread of Covid-19, a series of macro-trends were reshaping the fashion industry. Namely, the disruption of traditional workwear (in favor of more pared back silhouettes); the resurgence of nostalgic trends (from the ‘70s to Y2K); and the boom in adrenaline dressing. One truth that has persisted despite our return to “normal life” is the casualization of what we wear. Matthieu Blazy helped cement this shift with his Bottega Veneta debut, when he opened the show with a model dressed in an unassuming leather tank and jeans combo. The same season, Prada offered fresh styling ideas involving the tank.
In short, designers have been focused on making unfussy, wearable clothes—hearalding the return of normcore, a style of dressing that favors nondescript pieces and casual silhouettes. Naturally, the perennially cool tank is back in favor. And the Loewe tank top is a particular favorite, seen on street style stars across fashion capitals. I was given my very own for Christmas.
Fast forward to 2023, and luxury brands have turned the tank into a status symbol.
While the logo-stamped versions are currently trending, the tank top itself is nothing new. Originally designed as undergarment for both genders, it became a ”public-facing piece of clothing during the sexual liberation of the 1970s,” as Max Berlinger writes in the New York Times. With a long history dating back to the 1920s, the tank later represented a sense of rebellion as adopted by different communities, including skaters in the ‘80s, rappers in the ‘90s, and the Chola subculture. Fast forward to 2023, and luxury brands have turned it into a status symbol. Ahead, read my review of the Loewe tank top.
How I Discovered the Loewe Tank Top
Like many of us, I was influenced by one of my stylish friends, Jamie during a random scroll through her Instagram stories. She had paired the tank with a sharp tailored blazer, school-girl skirt and loafers, which I thought looked smart casual yet powerful. In another instance, she wore it with cargo pants and heels, which also looked cool in a different way. I instantly recognized the brand, so it didn’t take long for me to look it up on the website. Almost $400 for a basic layer? I couldn’t justify the price, so what did I do? I told my sisters and close friends about it, and eventually closed the tab. A few months later, my roommate surprised me with the black version of the Anagram Loewe Tank for Christmas.
Why I Like the Loewe Tank Top
There’s no shortage of tank tops out there, but they’re not all created equal. Ultimately, personal tastes factor into the vetting process, but what I like most about the Loewe tank is the fit. It’s not too loose, but definitely not skin tight; light enough to feel like I’m not wearing anything. Growing up on a Caribbean island, a tank or cami was always the go-to during sweltering summer days, but I always struggled with the fabric and fit of the ones I’d come across. The material either didn’t feel good on the skin or it didn’t do well with sweat stains. So those are two things I watched out for with the Loewe tank. Because it’s 100% cotton, it’s light and breathable, and the black color helps hide any mark. I also loved that it could easily tuck into jeans without excess fabric bunching up on the stomach area; it maintains its structure pretty well. Lastly, and this is the side of me that loves subtle logo placements, I like the “if you know you know” nature of the Loewe branding. It’s discreet enough to almost pass as a “quiet luxury” item, but it adds a cool element that sets it apart from a nondescript piece
Loewe Tank Top
$390
Loewe Tank Top
$390
Loewe Tank Top
$390
Why I Wouldn’t Necessarily Recommend It
Upon multiple wears, you start to realize just how light the tank top is. The feel of it is paper thin, making me question the durability. One accidental stretch, and who knows, it might rip? I wish it had more body so that it could also work as a winter layer. While you can style it under sweaters, it’s not designed to insulate against the cold. But one thing is clear, it pairs well with high temperatures. If you look closely, the material is also see-through, which you’ll either love or hate.
How to Style the Loewe Tank Top
The great thing about these basic layers is that they offer endless versatility and styling options. For a daytime vibe, I’d wear it with denim or cargo pants, and finish with a blazer for a power casual feel. For shoes? You guessed it, kitten heels to keep up with the theme, or flats. You can also style it like Jamie and bring out a pleated skirt and your favorite loafers. At night, swap the bottoms for some tailored pants or sleek trousers, and if it gets chilly, throw on a matching blazer or wool jacket for an air of mystery. Finish off with strappy heels or stilettos for all-out glamour. Alternatively, the combination of a polished leather skirt with slingback pumps is also a failsafe way to look cool and elevated. If you suddenly have to go to a party and don’t have too much time to get ready, throw on a metallic number at the bottom or a sequin pair of pants (bonus: these photograph really well at night).
Is It Worth the Hype?
Yes and no. Are there better designs out there? Absolutely! But is the attachment to the brand reason enough to buy it if you can? Yes. I love that I own this tank as a fan of Loewe, so I feel like I’m buying into Jonathan Anderson’s vision when I wear it. However, I’m not sure I would’ve splurged on it myself as there are plenty of affordable versions that are more reasonably priced and made to last.
Below, here are my favorite picks:
From the flattering fit and flexible rib knit material to the sleek design, the Coreflex Tank ($68) might just be the dream summer tank you’ve been looking for. I particularly like the way it sculpts your body and can be made sexy after dark with the right styling. The fabric will also transition well into the colder months.
Few brands master the fit of basic essentials like Skims. From the undergarments to everyday separates, the fit always stands out. And this Cotton Rib Tank ($36) is no different! Just look at the material construction: it’s made of mostly breathable cotton with a bit of spandex for a good stretch. Plus at the $36 price tag, it’s an absolute score.
Similarly, the Tasha Tank ($36 is designed from breathable cotton and spandex, but it’s cut for a more relaxed fit. The crew neck style is a nice variation from square-neck silhouettes, offering a bit more coverage.