Tanktop vs. Singlet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
A tank top is a sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps and a varying neckline, while a singlet is a sleeveless athletic garment, often worn by wrestlers or runners.
Difference Between Tanktop and Singlet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tank tops are casual wear, characterized by their sleeveless design with wide shoulder straps and a body-hugging fit. Singlets, in contrast, are specifically athletic wear, designed to provide freedom of movement with a snug fit and often cut lower at the neckline and armholes. Tank tops serve as a versatile piece in casual fashion, while singlets are more functional, providing minimal restriction during physical activity. They are both sleeveless garments, but their usage and connotations differ significantly.
When referring to a tank top, one might think of a summer wardrobe staple that comes in a variety of styles, fabrics, and designs suitable for everyday wear. Singlets, on the other hand, are often associated with athletic gear, usually made from moisture-wicking materials to keep the wearer dry during exercise. The tank top is a common item in both men’s and women’s fashion, whereas singlets are primarily seen in sports settings.
The context in which a tank top is worn usually dictates its style and material, which can range from cotton to silk, and include decorative elements. Singlets, conversely, are generally more uniform in design, focusing on functionality and are often part of a sports uniform or used in professional athletics. The tank top can often be worn as an undergarment or as a stand-alone top, whereas a singlet is typically not worn as an everyday casual garment.
In terms of fit, tank tops can vary from loose-fitting to tight, whereas singlets usually have a very tight fit to prevent any snagging or dragging during athletic competitions. Moreover, while tank tops are a common layering piece in various outfits, singlets are rarely used for such purposes and are typically worn alone or under a uniform.
Lastly, tank tops are commonly found in many people's wardrobe for their versatility and comfort in warm weather. Singlets, although also comfortable, are specifically designed for athletes and are therefore a more specialized garment, not usually found in every closet unless there is a need for athletic wear.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Casual or fashion wear
Athletic or sports wear
Design
Can be loose or tight, various necklines
Athletic cut, often lower neck and armholes
Material
Cotton, silk, various blends
Moisture-wicking fabrics, lycra
Common Wearers
General public for casual wear
Athletes, wrestlers, runners
Layering
Often layered or worn alone
Typically worn alone or under uniforms
Compare with Definitions
Tanktop
A sleeveless, collarless shirt with wide shoulder straps.
She wore a striped tank top to the beach.
Singlet
Designed to provide freedom of movement in sports.
His singlet allowed for unrestricted movement during the marathon.
Tanktop
A summer staple garment for its sleeveless design.
The tank top was her go-to in the sweltering heat.
Singlet
Made from stretchy, moisture-wicking materials.
The singlet kept him dry throughout the race.
Tanktop
Tank tops vary in style from fitted to flowy.
His fitted tank top showed off his gym progress.
Singlet
Typically worn by itself, without layers.
In her singlet, she was ready for the gymnastics competition.
Tanktop
Casual wear often made from cotton or lightweight fabrics.
He paired his jeans with a white tank top for the party.
Singlet
A tight-fitting, sleeveless athletic shirt.
The wrestler's singlet was emblazoned with his school's emblem.
Tanktop
Can be worn as a base layer or on its own.
She layered a cardigan over her tank top as the evening cooled.
Singlet
Often part of athletic uniforms, particularly in wrestling.
She washed her running singlet for tomorrow's track meet.
Tanktop
Alternative spelling of tank top
Singlet
A sleeveless garment worn under or instead of a shirt; a vest.
Singlet
A single unresolvable line in a spectrum, not part of a multiplet.
Singlet
An atomic or molecular state in which all electron spins are paired
Singlet oxygen
Singlet
A sleeveless, tight-fitting undershirt or athletic shirt.
Singlet
A tight-fitting, one-piece garment consisting of shorts and a sleeveless top with a collar that sometimes dips low on the chest, worn in wrestling.
Singlet
(Physics) A multiplet with a single member.
Singlet
A set of one, an item not part of a larger set, particularly
Singlet
(physics) A multiplet having a single member, especially a single spectroscopic peak.
Singlet
A quantum state having zero spin.
Singlet
A person who does not have a form of multiplicity, i.e. a single persona occupying one human body.
Singlet
A single piece of clothing, particularly
Singlet
A sleeveless buttonless shirt with a low-cut neck.
Singlet
(sports) A one-piece, tight-fitting uniform, usually made of spandex or nylon, required in wrestling and powerlifting.
Singlet
An unlined or undyed waistcoat; a single garment; - opposed to doublet.
Singlet
A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
Common Curiosities
Can women wear tank tops to the office?
Depending on the dress code, some fitted, high-neck tank tops may be office-appropriate under a blazer or cardigan.
Are tank tops appropriate for formal events?
Tank tops are generally considered casual wear and not suitable for formal events.
Can a singlet be used for swimming?
While not designed for swimming, some athletic singlets made from quick-dry material can be used in water.
Are there different types of tank tops for different activities?
Yes, there are variations like racerback tank tops for athletics and flowy tank tops for casual wear.
Do tank tops come in different necklines?
Yes, tank tops can have various necklines, including scoop, V-neck, or high-neck styles.
Are all singlets sleeveless?
Yes, by definition, singlets are sleeveless garments.
Are singlets only worn by wrestlers?
No, singlets are worn by athletes in various sports, including track and field, cycling, and weightlifting.
Is there a difference in material between tank tops and singlets?
Tank tops can be made of various materials, while singlets are often made of performance fabrics for athletes.
Is a singlet the same as a compression shirt?
Not exactly; while both are tight-fitting, a compression shirt is designed to support muscles, while a singlet is for minimal restriction in sports.
Do tank tops offer UV protection?
Some tank tops are made with fabrics that provide UV protection, but they generally expose more skin to the sun.
Can singlets have graphics or prints?
Yes, especially for team sports or branded athletic wear, singlets can feature graphics or prints.
Can singlets be personalized for teams?
Yes, team singlets are often personalized with names, numbers, and team colors.
Can tank tops be worn in winter?
Tank tops can be layered under clothing for added warmth in winter.
Do tank tops fit all body types?
Tank tops come in various styles that can flatter different body types.
Are racerback tank tops and singlets the same?
No, racerback tank tops are a style of tank top, which may be casual or athletic, while singlets are specifically designed for sports.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
