How to Draw a Tank Top
Learn how to draw a tank top with this step-by-step tutorial.

Materials You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
Tank tops have long been a staple in casual and summer wardrobes, admired for their simplicity, comfort, and versatility. Whether worn alone on a hot day or layered under jackets and cardigans, tank tops offer endless styling possibilities. For artists and fashion enthusiasts alike, mastering how to draw a tank top opens up exciting opportunities to explore clothing design and character illustration. This garment's clean lines and distinct silhouette make it an excellent subject for practicing proportion, fabric flow, and detailing in your artwork.
Learning how to draw a tank top is ideal for beginners who want to build foundational skills in fashion sketching or for more experienced artists aiming to add realistic clothing elements to their figures. This tutorial breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, covering essential techniques such as outlining the garment's shape, capturing the neckline and armholes accurately, and adding subtle folds and shading to convey texture. By focusing on these details, you'll develop a keen eye for garment construction and enhance your overall drawing ability.
Whether you're sketching for fashion design, character concept art, or simply for fun, this guide will give you the confidence to create your own unique tank top illustrations. With patience and practice, you'll soon find that drawing stylish, proportionate tank tops becomes second nature. So grab your pencils and let's dive into how to draw a tank top that looks both fashionable and lifelike!
Materials Required:
To get started, gather the following materials:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Paper
- Ruler
Now that we have our materials ready, let's begin drawing our tank top.
Step 1: Draw the Outline of the Tank Top
Start by drawing a vertical line down the center of your paper using the ruler and pencil. This line will serve as the guideline for the center of the tank top. Sketch a horizontal line near the top of the paper to represent the shoulders of the tank top.
Step 2: Add the Neckline and Armholes
Using the guidelines, draw a curved line that connects the shoulders and forms the neckline of the tank top. Make sure to leave enough space in the center for the neck opening.
Next, draw two slightly curved lines extending from the bottom of the neckline towards the sides of the paper. These lines will serve as the armholes of the tank top.
Step 3: Create the Body of the Tank Top
From the bottom of the armholes, draw two slightly curved lines that extend downwards, parallel to the center guideline. These lines will form the sides of the tank top.
To create the bottom hem of the tank top, draw a slightly curved line connecting the ends of the side lines.
Step 4: Design the Straps
Starting from the top of each shoulder, draw two thin, vertical lines that extend downwards. These lines will represent the straps of the tank top.
Step 5: Add Details
To give your tank top some extra flair, you can add details such as patterns, logos, or graphics. Be creative and experiment with different designs to make your tank top unique.
Step 6: Erase Unnecessary Lines
Using an eraser, carefully erase any unnecessary guidelines and construction lines that you no longer need. Be sure to erase any overlapping lines as well to clean up the drawing.
Congratulations, you have successfully drawn a tank top! You can now color it in using your preferred medium or continue to experiment with different designs.
Conclusion
Drawing a tank top doesn't have to be difficult. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own unique tank top designs. Remember to start with the basic outline, add the neckline and armholes, create the body of the tank top, design the straps, and finally add any additional details. Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity flow. Soon enough, you'll be designing your own fashionable tank tops that are sure to turn heads.
Fun Facts About Tank Top
- The tank top originated from the sleeveless undershirts worn by athletes in the 1920s, designed for comfort and freedom of movement.
- Tank tops are also known as "singlets" in countries like Australia and New Zealand, especially in sports contexts.
- The name "tank top" comes from "tank suits," which were one-piece bathing suits worn in the early 20th century.
- Tank tops are popular in fashion for their versatility, often worn alone in summer or layered under jackets and shirts.
- In the 1980s, tank tops became a symbol of casual and athletic style, popularized by celebrities and athletes. History Channel
- Modern tank tops come in various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends designed for moisture-wicking in sportswear.
- Tank tops are often used in art and fashion design as a simple garment to practice drawing clothing folds and proportions. Artists Network
- The sleeveless design of tank tops makes them ideal for hot climates and outdoor activities, providing breathability and ease of movement. Healthline
Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Tank Top Drawings
- A sunlit beach scene with a character wearing a patterned tank top, capturing light fabric movement in the breeze.
- An urban street style setting showcasing a layered look with a tank top under an open jacket or cardigan.
- A sporty environment where the character is mid-workout, emphasizing the tank top's fit and stretch.
- A cozy indoor scene with a figure lounging in a soft, loose tank top paired with pajama shorts.
- A summer festival crowd where tank tops feature creative graphic designs and vibrant colors.
- A fashion runway sketch focusing on avant-garde tank top designs with unusual cuts and fabric details.
- A casual café setting highlighting a tank top accessorized with jewelry and sunglasses.
- A nature hike backdrop with a tank top layered under a lightweight vest, showing texture contrasts.
- A nighttime cityscape with a character in a sleek, minimalist tank top paired with leather pants.
- A retro 80s-inspired gym scene with bright, bold tank top styles and matching accessories.