The Perfect $16 Zara Tank Top and 23 More New Arrivals to Shop

Finding the perfect basics for a fashion person with high standards is like finally discovering the treasure you’ve spent decades searching for. Price, quality, and style all play a role, and rarely does each category impress. Usually, you have to compromise on at least one: high-quality, high price or great price, subpar style. It’s something I experienced only a few times until, at last, I found a pair of vintage 501s in my dream wash that fit like a glove and later when I discovered Uniqlo U T-shirts. Just a few weeks ago, it happened again, and the feeling of unwrapping a tank top to rival all tank tops was sublime, especially since it cost just $16. Consider Zara’s Stretch Ribbed Top to be my Royal Merchant (yes, I’m making an Outer Banks reference), and I’m a Pogue.

I want to preface this by saying that I own over 15 variations of tank tops. In my life, I’ve probably tried over 100 from different brands, including designer versions and $5 multi-packs. I’ve enjoyed and gotten great use out of some and absolutely hated others, but I’ve never truly loved a tank top until now.

I stumbled upon the aforementioned Zara treasure on one of my biweekly scrolls through the brand’s website. I never miss one just in case there’s something really good because it will sell out forever. Immediately upon seeing it, I could tell it would check off the style and price boxes. A $16 tank top with a subtle ribbed texture, thick shoulder straps, and a high V-neck that looks cool and expensive? Say less. Of course, an item like this needs to be seen in person and worn before you can really tell if it’s a find or not, so naturally, I ordered the white colorway for store pickup at the Zara by my office.

Before it could even arrive, I found myself stopping into the location one day after work, only to find the black style in my size. I have a good eye for these things, but even I was shocked at the quality. It’s thick with strong, body-hugging stretch. It felt like one of the $200 to $400 tanks I’ve been impressed by in the past. I quickly bought it, packing it for a trip to Seoul, South Korea, that I was heading on the next day.

When I tell you that I’ve never gotten more compliments on an item in my wardrobe, I’m not kidding. Everyone wanted to know where I’d gotten this top and was shocked when I told them where it was from. When I eventually picked up the white top after my trip, I heard the exact same thing at brand previews, store cocktail hours, and fashion dinners. Since I got them, I’ve worn both colors at least four times each. Neither has lost its stretch or pilled, and for that, I give Zara’s Stretch Ribbed Top a 10/10 rating. I’ll probably order at least two more and add the dark-green option too.