Let's Talk About Tanks: 3 Stretch & 3 Woven Tank Styles We’re Loving Right Now

When most people think of a tank sewing pattern, they picture a classic sleeveless knit top.

But that’s the beauty of sewing.

Some of my favourite tanks aren’t sold as stand-alone tank patterns. They’re top options included inside larger patterns. They’re sleeveless views you might not notice at first glance. They’re designs that, with the right fabric and styling, become completely different wardrobe pieces.

So for this guide, I’ve intentionally mixed stretch and woven styles together. Some were designed as tanks from day one. Others might surprise you.

Whether you’re sewing for the gym, holidays, work, weekends, layering or a night out, there’s a tank here ready to earn its place in your wardrobe.

And just like all Pattern Emporium womenswear patterns, every pattern in this guide includes all sizes in the one file, multiple file formats including Print-at-Home, A0 Copy Shop and Projector, plus clear, confidence-building instructions to guide you through each step.

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1. The Works Tank

The Works Tank is all about options, but let's be honest, the ruched drawstring sides steal the show. Cinch them up or wear them loose for a look that's versatile and right on trend.

You'll also find an elastic-ruched version, plus classic and banded hem options, all built on the same streamlined silhouette. Finished with wide binding at the neckline and armholes, and your choice of high, mid or low rounded necklines, this tank has everything you need to make it yours.

Best features

• Two ruched styles plus two plain styles in the one pattern.

• Wide shoulders designed to fully cover everyday bras and sports bras.

• Multiple necklines and lengths for endless variety.

Fabric: Stretch knit. Best in cotton lycra, bamboo elastane, rayon or viscose elastane, modal elastane, crepe knit, cupro spandex, soft poly elastane knits and similar fabrics with good recovery.

Sizing: AU 4-30

Styles suit: Gym, weekend wear, layering, travel wardrobes and modern everyday dressing.

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2. Rise & Shine Top

At first glance, the Rise & Shine Top looks beautifully simple, but it's the thoughtful details that make this woven tank such a standout. Choose from clean and minimal styling or add subtle design features like the centre front seam, topstitching, wide hem facing, or elasticated hem.

The flared silhouette is comfortable to wear and easy to multi-size, while the included FBA options make it easier for more sewists to achieve a great fit straight from the pattern. As always, the step-by-step tutorial guides you through every stage of the process.

Best features

• Minimal style with optional design details including centre front seam, topstitching and hem variations.

• Included FBA options across the full size range.

• Flared silhouette that's comfortable to wear and easy to multi-size.

Fabric: Woven. Best in rayon, linen, linen blends, tencel, modal woven, light chambray, crepe and soft cottons.

Sizing: AU 4-30

Styles suit: Everyday wear, holiday wardrobes, layering pieces and relaxed summer dressing.

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3. One Shoulder Tank

The One Shoulder Tank is a modern classic. It combines an asymmetric neckline with the casual ease of a tank, creating a style that feels current without being over the top.

Keep it clean and minimal with wide binding, or soften the look with a feminine flounce. You can even add the optional shelf bra for extra support and comfort.

Best features

• Asymmetric one-shoulder design that feels modern and wearable.

• Optional shelf bra for added support.

• Choose between a sleek minimal finish or a soft flounce neckline.

Fabric: Stretch knit. Best in cotton lycra, rayon or viscose elastane, bamboo elastane, modal elastane, athletic knits, swim spandex and soft poly elastane knits.

Sizing: AU 4-30

Styles suit: Going out, holidays, summer wardrobes, resort wear and elevated everyday outfits.

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4. Field Of Dreams Top (and Dress) 

Most people know Field Of Dreams as a dress pattern, but tucked inside is one of the most versatile woven summer tops in the entire Pattern Emporium collection.

Start with a fully lined bodice and choose from multiple necklines, strap widths, front options and lengths. Sew a crop, a simple top or add tiers for more volume. Then head to the Get Creative section where the possibilities really take off.

Best features

• Five bodice styles with multiple neckline and front options.

• Fully lined bodice with bust darts for shaping.

• Huge Get Creative section with options including ruffle straps, low back, adjustable straps, colour blocking and more.

Fabric: Woven. Best in rayon, linen, linen blends, tencel, modal woven, light chambray, crepe and soft cottons.

Sizing: AU 4-30

Styles suit: Summer holidays, warm-weather dressing, relaxed weekends and special occasions.

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5. Endless Summer Tee

The Endless Summer Tee proves that basics don't have to be boring. Built on a semi-fitted tee and tank base, it includes a huge variety of necklines and armhole finishes, allowing you to create everything from wardrobe essentials to statement pieces.

It's also one of those patterns you'll find yourself reaching for again and again because it's so quick and satisfying to sew.

Best features

• Five neckline options from crew neck through to deep scoop and V-neck.

• Sleeveless, cap sleeve and flounce variations.

• Fast, beginner-friendly sewing options.

Fabric: Stretch knit. Best in light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good recovery.

Sizing: AU 6-24

Styles suit: Everyday basics, layering, casual wardrobes and easy weekend sewing.

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6. Meet You There Top

Another pattern that isn't technically a tank pattern but absolutely deserves a place in this guide.

The sleeveless version of Meet You There features wide shoulders, a relaxed armhole and a beautiful easy-fit bodice with shoulder yoke. Add a single short or long tier to create a top that feels effortless, modern and right on trend.

Best features

• Relaxed sleeveless design with wide shoulders and a beautiful shoulder yoke.

• Three neckline options: high, mid and low.

• Create either a short or long top by mixing tier lengths.

Fabric: Woven. Best in rayon, linen, linen blends, cotton voile, tencel, modal woven, crepe and light chambray.

Sizing: AU 4-30

Styles suit: Relaxed summer wardrobes, holiday dressing, everyday wear and effortless layering.

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Which One Will You Sew First?

One of the things I love most about sewing is that the same pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric, styling, or options you choose.

A sporty tank can become a going-out top. A dress pattern can become your favourite summer tank. A simple basic can end up being the one you wear every week.

That's why I encourage you to look beyond the pattern name and explore the possibilities. Sometimes the best wardrobe pieces are the ones you didn't expect.

Happy sewing,

Kate