Why Is Everyone Obsessed With These $70 Tank Air Tank Tops? And Are They Worth It?

If you asked me to name the things I'd happily spend $70 on, the list would include: a really nice pair of sneakers, a month's worth of groceries, really bad seats at a Knicks game, a facial at the Plaza. Hell, maybe even that seasonal fragrance that's been sitting on my Grailed wishlist for some time.

What wouldn't make the list? An Erewhon meal , one cup of matcha , a scene-y New York-made-but-Austrian-imported loaf of Rye bread , and a tank top.

We know prices are rising. We're well aware. We see it every day, and yet the modern market seems to have a way of pulling the wool over our eyes, slowly convincing us that the prices we're paying today are, in fact, perfectly normal. It's a kind of economic Mandela effect: one day, $70 gets you a decent haul of essentials; the next, it gets you a loaf of bread with a backstory and a tank top. And somehow, we're the ones who are supposed to adjust.

I often feel a little behind when it comes to the things my Gen Z peers are splurging on. Tank Air tank tops are one of them. When I first heard that their signature tanks start at $70 and can creep up to nearly $200, I assumed they must be magical in some way. Surely, a tank top at that price could cinch you in at all the right places, push your bust up to your chin, and somehow render a bra entirely obsolete.

Think of it as the natural successor to Skims' voluptuous, bust-forward nipple bra , which promises to manufacture an illusion that Mother Nature may or may not have had in mind for you.

And because these are, after all, tank tops, garments we tend to reach for when the weather gets unbearable and the less we wear, the better, I had a few other expectations. Sweat-proof, bunch-proof, perhaps even fatigue-proof. A little miracle of a top that could solve not just the problem of getting dressed, but the general fashion exhaustion that I, along with so many others, found myself experiencing this summer amid the relentless heat waves.

And while, yes, after trying several of them — including the memorably named Service Tank ($75), System Tank ($75), Teardrop Halter ($115), and Studio Tank ($75) — I can confirm that these little polyester-and-spandex numbers do, in fact, solve a few summer dressing woes. They snatch in all the right places, offer a surprising amount of support, and, best of all, spare you the trouble of putting on a bra. For a garment that looks so unassuming on the hanger, that's no small feat.

And if that were the end of it, we could call it a day. The tanks work, the girls are supported, the summer wardrobe is sorted. Article over, queries answered.

But then there are the pop-ups, where lines of giddy customers wrap around the block for a chance to get their hands on one. And there's the internet, where devotees insist that no dupe — not even one of the many, many alternatives available for a fraction of the price — quite measures up. Which begs the question: What exactly is going on with these $70 tank tops? How did a basic summer staple become something worth queuing around the block for, and why are we so convinced that nothing else will do?

Below, I spoke to what I've affectionately dubbed the 'Tank Air Warriors' about the culture of dropping $70 on a tank top, the fit and feel that keep them coming back, and what, exactly, compels them to punch in their credit card digits for a piece of clothing that takes up approximately three inches of hanger space, affectionately.

Sylvie Serant – 28, Social & Influencer Marketing Coordinator

How many Tank Air pieces do you currently own?

So many. Definitely more than 10, probably less than 20.

What's your favorite piece, and why?

I love all their essential pieces, but my Bamboo Bodysuit (RIP) is my prized possession, as well as my 'Collect $$' Midi Skirt. The bodysuit isn't available for purchase anymore, but it's one of the sexiest things I own. The skirt is a core piece for me. I love the draping and how it sits on my waist. The material feels high quality and moves with my body

What do you feel has been the ROI of purchasing a Tank Air tank top?

Rinse and Repeat! So many ways to wear it, and it is always effortlessly sexy. The biggest bonus is that the material and cut of the garment act like shapewear. Your waist disappears, and your boobs reach the heavens with no bra. Comfortable, flattering, and adaptable.

Have you ever tried a Tank Air dupe? If so, how do you feel it compares to the original?

I have a white spaghetti strap tank top from LA Apparel that I found has the closest look and feel to the Tank Air Studio Tank. I love it, and it's half the price, but It's just not the same. The Studio Tank is stretchy; the material is heavier and also cut so well that it really contours your body. It holds everything up and together really well.

Do you feel that Tank Air is truly worth the price? Would you recommend it to a friend? If so, why?

I really believe we should be investing in garments that are built to last. It's a one-time investment for a really great product from a small brand that you'll actually love for years with proper care. Investing in your core wardrobe is 1000% worth it.

Tank Air's most popular tanks are composed of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Given this material composition, do you feel that the price is reflected in the materials and design, or do you believe you're paying for something else?

I think fast-fashion brands have just really fried our concept of what clothing actually costs. We should not be constantly shopping and replacing our garments under the guise of affordability. I also know a lot of people don't understand how expensive it is to manufacture clothing as a small brand with lower order quantities. Tank Air is a small brand owned and operated independently in Los Angeles. I'm not saying $75 is 'affordable,' but I believe you will simply get what you pay for.

That being said, you are paying to support a small brand that's making really great garments. In addition, I do believe you are also buying into a bit of a "club"; Tank Air girls see Tank Air girls out, and it's like this little community of people you know you'd probably get along with.

Aliyah Christmas – Stylist

How did you first hear about Tank Air, and what was the first piece you bought?

I can't remember exactly, but most likely social media, not from an ad, but from seeing a girl looking really snatched in a tank top and finding out where she got it from.

Have you ever tried a Tank Air dupe? If so, how do you feel it compares to the original?

No, but I'm tempted and could do so in the future.

What has influenced or informed your loyalty to the Tank Air brand?

I wasn't completely sold until I got one for myself, but a tank top that cinches, lifts, doesn't wrinkle on the sides, and doesn't get stretched out really is a wardrobe staple and closet essential. And for that, I will extend my undying loyalty.

When you click "buy" on a $70+ tank top, are you conscious of the fact that you're simply purchasing a tank top, or do you feel like you're buying into something bigger than the material product?

Things I consider when I'm buying a new garment: price in relation to how much I will actually wear it, how many things I can pair it with in my closet, and how good it makes me feel when I have it on. Tank Air checks all, and that's what I feel like I'm buying into.

Teak Hodge – 27, Community Engagement & Social Impact Changemaker

What has influenced or informed your loyalty to the Tank Air brand?

I personally have become sort of a Tank Air spokesperson within my circle who tries to convince more of my friends to buy in, and I have been successful with this. Really, I think the silhouettes feel fun and feminine, the material is consistently really durable, and I enjoy being able to 'ki' with my girls over the brand. It's delightful when someone asks, "Is that Tank Air?" and I can say, "Yes, actually!"

When you click "buy" on a $70+ tank top, are you conscious of the fact that you're simply purchasing a tank top, or do you feel like you're buying into something bigger than the material product?

A bit of both. I've had reservations about spending so much on basics, sure. There are certainly other brands I can, and have, bought basics from. Yet, to the second part of your question, it does sometimes feel like you are buying into something bigger. All my girls who wear and put me on to Tank Air are stylish, sexy, and ultimately looking for something that accentuates those qualities. Tank Air does that.

Tank Air's most popular tanks are composed of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Given this material composition, do you feel that the price is reflected in the materials and design, or do you believe you're paying for something else?

This is tough. Probably a bit of the latter, in that the tank top materials themselves are certainly not revolutionary. Yet, the design and the focus on form do feel novel and somewhat worthy of the price point. Maybe I've bought into a lot of the hype around the brand, but this hasn't been outside of my own satisfactory experience.

Do you feel buying a $70 Tank Air top is within your means based on your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits, or do you save up specifically to splurge on Tank Air?

Not always within budget, no. I've tried to be better about being more discerning with my Tank Air purchases so I can splurge on the pieces I want. That being said, every time a new drop is announced, I'm right on the website looking to see what's up.

Oyinda – 34, Musician

How did you first hear about Tank Air, and what was the first piece you bought?

I heard about Tank Air from my friend Anajah. I think she's one of the 'OG' Tank Air girlies.

What do you feel has been the ROI of purchasing a Tank Air tank top?

I genuinely think they're a solid basic. Plus, as much as I've worn and washed them, they've all maintained their original stretch, so I haven't had to replace any yet.

What has influenced or informed your loyalty to the Tank Air brand?

Well, the brand is originally from Bangkok, and all their campaigns have been honoring their culture in a beautiful way. I just like to support the girls, I guess… they're a great vibe.

When you click "buy" on a $70+ tank top, are you conscious of the fact that you're simply purchasing a tank top, or do you feel like you're buying into something bigger than the material product?

I've never had to repurchase after years of use. I wouldn't be able to say the same about cheaper, fast fashion brands. I'm investing in the quality and long-term usage; I think the brand is a more sustainable basic. I'm a patient shopper. The pieces I purchased were on sale; they emailed subscribers for priority purchase, so I guess I lucked out by tapping in late.

Tank Air's most popular tanks are composed of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Given this material composition, do you feel that the price is reflected in the materials and design, or do you believe you're paying for something else?

I think you're paying for the fit despite the material. My "true to size" tanks are my waist trainer, tummy tuck, built-in bra all in one — the Swiss Army knife of tops.

Do you feel that Tank Air is truly worth the price? Would you recommend it to a friend? If so, why?

If they are able to maintain the same quality for less, then of course my obvious vote is for cheaper. However, at this price, I would still recommend it to a friend, and I would tell that friend to check Depop or Poshmark if it's not within their budget. They're cute. I like being a part of the Tank Air collective.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com