Choose a sports bra if you want a shorter top that leaves your midriff and the waistband of your set on show, and a tank if you'd like the fabric to continue down your body. Our Vital, Macy and Refine collections each offer a bra and a tank in the same colours and fabric, so the choice comes down to coverage, neckline, back and the details each product description lists.
Here is how the three pairs compare, so you can choose the top that suits the way you like to dress.
What's the difference between a sports bra and a tank top?
A sports bra ends above the waist, so your leggings or shorts and the line of your waistband stay in view. A tank continues down the body, giving you more coverage at the front and a top you can wear on its own or under an open layer.
Pads are the other quick way to narrow things down. Every bra in these three collections lists removable pads. Of the tanks, only the Refine Tank lists removable padding; the Vital Tank and Macy Tank descriptions don't list pads.
How do the Vital Bra and Vital Tank compare?
The Vital Bra description lists medium support with removable pads, a clean neckline and a contoured underband. In Toffee, pale trim follows the scoop neckline and the lower band.
The Vital Tank description lists light support, slim straps and a low scoop back, with an open back. In its Toffee photographs, the same pale trim edges the neckline and straps.
Both are made from a seamless knit of 90% polyamide and 10% elastane, both are listed in sizes 2XS to 2XL, and every plain Vital colour comes in both styles. If pads and the support level its listing describes as medium matter most, start with the bra. If you'd rather more fabric through the body and an open back, start with the tank.
What about the Macy Bra and Macy Tank?
Both Macy pieces have a scoop neckline and are made from a blend of 80% recycled polyester and 20% spandex, described as lightweight and smooth. The Macy Bra lists removable pads and a minimal back design. The Macy Tank is described as a versatile layer and doesn't list pads.
Both are listed in Black, Sage Grey and Sapphire, in sizes 2XS to 2XL. If you'd like the bra and tank to match a Macy long sleeve or leggings, those colours carry across the collection.
Refine: which neckline do you prefer?
With Refine, the neckline and back are the main difference, because both descriptions list medium-to-high support with removable padding and the same blend of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane.
The Refine Tank has a square neckline, a longline fit and a racerback. The Refine Bra has a plunge V-neckline and cross-back straps with an open back. In its rear photograph, the straps cross between the shoulder blades above the open back.
Both are listed in Midnight and Deep Ocean, in sizes XS to XL.
How do you choose your size?
Choose the style first, then the size, because the fit references differ between collections. The Vital Bra and Vital Tank listings note a 172cm model who is typically a size S wearing a size M. The Macy Bra and Macy Tank listings note a 172cm model who is typically a size S wearing a size S. The Refine pages each carry their own fit note about the photoshoot, so read it on the page.
Our size guide and our notes on finding your Ancarta fit can help with that step. If you have a question about a particular piece, email support@ancarta.co with the product link.
Which top suits you?
- You want your waistband and midriff on show: a bra.
- You want more coverage through the body: a tank.
- You want removable pads: any of the three bras, or the Refine Tank.
- You want an open back: the Vital Tank or the Refine Bra.
- You want a square neckline: the Refine Tank.
Compare the Vital Bra and Vital Tank, the Macy Bra and Macy Tank, or the Refine Bra and Refine Tank side by side. Our Core collection also has a tank alongside two bras; read Choosing between the two black Core bras for that comparison.
Every woman who loves to move is welcome to apply to be an Ancarta Brand Rep. Read how the programme works and the terms, then apply now.