Double Up: The Case for Layering Tees + Tanks
More basics, less noise. Here’s how we'll be wearing ours this spring.
Lately we’ve been thinking about how to make our basics go further, and we’ve been feeling an oncoming trend. Minimal doesn’t have to mean boring. Sometimes, it’s about intentional repetition.
For spring, we’re seeing a return to something beautifully simple: doubling up on basics. Layering a tank over a tank, a tee over a tee, even a classic ‘90s move — tank over tee. It somehow feels fresh again. It’s about letting familiar shapes and tones play together in subtle, surprising ways.
Eleanor Tries The Trend
TBF’s lovely stylist, Alex Baracaldo, put a tank over a tee during our last photoshoot (pictured above) and I loved it. I first tried the look during a recent recording of The Say More Podcast, a show I host with my friend and fellow founder, Isabelle Steichen. We talk to other founders about how aligning their business with their purpose creates an easier road to success. Pictured below, we interviewed Eva Goicochea, founder of Maude. It’s a great interview (you can listen here). I paired our Heather Grey Crewneck with our ‘90s Tank and since it was a bit experimental, yet simple, I wore the layers with my favorite Tibi Sid Jeans. They always throw an interesting shape so they felt like a good counter + bright Sambas. You can’t tell from TBF, but I love color and experimental shapes.
Tanks on Tees
The ‘90s called—and we’re actually picking up. There’s something nostalgic yet totally modern about slipping a tank over a tee. It’s the kind of combo that looks effortless but intentional, especially when you play with tones, textures, and proportions (see below for inspo). Think: a heather grey tee under a black tank for contrast, or a tonal pairing for a softer look. It’s a great solution for transitional weather: one more layer, one more reason to hang on to your basics a little longer.
Tanks on Tanks
Try two Ribbed Tanks together, one snug over a looser one in the same color for depth, or contrast two neutrals (like Undyed + White) for visual intrigue. We’re loving the ‘90s Tank under a Ribbed Tank too. Think: downtown cool, but grounded in comfort.
Tees on Tees
Start with a tee. Add another one on top. Let the sleeves peek out, or cuff them together. Same on the tonal advice from either example above. We’re also loving the Micro-V under the crewneck. Go bigger on the crew for a more modern fit.
The key is proportion. There are lots of ways to experiment here. We put together a mood board below for inspiration. Check it out and try something that feels right for you.
A Layering Mood
Rethinking layers like this takes the versatility of your basics to the next level. It encourages pause, a moment to notice shape and feel texture. Think of it as mindful dressing. It gives the wardrobe more dimension and possibilities — with the pieces you already own!
At The Big Favorite, this is the heart of everything we do. We believe in helping you do more with less; helping your basics work harder, feel more comfortable, and stay with you longer. We want you to dress with ease so you can get back to what really matters — the favorite things in your life.