From kopitiam to cool: How the white tank top became a style staple for men

The Star

4 days ago

Celebrities like Glen Powell and Jeremy Allen White have been incorporating the white tank top look. Photo composite: Instagram/Glen Powell, Calvin Klein
As a man in Malaysia, you might feel a twinge of apprehension about putting on a white sleeveless top.
Why? Because this humble piece of clothing, also know locally as a singlet, has long been linked to the image of a retiree idling at the local kopitiam – more laid-back than fashion-forward.
Celebrities, however, are reclaiming the white tank top, turning it into a symbol of cool.
Paired with tailored trousers, layered under blazers or worn solo with confidence, the white tank top is no longer just off-duty loungewear. It is now a definitive style statement.
Last week, the latest Superman, David Corenswet, shared a photo of himself in a white tank top.
He posted it together with a shot of Nicholas Hoult in a matching look, with the caption jokingly accusing his co-star (who plays Lex Luthor) of stealing his look.
While it was more of a tongue-in-cheek nod to their on-screen rivalry, the pictures also reinforced the white tank top's rising status as a sleek, confident style staple for men.
David Corenswet (left) and Nicholas Hoult were spotted in similar outfits comprising a white tank top. Photos: Handout
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Other actors have also embraced the look. Jeremy Allen White wore one in a Calvin Klein campaign, while Timothee Chalamet showed off his bare arms in a similar style for a Chanel fragrance ad.
Glen Powell, too, has shared photos of himself relaxing in a white sleeveless top.
Timothee Chalamet showed off his arms in a fragrance campaign. Photo: Chanel
If you are still doubtful, perhaps it shows your age.
Young Malaysian artistes like Sky Iskandar and Sean Lee have made it something of a go-to for an easy, effortlessly cool off-duty vibe.
Their trick? Wear a white tank top with open-toe sandals (which is also a big menswear trend right now), sneakers and just the right dose of confidence.
Layering is also key to pulling the look together – throw on a breezy button-down shirt, a camp-collar top or a nice jacket to add structure without sacrificing comfort.
During the Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear shows last year, the white tank top was everywhere on the runways.
Major fashion labels like Gucci, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli and Fendi all featured it on their models.
So it is only natural that the men are now co-opting it for their own everyday stylish looks.
Wear it with a jacket and tailored pants for a dressed-up look. Photo: Instagram/Sky Iskandar It also works as a holiday look – relaxed yet stylish enough to show you haven't given up on fashion. Photo: Instagram/Sean Lee
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If you are still wondering what makes the white tank top so enduring, it is simplicity.
It flatters a range of body types, works across styles – from streetwear to minimalist – and requires very little to make a statement.
It is this versatility that has won over a new generation of style-conscious men.
Ultimately, it is not just about wearing the tank top, but how you wear it.
Or, to put it more poetically, such a look is all about the mindset.
You just need the right attitude to truly pull it off.
For Malaysians, think less 'uncle' and more 'cool leading man'.