Skims Cotton Rib Tank vs. Soft Lounge Tank: Which one should you buy?

The Skims Cotton Rib Tank and the Skims Soft Lounge Tank are both popular basics, but they serve entirely different purposes based on their fabric and fit. The Cotton Rib Tank is a fitted, body-hugging top made from a breathable cotton blend, making it a versatile staple for layering or wearing on its own. In contrast, the Soft Lounge Tank is made from a plush, silky modal blend with a relaxed, draping fit designed for ultimate comfort and lounging.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which Skims tank is right for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Skims Cotton Rib Tank

The Cotton Rib Tank is Skims’ take on the classic, everyday ribbed tank. It's designed to be a fundamental building block of any outfit, offering a snug, form-fitting silhouette that can be easily layered or worn as a standalone piece. Its focus is on versatility, classic style, and a breathable, body-contouring fit.

• What it is: A fitted, sleeveless top made from a stretchy, ribbed cotton-blend fabric designed for everyday wear.
• Key features: Classic scoop neckline, wide shoulder straps for coverage, and a textured ribbed construction that hugs the body.
• Price: $38
• Materials/Construction: A blend of 92% cotton and 8% elastane provides breathability with a comfortable stretch that holds its shape.
• Sizing/Fit: A snug, body-hugging fit. It runs true to size if you want a tight, sculpting look, but you may consider sizing up for a slightly more relaxed (but still fitted) feel.
• Pros: Highly versatile for dressing up or down, breathable cotton fabric is great for warmer weather, holds its shape well, classic and timeless design, more affordable price point.
• Cons: The tight fit is less forgiving than a looser style, not as plush or "cozy" feeling as loungewear, may feel restrictive if you prefer relaxed fits.

This tank is perfect for anyone seeking a true wardrobe basic that sculpts the body and works seamlessly with jeans, skirts, or under a blazer.

Shop this product: https://skims.com/products/cotton-rib-tank

Skims Soft Lounge Tank

The Soft Lounge Tank prioritizes comfort above all else. Made from Skims’ signature slinky and ultra-soft modal fabric, this top drapes beautifully over the body instead of clinging to it. It has a relaxed, easygoing silhouette that makes it ideal for lounging at home, running errands, or any time maximum coziness is the goal.

• What it is: A relaxed-fit, sleeveless top made from a plush and silky modal-blend fabric built for extreme comfort.
• Key features: Luxuriously soft and smooth fabric, a relaxed and draping silhouette, wider armholes, and a slightly higher neckline than the Cotton Rib Tank.
• Price: $48
• Materials/Construction: A modal and polyester blend that is known for its incredible softness, smooth drape, and lightweight feel.
• Sizing/Fit: An intentionally loose and relaxed fit. It runs true to size for its intended drapey look, so there is no need to size up for a looser feel.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable fabric for lounging, relaxed fit provides freedom of movement, feels luxurious against the skin, and a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
• Cons: Less versatile for dressier outfits, a higher price point, the delicate fabric may be more prone to pilling over time with frequent washing.

This is the ideal choice for those who want a buttery-soft top for maximum comfort during relaxed days at home or for casual outings.

Shop this product: https://skims.com/products/soft-lounge-tank

Skims Cotton Rib Tank vs. Skims Soft Lounge Tank Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most immediate difference between these two tanks is the fabric. The Cotton Rib Tank uses a breathable, sturdy cotton-elastane blend. It feels like a high-quality, classic ribbed-knit basic - supportive, structured, and perfect for everyday wear. The ribbing adds a nice texture and helps the tank keep its shape throughout the day.

The Soft Lounge Tank, on the other hand, is made from a plush modal blend. This fabric is what Skims' loungewear is famous for, it’s incredibly soft, slinky, and has a smooth, almost silky finish. It feels much more like luxury loungewear than a standard top, prioritizing cozy comfort over texture and structure.

Fit & Silhouette

These tanks offer opposite fits. The Cotton Rib Tank features a body-hugging silhouette that is designed to be form-fitting and slightly compressive. It sits close to the body, accentuating your curves. This makes it a great layering piece that won't add bulk under other clothing. Its wide straps and classic scoop neck offer a timeless look.

Conversely, the Soft Lounge Tank has a relaxed, A-line drape. It skims over the body without clinging, offering a breezy and comfortable fit with wider armholes and a more modest neckline. The silhouette is casual and effortless, perfect for when you don't want anything tight or restrictive.

Versatility & Styling

When it comes to versatility, the Cotton Rib Tank has the upper hand. Its classic, fitted design allows it to be styled countless ways. Wear it with high-waisted jeans, tuck it into a skirt, layer it under a blazer for a meeting, or pair it with shorts in the summer. It functions as a true wardrobe workhorse that can transition from casual to more put-together looks.

The Soft Lounge Tank is more of a specialist. Its domain is comfort-first dressing. It’s perfect for pairing with the matching lounge pants, sweats, or leggings. While great for running errands or a coffee run, its very casual and relaxed nature makes it less suitable for dressier or professional settings.

Price & Value

The Cotton Rib Tank is priced at $38, while the Soft Lounge Tank costs $48. The $10 price difference comes down to fabric and end-use. The Cotton Rib Tank offers excellent value as a versatile staple you can wear frequently across multiple outfits and seasons. The Soft Lounge Tank's higher price reflects its luxurious, specialized fabric. It's a premium loungewear piece, and its value is in the unmatched comfort and feel it provides.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are excellent tops from Skims, they are designed for very different needs.

Choose the Cotton Rib Tank if:

• You want a fitted, body-hugging basic that can be styled for many different occasions.
• You need a versatile tank for layering under cardigans, jackets, and blazers.
• You prefer the breathable and classic feel of a ribbed cotton fabric.
• You are looking for a high-quality staple at a more affordable price point.

Choose the Soft Lounge Tank if:

• Your number one priority is a buttery-soft feel and supreme comfort.
• You prefer a relaxed, loose, and draping fit that doesn't cling to your body.
• You're looking for the ultimate top for lounging at home or for very casual outings.
• You're willing to invest a little more for a luxurious, cozy loungewear piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Skims Cotton Rib Tank and Soft Lounge Tank?

The main difference is fabric and fit. The Cotton Rib Tank is a fitted, structured top made of a cotton blend for versatile daily wear. The Soft Lounge Tank is a relaxed, drapey top made of an ultra-soft modal blend for lounging and comfort.

Which Skims tank is better for layering?

The Cotton Rib Tank is much better for layering. Its snug, body-hugging fit creates a smooth base under other clothes like sweaters, blazers, and jackets without adding bulk.

Are the Skims tanks true to size?

Yes, both are generally true to size, but for their intended fit. Choose your normal size in the Cotton Rib Tank for a tight, sculpted look. Choose your normal size in the Soft Lounge Tank for its intended relaxed, flowy silhouette.

How should I wash Skims tanks?

It is recommended to machine wash both tanks on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low. To preserve the softness of the Soft Lounge fabric and prevent pilling, you might consider laying it flat to dry.

Is the Soft Lounge Tank worth the extra cost?

If your priority is luxurious comfort and a super-soft feel, then yes. The price reflects its premium modal fabric, which is noticeably softer and more "lounge-like" than the cotton rib fabric.

Which tank is more versatile?

The Cotton Rib Tank is significantly more versatile. Its simple, fitted design allows it to be dressed up with a skirt or dressed down with jeans, making it suitable for a far wider range of occasions than the more casual Soft Lounge Tank.

Is the Soft Lounge Tank see-through?

The Soft Lounge fabric is lightweight but generally opaque in the standard colors. However, some of the very light shades might show faint outlines of darker undergarments, so wearing a nude-colored bra is recommended for complete opacity.

Which fabric is softer?

The Soft Lounge fabric is designed to be exceptionally soft and is the clear winner in terms of softness. It has a silky, plush feel, whereas the Cotton Rib has the comfortable but more textured feel of a classic ribbed-knit piece.