MG crew · Bodybuilding · The mirror and the pump.
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
“What’s the difference between a stringer and a tank, and which brand should I go for?”
Simple version: a stringer shows the most, a tank covers more, and a rag top is what you wear before and after the work. Here’s how I pick, and what each brand we stock does well.
- Stringer: thin straps, deep cut. Shows back, shoulders and arms. For the mirror and the pump.
- Tank: wider shoulder straps, more coverage. Cooler than a tee, fine in more gyms.
- Rag top: oversized, raw edges, wide armholes. For warm-ups, walk-outs and travel days.
- Check your gym’s dress code. Some gyms here ask for sleeves or no stringers.
Stringers
Thin straps and a deep cut down the sides, so your back, lats and shoulders are on show. That’s the point: you see what you’re working. Our best-selling Gorilla Wear Evansville is 100% cotton in a regular fit; Better Bodies’ T-Cut stringers are cut deeper and slimmer.
Tanks
Wider shoulder straps and more coverage than a stringer, still sleeveless and cool. A good everyday choice, and most gyms are fine with them. The Gorilla Wear Dakota is a slim fit; the Branson tank is quick-dry polyester; Better Bodies’ Stanton is a looser cut.
Rag tops and pump covers
Oversized, raw edges and wide armholes. You wear them for the warm-up, then they come off (or stay on) once you’re pumped. The Gorilla Wear Classic Rag Top is a cotton/polyester blend; the Buffalo Old School Rag Top is heavyweight ribbed cotton.
Athletic-fit tees
For everyday training, our own Might&Glory tees (Beast Mode, Heavy Duty, Iron Master, Pro Level) are athletic fit with stretch. They show your shape without making a statement.
Cotton or polyester?
- Cotton (most stringers and rag tops): soft, classic look, holds sweat.
- Polyester / stretch blends (Branson tank, Might&Glory tees): lighter, dries fast, better for hot sessions.
The brands we stock
- Might&Glory: our own brand, designed in the UAE. Athletic-fit tees, plus belts, straps, grips and wraps.
- Gorilla Wear: old-school bodybuilding. Stringers, rag tops and roomy pants.
- Better Bodies: clean, performance-led stringers, tanks and shorts.
- GASP: heavy-duty lifting gear; see the Powerlifting hub.
We’re an authorised reseller for Gorilla Wear, Better Bodies and GASP, so you get the real product with the brand’s own sizing.
What I’d put in your bag
100% cotton, regular fit. The classic stringer.
Shop now →Gorilla Wear Dakota Tank Top
Slim fit tank, more coverage.
Shop now →Gorilla Wear Classic Rag Top
Oversized pump cover with raw edges.
Shop now →Might&Glory Beast Mode Tee
Might&Glory athletic-fit everyday tee.
Shop now →
Rag top and training pants in one tap on the Bodybuilding hub. Free UAE delivery over AED 350.
Questions people ask me
What’s the difference between a stringer and a tank top?
A stringer has thin straps and a deep cut at the sides. A tank has wider shoulder straps and covers more. Both are made for training.
Can I wear a stringer in any gym?
Not always. Some gyms ask members to cover their shoulders. Check the dress code; a rag top over the stringer solves it.
How should a stringer fit?
Close at the chest and hanging straight down, without bunching at the waist or straps digging in. Check the fit named on the product page.
Cotton or polyester for bodybuilding tops?
Cotton for the classic look and feel; polyester or stretch blends if you want something lighter that dries fast.
Are your Gorilla Wear and Better Bodies products genuine?
Yes. We’re an authorised reseller for Gorilla Wear, Better Bodies and GASP, and every order is covered by our authenticity guarantee.
Keep going
- Big legs? My guide to roomy pants and 2XL–3XL tops
- Back day: straps vs grips
- Jabbar’s everyday men’s gym wear guide
- Everything for the pump: the Bodybuilding hub
Abdulla is an illustrative MG crew character created for our brand. The coaching here is written by the MG Activewear team.