Most people in the game favor a build on block(which is gotten with shields and strength), or an evasion build, usually a good hybrid that makes it so you barely ever get hit.
I myself prefer a physical resistance build, which people normally don't do. It makes it pretty easy to tank some stuff that usually does heavier damage. If you try it, just know a few things: There are no phys resist capes, pierce resist is useless in a dungeon, monsters with heavy damage tend to do strike damage more often so you might want that if you can't get both.
Check the auction house for things with the word 'Fortified' for strike, and 'Secured' for slash. If you are looking for items that are white, this will get you something with only that stat, but if it's green or blue then the names for elemental resists or pierce resist will come up if it has both, I suggest just checking the blue accessories, and then the Fortified stuff if you want both slash and strike.
There are also physical resistance potions you can make at the alchemist in aven to get +8% for level 30+. One formula makes ten pots that last for 3 minutes, with a 5 minute cooldown, so they are good for hard bosses; like elemental resists, they also have gems.
Though I doubt you'll need extra if you have 2 rings and a necklace, at least, not until the end game dungeons. I have used the build on my alts, they can tank things people normally kite without moving, so I say it works out well.
It's also cheaper because you don't have to craft anything, though you have to be lucky and keep an eye on the auction house for a while. One of the best things about the build is that low level equipment gives the same amount as high level equipment(until 60, when you can get phys resist enchants).
Anyhow, tanking is pretty simple until you get to like, level 40 or so, up until then just having a good shield and defense is okay for tanking.