The Best Workout Tops for Women

Regardless of your workout type, it would be best if you always warm up. You must wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and keep you dry. Your workout clothes should also be durable and fit well. There are many workout clothes to choose from, so find the ones that work best for you and fit your budget.

When looking for a top to wear during a high-impact workout like running, try to find one made from a smooth, shiny fabric designed to reduce chafing. If you are doing a low-impact activity like yoga, consider choosing a top with a matte fabric that will feel softer on your skin. You may prefer synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester that are moisture-wicking or durable. But if you usually wear cotton T-shirts for low-impact workouts, prioritize your comfort preferences.

Here are the most fantastic workout tops for every style and type of activity.

15 Best Workout Tops for Women

1. Cool Racerback Short Tank Top – LULULEMON


This racerback tank is made with Lululemon’s signature Nulu fabric. It feels very smooth and lightweight and stays in place like a second skin while you move. The fabric is also breathable and moisture-wicking to handle your sweat. The tank fits right at the waistband, which makes it not too short or long. Lexie Sachs, director of GH Executive Textiles, considers it a favorite since it fits nicely without being overly tight or unattractive.

There are different versions of this top. The extended version is good if you want more coverage. There is also a shorter version with less range and a built-in bra.

PROS

  • Sweat-wicking material
  • Not too long or short
  • Not too long or short

CONS

  • Some reviewers say it runs small.

2. Padded Bra Tank – REMEDY


This top has over 45,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. It was a good deal because it was less than $25. The bra is built in, and the padding can be removed. It also has a soft fabric in a flattering design. The downside is that it provides light support, which might not be suitable for studio workouts. This top is trendy and affordable, so it is a good choice if you want something like that.

PROS

  • Popular on Amazon
  • Built-in bra
  • Flattering and doubles as an everyday top

CONS

  • Not for high-impact workouts
  • The top may be too short for some

3. Athlete Seamless Workout Tank – SWEATY BETTY


This seamless top reduces chafing by limiting friction and irritation during repetitive movements. It’s smooth and stretchy, has a racerback design for a good range of motion, and is moisture-wicking with mesh panels. The brand says it’s versatile for various workouts, and we agree, thanks to its comfy and close fit mixed with performance features.

PROS

  • Stretchy and smooth
  • Mesh panels for breathability
  • Good for a range of workouts

CONS

  • According to certain users, it runs large in the shoulder area.

4. Cover Tank – ALO YOGA


This lightweight cropped tank is perfect for a low-intensity workout like yoga. It is stylish and has a unique ruched design on the bottom. GH Contributor and Product Expert Jamie Kim like it. Because it is soft, comfortable, and can be used as an all-in-one workout tank top or a casual top.

PROS

  • Soft and breathable
  • Good range of motion
  • Figure-flattering

CONS

  • Not for high-intensity workouts
  • Expensive

5. Foresthill Ascent Tank – ATHLETA


This tank top is great for staying cool during hikes and workouts. It’s a bit baggy around the tummy and a little tighter around the hips. It holds everything together. The fabric also wicks away sweat, and the mesh panels on the back offer extra ventilation, making it nice and breathable.

PROS

  • The forgiving flowy fabric around the stomach
  • Mesh back for extra ventilation
  • 11 different color options

CONS

  • Some reviewers say it’s slightly sheer in some colors
  • Expensive

6. Flowy Tank Top – CESTYLE


This racerback tank features a relaxed fit as opposed to a fitted top. It has almost 3,000 reviews with a 4.3-star average rating. The loose silhouette allows for increased airflow, keeping you cool during your exercises. Additionally, there are sixteen color and print options to pick from. Reviews indicate that this top is suitable for those with a longer torso.

PROS

  • Breezy and non-constricting
  • 16 different color options
  • Racerback design for a range of motion

CONS

  • It may be too long for individuals with shorter torsos.
  • Flowing tops do not remain in place when bending or stretching.

7. Gear Flowy Racerback Tank Top (Pack of 3) – EPIC MMA


Even though these loose tanks cost just a few dollars each, they are insanely popular on Amazon. They are a great choice if you need to purchase multiple workout tank tops without spending too much money. The design is perfect for those who want a looser fit and is available in eight sizes and 42 colors.

PROS

  • Affordable 3-pack
  • Sizes XS to 4XL
  • Relaxed fit

CONS

  • Some reviews claim that the content is fragile.

8. Longline Crop Tank Top – REMEDY


This crop top is trendy on TikTok. It has over 10,000 rave reviews on Amazon and an average 4.5-star rating. Emma Seymour, a Senior Textiles Analyst, likes it because it is supportive and looks good before and after a workout. The shorter length is also ideal for pairing high-waisted leggings for low-impact studio workouts. However, the minimal back coverage may cause problems with bulging.

PROS

  • Flattering and supportive
  • 10,000+ Amazon reviews
  • Looks stylish post-workout

CONS

  • Minimal back coverage

9. Dri-FIT Training Tank – NIKE


This tank top from Nike is perfect for anyone who prefers a sleeveless top that is comfortable and has full coverage. It is made with Dri-FIT material and quickly wicks sweat to keep you cool. It is also lightweight, breathable, and has an anti-odor finish. Reviewers love this top for long runs because it is comfortable and comes in eight colors, including neutrals and brighter shades.

PROS

  • Flattering and supportive
  • Lightweight and sweat-wicking fabric
  • Anti-odor finish

CONS

  • Looser tops can roll up during studio workouts.

10. Fox Zoe Superstretch Tank – GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE


This tank top is different because it comes in many sizes, from XXS to 6XL. It also has a crisscross back that is fashionable and functional. The fabric is soft and stretchy, which makes it comfortable to wear during hot yoga or light exercise. The tank top has a built-in shelf bra for light to medium support.

The fabric for this shirt is made from recycled polyester. If you don’t want it anymore, you can recycle it through GC’s ReGirlfriend Program to help reduce your carbon footprint.

PROS

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Brushed, matte fabric for a soft feelBuilt-in bra

CONS

  • No padding

11. Grapefruit WorkIt Tank – TEREZ


Terez is well-known for its bright and lively patterns. This muscle tank is a must-have for almost any workout because it adds a pop of color to their routines with nine distinct, eye-catching choices. The top’s softness and air permeability have also earned praise from users, who claim it’s a must-have for almost every activity.

PROS

  • Soft and lightweight
  • Nine color options
  • It pairs well with printed leggings

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Stitching is ideal for high-intensity workouts

12. Vital Seamless 2.0 Long Sleeve Crop Top – GYM SHARK


This unique style top is perfect for a supportive, sweat-wicking workout—reviewers like this top’s compression and fit, especially the thumbholes that keep the sleeves in place. This top’s fitting, compressive, and wicking characteristics make it a strong contender for high-intensity exercises such as HIIT and CrossFit. Additionally, you can always match it with high-waisted leggings for a great training outfit.

PROS

  • Sweat-wicking
  • Supportive and compressive
  • Thumbholes

CONS

  • Some reviewers say this top runs small.

13. Tech V-Neck Short-Sleeve – UNDER ARMOUR


Under Armour is a famous brand of activewear that performed well in our tests. The clothes have good stretch, and they can wick away moisture quickly. This V-neck shirt is a good choice for people who prefer short sleeves over tank tops. It also comes in many different colors and sizes. You can wear it for workouts indoors or outdoors, with athletic shorts or leggings.

PROS

  • Quick-drying fabric
  • More coverage than a tank
  • Excellent stretch

CONS

  • A thinner material may be sheer for lighter colors.

14. Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0 – LULULEMON


The shirts in this series are favorites of Stefani Sasso, Good Housekeeping’s registered dietitian, and NASM-certified personal trainer. She loves them because they are “very moisture-wicking, move with your body and still look new after a million washes.”

This top has a lot of features. It has an antimicrobial finish to stop bacteria from growing and is seamless, so it doesn’t chafe. It’s an excellent choice for workouts like CrossFit or running.

PROS

  • Moisture-wicking
  • Moves with your body
  • It looks new after repeated washing

CONS

  • Expensive

15. Slim-Fit Tank (2 Pack) – AMAZON ESSENTIALS


These basic tank tops come in a pack of two, and there are over 20 different colors to choose from. They are made with a blend of cotton and modal, which makes them soft. They also have some spandex for stretch. People who prefer plant-based fabrics over synthetics say these tanks are suitable for sweating.

PROS

  • Over 25,000 Amazon reviews
  • Soft and breathable
  • 20 different colors and patterns

CONS

  • Cotton shrinks more easily
  • It doesn’t wick as well as performance fabrics

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Workout Tops

What Shirts Are Best to Workout In?

Polyester is the most prevalent material for fitness shirts. Nylon, jersey, and Tencel are also popular choices. You’ll see spandex and elastane used for stretch, so you can move more easily without feeling uncomfortable.

Can You Workout in a Crop Top?

Wear a crop top or sports bra that will remind you to keep good posture during your workout. If you start to relax your abs, the mirror will tell you.

What Should You Not Wear to the Gym?

Do not wear clothes made of 100 percent cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry. It can make you feel heavy, cause chills, skin breakouts, and increase chafing. Instead, wear quick-drying synthetics and moisture-wicking fabrics that draw water away from your skin so it can evaporate quickly.

Do Workout Clothes Make a Difference?

Most modern-day gym clothes can help you work out more effectively. They can do this by wicking away sweat, adding support, and providing comfort.

What to Wear While Working Out to Lose Weight?

Wearing a weighted vest while you walk makes your muscles work harder to move the extra weight. It means you will burn more calories and fat faster than if you didn’t wear the vest.

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