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We updated this article in January 2023 to include new options reviewed by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab. Lululemon is still our top workout top.
You like to sweat.css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25 rem ; color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3 with smooth I/O; transition: all 0.3 with smooth in/out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text decoration color:# 595959 ;} Whether you’re working out at the gym or at home, the clothes you wear while exercising can make or break your fitness. It is imperative that your training t-shirt fits well, is comfortable, and sweat-wicking to keep you dry. Not to mention, they need to withstand repeated use and shouldn’t compromise on fashion or functionality – you need to look and feel cute at the gym or on the street. Whether you prefer skinny crop tops, loose tank tops or long sleeve shirts, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and activity level.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab tests all kinds of workout apparel, including the best sports bras, workout leggings, yoga pants and running shoes. In addition to working directly with consumer testers for first-hand feedback, our analysts evaluate aspects such as durability, washability and moisture management. To determine the best workout tops, we looked at the top-performing brands in previous clothing tests, our product experts’ personal favorites, and popular styles with rave reviews from real users.
Read on to learn more about how we choose our recommendations, as well as tips on how to find the best workout tops. Ready to add more staples to your new workout wardrobe? Check out our guide to the best running shoes.
Our experts have personally worn Lululemon Swiftly Tech workout tops for years and love that they “wick moisture, move with your body and look new after a million washes.” Known for their ever-popular leggings and activewear, the brand consistently outperformed our tests with luxurious, moisture-wicking fabrics and thoughtful designs, such as this top’s seamless construction designed to reduce chafing and pain. Our analysts concluded that they fit great and stay in place without being so tight that they snag on the skin and don’t cause discomfort, making them perfect for anything from high-intensity workouts like CrossFit to outdoor runs. .
This workout top sits right at the waist and is neither too short nor too long, but the brand also offers a thigh-length version for taller users, as well as a high collar version for more protection, and a wider selection of T-shirts and long sleeves. .
This top not only has over 52,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.5 stars, but it costs less than $25. It has a built-in bra with removable padding and is beautifully crafted from soft fabric. The downside is that it is designed to provide lightweight support, making it more suitable for studio workouts. However, if you’re looking for a sleek style that won’t break the bank, this one certainly fits the bill.
The perfect combination of a loose fit and a slim fit, this long tank top is made from flowy fabric with forgiving ruffles around the midsection, a snug fit around the hips and an internal grip at the hem to keep it in place during yoga and HIIT sessions. The seamless design helps reduce friction on long runs, while the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is perfect for the great outdoors. Plus, according to one of our textile analysts, it’s the best choice for any workout, from hiking to weightlifting.
In our tests, Under Armor products performed best among sportswear brands due to their superior stretch and moisture wicking properties. This V-neck shirt is perfect for those who prefer short sleeves over tank tops. It is made from various quick-drying fabrics in different colors and sizes. Loose and formfitting, it is perfect to pair with athletic shorts such as running and cycling shorts, or tights for indoor and outdoor workouts.
This lightweight, stylish crop top with a unique pleated bottom is perfect for low-impact workouts like yoga. It’s a personal favorite of several of our experts, including GH member and product expert Jamie Kim, because it’s super soft, comfortable, and pairs well as an all-in-one training and casual top: perfect to wear with leggings or yoga pants. Layering When worn with jeans, it can also be worn as a casual top.
Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to train in a tight tank top, although it may be recommended by experts. For lovers of loose t-shirts, this t-shirt from the popular Zella will be functional and attractive. The loose fit is loose and the back hem provides extra protection, but it may not stay in place during mat activities such as Pilates, yoga, or high-intensity interval training, which is why our experts recommend this t-shirt for gym workouts, outdoor running, hiking and cycling.
A TikTok fan favorite, this skinny cropped tee has also received over 10,000 rave reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars. In fact, it’s one of Senior Textile Analyst Emma Seymour’s personal favorites because it’s so supportive and looks so cute both before and after a workout. Plus, the cropped style pairs well with high-rise leggings for discreet studio workouts. The only caveat is that minimal back coverage can cause bloating.
If you prefer a loose fit over bodycon tops, this tank top with a racerback is your choice. It has over 3,000 reviews, an average rating of 4.3 stars, and a relaxed silhouette that’s great for providing extra airflow to keep your workout comfortable and cool. Not to mention, there are 16 different colors and prints to choose from. According to reviews, this top is especially ideal if you have an elongated torso.
When you’re ready for the outdoors on cold fall and winter days, you’ll need more tank tops and t-shirts than usual. Wear this quarter zip over your favorite sports bra or tank top. It’s made from a cozy fabric that keeps you warm without overheating and keeps you in place better than a running jacket and also pairs perfectly with fleece-lined leggings. Our analysts especially like the well-placed flat seams and thumb holes that give this top a sleek look and hold everything in place.
The seamless upper is designed to reduce chafing by limiting any friction and irritation during repetitive movements. Smooth and stretchy, this seamless racer-back panel allows for freedom of movement. It’s also moisture-wicking and has mesh panels perfect for sweaty activities. The brand claims they are suitable for a variety of workouts and we agree on their comfortable fit and performance.
The inside of this hooded pullover looks like the perfect base layer, while the windbreaker-like exterior provides just enough weather protection. Our experts commend it for providing just the right amount of warmth and protection for winter outdoor activities like running or skiing in moderate temperatures so you can stay warm and stay cool. The brushed inner fabric provides extra comfort, while the outer material keeps out drafts. From comfortable thumbholes to sleek reflective detailing, the upper combines style with practicality.
This vest stands out for offering the best sizes from XXS to 6XL. It’s made from Girlfriend Collective’s Reset fabric – an ultra-soft and stretchy alternative to the famous compression staple fabric – and reviewers love its lightweight comfort during hot yoga and light exercise. Full of praise. Our analysts agree that some praise the fabric for the “super comfortable” feel in our reviews and recommend this style for low impact workouts. The brand offers a stylish cropped version that pairs well with matching ReSet joggers for a cute sporty look perfect for lounging around. Plus, you can recycle premium products over the years to reduce your carbon footprint with the GC ReGirlfriend program.
Finding the perfect top for your favorite sports bra can be a challenge, but this top has a built-in bra with a removable lining, making it easy to choose your sportswear. Our analysts love the “chic and flattering” look of the camisole, with Seymour saying, “I tend to reach for the top when all I want to wear is a sports bra and leggings, but when I leave work I want more coverage when I I’m at the gym.” She also praises the comfort, lightweight support, and versatile look she sometimes wears with jeans when not at work.
Top selling women’s outdoor t-shirt on Amazon. The price of this cut is much lower than other select styles, but it has everything you need for a sports top. Hanes is known for its sheer base, this T-shirt dries quickly, wicks away moisture and protects against UPF thanks to its Cool Dri Performance fabric, making it the perfect choice for your next run or outdoor hike.
Terez users, known for their bright and fun prints, love this tank top because it comes in nine attractive designs to add some color to their workouts. Reviewers also rave about the softness and breathability of the upper, calling it essential for almost any activity. Our reviewers love the fun look of the brand’s products and are impressed by their superior performance and durability in lab tests.
Stylish and fashionable, the long-sleeve crop top is a supportive, sweat-wicking athletic tank top that hugs your belly. Reviewers say the fabric is very compressive and they love the fit of the top, especially the thumb holes to secure the sleeves. The fit, compression and moisture wicking properties make this top a strong contender for high intensity workouts like HIIT or CrossFit. Plus, you can always pair it with high-waisted leggings for a cute outfit while you work out.
Crafted from fast-wicking fabric to keep you cool, this tank top is perfect for anyone who loves sleeveless tops and a loose fit. It’s from Champion, one of the top performing brands in our workout wear test, lightweight and breathable. The upper is longer than most of our models and reviewers especially love it for gym workouts and long runs. Best of all, it’s available in a variety of colors, including neutrals and brighter hues, to complement any outfit, though note that some reviewers found the lighter colors to be a bit sheer.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s textile lab is staffed by fiber specialists and material engineers who test a range of workout apparel and gear, from sports bras and leggings to running shoes and yoga mats. Our experts are constantly evaluating popular sportswear brands and trying new ones. To find the best workout tops, our lab analysts study products from popular brands that performed well in our recent sportswear tests, using their experience to evaluate important aspects such as design, construction, fabric and size. Our final recommendations include a variety of styles from trusted brands with thoughtful design features, including some personal preference and advice from our experts.
With so many workout tops to choose from, from long tank tops and crop tops to long sleeve shirts and crop tops, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. If you don’t know where to start, consider the following points to help you find the type of workout tops you’re looking for.
✔️ WORKOUT TYPES: Different workouts have different needs. For high-intensity workouts like running, look for tank tops in smooth, shiny fabrics to reduce chafing, and for low-impact activities like yoga, consider racing tank tops with matte fabrics for a softer feel and less limited range of motion.
✔️Material: Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are often the first choice for sportswear due to their superior moisture wicking properties and durability. Although cotton is one of the most popular fibers in various clothing categories and has excellent breathability, in most cases it is not suitable for sportswear and does not absorb sweat well.
✔️ ECO-FRIENDLY: During particularly cold or hot months, you’ll need different indoor and outdoor training tops, even for the same type of workout, so consider if you’re looking for a more versatile option for year-round use (and winter layers) or if you just need to buy a new top for activities depending on the time and weather, such as skiing.
✔️ GENERAL CORRECTION: Our experts often recommend a more fitted top than a loose, flowy style, but the fit of the top will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended activities.
For all types of fitness – yoga, running, CrossFit, cycling or YouTube workouts – from the comfort of your own home – our textile and fitness experts recommend choosing well-fitting, breathable and moisture-wicking tops for maximum performance. While looser tops provide great breathability and ventilation, they don’t always move with your body and can flip over during activities that require more range of motion, such as yoga or Pilates. But for certain exercises, such as walking or hiking, these factors are less important. It’s important to prioritize your personal preferences and comfort when choosing workout clothes because, after all, you wear them!
Grace Wu (s/he) is a Product Review Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textile, Paper, and Clothing Laboratory, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer test data. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master’s degree in materials science and engineering and a bachelor’s degree in fiber science from Cornell University. During her studies, Grace worked at the Smart Textile and Nanotechnology Research Lab and interned at the Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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Post time: Jun-01-2023