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InStyle / David Hattan
A good workout top does more than just support you through sweat and sprints. When both the weather and the mood are gloomy, a cute workout outfit can motivate you to get up and go to the gym. “There is nothing wrong with a look-good, feel-good mentality to activewear as long as it’s serving you in your movement,” says Casey Schumacher, senior director of design and performance at Athleta. “Find colors and styles that excite and motivate you—just ensure performance is at the core of what you reach for.” And by “performance” we mean you’ll need a supportive legging, a high-functioning sports bra, and a performance-enhancing workout top.
We talked to a few trainers and looked back at our years of experience in the gym to put together a list of the best workout tops, tees, and tanks. These all feature performance technology like sweat-wicking materials, compression, and odor control, and are available in multiple color options, inclusive size ranges, and reasonable prices. Upgrade your workout tops with one of these popular styles.
Best Overall
lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top
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Why We Love It: Honestly, it doesn’t get better than this Lululemon Swiftly Tank, which performs just as well during a marathon as it does in yoga class or as a base layer on the ski slopes. The slim fit skims your body without restricting movement in any way, with minimal seams to reduce the potential of chafing, and the mesh construction is lightweight and breathable as your body builds up heat during any workout. If you prefer a cropped silhouette, it also comes in a shorter length (as well as short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions).
Who It’s For: People engaging in high-intensity workouts, who require breathable and movement-friendly materials.
Size: 0–20 | Colors: 7 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane
Best Budget
Mippo Cropped Open Back Sleeveless Tank
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Why We Love It: We understand that working out is a lifestyle and habitual exercisers need a ton of shirts to rotate through in a week. Spending over $50 each time is not very feasible, so having a few budget-friendly options, such as this top, is going to save a ton of money. The first thing to note about this top is the fold-over back, which is both loose-fitted and cropped. The modal and spandex blend makes this both breathable and flexible, which is great for hot weather and high-intensity workouts.
Who It’s For: Frequent exercisers and high-intensity sports.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 16 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Modal, spandex
Best Splurge
108 Sportif Camille Curve Top
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Why We Love It: If you’re going to splurge on a workout top, go for something that’s as eye-catching as it is high-performance. This 108 Sportif top has a sweetheart neckline that turns into a single strap around the back. There’s no built-in bra, but it has a fully lined bust and under-bust binding for support, and the fabric is hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating. Plus, it looks great paired with jeans.
Who It’s For: Due to the lack of a built-in bra, this top is best for women with smaller chests who only require the existing caging around the bust on the shirt. Layering another bra underneath may look awkward due to the cutout in the back.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Organic bamboo, spandex
Best Size-Inclusive
SuperFitHero Shelf Bra Tank Top
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Why We Love It: Whether you’re out for a jog or moving through pilates poses, you’ll feel super supported by SuperFitHero’s SuperHold fabric, which is equally soft and stretchy (as well as sweat-wicking and quick-drying). The built-in shelf bra features custom-made bra cups, which are removable and invisible, and the tank has a racerback design—with an airy keyhole cutout in the back—for even more support.
Who It’s For: Considering the largest size offered here is a 7X, this is a great option for women who have trouble finding shirts that fit with other retailers.
Size: L–7X | Colors: 5 | Built-In Bra: Yes | Material: Polyester, spandex
Best Breathable
Athleta Breezy Muscle Tank
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Why We Love It: If breathability is what you’re looking for, opt for something lightweight, loose-fitted, and made of Tencel modal like Athleta's Muscle Tank. Not only does this shirt invite fresh air in, but it lets go of odors and sweat like Scar releasing Mufasa off the edge. We love that it's a bit modest, too.
Who It’s For: High-intensity workouts where sweating is guaranteed will benefit from this shirt. Avoid exercises like yoga, however, as the shirt will likely fall down during downward dog.
Size: XXS–L | Colors: 7 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Tencel modal, polyester
Best for Big Busts
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Studio Cropped Tank
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Why We Love It: Beyond Yoga brings their best-selling fabric to a studio tank with a built-in bra, designed for workouts that require medium support (think: yoga, barre, pilates). It looks simple, but little details like the crisscross back with a keyhole cutout and the cropped length that pairs well with high-waisted bottoms make it a universally appealing choice.
Who It’s For: Women who are looking to skip the extra bra and have some coverage assisting their light exercises.
Size: XS–4X | Colors: 2 | Built-In Bra: Yes | Material: Polyester, elastane
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Why We Love It: Lululemon is known for its high-quality products and ultrasmooth fabrics, which fit like a second skin. This yoga tank—which shouldn’t just be reserved for asanas—is made from a nearly weightless material that stretches in four directions and still retains its shape. Even better: It’s also available in a hip-length cut for more coverage or a shorter cut with a built-in bra.
Who It’s For: Sweat-wicking and breathable properties make this a great option for hot yoga goers, who don’t want to simply waltz into a room with just a sports bra on.
Size: 0–20 | Colors: 8 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane
Best Short Sleeve
Uniqlo Ultrastretch Airism Cropped T-Shirt
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Why We Love It: There are breathable materials, and then there is Uniqlo’s Airism. The latter is an almost freakishly breathable fabric that, while on, feels like air. Any kind of bodily heat or humidity passes right through, leaving the body feeling refreshed. On top of being so feather-light, this top is also very stretchy. Although it’s not skin-tight, it moves with the body through stretches, jumps, and lunges.
Who It’s For: People who tend to overheat but don’t like showing too much skin will find this top very airy and soft. It’s not very compressive or supportive, so a proper bra will still be required.
Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 8 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Polyester, spandex
Best Cropped Short Sleeve
Alo Yoga Crop Finesse Short Sleeve
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Why We Love It: Baby tees are in again, and Alo put an athleisure spin on this one, made from the brand’s “velvety soft fabric.” It’s so comfy you could wear it all day, but it’s also lightweight and breathable enough for most workouts. And even when you’re sweaty, the structured fit will retain its shape. White and black are classic but we love that this also comes in other color options as well.
Who It’s For: Skin-tight crop tops aren’t for everyone, but if you enjoy this aesthetic and still expect breathable qualities in your workout tops, this is for you.
Size: XS–L | Colors: 5 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Performance jersey
Best Long Sleeve
Vuori Daydream Crew
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Why We Love It: “This long sleeve is so lightweight, it’s perfect for seasonal transition,” says Carrie Hall, a NASM-certified personal trainer—no matter the weather, you’ll be protected with built-in UPF 30+ and a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. “I order in a size up and use it to layer over a tank top for outdoor workouts that get warmer once the blood starts pumping.”
Who It’s For: Despite the long sleeves, this top is very breathable and keeps you cool during workouts. Therefore if you don’t like showing off your skin, this top will keep you covered without overheating.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 4 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Polyester, elastane
Best Cropped Long Sleeve
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Long Sleeve Crop Top
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Why We Love It: A long-sleeve crop top keeps your arms warm while allowing you to show off your waistline. With a snug, almost compressive fit and figure-contouring details, it will make you feel confident to throw around some weights. And if you start to break a sweat, the moisture-wicking fabric will pull any perspiration from your skin before anyone can tell. Schumacher says that “for weightlifting, you’ll want to look for something seamless to avoid any chaffing and grippers at the inner hem to prevent the garment from riding up during dynamic movement,” which this top offers.
Who It’s For: Gymshark’s apparel, loved by hardcore gym-goers, will feel equal parts compressive and breathable. Keep one of these tops in rotation if your exercise of choice is weight lifting.
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 9 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Nylon, elastane
Best Loose-Fitting
Free People Movement Inspire Tee
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Why We Love It: Free People reimagines the cotton tee with a boxier, cropped fit. It’s not so cropped you’ll be showing midriff with high-waisted bottoms, but the fabric kind of floats around you, adding the illusion of more coverage. Dropped shoulders up the comfort factor, keeping the raw-edged seams from distracting or chafing you mid-workout.
Who It’s For: Not for running and not for yoga (unless you don’t mind the fabric getting in the way), this loose-fitted shirt is better for big hikes in the mountains.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 7 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Cotton
Best With Built-In Bra
CRZ YOGA Tank Top
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Why We Love It: “This is my favorite built-in bra top—I wear it several times a week for my lifting and running workouts,” says Stephanie Thomas, an ACE-certified personal trainer. It features lightweight, stretchy compression and a seamless ribbed fabric in a racerback design. “I prefer built-in bra tops because they simplify your workout outfit; this one in particular has lasted me over two years and I’ve since bought several colors,” Thomas adds.
Who It’s For: While running might require a stronger bra, this shirt is great for absolutely all other exercises.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 22 | Built-In Bra: yes | Material: Polyamide, spandex
Best Maternity
GapFit Maternity Breathe Side Shirring T-Shirt
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Why We Love It: Maternity wear doesn’t need to scream “I’m pregnant!” you know? This simple tee has subtle shirring along the sides to allow for more belly room as you grow. And multiple factors keep you comfortable even as temperatures heat up (in the gym or outside): the breathable jersey knit uses moisture-wicking technology, and flat-locked seams prevent chafing. Win-win.
Who It’s For: Pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancies.
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 5 | Built-In Bra: no | Material: Spandex, lyocell, polyester
Best for Cardio
Adidas Adizero Running Crop Tank Top
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Why We Love It: Now let’s get this straight—running, or any other rigorous cardio workout—requires a very specific kind of top. Ideally, a bra would already be built in so we can minimize the amount of layers we need to put on. Next, it should have a somewhat higher neckline so that the chest remains strapped in. As a personal preference, sleeves would be removed so the arms aren’t restricted in the slightest. Katherine Chow, director of fabric research and development at Athleta, says that a shirt for running should use very “breathable and synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, so they which moisture better and dry faster.” This tank checks off all of the above. And as a little bonus, it’s made of sweat-wicking lightweight material with an elastic waistband to keep it from rising up.
Who It’s For: Marathon runners, consider this your workout top of dreams. Even when you’re not training for a race, this compressive yet lightweight shirt is great for cardio.
Size: 2XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Built-In Bra: Yes | Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
Best Sleeveless
Wilson Pro Seamless Tank
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Why We Love It: Sleeves can quickly get in the way of movements, so we suggest just removing them from the equation all together. We adore this tennis-inspired tank, featuring mesh paneling on the sides and back for ventilation. No matter how much you run, the holes in the back will keep you comfortably cool. You may want to wear a color-matching sports bra underneath, however, as it will slightly show through the paneling.
Who It’s For: “Tighter and lighter silhouettes help to avoid drag and offer support for high-impact workouts,” says Schumacher, making this a great option for runners, tennis, and basketball players.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 5 | Built-In Bra: No | Material: Nylon
What to Keep in Mind
- Fabric: While there are fabrics that are better suited for working out, two of the biggest factors to look for are sweat-wicking and odor control. Look for activewear brands that use mesh construction and whose labels say moisture-wicking or breathable. Many synthetic fabrics are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water rather than let it soak in, so polyester and rayon are popular choices for workout tops. Chow makes a note that shirts for cardio should have some level of UPF protection in it as well. “For yoga or other studio activities, softness and stretch are key so that you don’t even notice the fabric as you flow through your practice,” she adds.
- Fit: Even when you find your correct size, there are still some considerations to make. Do you want your workout top to be fitted or flowy? Long sleeve or tank top? Cropped or full-length? Each of those may depend on what workout you are doing, your comfort level or style, as well as the season.
- Built-In Support: Some tops come with built-in bras, which have their pros and cons. On one hand, having a built-in bra means we can layer one thing less, and the attached bra will look seamless since it’s stitched into the top. On the other hand, there’s usually not adequate support for larger chests. They are more suitable for low-impact exercises like yoga.
Your Questions, Answered
Should a workout top be fitted or loose?
There’s no right answer to this question: You should work out in the kind of top that you feel most comfortable in. Generally, tighter tops are recommended when you don’t want the fabric to get in the way (whether you’re using a machine at the gym or doing certain workouts like yoga or pilates). However, you may feel like it’s easier to move in a looser workout top, and less form-fitting fabric can also be a more modest option if that feels more comfortable. It’s totally up to you—no one is going to judge your workout top choice.
How many workout tops should you own?
The answer to this will completely depend on how often you exercise, and how many forms of workouts you engage in. “Have a variety so you can select something that will work for the activity,” says Schumacher. “Bras and support tops are great for studio practice like yoga, barre, and dance.” If you like to switch up your routines and go from a yoga class on a Monday to marathon training on a Wednesday and weight lifting on Friday, you’re going to need at least six to eight workout tops in rotation (for variety and for wash days). If you stick to one exercise, like tennis, and only play twice a week, four to five tops is sufficient.
Why Shop With Us
Ashley Mateo is an award-winning journalist and editor who currently works as a freelance editorial consultant. She was previously the site director of Redbook and the deputy digital editor at Shape. She is also a running coach and marathon runner, making her a particularly well-suited person to report on this topic. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with over three years of experience covering fashion and beauty. She lives an active lifestyle, playing tons of tennis and volleyball, as well as engaging in weight training three to four times a week. The following fitness trainers and experts were interviewed for further insights as well.
- Katherine Chow, Director, Fabric R&D at Athleta
- Casey Schumacher, Senior Director, Design & Performance at Athleta
- Stephanie Thomas, an ACE-certified personal trainer
- Carrie Hall, a NASM-certified personal trainer
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