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We updated this article in January 2023 with new options verified by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab. Lululemon continues to be our pick for the best workout tops.
You like the sweat rate. 0.25 rem; color: #125C68; -webkit-transition: all 0.3s slow in and out; transition: all 0.3 seconds slow in and out;}.css-1me6ynq: hover {color: #595959; text-decoration-color: #595959;} in When you work out at the gym or at home, what you wear to your workout can make or break your workout. It is very important that your training 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 tight-fitting crop tops, loose-fitting tank tops, or long-sleeve shirts, there are options for every budget and activity level.
The Good Housekeeping Institute textile laboratory tests all types of sportswear, including the best sports bras, sports 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, personal favorites from product experts, 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 some sportswear to your new wardrobe? Check out our guide to the best running shoes.
Our technicians have been wearing Lululemon Swiftly Tech training tops for years and love their “moisture-wicking, moving with the body and looking like new after a million washes” properties. Known for their ever-popular leggings and activewear, the brand consistently stands out in our tests for luxurious, moisture-wicking fabrics and thoughtful designs, such as this top’s seamless construction designed to reduce chafing. Our analysts found that the fit is just enough to stay in place, but not so tight that the skin tightens and doesn’t look attractive, making it perfect for anything from high-intensity workouts like CrossFit to outdoor runs.
This workout top sits at the waist and is not too short or too long, but the brand also offers a hip-length version for taller users, as well as a high-necked version for more protection and more options. 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. Built-in bra with removable lining and soft fabric in a beautiful design. 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 doesn’t cost too much, this one is for you.
The perfect mix of loose and fitted, this flowy long tank top features loose pleats around the belly, a fitted fit around the hips and an internal hem clip to keep the tank in place during yoga or HIIT sessions. The seamless construction helps minimize chafing on long runs, while the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is perfect for the great outdoors. Plus, for one of our textile analysts, it’s the best choice for any workout, from hiking to weightlifting.
In our tests, Under Armor performed best among sportswear brands that are known for their stretch and moisture-wicking properties. Perfect for those who prefer short sleeves over tank tops, this V-neck shirt is made from quick-drying fabric and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The loose and slim fit is perfect for pairing with athletic shorts such as running and cycling shorts, or leggings for indoor and outdoor workouts.
This lightweight, stylish crop top with a unique pleated hem is perfect for low-impact activities 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 with leggings or yoga pants, as well as can also be worn as a casual top with jeans.
Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to wear a tight tank top to workout, even if it’s the option recommended by the experts. For those who prefer a loose tee, this tee from the popular Zella brand is not only functional but also stylish. The oversized fit is loose and the hem of the back provides extra protection but may not stay in place during mat activities such as Pilates, yoga or high intensity interval training, which is why our experts recommend this top for gym workouts, outdoor runs or hiking, as well as spinning. lessons.
This beautiful crop top is a fan favorite on TikTok and has 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 supportive and looks super cute both before and after a workout. Plus, the cropped cut is perfect for discreet studio workouts with high-waisted leggings. The only caveat is that minimal back coverage can cause bulge issues.
If you prefer a loose fit over bodycon tops, this racerback tank top is for you. With over 3,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars, it has a loose fit that’s perfect for extra airflow to keep you cool during your workout. 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.
On the colder days of fall and winter, you’ll need more sports tops and t-shirts than you normally would when you’re getting ready for your outdoor adventures. Wear this quarter zip over your favorite sports bra or tank top. Made from cozy fabric that keeps you warm and cool, it stays in place better than a running jacket and pairs perfectly with fleece-lined leggings. Our analysts especially love the well-placed flat seams and thumb holes that make this top look stylish and keep everything in place.
The seamless upper is designed to reduce chafing by limiting any friction and irritation during repetitive movements. This seamless pick is smooth and bouncy, and the racer back provides good range of motion. It is also moisture wicking and has mesh inserts that are perfect for sweaty activities. The brand claims they are versatile and suitable for a wide variety of workouts, and we agree that they are comfortable, fit and have a lot of functionality.
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 stylish reflective details, this top combines style with function.
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 staples that reviewers rave about for their effortless comfort during hot yoga and light exercise. Can’t stop talking. 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 stylish cropped styles that pair perfectly with matching ReSet joggers for a cute sporty look perfect for lounging around. Plus, you can recycle these finest wines through the GC ReGirlfriend program to reduce your carbon footprint.
Finding the perfect top for your favorite sports bra can be a challenge, but this top has a built-in bra with a removable padding, making it easy to choose your workout attire. Our analysts loved the “chic and flattering” look of the camisole, with Seymour saying, “I prefer this top when I just want to wear a sports bra and leggings, but when I’m out of the studio when I need more attention. She also praises its comfort, lightweight support, and versatile look, which she sometimes wears with jeans when not exercising.
Top selling women’s outdoor t-shirt on Amazon. This style is several times cheaper than other models, but has all the qualities of an excellent sports T-shirt. Known for its sheer base, this shirt from Hanes is made from Cool Dri Performance fabric for fast drying, moisture wicking and UPF protection, making it a serious contender 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 a must-have for almost any workout. Our reviewers liked the fun look of the brand’s products and were impressed with their above-average performance and durability in lab tests.
Stylish and trendy, this long-sleeve crop top fits all boxes, a supportive, moisture-wicking workout top that hugs your midsection. Reviewers say the fabric is highly compressible and they love the fit of the top, especially the thumb holes that keep the sleeves in place. The fit, compression and moisture wicking properties make this top a strong contender for high intensity workouts like HIIT or CrossFit. Also, you can pair it with high waisted leggings to look cute while working out.
Made from fast-wicking fabric to help keep you cool, this sleeveless tank top is ideal for those who prefer full coverage and a loose, sleeveless 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 lighter hues, to complement any outfit, although note that some reviewers found the lighter hues 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 outerwear for outdoor activities, our lab analysts study products from popular brands that performed well in our recent sportswear tests and use their experience to evaluate important aspects such as design, construction, fabric and size. Our final recommendations include a wide range of styles from brands we trust 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 cropped tees to long sleeve shirts and cropped styles, it can be hard to find the perfect top, especially if you’re just getting into fitness. 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 tough workouts like running, choose tops made from smooth, shiny fabrics that reduce chafing, while for low-impact activities like yoga, consider sneakers with matte fabrics that are softer and limit your range of motion.
✔️Material: Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are often the best 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 exercise, so consider if you’re looking for a more versatile option for year-round use (and in winter, add a few layers) or if you just need to buy a new top for time and weather-dependent activities like skiing.
✔️Overall Fit: Our experts generally recommend wearing tight-fitting tops over loose, flowy styles, but how the top fits will ultimately depend on your personal preference and intended activity.
For all types of fitness – yoga, running, CrossFit, cycling or watching workouts on YouTube from the comfort of your own home – our textile and fitness experts recommend choosing breathable, moisture-wicking, well-fitting uppers to maximize performance. While loose tops provide good breathability and ventilation, they don’t always move with your body and can tip over during activities that require a greater 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 professional equipment and consumer tester data. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master’s degree in materials science and engineering and a bachelor’s degree in fibers from Cornell University. During her degree, 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: Aug-01-2023