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We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
The best workout tops are designed to make working out as comfortable as possible. And, they should be something that you’re excited to wear—having a cute new top is one way to stay motivated to achieve your fitness goals (who doesn’t love showing off a new outfit during a cardio class?).
If you’ve worn tanks that rise up during online yoga class or T-shirts that stick to your skin after an intense run, you’re definitely not alone. The athleisure brands you wear when you exercise can make a difference in how you feel during and after the activity, so it’s essential to find the right gear.
Fortunately, there are different fabrics and clothing features designed to manage sweat and keep you feeling cool. Two of the main factors to look for are moisture management and breathability. Some fabrics feature moisture-wicking materials, which keep sweat away from the skin. And when it comes to breathability, it’s best to go with tops that are designed to allow hot air to escape (even if it’s cold outside, you’ll still work up a sweat). The most popular fabrics that fit the bill include polyester blends which are durable and stretchy.
You’ll also want to consider the type of exercise you’ll be doing. If you plan on running or doing yoga, reach for stretchy and fitted fabrics that help pull sweat away from the skin and dry out quickly. If you’re just doing a basic weight-lifting or cardio workout at home, opt for loose and comfortable shirts.
Our top picks:
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8
Best 2-pack set
Athletic Works Active Repreve Racerback Tank Top 2-Pack
Read more
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10
Best Yoga Crop
THE GYM PEOPLE Longline Sports Bra Wirefree Padded Tank Top
Read more
To help take the guesswork out of finding the best workout tops, we rounded up top-rated picks. From a padded tank top that offers great support to a fitted long-sleeve performance shirt, read on to find the best ones for you.
1
Best overall
Fihapyli Cross Backless Workout Top
Pros
- More than 8,700 5-star reviews
- Works for practically any activity
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it’s longer than preferred
How chic is this racerback top? It’s made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex, making it lightweight and breathable. It also has a loose fit that’s easy for layering over any sports bra.
| Material | 95% polyester, 5% spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 18 |
Pros
- More than 27,000 5-star reviews
- Includes three tanks of different colors
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the tanks run small
This versatile tank has a slim racerback that stays put through any type of workout. It’s lightweight and has bonded seams that prevent chafing against the skin. We also love that it’s tagless, meaning you won’t have to worry about a pesky tag getting in the way of your jump squats
| Material | 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 13 |
3
Best T-shirt
Hanes Cool DRI Performance V-Neck Tee
Pros
- Provides UPF protection for outdoor workouts
- Quick-drying, odor-resistant fabric
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it runs small
Looking for a top with a bit more coverage? Go for this v-neck. It’s designed with a unique Cool Dri technology that wicks away moisture to keep you from getting too hot. And it has 50+ UPF protection, meaning you’ll get plenty of coverage while running outside.
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 1 |
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Pros
- More than 3,800 5-star reviews on Amazon
- A longer crop that offers more coverage than many cropped tanks
Cons
- Some reviewers note it wrinkles easily
With a 4.4-star rating and over 3,800 5-star reviews on Amazon, this flowy-cropped tank is a wardrobe must-have. The front hem is loose, allowing it to drape and cover up the stomach area, while the dropped armholes give enough room to stretch your arms without any restrictions.
| Material | 95% Modal, 5% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 16 |
5
Best Reviewed
Lemedy Padded Sports Bra Top
Pros
- More than 37,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Reviewers note the bra support is good for light activities like yoga and walking
Cons
- Internal bra only supports up to a C-cup
Ranked as the number one bestseller on Amazon with over 37,000 5-star reviews, this workout top has a built-in sports bra with removable padding. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool—a perk for super sweaty gym sessions.
“This is the perfect workout tank! It has good support and does not flatten the chest area,” wrote one reviewer.
| Material | 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 20 |
6
Best UPF Protection
isnowood UPF50 Long Sleeve Protection Shirt
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Best UPF Protection
isnowood UPF50 Long Sleeve Protection Shirt
Pros
- More than 7,700 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Breathable, sweat-wicking fabric
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the shirt shrinks slightly when washed
With UPF 50+ sun protection, this long sleeve top provides all the coverage you’ll need for outdoor activities. It’s quick-drying and has a lightweight fabric that reduces friction against your skin. “This is a nice shirt for the cost. The fit is flattering on me and accurately sized,” wrote one reviewer.
| Material | 95 % Polyester, 5% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 14 |
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7
Best for Running
Aeuui Mesh Racerback Tank
Pros
- 10,100 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Mesh back is perfect for allowing airflow during sweaty activities
Cons
- Some reviewers note the arm holes run small
Crafted from a blend of polyester and spandex, this racerback tank is soft, breathable, and has a sweat-absorbent material. Plus, the mesh stitching on the back allows for more airflow, keeping you cool while exercising.
“This top is soft and thicker than I expected. The design in the back adds to it and makes it unique,” wrote Amazon one reviewer.
| Material | 95 % Polyester and 5% spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 23 |
8
Best 2-pack set
Athletic Works Active Repreve Racerback Tank Top 2-Pack
8
Best 2-pack set
Athletic Works Active Repreve Racerback Tank Top 2-Pack
Pros
- Moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Some reviewers say this style runs large
Another lightweight and breathable option, the racerback tanks in this 2-pack set from Athletic Works feature breathable mesh on the shoulders and back panel. You can wear these for the sweatiest workouts in your regiment or on strolls as leisurely as you please.
| Material | 100% Repreve Recycled Polyester |
|---|
9
Best Long Sleeve
Bestisun Long Sleeve Yoga Top
Pros
- 3,400 5-star reviews on Amazon
- The open back allows airflow
Cons
- Some reviewers note it’s a little short
This long sleeve shirt has received over 3,400 5-star ratings on Amazon thanks to its premium quality. It has an open-back design that creates a loose fit and allows you to catch a nice breeze while walking. Reviewers also love that the sleeves come with elastic cuffs, which prevents them from rolling down.
| Material | 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 17 |
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10
Best Yoga Crop
THE GYM PEOPLE Longline Sports Bra Wirefree Padded Tank Top
Pros
- More than 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Can be used as a casual tank top as well
Cons
- Doesn’t offer strong support for larger chests or more vigorous activities
Available in 21 different colors, this tank is perfect for yoga class—and it looks just as great when paired with jeans or sweats for post-gym time. It’s made from a lightweight, breathable, and stretchy fabric that will keep you dry, thanks to its sweat-wicking material.
| Material | 80% Polyamide, 20% Spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 21 |
11
Best Gym Tank
Under Armour Women’s Project Rock Mesh Tank
Pros
- Super-breathable mesh fabric
- Adjustable bottom hem
Cons
- Only three color options
When you want a lightweight, breathable tank to throw over your sports bra for tough, garage gym-style workouts, this Project Rock tank from Under Armour is the perfect option. It offers coverage and airflow, and the bull head design will help keep you motivated to push hard, even when you’re sucking wind.
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 3 |
12
Best Low Impact
Basin and Range High Neck Bra Top
Pros
- Cute top for light workouts and leisure activities
- Good option for layering
Cons
- Won’t provide substantial support for tough workouts
For rest days when your workout consists of light yoga or a casual walk, choose the Basin & Range High Neck Bra Top. You can wear it to yoga, then transition it to a casual top to wear around town. It’s the perfect athleisure solution.
| Material | 85% polyester, 15% spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 2 |
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13
Best Muscle Tank
Icyzone Running Muscle Tank
Pros
- More than 16,600 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Breathable fabric perfect for every type of workout
Cons
- Some reviewers don’t like the loose fit
If you like the muscle tank look with a loose fit and extra-large arm holes, this set of three tank tops can’t be beat. The price is certainly affordable, and the color options give you lots of opportunities to mix and match your workout wardrobe.
| Material | 70% Polyester, 30% Rayon |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 14 |
14
Best Hoodie Tank
SweatyRocks Women’s Summer Sleeveless Hooded Tank Top
14
Best Hoodie Tank
SweatyRocks Women’s Summer Sleeveless Hooded Tank Top
Pros
- More than 1,600 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Wide variety of colors to choose from
Cons
- Some reviewers note it runs small
If you’re the type of person who likes to put in your headphones and pull a hoodie over your head to help keep people from bugging you as you exercise, you need this tank. It gives you the breathability of a tank top with the ability to shut people out with the hood. Plus, it comes in 41 colors — a variety that’s hard to beat.
| Material | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 41 |
15
Best Bling
Nike Dri-FIT One Women‘s Printed Training Tank
Pros
- Made of sustainable materials
- Also available in plus sizes
Cons
- Plus size is only available in 3 colorways, not 4
For anyone who likes to stand out wherever they go, this shiny top from Nike certainly brings the “bling.” Plus, it’s made from sustainable materials and is available in plus sizes.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 4 |
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16
Best Maternity
Nike Dri-FIT Women’s Tank Maternity
16
Best Maternity
Nike Dri-FIT Women’s Tank Maternity
Now 53% Off
Pros
- Longer cut maintains coverage, even as your bump grows
- Fabric returns to original shape after birth, making it usable even post-pregnancy
Cons
- The long-cut may not work for shorter women post-pregnancy
Pregnancy doesn’t put an end to tough workouts...but it may mean putting your regular workout wardrobe on hiatus. To carry you through nine months of pregnancy (and 9 months of workouts), this Nike maternity tank top is the perfect, breathable, bump-hugging option.
| Material | 88% polyester/12% spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 7 |
17
Best Versatile
Wolven Amalfi Crisscross Four-Way Top
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Best Versatile
Wolven Amalfi Crisscross Four-Way Top
Pros
- Can be worn four different ways
- Is made from recycled fabric
Cons
- May not provide support necessary for intense workouts
There aren’t many workout tops you can readily wear four different ways, but this crisscross top from Wolven can be worn front or back, and it’s reversible as well. That means you can get four different looks from a single top.
| Material | 84% rPET (recycled fabric),16% spandex |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 1 |
18
Best Print
Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Armour Racer Print Tank
Pros
- Mesh racerback provides added breathability
- Designed to be used as a base layer for days when you need to layer up
Cons
- Some reviewers note it runs small
When you want a printed workout top that still doesn’t scream “workout,” it‘s hard to go wrong with this fitted Under Armour racerback tank. It’s a subtle enough style to pair with practically any legging, and its fitted cut makes it perfect for yoga, running, or strength training.
| Material | 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane |
|---|---|
| # Colorways | 4 |
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19
How to choose the best workout tops for women
Fit and comfort. It’s incredibly important that you feel comfortable as you exercise, so first and foremost, you should consider the fit and comfort of the workout top you use. If you prefer full-coverage, look for longer tops that will cover your mid-section and hips. If you want your arms to be able to move, consider tanks with wider arm holes. Whether you elect a form-fitting tank, or a loose-fitting crop is really up to you, but you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about your appearance or restricted in your movements.
Performance features. It’s important to keep in mind that when you exercise, you sweat. You want tops that are designed to deal with sweat, odor, and in some cases, the outdoor elements. Look for “odor resistant,” “sweat wicking,” “quick drying,” and “UPF protective” features. Also, if you’re exercising outside, it’s important to consider light-colored fabrics that will reflect the sun and help reduce the likelihood of overheating.
Style. Performance apparel and athleisure has come a long way since the ’80s and ’90s. Certainly, style isn’t the most important factor to consider when choosing workout tops, but there’s no reason not to select tanks and tees that you actually love. So, whether you prefer loose, flowy tops or something form-fitting, if you choose and wear tops you love, you’ll be more likely to want to put them to use.
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What shirts are best for the gym?
When it comes to choosing shirts for the gym, it’s important to consider function first, followed by fashion. First and foremost, you should be able to move comfortably in your clothes. This means you should be able to move your arms and torso without restriction, but it also means you should feel comfortable with what you’re wearing. If you don’t like showing off your mid-drift or your arms, don’t do it. Select workout tops you feel confident wearing. Then, you should select tops that offer performance features—that will wick sweat, dry quickly, and help fight odor.
Shauna Beni
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.
