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Exercise is a huge part of so many people’s lives. However, if you are just starting out, you may not know what to wear when you hit the gym. Sure, you could wear that baggy old t-shirt that you’ve had lying around in your cupboard for the best part of twenty years. Or, you could treat yourself to some of the cutest athletic tops in 2024.
These tops are perfect for breaking a sweat in and smashing your exercise goals. They’re usually made with specific fabrics that help keep you cool when you’re working at maximum capacity. Athletic tops come in all sorts of designs and colors. As such, you should be able to find an athletic top that suits your specific tastes and requirements. But where do you start looking? We recommend taking a moment to peruse our list of recommendations. Want to know more? Check out the rest of the guide below!
Best Athletic Tops of 2024
Lemedy — Best Overall
Key Features
- Material - 87% nylon and 13% spandex
- Available in sizes small to 2XL
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- 24 color options
If you are looking to show off your body and feel comfortable in the gym, the Lemedy athletic tops are perfect for you. This tank top is made in lots of sizes, all of which come in a variety of colors and styles. The top is made from 87% nylon and 13% spandex, which makes it a snug fit but never constricting. These athletic tops also have a built-in sports bra feature, so you don’t have to wear one separately
We would recommend this top for yoga, cardio, weightlifting and even for everyday wear, if the weather is on your side at least!
Pros
- Lots of sizes and colors available
- Comfortable and high-elasticity
Cons
- Some people have said this athletic top feels a little big around the waist
Under Armour — Best for Brand Recognition
Key Features
- Material - 100% polyester
- Available in sizes small to 2XL
- Sweat-wicking, anti-odor fabric
- 4-way stretch construction
- 13 color options
Under Armour is known across the world for its innovative sportswear designs. Trust us; there is a reason why so many pro athletes choose Under Armour as their brand of choice.
We are happy to say these women’s athletic tops are also fan favourites. The 100% polyester material is designed to be sweat-wicking and dry quickly, so you don’t feel uncomfortable during your workout. The patented UA tech fabric is also very soft and feels completely natural. The top is also imbued with anti-odor technology to keep you smelling fresh, even during the most vigorous of exercise sessions.
Pros
- Anti-odor means you don’t get smelly
- Prevents excess sweating
Cons
- Not many colors available
GYM PEOPLE — Best Sports Bra
Key Features
- Available in sizes extra small to XL
- Sweat-wicking, breathable fabric
- Built-in sports bra with removable pads
- 15 color options
Some athletic tops are great because of their built in sports bra feature. If you like tops like these, try the longline sports bras from Gym People. This top features additional support, thanks to a removable pad. It also features a round back design that protects against shock, stops the bra from shifting, and makes your curves look amazing, even when you’re a sweaty mess on the treadmill!
Like most sports bra style athletic tops, you can find this item in a wide array of sizes and colors. So no matter your preferred style, Gym People will have the perfect fit for you!
Pros
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Functionality of tank top and sports bra in one
Cons
- Sizing can be inconsistent; you may want to order the next size up.
Amazon Essentials — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Material - 94% polyester and 6% spandex
- Available in sizes extra small to 2XL
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- 16 different set options
- Can be machine washed
You don’t have to break the bank in order to find decent athletic tops online. Step forward, Amazon Essentials! This comfortable short-sleeve crewneck t-shirt comes in many colors and sizes. Personally, we thought the burgundy design was the most flattering option, but taste is entirely subjective, and you may prefer other options. The fit is relatively loose without being frumpy. You also get a second shirt as part of the set. This way, you can get two shirts which you can alternate whenever one is being washed.
Pros
- You get two tops for the price of one
- Great if you like being more covered up while exercising
Cons
- Not as stylish as more recognized brands
YOGERSSY — Contender
Key Features
- Material - 75% nylon and 25% spandex
- Available in sizes small to 2XL
- Built-in sports bra with removable pads
- 17 color options
Another item on our list of athletic tops recommendations that just so happens to be a sports bra. The Yogerssy longline sports bra is a little similar to the Gym People variation. The fit is equally flattering, and the design comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. It also has an interesting criss-cross back detail.
This athletic top is still great for lots of exercises and sports. Plus, it is relatively cheap compared to a lot of other sports bras on the market.
Pros
- Lots of colors and sizes available
- Functionality of tank top and sports bra in one
Cons
- You might have to size up
Boao — Best Value
Key Features
- Material - cotton and spandex
- Available in sizes small to large
- Racerback design
- 7 set options
Are you looking to revamp your entire sportswear collection? The Boao 4-pieces basic athletic tops set is a great place to start. Every set comes with a different color selection, though they all contain a black and white tank top - most likely because those colors go with everything!
The material is comfortable and offers excellent elasticity and breathability, making this set of tops ideal for any indoor or outdoor activities. They even act as a practical casual top during those hot summer months. We also found they were easy to match, whether you intend to layer up or just wear the top with a pair of jeans or sweatpants. The racerback style is also very popular.
Pros
- 4 products in one set
- Breathable fabric and style that can be worn casually too
Cons
- Color and size options are limited
Mippo — Also Try
Key Features
- Material - 95% modal and 5% spandex
- Available in sizes extra small to XL
- Mesh back
- 18 color options
- Machine washable
I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling too constricted when I’m working out. I much prefer to feel free and light. That is why I had to include these Mippo athletic tops on our recommendations list. The fit is surprisingly loose but still flattering. It’s perfect for the kind of girl who likes to feel confident in her workout attire without being ogled. The top is also available in lots of designs and sizes. I might just buy one in every color!
Pros
- Lots of colors available
- Great if you prefer loose fit tops while working out
Cons
- The mesh back is entirely see through in some colors
Best Athletic Tops Buying Guide
We have searched high and low to find what we believe to be the best athletic tops on the market. However, if you don’t like any of our top picks, you may want to do a little research to find one more suited to you.
Carry on to find out about the types of athletic tops available and some of the features you may want to consider when buying one.
Things To Consider When Buying An Athletic Top
Sleeve length
- Long sleeves - you don’t need to live in the coldest place in the world to appreciate a long-sleeved athletic top. If you are an early morning jogger, you may still find a typically warm place a little cool until you work up a sweat. If you work out outdoors, long-sleeved tops will protect your arms from the sun and debris. Look for long-sleeved athletic tops that are lightweight and stretchy. A feature you may like to look for is thumb holes. Thumbholes will help the sleeve stay in place while you move.
- Tshirts: Many people feel more comfortable working out in something similar to clothing they wear outside of the gym. There are many athletic tops in this style on the market. However, it is important to buy a t-shirt made explicitly for working out as it uses different materials better suited to the task.
- Tank tops - Tank tops offer a looser fit and allow your skin to breathe. Many people prefer having their arms bare when they work out because they feel less constricted and move more easily. Uncovered armpits also mean no wet patches when you sweat. Look for a tank top made from polyester or viscose mixed with spandex for the best athletic top.
Built-in sports bra
Many activity crop tops have built-in support, so you don’t need to wear a sports bra with them if you have small breasts. Instead, look for one with adjustable straps for the best crop tops - it can be irritating having to pull your strap up all the time when you work out.
Choosing crop tops that offer bra sizes instead of clothes sizes will provide a better fit—for example, look for a 34D crop top instead of a size ten or a medium. Again if you have a cup size of C or under, you will not need as much support. Therefore, you can get away with buying via dress size.
Some crop tops come with removable cup pads, so you have the option to wear them alongside a supportive sports bra. Having this feature won’t hurt as you can wear it either way instead of just one way.
Back detail
If you want something that looks a little more interesting to wear to the gym, you can choose a cross-back top. These tops have a strap that joins together at the back like the letter T Cross back strap tops lend themselves well to visible sports bras because this can look like an intentional style choice.
Material
Any athletic top you buy should be light in weight and breathable. Look for tops made predominantly of polyester or a polyester elastane blend. Brushed polyester elastane blends feel softer on the skin. Polyester can take a lot of wear and tear, and you won’t wear out the material from friction quickly. It also has wicking properties, meaning it pulls sweat away from your skin. The skin requires the removal of sweat to cool down. Also, look for athletic tops made with about 10% spandex. This will allow your top to stretch while maintaining its shape.
Seamless
During a workout, the material of your athletic top will move against your skin. If your athletic top possesses large seams, it can rub against your skin and cause discomfort and chafing. However, some “seamless” style athletic tops are available that have negligible seams.
Mesh panels
Another feature you should look for is breathable panels down the sides of your top. These panels offer modest while being almost as cool as not wearing anything over your skin. The advantage of wearing these panels instead of leaving a gap is the wicking effect many materials provide.
Athletic Tops Price Range
Athletic tops for both men and women are generally in the same price range. You will spend a lot more money if you opt to buy a branded product. Reading customer reviews is always more important than the brand of a product, as this gives you a more realistic idea of the quality of a product than the image the brand wants to portray.
You should budget between $20 and $50 for a decent athletic top. You do not need to spend a fortune on something you will be putting through its paces and washing regularly.
How We Chose Our Athletic Tops
To choose the best athletic tops, we compared customer reviews to the cost. We chose the best options based on comfort, durability, and unique features.
