9 best workout tops & gym tees for every exercise
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Not feeling the whole sports-bra-and-shorts combo? We’ve got you covered, with the cutest workout shirts money can buy.
Activewear is one of the most crucial elements of any good workout, and that’s a fact. You can have the best shoes and the greatest gym instructor, but if your activewear is hot, heavy and holding you back on every side, things are going to get difficult – quickly.
While we could go on all day about having the rightsports bra or the best leggings, what isn’t often talked about is having a great workout shirt. Because (as much as TikTok says otherwise), we don’t all love to get around in just workout bottoms and a sports bra.
So, how do you find the right workout shirt that will give you every ounce of confidence you need, without stealing any of your concentration or comfort in return? We did the work for you, and found the top workout shirts that are breathable, comfortable, and wickedly stylish, for every type of exercise. From thechic top under $25, to the Lululemon must-have that’s been dubbed “the most perfect top” by reviewers, to the CSB tank Alix Earle loves, that we tried ourselves — these are the best workout tops to shop now.
Need To Know
- A workout top is a great essential for running, yoga, Pilates or going to the gym, but it needs to be the right material for exercise.
- We rounded up the best workout tops, and found the most popular shirts to be part of Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech range, known for being breathable and lightweight.
- Other popular workout tops that we have tested ourselves include New Balance’s Athletics Long Sleeve, and Lorna Jane’s Liberty Bra Tank Combo.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best gym shirts
- Moderate coverage
- Fewer seams for minimal chafe
- Moisture wicking material minimises odour
- Great for running and training
Shirt type:T-shirt| Material:54 per cent Nylon, 40 per cent Polyester (recycled), 3 per cent Elastane, 3 per cent X-Static Nylon | Colours:Black, white, slate/grey| Best for:Running, training
Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech range is one of the most popular running and workout tops for women. This Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 is a bestseller, with a hip-length hem that provides moderate coverage for everyday wear, and breathable material for even the sweatiest of sessions. As well as being moisture-wicking, the Swiftly Tech material uses Silverescent™ technology that helps prevent the growth of odour within the shirt, helping you stay cool and fresh in every workout. It’s designed for running and training, and reviewers say it’s great for everyday wear, too. Though many are begging Lululemon to bring out some more colour options.
“this is my favourite top ever! it is THE most perfect top that i have! I LOVE IT SO MUCH !!!!!”
- Incredibly lightweight
- Available in nice colours
- No scratchy seams
- High coverage around the neck
- Super breathable
- Stretchy
- Fast-drying for sweaty activities
- Hybrid shoulder seam construction for backpack-wearers
- Great as a loose workout top
- Only available in two colours, currently
Shirt type:T-shirt| Material:100 per cent recycled polyester | Colours available:Dark Mulberry, Tech Blue | Best for: Running, hiking, walking, working out
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, Senior Health and Wellness Shopping Writer:
Available in a summery Tech Blue or chic Dark Mulberry, this loose-fitting yet flattering workout top is my new go-to for summer. It weighs just 60 grams, and is so lightweight, it feels like you’re barely wearing anything at all. Not only is it a great fit — not clingy, but not too loose — it has a high neckline and provides better coverage than a typical sports bra or tank I would normally wear when walking or running outside on a hot day. But don’t let the word ‘coverage’ fool you — I’ve worn this on a few runs in quite warm temperatures and I’ve still remained cool as ever, thanks to the fast-drying, ultra-thin material. It literally feels cool to the touch, and I’ve found myself wearing it so often as the weather warms up.
Best budget workout tops
Ultra Soft Plunge Front Racer Tank, $18.74 (down from $24.99) at Cotton On
- Super chic
- Available in a wide range of colours
- Racerback for support
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Not specified whether there is a built-in bra
Shirt type:Racerback singlet | Material: 79 per cent polyester, 21 per cent elastane.| Colours:Five different colours| Best for:Yoga, Pilates
If you’re after a stylish top to layer with your sports bra for some extra coverage and a chic aesthetic, this tank is available on Cotton On for less than $25. I’ve tried almost every activewear brand out there and some of my favourite layering pieces have still been a budget buy from Cotton On. This top is available in a bunch of different colours to suit your style, and has a gorgeous scooped neckline for great airflow and a chic aesthetic.
“Comfy fit, says a reviewer. “I love the racerback which is actually not common to find these days and the v neck is great for workouts so you don’t feel overheated.”
Best tank tops
Ebb to Street Tank Top Light Support, B/C Cup, $99 at Lululemon
- Can be worn for everyday wear
- Built-in shelf bra for light support during yoga or Pilates
- Super lightweight
- Removeable pads means you can fit a sports bra underneath
Shouldn’t be worn alone for high-impact activities
Shirt type:Racerback singlet | Material: Nylon | Colours:Nine different colours| Best for:Yoga, Pilates
For lower-impact activities like yoga or Pilates, it can sometimes be far more comfortable to ditch the sports bra and opt for a workout tank instead, like this one from Lululemon. A bestseller with over 500 five-star reviews, the Ebb To Street tank has a built-in shelf bra for B-C cup sizes, with pads that are removable if you do choose to slip a sports bra underneath for extra support. Super soft, stretchy and breathable, this racerback tank top is made with a seamless construction for no itchy distractions, and hip-length coverage for everyday wear.
If you don’t mind a slim-fitting top, and are after something for yoga or want some more coverage over your sports bra for training, this is a great option.
“Have been buying Ebb to Street Tank for over 10 years it’s fantastic for gym, yoga, Pilates and running,” says a reviewer. “Love the built-in shelf bra which means only one garment required. It’s so comfortable and looks great. They wash well and last for years. Please bring it back in more strong colours.”
- Extra bust lift for smaller cup wearers
- Longer length adds moderate coverage
- Built-in bra is supportive enough for training and pilates
- Racerback design allows you to move freely
Low scooped neck allows for decent cleavage on bigger busts
Shirt type:Tank top | Material:81 per cent Nylon 19 per cent Lycra | Colours:Eight various colours| Best for:Yoga, Pilates, training
I recently got my hands on Lorna Jane’s Liberty Bra Tank Combo, which is the cute and stylish activewear top I’ve been wanting this summer. As a B-cup girlie, most sports bras or workout tops make my chest look like a pancake, but this racerback top with its low scooped neckline and built-in bra makes me feel so confident and trendy, I could wear it with a mini skirt. I have worn this to the gym for strength training, as well as to Pilates and it held up well for both. However, I will note that the low neckline did have me a little aware of myself during Pilates, so this is something to be mindful of if you’re not used to cleavage. The top worked brilliantly for the gym though, staying in place and comfortable through every squat and lift. Although, I did try having a jog on the treadmill and let’s just say – this bra tank combo is probably not quite built for cardio.
CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Double Lined Tank Top, $48 at Amazon Australia
- Affordable
- Can be worn over a sports bra easily
- Double-lined
- Tighter fit
Shirt type:Singlet | Material: 81 per cent Polyamide + 19 per cent Lycra | Colours:Five different colours | Best for:Yoga, pilates, training
CRZ Yoga has been known as the Amazon dupe for Lululemon, namely due to their Butterluxe fabric. Super soft, the stretchy material has a luxurious texture that feels like it should cost more than $48. This scoop-neck tank top is tight-fitting and cropped, designed to strike a flattering fit and sit nicely over a sports bra. Alternatively, you could wear it braless for everyday wear, thanks to the double lining. The tank top has over 700 ratings, with one reviewer raving, “Yet again, another great quality item from CRZ.”
“I probably have 20+ pieces from this brand, in particular their Butterluxe line. This top is comfortable and for everyday wear I don’t need to wear a bra with it as the fabric is quite thick and supportive – though I bought it in Navy. A lighter colour may be more see through? I would say it perhaps runs a little small and it is slightly cropped but works well with high waisted jeans or the CRZ high waisted leggings.”
Best tops for Pilates
- Super comfortable
- Built-in bra is perfect for yoga or Pilates
- Looser fit is super flattering
- Adjustable straps
Not suitable for high-impact activities
Shirt type:Tank top | Material: 89 per cent Nylon, 11 per cent Elastane | Colours:White, black, brilliant blue | Best for:Yoga, pilates
I have owned this cami for about a year now, and it is absolutely one of my most-worn workout tops for Pilates. The built-in shelf bra makes it ridiculously easy to grab in the morning when I’m half awake and headed for a 6am class, and it cuts such a flattering fit with the removable pads. I especially love how supportive the bra pads are. If you’ve ever worn a tank top with removable pads and dealt with the circle outlines across your chest, or that feeling that at any point, the pads might slip out completely – you’ll appreciate this tank. While the pads are removable, they’ve stayed put in every wash cycle I’ve done, and are thicker and more shapely. This not only helps out the itty-bitty-titty-committee of which I am a member, but avoids that cheap look that you often get with removable pads.
“i bought this a month ago and i love it,” says a reviewer. ” [It] doesn’t roll up. please please please make in more colours!!”
- Enough padding to add some lift if you’re after it, without being too much
- Adjustable straps
- Supportive enough for Pilates or strength training, can be worn over a sports bra for cardio
- The tight fit means the hem may ride up to the smaller part of your waist during cardio
Colours available: Black, Powder Blue, Vanilla | Best for: Pilates, streetwear
Part of Alix Earle’s favourite CSB collection, this Form Addison Tank is on the tighter side, but the padded shelf bra makes it somehow incredibly flattering. I’ve found it to be perfect for low-impact activities like Pilates, but it’s also great for strength training at the gym as it does have that tighter fit.
In terms of ease of use, I’ve found this to hold up in a cold wash (I haven’t tried it on a hot water load), though the padded cups do fold in on themselves so you often need to fix that — as with most crops or tanks with padding that isn’t sewn in. Overall, this tank is a 10/10 for me, and I can see why Alix Earle loves it — it’s functionally great for a range of activities but also looks great as streetwear over flares or leggings.
Best long sleeve tops
- Super lightweight
- Thumbholes for cooler weather
- Quick-drying
- Loose, comfortable fit
Limited sizes available in some colours
Shirt type:Long sleeve top | Material:95 per cent recycled polyester, 5 per cent polyester | Colours:Four various colours| Best for:Running, walking
I’ve owned this shirt for over a year now and it is my go-to running shirt for cooler weather. The way it falls on your body is so effortless, it honestly feels like nothing is there. This is all thanks to the super lightweight, quick-drying fabric that somehow keeps you warm and cool all at the same time, when running in winter. The thumbholes are great for those chilly mornings, and help to keep the sleeves from riding up. I’ve also loved this shirt for shoulder seasons like spring and autumn, to throw on over a sports bra when the air feels a bit brisk, knowing it can be easily taken off and wrapped around my waist if things get warm – it’s just that weightless. If you’re a runner, walker, or just want something to take the edge off on your way to training in the morning, this is a seriously great pick from New Balance.
Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 Waist Length, $109 at Lululemon
- Seamless construction
- Four-way stretch
- Sweat-wicking material
Shirt type:Long-sleeve top | Material: 50 per cent Nylon, 44 per cent Polyester (recycled), 3 per cent Elastane, 3 per cent X-Static Nylon | Colours:Six different colour choices| Best for:Running, walking
Super lightweight and sweat-wicking, this long-sleeve top has a slim fit that skims the body, cutting off at the waist so that it doesn’t cause distraction while running. It’s the long-sleeve iteration of Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech short-sleeve shirt, and has over 400 five-star ratings, with reviewers loving how breathable it is, even for sweaty activities. The thumbholes are also a crowd favourite, helping to keep things warm in chilly weather.
“Love this top,” says one reviewer. “Perfect length and sits really nicely on the body. I just wore this for a half marathon yesterday in the Melbourne cold and it was perfect. It’s been great for my winter long runs in the lead up as well. Highly recommend – I will say I had to size up about two extra sizes than I would usually wear at Lulu (bought a 12 when I am usually an 8) but this is a comfortable fit for me and is tight without being uncomfortable.”
What to look for when buying a workout top
Material
It’s important to look for sweat-wicking, breathable material when hunting down a workout top. Polyester and nylon often have sweat-wicking properties, and spandex can be helpful to add stretch. Steer clear of shirts that are 100 per cent cotton, as this will only soak up your sweat and become heavy. Also, it can be a good idea to lean toward shirts with a seamless construction, or flatlock seams, as these are less likely to becomes scratchy and cause distractions.
Purpose
Consider where and when you’ll be wearing your workout top, and most importantly – what type of exercise you will be doing. For activities like running outdoors, consider a lightweight shirt that offers good coverage, particularly if you’re running in the heat of the sun. If it’s winter, you might want to consider a long sleeve running top with breathable properties so you aren’t feeling stuffy when the heart rate rises. For low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates, you can have some fun with your more strappy, stretchy tank tops with built-in bras. You’ll want something more tightly fitted here, so you aren’t hit with a faceful of shirt when you’re in a downward dog pose. If you’re training at the gym, you might opt for something compressive that stays out of the way and keeps you focused.
The fit of your workout top really comes down to personal preference. You might prefer something cropped that cuts off at the waistline, or something with more coverage that hugs the hips. A racerback style can offer more freedom of movement, while a short-sleeve shirt may offer more sun protection if you’re headed outdoors.
How we chose these products
Our team of experienced writers spends hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
Want more activewear recommendations? Check out our top picks for running shoes,sports bras and running shorts.
Jessica SmithSenior Health and Wellness Shopping Writer
Jessica has been covering lifestyle content for four years and previously worked as a content writer for news.com.au, covering everything from health insurance to camping hacks. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media, and has bylines across news.com.au, checkout, Escape and Body+Soul, where she now holds the title of Senior Health and Wellness Shopping Writer. Most of her time is spent testing and researching all things skincare, activewear and wellness, to help Australians find the products they’ll truly love. She is a pilates fanatic, a keen traveller, and an open book ready to share anything and everything about her best recommendations, because there’s no gatekeeping here.
