Workout Tops

Tanks and t-shirts are all purpose fitness wear

Choosing workout tops seems like a no-brainer, but judging by the number of women wearing their everyday shirts to the gym it seems many of us could use a refresher course. It’s important for athletic tops to fit right in order to avoid discomfort, chafing or unwanted exposure.

Athletic top styles

• Tank tops - Whether it’s a racer-back tank or has regular straps, pretty much anything goes as long as the tank top is fitted, not too thick and not too scratchy. Tank tops with built-in bras are great for women with small or average sized chests, but those with DDs will probably find the one-size-fits-all shelf bra doesn’t work for them.
• T-shirts - A t-shirt seems like the perfect fitness top, and if you buy the right one it can be. But don’t think you can wear just any old t-shirt. A workout t-shirt needs to be fitted, otherwise you may find yourself in the middle of a Pilates session with a shirt over your head and sports bra exposed. One hundred percent cotton t-shirts are a bad idea for those who work up a sweat because they trap and hold moisture against the skin.
• Long sleeves - You won’t need long sleeves if you’re working out in the comfort of a health club. But if you’re the type who ventures outside no matter the weather, you might find your long sleeve shirt is the most important workout top you own.
  

What to consider when buying workout tops

• Material - You want to choose a material that feels good against your skin. Hemp workout shirts sound like a great choice, and some are, but other brands are much too rough. You should be able to tell by feel if a shirt is going to chafe. If you’re shopping online find out if the garment is mixed with cotton, which can add softness, or if it was put through any special processing to increase comfort during physical activity.
• Label-free - If it’s not the material causing discomfort, it’s going to be the tags. Many shirts now come tag-free, with labels stitched right in.
• UV protection - Shirts with natural or added UV protection are essential for outdoor workouts, unless you plan to cover your body in sunscreen before putting your clothing on.
• Anti-bacterial - Tops with antibacterial treatments can cut down on odor and bacteria build-up.
• Length - If you are wearing low-cut workout pants it’s a good idea to pair them with a long shirt or tank top. Even a shirt that sits right at the waist will ride up when you start moving. A shirt with a bit of an overlap is good.
  

Cost

Basic cotton t-shirts and stretchy tank tops are some of the cheapest pieces of workout wear you’ll to find. If you’re not overly concerned with wearing name brand items you can get tops for around $5 to $20. Well-known brands often charge a premium for their products, whether they are using high-tech material or not, so if you’re going to buy from them you might as well get the best they’ve got to offer.