Whether you're striving for 5K or you're a seasoned marathon runner, a comfortable women's running top with plenty of stretch and freedom of movement is essential. There are many decisions to make, though – are you after a top with pockets, a built-in bra, a crop top, or long sleeves? Do you prefer skin-tight or loose sportswear? Either way, we at mybest have got you covered.
From breathable sweat-wicking tops made by brands like Nike and Adidas to cold weather options from Under Armour, our countdown ranks the ten best running tops for women you can buy from John Lewis, Amazon and eBay, with ethically made, affordable and practical options for every body type and running level.
Quick List - Top Running Tops for Women
Adidas
Semi-Fitted Reflective Top Keep Your Body Cool and Your Mood High
Reebok
A Chirpy Running Crop with Removable Cups and Sweat-Wicking Tech
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In order to pick a running top that suits your body and the intensity of workout you enjoy, give our checklist a consider before shopping at a glance. That way you’re guaranteed to find a running top which looks good, feels great and lasts the years!
Think about the sleeve length of your running top in order to ensure your body is warm enough on chilly runs and well-ventilated when you're jogging in hotter climes. There are pros and cons to every sleeve length, so draw on your previous exercise experience to consider what works for you.
Long-sleeved running tops are a superb option for early-morning runs when the weather is chilly, or for autumn and winter runs in general when even a racing heart isn't enough to keep you toasty.
Plus, they're always a good pick if you prefer to cover your body while you run, whether for protection in the wilderness or any other reason.
A potential drawback is that you may get visible sweat patches on harder runs, so keep that in mind if this is something you'd rather avoid.
If you'd prefer something with protection that's a little more breathable, consider a design with a half-zip at the neck, which will allow you to cool down as your run progresses.
T-shirts are another comfy and practical running option, since your shoulders will be protected from the sun while your arms are free to soak up a little vitamin D and move unrestricted.
Running t-shirts are a good happy medium for anyone who likes their shoulders covered, whether it's for modesty, warmth, sun-protection or just their casual aesthetic appeal.
Lastly, we have the sleeveless option; a vest or sports bra. Going sleeveless allows excellent freedom of movement for your arms, so if you use yours a great deal as you run this could be a practical pick.
In terms of fit, opt for a looser-fitting vest top if you like lots of ventilation while you're out running.
Alternatively, a skin-tight sports bra top or running crop top may make you more streamlined and will cling to your body rather than billow out, which some find less distracting. It's ultimately a case of which makes you feel your most confident!
A clever option for runners with a larger bust is to buy a running top online with bra-like support built into the structure of the top. As well as extra support, this can save you wearing a separate sports bra underneath, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.
Though not usually in long-sleeved tops or those intended to be layered, this addition won't make your top too costly, so check the product descriptions to keep your bust supported even on fast, difficult runs or treadmill sprints.
Look at the label of your running top and make sure you know which materials to look for based on your preferences. Some use clever technology designed especially for sportswear, others are particularly good for humanity or the planet, and some are both!
Cotton (a natural fibre) and rayon (a semi-synthetic) may be mixed in too, and are also treated to be sweat-repellent. Cotton is more insulating so could make a top warmer overall, whereas rayon is more absorbent and cheaper to make, so higher percentages mean a more affordable running top.
While shopping for a running top that brings you joy, why not also keep an eye out for one that does something good for the planet?
Whether it's made by a team with great values, recycled fabrics, or a top where the proceeds go to a good cause, checking the ethics of your garms should be second nature these days. Run happier; know your clothes are kind.
For ethically-sound fashion that succeeds as activewear, consider bamboo viscose, a regenerated fibre made from the seriously sustainable bamboo plant. It's breathable, soft and, when blended with fibres of high elasticity, has an excellent amount of stretch.
Though it may seem like a simple matter of taste, there's more to picking the colour of your running top than meets the eye.
For example, if you are running in heat, light colours will be best as they reflect, rather than absorb sunlight. However, black and navy are also good colours for hiding sweat, and won't show up dirt or stains as easily.
Grey is best avoided if you'd rather side-step visible damp patches. Bold colours like pinks, blues and yellows keep you visible and create a mini mood-boost, as do patterns, so if you sometimes lack motivation for a run, select a top whose colours bring you joy no matter the weather!
Another running top feature you may choose to look out for is a reflective logo, strip or pattern which catches the light as you run. If you enjoy heading out at night time, you may feel safer with a top that draws the attention of cars, pedestrians and other runners.
Of course, while this can enhance your visibility to an extent, it's still sensible to consider a high-vis jacket or even a flashlight you can wear round your neck or waist, as these will make you far more visible to drivers and cyclists. Consider reflective tops an extra rather than a solution.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sweaty Betty Glisten Bamboo Top | ![]() | Slim-Fit, Seamless and Eco-Friendly with Antibacterial Properties | |
2 | Adidas Own the Run Short Sleeve Running Top | ![]() | Semi-Fitted Reflective Top Keep Your Body Cool and Your Mood High | |
3 | Reebok Running Essentials High Impact Sports Bra | ![]() | A Chirpy Running Crop with Removable Cups and Sweat-Wicking Tech | |
4 | Sweaty Betty Breeze Running Top | ![]() | Lightweight And Bright With Sweat-Wicking Fabric and Cooling Design | |
5 | TCA Women's Lightweight Fusion Running Top | ![]() | A Snug Long Sleeve With a Hidden Pocket | |
6 | Ronhill Stride Running Tank Top | ![]() | The Comfortable Racer-Back Vest That Won't Ride Up | |
7 | Under Armour Streaker Half-Zip Running Top | ![]() | An Easy-to-Layer, Breathable Half-Zip Top With Reflective Details | |
8 | Reebok Hero Racer Medium Impact Padded Sports Bra | ![]() | Freedom and Comfort for Medium Impact Everyday Running | |
9 | Nike Women's Miler Running Top | ![]() | Wear Your Running Motto on Your Chest | |
10 | Icyzone Women's Running and Yoga Tank Top with Support Bra | ![]() | Slinky, Strapped, Loose-Fitting Running Top |
Our winner is Sweaty Betty's eco-friendly, fully natural bamboo fabric long sleeve – a comfortable, conscious and stylish layer that can be worn for any workout. It's also warm, protective and insulating for outdoor runs on both the streets and on the trails.
With breathable cut-outs to keep you fresh and dry, the seamless slim-fit design provides comfort, and even has antibacterial properties to prevent odours sticking around. Choose from a range of neutral, natural colours, and get out there!
This T-shirt-style running top is soft and cooling, with 360 degree reflectivity provided by a light-reflecting version of Adidas's iconic three-stripe design. It's available in several uplifting colours too, like this on-trend peach.
The use of sustainably-sourced, recycled polyester means you're doing a little bit for the planet whilst conquering your PB, plus, Adidas use their 'climacool' technology so your body stays cool on sun-kissed jogs through summer and beyond.
This lovely lemon-hued bra is the ideal buy if you're into a range of sports on top of running, as it's secure and supportive – enough to suit high-impact activities such as spin classes or kickboxing as well as sprints.
Reebok use a combination of recycled polyester (helping reduce carbon emissions) and stretch-tastic elastane, to create a moisture-wicking material that helps you stay dry even on the sweatiest of runs. The removable padded cups mean you can control your own shape and easily throw it in the wash between workouts.
This long-sleeved top has lightweight fabric sewn into high-sweat areas, so it cleverly works with your body's design to keep you at a comfortable temperature. The addition of thumb holes on the ends of the sleeves mean it stays in place securely throughout your run, and a longer back panel keeps you covered.
Made from a sweat-wicking, fast-drying combination of polyester, cotton and elastane, the bright hue will boost your visibility along with a reflective motif, so you'll feel that bit safer running in low light.
This silky-smooth top boasts TCA's patented quick-dry fabric and fits close to your body, helping you feel more streamlined and confident as you run. But probably the biggest advantage is that it's one of the few running tops that has a hidden pocket, so you can zip your valuables up safely.
The thumb holes also mean it clings closely to you and you're neatly wrapped up when jogging in the wind or rain. The half-zip keeps you snug in colder moments but gives you the option to layer or undo for a breath of fresh air, too.
This stylish vest is a racer-backed running staple, offering the perfect balance of integrity and stretch. Plus, there's built-in support, and the longer-length torso ensures no distracting riding up or chance of a chilly waistline.
The fabric, which is made from high percentage of polyester, is breathable and pleasant to touch and can be conveniently machine washed at normal temperatures. Best of all, the smart design and simple colour help hide sweat, so it's ideal if you favour a discreet and inconspicuous workout.
This warm yet well-ventilated top made from a soft blend of polyester and elastane has convenient thumb holes and a half-zip, keeping you cosy on chillier runs, and secure without riding up or flapping open. You can snap it up it in a variety of subtle colours – the choice is yours!
Clinging nicely to skin without feeling tight, this top is also crafted using 'microthread' technology which avoids irritation on the skin and keeps you dry. The drop-hem keeps you well covered and warm too, and there are two reflective logos.
Optimised especially for medium intensity runs and activity, this cropped sports top is made of a blend of polyester and elastane that keeps your dry and cool by wicking away sweat from your body as you heat up. Its wide under-bust elastic section gives excellent support to any chest size.
It also has removable padding, so you can customise it to fit your body shape and the coverage you desire. Additionally, you'll notice mesh panels in the cross-shaped back of this top, which allow the breeze to caress your skin.
Nike have created this comfy, loose-fitting t-shirt in several bright, visibility-enhancing colours, made from a light and airy blend of polyester, cotton and rayon. A mesh panel at the back also provides extra breathability, which is particularly useful if you wear a running backpack.
As this top doesn't have built-in chest support, it's better suited to runners with a smaller bust or those who are happy to team it with their own sports bra. All in all, it's a colourful, motivational, and fun choice.
This backless running vest with a criss-cross detail is fairly-priced, looks chic, and it lets your body breathe on intense, sun-drenched runs or stuffy gym sessions. The in-built padded chest support means you'll feel totally comfortable and contained even on vigorous sprints, too.
Pick from a range of muted, low-key colours or a lively scattered triangle pattern, all of which include a mixture of polyester and spandex for durability and stretch. The only downside is you'll have to carefully hand-wash this vest to preserve its shape and softness.
If you're planning on turning self-isolation into a no-holds-barred workout sesh (which, by the way, we don't think you should pressure yourself to do – though it could be fun!) why not check out our suggestions for other cool accessories that make exercise at home a whole lot easier. Click the links to explore our ideas!
Well, there you have it! A list of all the smartest, stretchiest, most comfortable running tops for women you'll find online this year. Now you've read our simple buying guide, you should be a pro when it comes to choosing a running top that really works for you and your running technique.
Author: Annie Hopkins
No. 1: Sweaty Betty|Glisten Bamboo Top
No. 2: Adidas|Own the Run Short Sleeve Running Top
No. 3: Reebok|Running Essentials High Impact Sports Bra
No. 4: Sweaty Betty|Breeze Running Top
No. 5: TCA|Women's Lightweight Fusion Running Top
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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