Credit: Brands' own
Strong Women
The best gym tops for women for strength workouts, HIIT and cross-training
By Alice Porter
2 years ago
3 min read
Looking to upgrade your gym wardrobe? These are the best tops to invest in for strength workouts, HIIT and cross-training.
We often underestimate the importance of what we wear to the gym. How many times have you settled for an old T-shirt or the same vest you’ve been wearing since your uni sports team days? But finding activewear that works for you really can improve the way you work out.
That vest riding up while you were squatting probably didn’t help you reach full depth, and nothing will stop you from pushing yourself during a sweaty HIIT workout like the fear that you’re sweating through a badly made pair of leggings.
And if you’re excited to get dressed for the gym, you’re far more likely to make it there – especially on those early mornings when you’re staring at the outfit you laid out the night before and considering turning off your alarm.
Maybe you’re new to fitness and you don’t know what to wear for a specific sport. Or perhaps you’re looking to update your ever-expanding gym wardrobe so you can stop bothering your flatmates by using the washing machine every single day. Whatever your activewear needs, we’ve collated some of the best gym tops available to buy from leading activewear brands for every gym-based activity.
Best overall gym tops
WIT Logo High Neck Crop Tank
WIT’s racerback top will keep you cool and comfortable during any type of workout. The fabric is soft, and even after many many wash cycles, it doesn’t stick to you but still provides a flattering fit.
Lululemon Train To Be Shirt
Made from technology designed to prevent against odour, Luluemon’s short-sleeve training top will never let you down, whether you’re lifting heavy or climbing the stairmaster.
Best gym tops for strength training
Lorna Jane Strapped In Active Tank
Show off your gains with this fitted gym tank from Lorna Jane. It’s fitted, so it will stay put as you deadlift, but it won’t stick to you either.
WIT Derby Rib Crop Tank
A slightly thicker material makes this crop top ideal for strength sessions that don’t involve cardio. Choose from four different colours that will take you right through from upper to lower-body day.
Best gym tops for HIIT and sweaty workouts
Gymshark Training Crop Tank
Gymshark’s Training Crop Tank is the perfect barely-there gym top that will keep you cool during the sweatiest of workouts. Plus, with lightweight sweat-wicking fabric, there will be no visible sweat marks.
Lululemon Sculpt Cropped Tank Top
With mesh fabric panels, this top is designed for breathability, something you’ll be thankful for when you’re 30 minutes into that F45 session.
Best gym tops for cross-training
TALA Skinluxe Built-In Support Racerback Vest
TALA’s super popular Skinluxe collection is buttery soft and this racerback top has built-in support, which makes it great for squatting. The lightweight fabric means you can move straight onto burpees without feeling uncomfortably sweaty.
Asos 4505 Icon Crop T-shirt
This oversized crop top is airy and lightweight. It’s great for boxing sessions or a sweaty workout class that pairs strength work with cardio.
Represent Team 247 Oversized Tee x WIT in Black Camo
This T-shirt created by Manchester-based clothing brand Represent in collaboration with WIT is the perfect pump cover for a heavy leg day. And thanks to the breathable nature of the fabric, it will feel totally comfortable if that lower-body session involves sweaty treadmill sprints too.
Shop Represent Team 247 Oversized Tee X WIT in Black Camo, £70
Best gym tops for some extra coverage
Lululemon Swiftly Relaxed Long-Sleeve Shirt
It’s best to avoid gym tops that cling to your skin. But this doesn’t mean you can’t opt for fitted styles. This top is designed for running and training, while providing some extra coverage if that’s what you’d prefer.
Fabletics Feather Tech Long-Sleeve Top
This V-neck long-sleeve top is flattering and practical, with lightweight technology that will regulate your temperature, whatever the workout.
Sefi Timeless T-shirt
Sefi is an activewear brand that creates clothing you can wear to the gym or to brunch. This oversized top is comfortable and stylish for hitting the barbell or the bar.
Images: courtesy of brands
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