Best Women’s Running Tops 2023
Take a look at our selection of some of the best women's running tops to support you through your training
A running top is an essential piece of kit which can help to keep you cool, visible and dry during your training.
Along with choosing the right running shoes and bottoms, picking the right running top is an important step in ensuring that your gear is on point.
In this article, we’re going to bring you the main things you need to know about shopping for a running top, and also pick out five of the best options out there at the moment from a variety of high-quality brands.
So, with the introductions out of the way, it’s time to start taking a look at some of the main considerations to think about when shopping for and selecting a women’s running top.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
Shopping For A Running Top – Things To Consider
For the purposes of this article, we’re going to be bringing you our selection of short sleeve running tops. However, if you’re looking for a long-sleeved option, bear in mind that most of the tops we’ve featured below are available in long sleeves versions too. Have a browse of the official brand website to see what’s on offer.
Not all running tops are created equal. Here are some of the main things to bearn in mind when looking to find the best running top for you.
• Material – Generally speaking, most modern-day running tops are made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. This is because these materials offer good breathability and are also quick drying to help keep you both cool and dry. That being said, if you do prefer more natural materials such as cotton, there are some options out there. Most brands will show the details about the materials used on the description part of the product page.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
• Colour and Style – Next up, it’s worth thinking about the colour and style of top you’re looking for. If you tend to run outdoors, it may be wise to pick a lighter coloured top to help with visibility. Many of the best running tops also feature reflective elements to help keep you more visible. As we mentioned above, the tops we’ve featured on this page are all short-short sleeved options, but most of them are also available in long-sleeved versions.
• Brand – If you have a preferred brand for your sportswear, then that may be a good place to start your research. All of the tops we’ve featured below come from well-established sportswear brands with track histories in the industry. That being said, it’s never a bad idea to do some of your own research into the brand you’re looking at.
• Price and Customer Reviews – Finally, it’s important to consider the price and the reception amongst customers. You can have a browse of the official brand website to see what options are on offer in different price ranges. Additionally, checking out some forums and social networking websites such as Reddit can help you get a good feel for what customers are saying about the products you’re looking at.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
Best Women’s Running Tops 2023 – Our Pick
So, now that we’ve covered the introductions and some of the main things to think about when it comes to picking a running top, it’s time to reveal out pick of five of the best options out there at the moment.
All of the tops featured below were available to buy directly from the official brand websites at the time of writing, but you may also find some of them in your local sportswear store. All of the tops below are available in a range of different colours as well as the ones pictured.
1) lululemon Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0
Where to buy: www.lululemon.com
(Photo: lululemon)
The first option on our list is the lululemon Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0. Designed specifically for running and training, this top has minimal seams to help reduce chafe and is made from a blend of nylon and elastane. It’s a slim-fit option and sits below the waistband for moderate coverage. The top has a mesh construction for maximal breathability and has added elastane for better stretch and shape retention. The top is available in a wide selection of different colours to suit all styles and tastes.
2) Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0
Where to buy: www.gymshark.com
(Photo: Gymshark)
Next up is the Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0. Gymshark have established themselves as one of the most trendy training-wear brands in recent years, and their Vital Seamless 2.0 top is a great option for both running and training. Made from 100% nylon, this top (as the name suggests) has a seamless design for optimal comfort and has a lightweight feel with a loose fit. It features a heat-sealed Gymshark logo on the top left of the chest, and comes in a range of nice colours.
3) Under Armour Streaker Run Short Sleeve
Where to buy: www.underarmour.com
(Photo: Under Armour)
The next option on our list is the Under Armour Streaker Run Short Sleeve. This top is made from a blend of polyester and Elastarell and has been designed to wick away sweat quickly to keep you dry and comfortable – while also being stretchy. It has mesh panels for added ventilation and features reflective details for added visibility in lower-light conditions.
4) Nike Dri-FIT UV One Luxe
Where to buy: www.nike.com
(Photo: Nike)
The next choice on our list is the Nike Dri-FIT UV One Luxe. Nike really need no introduction as one of the biggest sportswear brands in the world. This top has been designed to be a go-to option for a range of different activities, including running, yoga and HIIT sessions. As part of the Nike Luxe line of items, it’s made from a buttery-soft material for optimal comfort (it’s a blend of polyester, spandex and lyocell). It has some reflective details for added visibility and comes in a small selection of colours.
5) Adidas Own The Run T-Shirt
Where to buy: www.adidas.com
(Photo: Adidas)
The final choice on our list is the Adidas Own The Run T-Shirt. Adidas are one of the biggest names in the sportswear world and have a proven track-record in the industry. Designed to be your go-to running top, the Own The Run T-Shirt is made from 100% polyester and has reflective details for added visibility in low-light conditions. The top uses Adidas’ Aeroready technology to absorb moisture and keep you comfortable and dry while you’re running. Made from a breathable fabric, this top comes in a wide range of different colours.
Anything Else To Bear In Mind?
If possible, we do recommend popping down to your local sportswear store so you can try on a few different tops and see how they fit.
If you’re shopping online and not in a physical store, be sure to familiarise yourself with the size guide on the official brand website to help you choose the right fit.
One other thing to consider is the returns, refunds and exchanges policy of the site you’ll be shopping from. It’s worth having a read of the terms specific to the site you’ll be using so that you’ll know where you stand if you have to return your items for any reason.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
Wrapping Things Up – Our Final Thoughts
So, that brings us to the end of our look at the best women’s running tops. We’ve walked you through the main things to think about when shopping for a running top and have also picked out five of the best options on the market at the moment.
We have placed the lululemon Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 at the top of our list, but all of the women’s running tops featured on this page are solid choices to help support you during your training.
