Best running tops 2024 to boost performance and improve comfort

The best running tops are often made of highly-breathable and sweat-wicking material so you can enjoy exercising for longer without feeling uncomfortable. After all, wearing a soggy, drenched running shirt with massive wet patches under the armpits is a look few people can pull off. These performance garments can keep your upper body cool and sometimes even provide some compression so your muscles feel more oxygenated.

As well as improving comfort levels, running t-shirts and tank tops can also enhance visibility. Savvy runners can use running shirts and vests all year round, making them a good investment in health. During colder months, combining running tops with the best base layers can result in you feeling warm and looking cool. The below performance tops are not to be confused with the best winter running tops; we have a separate guide for those. We also have guides on the best running shorts, the best running socks, and the best running shoes. Or best trail running shoes if you prefer to run off the beaten track. 

Best running tops to buy right now

The Brooks Atmosphere Singlet is one of the best-looking running vests we've seen in a while, especially the Indigo Rush/Honeydew colourway. It's part of Brooks' Run Within Collection, featuring gear that works on the run, at the gym, and anywhere else your sessions might take you.

We ran in the Atmosphere Singlet on some of the hottest days of the year, and even when we sweated buckets, the vest didn't get saturated with moisture, making the not-so-comfortable summer long runs more bearable. Long story short, the all-new technical DriLayer fabric has done its job perfectly.

As for comfort, the Brooks Atmosphere Singlet features minimal seaming at the back, allowing the fabric to flow "freely for natural movement", Brooks explains. Comfort is further enhanced thanks to the fabric's antimicrobial finish that keeps the top fresh between washes. A brilliant garment tailor-made for summer runs!

This running t-shirt from Adidas is created with yarn that features Parley Ocean Plastic which is made from recycled waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the ocean. So, by wearing this running top, you're effectively cleaning the ocean from plastic, Sort of.

Apart from being quasi-environmentally friendly, the Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirt is also good for keeping you cool, thanks to the ventilating mesh sleeve and back inserts that keep the air circulating around your skin as you run. The regular fit and the crewneck give this t-shirt a casual look whilst providing performance breathability. Perfect for those who don't want to look like a runner but still would like to enjoy the benefits of high-tech running gear.

The Transform Perfect Tank tries to bridge the gap between performance and elegance, offering a curved hem, racerback and peek-a-boo slit between the shoulders for both style and ventilation. The NB DRY sweat-wicking technology will keep you sweat-free, making you feel more comfortable running or working out.

The fitted silhouette was designed to feel snug at the chest and waist but allow a full range of motion without the excess fabric. The casual and comfortable crew neckline and the curved hem provide more coverage at the front and back, so you can feel more secure. A sports bra might be required if you are working out more vigorously.

To save on your purchase, make sure you check our New Balance discount codes. 

UA's Iso Chill cooling technology allows athletes to "perform measurably longer, feel more comfortable, and experience less physical strain during hot and humid weather", according to Under Armour. As well as being cool to the touch, the Under Armour Iso-Chill Perforated Short Sleeve Running Top also provides laser perforated air holes, which provides additional breathability and ventilation.

Thanks to the slim fit construction, this workout t-shirt won't flap around the waist, creating less drag and making you look slightly more presentable. That said, it's tight around the upper arm, which might not be to everyone's liking, but it does make your guns look bigger, should this be an important factor when buying a new workout top.

The lululemon Fast and Free Short Sleeve was designed from the ground up for runners and use a zinc-enhanced material that's sweat-wicking and also eliminates odour. This doesn't mean you should wear the top all day after your morning 15k, but at least it won't smell up the house after you hang it up to dry.

And since the No-Stink Zinc technology inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the fabric, you can wash the top less often, which is good for the environment (you'll use less water). The Fast and Free Short Sleeve features reflective details so you can be seen when running in suboptimal lighting conditions, a.k.a. early morning or late evening.

The Sundried Dom 2.0 Running Vest is part of Sundried's Eco Core range, and it lives up to the promise of being environmentally friendly: Dom 2.0 is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, making it one of the most sustainable running tops on this list.

It might be made from plastic, but that doesn't mean the Sundried Dom 2.0 doesn't have performance features. The fabric is sweat-wicking and has a multi-way stretch for added comfort. The Sundried Dom 2.0 is also lightweight, and thanks to the large armholes, it is also comfortable to wear. There won't be any chafing around the armpits running in the Dom 2.0.

The fitted, long-line design makes it ideal to wear even when you aren't running. There are three colours to choose from: White, Blue and Black, the latter being more of a dark grey than black. The logo at the back of the vest is reflective, and so is the trim on the sides for added visibility. The inseam at the top of the chest and the back can take some time to get used to, but they are far from irritating.

Although the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest is advertised as a trail running top, it works equally as well on the road and can even be used for workouts too, thanks to the stretchy fabric and Montrail's signature Omni-Vent moisture management technology: even during strenuous workouts, you won't have to worry about sweat-patches under the arm, making you all self-conscious.

The vest is low-cut under the arms, further enhancing comfort and moisture management, although it is worth mentioning that the fabric is a bit loose just under the armpit. This is not an issue in itself – women come in all shapes and sizes, after all – but since the rest of the vest sits close to the skin, in order for this top to perfectly fit you, you'd need a slim waist and a larger bust size, which admittedly is not the most common body type in women.

That aside, exercising in the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest is a good experience, and the top is also nice to look at (we tested the pink variety). The intricate pattern on the back is particularly eye-catching, and the overall look of the top is very pleasing. Better still, the fabric received antibacterial treatment, so it will stay fresher for longer. We recommend the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest for all types of warm-weather activities and outdoor sports.

If you are after a running top that will keep you cool for sure, go for the Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top. The titanium dioxide-infused, ribbon-shaped nylon fibres disperse and pull away heat at the same time. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring material and is used widely by the cosmetics industry. It can be found in sun creams, for example.

The Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top is fitted close to the skin but not muscle fit, so some air will get under the top to keep you even cooler. The fabric is also super bouncy and has a 4-way stretch construction for added freedom of movement.

Naturally, the fabric is also moisture-wicking and dries really fast – as you would expect from a decent running top. As an added bonus, there is a little pocket on the right-hand side for storing gels or other snacks, should you not have enough space in your running shorts. They are also reflective details to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

Sometimes, you need a bit of extra warmth but don't feel like putting on a long-sleeved t-shirt or a jumper. The dhb Merino M_150 base layer is for those days. This lightweight superfine merino wool top has outstanding thermal regulation properties and is constructed from high-quality superfine grade (18.5 microns) merino wool for a soft, luxurious and itch-free feel and natural anti-odour properties.

Merino is naturally breathable; moisture quickly evaporates when the fibres can’t hold anymore, helping you maintain your temperature and avoid overheating on sprints, climbs and hard efforts. Perfect for trail runners and hikers alike.

The Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick Singlet is really for the hottest days of the year or if you happen to be from Australia, for every day of the year. This running top is made of breathable, sweat-wicking fabric to help you stay cool and dry, a sensation further enhanced by the mesh panel at the back of the singlet.

In all honesty, I would buy this vest just because it's called a singlet, but then I'm a person who finds joy in the simple things in life and who is also easily pleased. The regular fit makes the Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick Singlet even more comfortable than it already is, and thanks to the aforementioned mesh panels, it really feels like you wearing nothing on the top of your body as you run. Should you prefer to feel that, it is a bonus, I think.

Better still, this singlet is made with recycled polyester to save resources and decrease emissions.

The TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training Top is part of TCA's Underground Collection and apart from looking extra sleek, the TCA D.R.Y. technology helps wick sweat away, keeping your skin cool(er) when you run. As an added peace of mind, TCA offers a 365-day no-quibble return policy on all items, including the TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training Top. If, for whatever reason, you are not happy with the garment, just send TCA a message, and they will provide a full return or exchange instructions. Easy.

How to choose the best running top for you

When choosing the best running top for you, there a few things you might want to consider before hitting the 'Order now' button.

Fit is an important factor and it can mean the difference between you feeling uneasy because your pot belly is accentuated or feeling comfortable and relaxed since nothing is on display that shouldn't be. For average-built joggers, the best option is to get a regular fit top that provides some coverage without being too tight and unflattering. For more athletic type bodies, a slim fit top might be a better option to still provide some insulation, especially at the beginning of your runs.

Fabric is also a concern: some elasticity can help your comfort levels, especially if you are in-between sizes. Most running tops are made of synthetic fabrics but as in the case of the dhb Merino Short Sleeve Base Layer, natural materials can also provide high-performance, too.

There is also design and how the running tops looks. We don't necessarily buy sporting apparel for aesthetics only but it can be the deciding factor between two similarly-specced pieces of garment. This is true both ways: if you are planning on blending in, the Nike Dri-FIT A.I.R. probably has a bit too much going on and you might want to opt in for something more plain-vanilla looking, like the Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirt, which is still a great performance running top, albeit a bit boring to look at.