Workout tops for women: crop top, tube top or tank?

The top is the piece where most people compromise. Either it fits like a sports bra and looks like one, or it looks good and does nothing. We make four kinds of tops, and they have different jobs. Here is how to choose by the session, not by the picture.

Crop top with padding: support you decide on

A crop top with removable padding is the most flexible top. With the padding in, it is a sports bra for lighter sessions. Without it, it is a short tank over a bra you already own. Lux Crop Top Black/White/Gold and Lux Crop Top Maroon/White have removable padding, an open back or racerback for full freedom of movement, and a fabric that is completely opaque. W-Sport Top Silver and W-Sport Top Gold have the same padding in a sculpting fit with a narrow racerback, made to match the Iconic leggings.

Tube top: support without straps

A tube top has no shoulder straps, so it works under a blazer and on the beach as well as on the yoga mat. Athletic Tube Top Navy and Athletic Tube Top White have double fabric over the bust for support during lighter activity, a fitted shape that marks the waist and Swedish-made performance fabric. The white one can be worn for swimming.

Seamless top: nothing that chafes

Seamless technology means the top is knitted in one piece and wraps the body without seams that dig in. Seamless Spirit Top Fawn Brown and Seamless Spirit Top Green have a sports bra function that stays in place, in warm fawn beige or green. Go one size up, they run small.

Tank: when you want coverage and shape

A tank covers more and shapes more. Our tanks have sculpting seams and contrast panels that define the waist. Goldline Black Tank and Slimline Sculpting Tank Dark Grey are the two to start with. Deluxe Top Black on Black is the soft alternative: black-on-black print, supple fabric, true to size, for studio and everyday. Read more in the guide to workout tanks.

Which top for which session?

Strength and gym: crop top with padding, so the support is there when you need it. Yoga, pilates, walking: seamless or tube top, nothing that presses. Running: crop top with the padding in, or a tank over a sports bra. Tennis and padel: a tank, because it covers and moves with the stretch.

Which back suits which training?

Racerback for anything where the arms go above the head. Open back for heat and movement. Tube top when the straps should go entirely. All our tops are moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

Which size should you choose?

Lux, W-Sport, Athletic and Deluxe: your usual. The Seamless tops: one size up.

All tops are under workout tops for women. See also leggings to wear them with.