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The Best Workout Crop Tops for Mobility and Comfort
Treat yourself to a crop top that keeps you comfortable and flexible during workouts.
Working out is a personal experience and what you wear should be, too. Whether you prefer to rock a sports bra or a crop top, being comfortable in your outfit is crucial to getting the most effective workouts. We know that there are a ton of crop tops out there, so it’s important to find ones that are comfortable, fashionable, and allow for great mobility whether you’re looking to wear them to high-intensity workout classes, while on a run, or doing yoga.
We rounded up the best workout crop tops that support your chest, let your arms move, and keep you from overheating during your sweatiest and stretchiest workouts. Our recommendations include various styles, sizes, and materials, so you can find the crop tops that make you feel comfortable, capable, strong.
The Best Workout Crop Tops
What to Consider
Breathability and Comfort
The last thing you want during a workout is to be uncomfortable in what you're wearing. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to perform at your best, nor feel your best.
You might want a longer, flowy crop top for more coverage if you aren't comfortable in tight-fitting clothing when working out. Loose-fitting crop tops may be better for long walks and low-intensity activities, especially if you want something that can double as a casual piece of attire. For workouts like yoga, lifting weights, running, or dancing, you might want a snug fit that doubles as a bra and makes sure your shirt doesn't get in the way of your workouts.
Material
When it comes to the material of your workout crop top, look for those made out of materials that allow for elasticity. Spandex is a great material as it has an elastic quality, and it's strong, to prevent wear and tear. Other lightweight materials like nylon are great because they dry quickly and wick away moisture.
Most workout crop tops are made of a blend of various materials. For snug fits, make sure to look for that elasticity, whereas for loose fits, cotton blends might be enough to keep you comfortable.
How We Selected
As someone who has been hitting the gym for about a decade, focusing on cardio and weight-lifting workouts, I’ve experimented with my fair share of workout attire (crop tops included). To make this list of the best workout crop tops, I relied a great deal on my personal experiences keeping in mind the styles and materials that I've grown to rely on. We also sifted through online reviews for popular brands and models, making sure to keep price, durability, and comfort in mind to ultimately recommend the best workout crop tops out there.
Girlfriend Collective Moss Paloma Racerback Crop Bra for Working Out
Girlfriend Collective Moss Paloma Racerback Crop Bra for Working Out
Pros
- Sustainable brand
- Size inclusive
- Doesn't shrink in the wash
Cons
- Fit may be too snug for some
Girlfriend Collective's sustainability efforts aren't the only impressive thing about the brand—its clothes are thoughtfully designed, made with beautifully pigmented fabric, and sized as small as XXS and as large as 6XL.
This Paloma racerback crop is the perfect companion for yoga, running, or walking around town. While the snug fit is too tight for some, the support it offers is wonderful if you have large breasts. It isn't as supportive as we'd recommend for race days, but it's certainly supportive (and flattering) enough for a jog.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XXS–6XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Recycled plastic bottles, spandex |
| Colors | 6 |
Alo Cover Workout Tank
Alo Cover Workout Tank
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Provides an hourglass look
Cons
- Limited sizes
A lot of crop tops look just like cut-off shirts, but this one adds a bit of flair to its design with the inclusion of a twisted front piece. Not only is this top's design cute, but the cut is super flattering and hits at the right points on your waist and hips to give you an hourglass look.
It's also perfect for pairing with high-waisted leggings, as it shows a little bit of skin without being too revealing. While some dupes of this top have a knot in the middle that's uncomfortable for yoga poses like upward-facing dog, this one lays flat.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–L |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rayon, spandex |
| Colors | 5 |
Athleta Conscious Printed Crop Top for Exercise
Athleta Conscious Printed Crop Top for Exercise
Pros
- Built-in bra
- Removable pads
Cons
- Not as suitable for larger cup sizes
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective crop top, you can’t go wrong with this one from Athleta. It has a built-in bra (best suited for cup sizes A through C) that provides support for low-impact workouts.
If a more natural look is what you seek, the pads can be removed. This crop top is made with Athleta’s gentle fabric, which prevents chafing and uncomfortable seams pressing into your skin. Whether you’re doing some yoga or taking your dog for a walk, this racerback top is a great choice.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Nylon, lycra spandex |
| Colors | 1 |
Mippo Cropped Tank Top for Working Out
Pros
- Dropped armholes allow for mobility
- Affordable
Cons
- May need to size up if you’re taller or have a larger chest area
Not only is this top affordable, but it also comes in just about every color imaginable. It has a loose fit, which allows for more breathability, and is great for hot days when you don't want your workout clothes sticking to your skin.
Unlike some loose-fit tanks, this one has fitted arm holes, so it won't move around or require constant adjustment when you're exercising.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Modal, spandex |
| Colors | 16 |
Sanutch Crop Workout Top
Pros
- Flattering cross over design
- Can double as a top for a night out or casual errands
Cons
- May easily wrinkle
This top has a short crop with a cute crossover design in the front that hits just above your natural waist, and it's a tad longer in the back.
It comes in tons of different colors, and the front is actually double-layered, which helps prevent sweat-staining. Reviewers love the super soft fabric and the fit that's incredibly flattering on a variety of body types.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rayon, spandex |
| Colors | 18 |
FITTOO Long Sleeve Workout Crop Top
FITTOO Long Sleeve Workout Crop Top
Pros
- Material is stretchy
- Moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Not sold in plus sizes
If you’re somebody who likes to protect your arms while running, especially during the winter, this long-sleeve crop top will do the trick—and comfortably, since it's made with Spandex Polyamide fabric.
This top comes in more than 40 colors and has a wide hem so there is no squeezing on your ribs or stomach. Its seamless design makes it even more comfortable when stretching or running, preventing chafing and discomfort.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Spandex, polyamide |
| Colors | 44 |
Allbirds Natural Run Form Workout Tank
Allbirds Natural Run Form Workout Tank
Pros
- Support for high-impact activities
- Merino wool is odor resistant
Cons
- Not available in white
On particularly warm days, it's always nice to avoid wearing a sports bra under your tank—especially if you can do so without sacrificing support. This tank has a built-in shelf bra designed to keep your chest secure and comfortable, even during high-impact activities like running. It also contains merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XXXL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Tencel lyocell, recycled nylon, merino wool, elastane |
| Colors | 9 |
Pros
- 76% recycled nylon
- Reversible design
Cons
- Not as supportive for high impact workouts
This women’s racerback crop top is a great option if you’re looking for a new workout shirt that doesn't hurt the earth. This racerback crop top is made with 76% recycled nylon, and the UPF 50+ fabric protects your skin from UV rays, making it a great pick for working out outside.
It also has a reversible design, so you can switch up your look depending on the rest of your outfit. When you purchase one of these crop tops, you can rest assured knowing it was made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | Recycled nylon, lycra elastane |
| Colors | 4 |
Amazon Essentials Knot Front Cropped Yoga Tank
Amazon Essentials Knot Front Cropped Yoga Tank
Pros
- Relatively size-inclusive
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Tie may roll underneath the sports bra
When it comes to inclusive sizing, this crop top does it right as it is available in sizes XS to 3X. Its sleeveless design allows for full flexibility of the arms when exercising, plus it's machine-washable. Since the shirt’s material is on the thinner side, it provides breathing room and does not feel heavy or restrictive when worn.
This shirt not only has a cute cut featuring a knot in the front, but it also comes in 10 colors, so you can change up your workout outfit each time.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–3X |
|---|---|
| Materials | Pima cotton, modal, Elastane |
| Colors | 10 |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, the Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.
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