Best women’s running tops
Running kit need an upgrade? Here are 11 of the best women's running tops and vests to kit out your training sessions
A good-quality and practical women’s running top will make your run training sessions more comfortable.
But with so many options on the market it can be hard to know what to look for. So what makes a good running top?
How to choose a women’s running top
Look for a top that’s made from highly-breathable performance material that’ll prevent you from overheating and won’t take yonks to dry.
Also key is the cut and design. To avoid chafing and ensure maximum comfort, look for flatlock seams and thoughtfully-placed edges, so as not to rub and be uncomfortable.
Lastly, a stylish women’s cut and curved hem, or racerback straps on a vest, all go a long way to get you feeling suave and speedy in good measure when it’s time to lace up those running shoes.
Below, we round up some of the best women’s running tops out there. The list has been put together based on industry knowledge, analysis of user reviews, in-depth research and value for money.
Best women’s running tops
Asics Icon Short Sleeve
- £6.99
This sweat-wicking running top from Asics is a great budget pick for your running wardrobe at well under £10. It has a short cap-sleeve design with accent colour markings along the shoulders and down the length of the back.
A subtly asymmetrical hem aims to sit slightly longer at the back for added coverage, while Asics says there’s 360 reflectivity from reflective accents.
Choose from a variety of colours, including heathered blue, orange, turquoise and black. There’s also a range of sizes from XS to XL.
Dhb Aeron Short Sleeve Run Top
- From £15
Dhb says this is a super lightweight, high-wicking run top that’s minimalist yet premium. It uses ‘microfresh’ fabrics that are said to help keep runners cool and comfortable.
It’s also designed with a front panel and mesh back panel for breathability when running in warm conditions. There’s some discreet reflective detailing and a range of five colours, from fluorescent yellow and coral to a more toned-down lilac.
Montane Katla Short Sleeve T-shirt
- From £22.99
Made for endurance training and racing, this women’s running top from Montane is designed to be close-fitting with a tailored collar and flatlock seams for added comfort.
Constructed with Apex-Lite technology for moisture management, the fabric is said to be fast-wicking and chafe-free.
It’s finished off with reflective detailing at all angles and an eye-catching dual colour design.
Proviz Classic Women’s Sports T-shirt
- £29.99
If you’re after a highly conspicuous running top for sessions in low visibility conditions, Proviz’s reflective pick is worth considering. Along with the brand’s almost glow-in-the-dark run jackets and cycling jackets, you can grab fluro tops, leggings and torches, among other kit, to help keep you safe when training outside.
This women’s run top has a panel design with reflective strips under the arms that reach across the back, along with reflective logos on the front and back.
The material used aims to be moisture-wicking and is said to provide UPF30 protection. Proviz says it’s suitable for a range of activities, including running, cycling and walking.
If you’re not a fan of the purple, there’s also yellow, blue and pink options to choose from.
Under Armour Tech V-neck
- From £18.99
For those that extoll comfort above all else, you might want to consider this tech top from Under Armour, which the brand says is ultra-soft and natural-feeling thanks to the four-way stretch fabric.
The heathered grey top comes in a unique v-neck style and is designed to be moisture-wicking and lightweight.
Salomon Agile Tee-Shirt
- From £17.51
This simple run top from Salomon is made from a stretchy polyester that the brand says is quick-drying. Mesh is also used in places in an attempt to optimise breathability and comfort.
The lightweight top has a classic tee fit with ‘AdvanceSkin’ and ‘ActiveDry’ technologies, which are designed to wick moisture away from the skin so that the wearer stays dryer for longer.
Gore Wear Vivid Running Shirt
- From £35
This running top from Gore Wear is made for warmer weather conditions with fabric that aims to be quick-drying and highly moisture-wicking. A panel mesh construction is finished off with reflective details and built to be a slim fit for the wearer.
Dhb Women’s Run Singlet
- From £7
This is a no-fuss plain women’s running vest that dhb says is highly lightweight and breathable thanks to its temperature-regulating 37.5 technology.
The vest is designed to be fitted yet unrestrictive, with a front and back mesh for ventilation, plus reflective accents for boosting visibility.
Adidas Adizero Women’s Run Tank
- From £12.90
Made from recycled fabric, Adidas says that this running tank has been designed with performance at its core. This translates to a slim fit and stretchy, jacquard fabric with perforations for breathability.
Multiple reflective details aim to make this top visible at any angle, with a racerback-style cut included in an attempt to help keep body temperature down while running in hot conditions.
OMM Nitro Women’s Run Tank
- From £19.20
Crafted from an ultralight four-way stretch material, the Nitro tank is designed to keep you performing during off-road running challenges.
OMM says it wicks away moisture quickly and has UPF15 sun protection. The vest features a stylish, scalloped hem and is constructed in a women-specific cut.
Slight reflective details and a bright yellow colour should improve visibility when on the go.
Salomon Cross Run Women’s Tank
- From £13.99
This women’s running vest from Salomon uses the brand’s AdvancedSkin and ActiveDry technologies, which aim to provide high breathability, a decent range of motion and effective moisture-wicking.
The lightweight top is said to have an active fit with a racerback style and some small reflective details.
Kate Milsom
Freelance sports journalist 
