The best running tops for women reviewed (2023)

We've been testing many options to find running tops for women that perform brilliantly but are also more sustainable


by Kate Milsom |
Updated on

Running tops prioritise being lightweight and moisture-wicking, and are much more suited to sport activities than your everyday cotton t-shirt. The best running tops for women will also provide female-specific features to make your run more seamless and enjoyable.

These days, most running tops are made from technical fabrics which aim to regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable as you put in the effort over the trails. They should also feel good against the skin and provide a good fit and shape.

Our shortlist

Ronhill Tech Golden Hour Tee – Best in Test

Montane Dart T-Shirt– Best Value

Inov-8 Elite Base 3.0 – Best for Sustainability

Decathlon Kiprun Light – Best for hot weather running

The North Face Summit High Trail Run T-Shirt– Best for visibility

Black Diamond Lightwire Tech Tee – Best for size range

On Running Performance T – Recommended

Fohn Trail Lightweight Tech Tee – Recommended

Icebreaker ZoneKnit Merino Short Sleeve T-Shirt – Recommended

Badass Mother Runners Technical Tee – Recommended

Higher State Seamfree Long Sleeve – Best long sleeve running top

OMM Nitro Tank – Best running tank top

Some running tops on test here could also double up as running base layers, while others are made primarily for providing a cooling layer for efforts in hot conditions. All those tested are women-specific running t-shirts (don't worry, they're not all pink), while some are more tailored to the female form than a typical men's running t-shirt.

In this article, we've recommended some of our favourite running tops for women over a range of different styles and types. Whether you pair your running top with a running jacket or a mid-layer is up to you, and largely influenced by the season. There are many factors to consider when picking a running top, but here we've gathered a collection of the best.

Best running tops for women

Best in Test

Description

The Ronhill Golden Hour Tee may look like an unassuming colourful collage of a top, but take a

Pros

  • Super soft and comfortable
  • Good sustainability credentials
  • Breathable and sweat wicking

Cons

  • Colourways may not appeal to all

Best Value

Description

The Montane Dart T-Shirt is a technical running top for all seasons. As such, it’s a touch heavier

Pros

  • Affordable price-point
  • Soft and comfy
  • Made from 100% recycled material

Cons

  • A touch heavier than some

Best for Sustainability

Description

The Inov-8 Base Elite 3.0 is designed to be a running top and base layer. Made from almost 100%

Pros

  • Made from almost 100% recycled yarn
  • Well ventilated design
  • Feels durable and sturdy

Cons

  • Size up if you don't want a racing fit

Best for hot weather

Description

One of the most lightweight running tops we’ve come across, the Decathlon Kiprun Light feels silky

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Breathable and good airflow

Cons

  • No mention of sustainable materials
  • Sizes only go up to UK14

Best for visibility

Description

The North Face’s Summit High Trail Run T-Shirt is part of their technical trail running range

Pros

  • Highly visible
  • Breathable, lightweight and comfy

Cons

  • Less affordable than others here

Best for range of sizes

Description

This Lightweight Tech Tee from Black Diamond is made from nicely aerated, recycled material that’s

Pros

  • Sizes up to XXL
  • Primarily recycled fabric
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Material not as soft as others

Recommended

Description

Another whisper-thin option for running in hot conditions is the On Running Performance-T.

Pros

  • Lightweight and breathable

Cons

  • Less affordable than others here
  • No sustainable credentials

Recommended

Description

Getting our hands on the Fohn Trail Lightweight Tech Tee for the first time, we were surprised at

Pros

  • Feels durable
  • Higher coverage than others
  • Affordable sale price

Cons

  • A touch long in body
  • Less breathable than others

Recommended

Description

The Icebreaker ZoneKnit Merino T-Shirt stands out from the crowd due to its unique blend of

Pros

  • Comfortable and soft material
  • Made from sustainable materials
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Less affordable than others here

Description

This technical running top from Badass Mother Runners is made specifically for mums who love to

Pros

  • Fun motif
  • Affordable price-point

Cons

  • Not as much tech as others here

Best long sleeve running top

Description

A long-sleeved option for when runs are a touch colder, or you need that extra coverage from the

Pros

  • Comfortable and breathable
  • Good coverage
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No sustainable credentials
  • There's lighter and techier tops out there

Best running tank top

Description

The OMM Nitro Tank is one of the softest and lightest vest-tops we've come across for running.

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight and breathable
  • Soft and comfortable
  • UPF 15 protection
  • Woman-specific fit

Cons

  • Not made from sustainable materials

What to look for in a running top

woman runs through a forest

Material: Different materials have different merits. Polyester is highly breathable, while technical nylon is stronger and can have more stretch, but isn't quite as breathable. Merino is clever because it aids temperature regulation; it can therefore be suitable year-round.

Fit: Consider whether you prefer a skin tight fit, tailored, regular, or lose. Some women-specific tops will have a more of a tailored shape, while others you can play with the sizing to create the fit to suit your preferences.

Sustainability: Merino is always a favourite for many runners because of its properties and because it's a natural fibre. Synthetic materials are very popular too, but want you want to keep an eye out for is the quantity of recycled materials used. Many in this round-up are made from recycled polyester, while others have injections of Lyocell, which is a fibre made from wood pulp.

Take a look at the garment's certification, such as those from the Fair Wear Foundation and B Corp, as this demonstrates that the brand is operating responsibly and transparently.

Features: Mesh panels, sleeve length, anti-odour treatments, zipped, flat seams. There are lots of features crammed into performance running tops. Some are for comfort, some for breathability, some for warmth, and so on. Think about which are applicable to you and the conditions you're likely to be running in.

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