We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Workout Tops?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,824
Share

Workout tops are shirts specially designed to be worn during exercise. Generally, these tops are made from breathable, non-irritating fabrics and are constructed to allow the wearer comfort and uninhibited movement. Depending on their style, workout tops may also provide support or enhance the body’s ability to manage perspiration and regulate temperature. Popular women’s workout tops include sports bras and tanks, while common men’s styles include basketball tees and muscle shirts. Other styles, such as short- and long-sleeved T-shirts, can be unisex in design.

Sports bras and tanks are designed to support and restrain a woman’s chest during physical activity without causing discomfort or restricting her movement. These workout tops are often made from a blend of polyester and spandex, resulting in a material that is stretchy but also breathes well. Sports bras usually end beneath the chest, while sports tanks cover the midsection. Both types of top often have fairly wide shoulder straps, providing extra support during movement. In many cases, their seaming is flat or hidden, preventing chafing to the upper arms, armpits, and back.

Popular men’s workout tops include the muscle shirt and the basketball tee. Both tops are usually sleeveless, allowing the arms to move freely and preventing the buildup of trapped body heat, and are generally made from cotton or a synthetic blend designed for breathability. Muscle shirts are often fairly form-fitting and sometimes have low-cut armholes, allowing weights to be lifted and lowered without becoming caught on a loose T-shirt end. This cut also allows body builders to show off their progress by displaying the arms. Basketball tees are usually looser in fit and may simply resemble a T-shirt with its sleeves removed.

Some workout tops, like short- and long-sleeved T-shirts, are more or less unisex in design. Apart from simply covering the body, these tops are often intended to improve the exerciser’s performance and comfort by enhancing his body’s ability to regulate its temperature. This function is usually achieved through the use of special fabrics that draw perspiration away from the skin to the exterior of the garment, where it can then evaporate. In hot weather, trapped perspiration can cause the body to overheat, potentially causing heatstroke, while in cold weather it can quickly cool off, leading the body temperature to plummet dangerously. Thus these workout tops are a good choice for exercise in both hot and cold conditions.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Heavanet — On Mar 31, 2014

@raynbow- Workout T-shirts are also best when they are not too loose or too tight. A very loose T-shirt will have extra material that will get in the way while working out, or cause extra rubbing against the body that could be irritating. A tight T-shirt may not be comfortable, or may make the person wearing it hotter than if there was some movement in the shirt.

The best T-shirt for working should fit comfortably without excess flow of the material. It should also not fit so tightly that there is no room for movement.

By Raynbow — On Mar 30, 2014

I think that the most comfortable type of workout top is a plain cotton T-shirt. Not only is a cotton T-shirt comfortable, but it is breathable and flexible.

When selecting cotton T-shirts for working out, look for them in lighter colors. While darker colors have the tendency to hold heat to the body, lighter colors are cooler. They also don't attract heat from the sun when exercising in the outdoors.

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-workout-tops.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.