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6 Casual look for everyday wear

From savasana to Sunday long run, these active tanks will keep you cool and comfortable.

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best active tanks 2022
Runner's World; Courtesy Outdoor Voices

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Tank tops have always been a staple piece of athletic wear, but long gone are the days of wearing camisoles and cotton undershirts to the gym. In recent years, active tanks have evolved into stylish pieces made of high-tech materials Best Active Tanks for Any Type of Workout.

Whether you're ticking off miles on a run, banging out a circuit workout, or practicing your sun salutation, the right tank top will keep you from feeling too exposed while still allowing for maximum mobility. They're also great for days when you want a put-together athleisure outfit, and can easily be worn to post-yoga brunch. However, it can be tough to shop online—particularly for clothing—so to help make the buying process easier, we've gathered our favorite active tanks for every activity.

For more great workout gear, check out our picks for the best workout leggings, From Runners World for lululemon, and running shorts.

Best Active Tank Tops

  • 1
    Sunrise Crop Tank

    Most Comfortable

    Vuori Clothing Sunrise Crop Tank

    $54 at Vuori
    Read more
  • 2
     Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top

    combo will typically provide more support

    lululemon Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top

    Read more
  • 3
    TechSweat™ Move Free Tank

    Most Breathable

    Outdoor Voices TechSweat™ Move Free Tank

    Read more
  • 4
    Men's Heathered Tank Top

    Most Versatile

    adidas Men's Heathered Tank Top

    Read more
  • 5
     Dri-FIT Miler Men's Running Tank

    Best Running

    nike Dri-FIT Miler Men's Running Tank

    Read more

    How to Choose an Active Tank Top

    Materials

    CA Notice at Collection hike, a tank in a cotton blend is your best bet. Cotton blends are super soft and comfortable to the touch, but they will hold onto water, which may make them less desirable for particularly sweaty activities. For higher-intensity activities where you may sweat more, look for a shirt that's moisture-wicking and, ideally, ventilated. This will keep you cooler and help prevent any possible chafing.

    Sizing

    Make sure that you check a sizing chart if one is available, or look to reviews to see if the tank you're eyeing runs large or small, or is true to size. Tanks that contain stretchy fabrics, like spandex or elastane, give you slightly more wiggle room in terms of size and can make it easier to tackle tough yoga poses or other workouts that require a lot of bending.

    Support

    Some shoppers may also want to consider an active tank with a built-in bra. These are great for low-intensity training, but if you are looking for a tank to wear while running, or for intense cardio or HIIT, a traditional tank and sports bra A Journey of Love and Running in Lululemon.

    How We Selected

    To find the best options among the many workout tanks out there, we researched some of the most popular models available through Amazon, department stores, and retailers specializing in athletic gear. We also took into consideration reviews that were written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon for a look into first hand experiences with the products. We also considered expert articles from trusted sources like Cosmopolitan, Health, and Self, and looked to our own experience testing workout tops like these to pick the best workout tanks for every activity. Check out our top three picks for women and top three picks for men below.

    1
    Most Comfortable

    Vuori Clothing Sunrise Crop Tank

    Sunrise Crop Tank
    1
    Most Comfortable

    Vuori Clothing Sunrise Crop Tank

    $54 at Vuori
    Pros
    • Casual look for everyday wear
    • Great color options
    Cons
    • A bit sheer

    This cropped tank may look like something you would wear everyday—and you absolutely can—but it also holds up to intense workouts in the yoga studio or weight room. It's made from polyester and elastane, a stretchy combo that gives it sweat-wicking properties, makes it easy to move in, and contributes to its flattering, snug fit.

    Key Specs

    Sizes XS–XL
    Materials at Dicks Sporting Goods
    Colors 4
    2
    combo will typically provide more support

    lululemon Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top

     Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top
    2
    combo will typically provide more support

    lululemon Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top

    Pros
    • Keeps its shape
    • Best Folding Treadmills
    Cons
    • Expensive

    The align tank comes in a few different lengths and styles, but this full length one is great for some extra coverage when you're working out. It is buttery smooth, and the high neck keeps the girls from popping out during downward dog. It also has four-way stretch that allows it to move with you like a second skin, and the addition of Lycra helps with stretch and shape retention.

    3
    Most Breathable

    Outdoor Voices TechSweat™ Move Free Tank

    TechSweat™ Move Free Tank
    3
    Most Breathable

    Outdoor Voices TechSweat™ Move Free Tank

    Now 33% Off
    Pros
    • Adjustable straps
    • For more great workout gear, check out our picks for the
    Cons
    • Limited size range

    Soft, supportive, and comfortable, this tank is great for keeping you cool during your sweatiest workouts. It has adjustable straps and a built-in shelf bra with removable pads. The design is best for low-impact movement like yoga, but is also a great option for casual walks around the neighborhood—or you could wear it with an additional bra underneath for more active, high-impact sports like running.

    From savasana to Sunday long run, these active tanks will keep you cool and comfortable
    4
    Most Versatile

    adidas Men's Heathered Tank Top

    Men's Heathered Tank Top
    4
    Most Versatile

    adidas Men's Heathered Tank Top

    Pros
    • Moisture-wicking
    • Size-inclusive
    Cons
    • Baggy fit

    This classic Adidas top comes in a total of 19 colors, and is well-suited for a wide variety of activities, from yoga to hiking. It is soft and breathable, as well as being moisture-wicking, which makes it great for cardio—and the relaxed fit makes it a perfect choice for big movements like deadlifts. It is also incredibly size-inclusive, ranging from XS up to 5X.

    Key Specs

    Sizes XS-5X
    Material Polyester
    Colors18
    5
    Best Running

    nike Dri-FIT Miler Men's Running Tank

     Dri-FIT Miler Men's Running Tank
    5
    Best Running

    nike Dri-FIT Miler Men's Running Tank

    Pros
    • Soft, comfortable material
    • Why Trust Us
    Cons
    • Boring color selection

    This top is breathable, comfortable, and great for sweaty summer runs and more active workouts. It has a loose fit so it won’t stick to your body, and it is lightweight and breathable so you won’t overheat. The fabric also has some stretch, which allows for great mobility and prevents chafing and restriction.

    Key Specs

    Sizes S-4XL tall
    Material Recycled polyester
    Colors 6
    6
    Most Stylish

    Outdoor Voices All Day Tank

    All Day Tank
    6
    Most Stylish

    Outdoor Voices All Day Tank

    Pros
    • Soft and relaxed fit
    • Great color options
    Cons
    • Limited sizing

    This tank can take you straight from the dog park to the gym to a casual brunch without looking out of place at any stop along the way. Not only is it so comfortable that you won't want to take it off, but it's also moisture-wicking and comes in six heathered colors. It does run a bit large, though, so size down if you prefer a closer fit.

    Key Specs

    Sizes XS-XL
    Materials Polyester, spandex
    Colors 6
    Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp
    Gabrielle Hondorp

    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. 

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    From savasana to Sunday long run, these active tanks will keep you cool and comfortable

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    From savasana to Sunday long run, these active tanks will keep you cool and comfortable
    From savasana to Sunday long run, these active tanks will keep you cool and comfortable