The best women's running tops perform an important role when you're pounding the tarmac or tearing up trails. They provide a barrier against the wind, while wicking away sweat to help you regulate your temperature. We literally sweat liters when running, so a good running top needs to be fast drying so to not weigh you down.
Just as important as warmth and temperature regulation is freedom of movement. The best women's running tops are the ones that barely feel as if they are there at all. These days, lightweight, stretchy fabrics should mean you are never impeded when striving for that illusive PB.
So, just as you wouldn't swap your best trail running shoes for a pair of normal trainers, you shouldn't swap a high performing running top for any old cotton t-shirt. The best women's running tops simply give you a much higher level of comfort and performance.
In this guide we feature the finest long-sleeved tops, perfect now fall is upon us for grabbing that hydration pack and setting out on a chilly dawn raid or a sunset escapade. We also detail the best short sleeved tees and what we think is the best vest top too. Whatever your preference, there's one of the best women's running tops waiting for you below.
Long sleeves
Black Diamond claim their Long Sleeve Rhythm t-shirt is the world’s lightest ultimate high output, breathable layer, and weighing in at just 104 grams, they can’t be too far off. This high quality base layer comes in a classic design but is made using Nuyarn merino wool technology which is touted as lighter, faster drying and 35% more stretchy than standard merino.
Sure enough, this soft, featherlight top is designed for movement, with a slim-but-not-tight fit, underarm panels to aid movement and a wide crew neck. It’s thin enough to fit under any mid layer in colder weather, makes the perfect breathable trail running top for when you’re covering a lot of ground in cooler temperatures and looks and works great for everyday use too. It holds up to a lot of action without needing to be washed after every adventure, so though it comes at a premium price, you’ll barely take it off once you pull it on.
The Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top is entirely made with merino wool – a magic material that keeps you warm when you need it to, but which can also cool you down when conditions are hot (those sheep are smarter than they look). Merino wool maintains it warmth-giving properties when wet, but garments do become heavy if soaked through.
New Zealand company Icebreaker very early on recognized the potential of this fabric for an outdoor-active audience, and they remain way out in the lead when it comes to producing classy and quality garments made from merino, such as this base layer, which is 100% straight off the sheep’s back.
Best women’s running tops: short sleeves for mild temps
The Artilect Sprint Tee is a very comfortable half merino half nylon blend known as Nuyarn Speed-Lite, combining the natural anti-odour properties of the former with the stretch and quick drying features of the second. The fit is relaxed and quite generous for a size M women’s, it’s not tight-fitting but not loose either, and it’s long in the body for both sexes so will suit taller people or those who like to tuck their t-shirts into their leggings for warmth. It’s very smooth next to the skin thanks to the superfine 18 micron non-mulesed Australian merino wool, hurrah!
(Mulesing is a painful practice which involves cutting lambs around the tail area to create stretched scar tissue without folds and wrinkles that can attract blowflies which cause potentially fatal flystrike. The RSPC considers it unacceptable to breed sheep susceptible to flystrike and urges everyone to use non-mulesed wool.)
The stretch element means you have full freedom of movement whatever you use this t-shirt for, but be careful as merino wool does create a more delicate fabric than a fully synthetic weave. It dries very quickly after use or washing too. The reflective tape sewn into the flat-locked side seams is a final ingenious touch for use in the dark.
Read our Artilect Spring Tee review
This lightweight, technical tee is made for running in cool to warm weather. The ultra soft material and active fit provide chafing-free comfort on the trails, bolstered by moisture-wicking and quick drying technology.
Keela manufactures all their clothing at their own factories in Scotland and were the first Scottish clothing manufacturer to sign up to the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. Even though this tee is made using polyester rather than natural fabric, it’s been treated with an anti-bacterial component that stops the growth of odor-causing bacteria, reducing sweat smells which means you wash the garment less often and keep it out of landfills longer.
This running top promises to keep you cool during high intensity movement. It is a stylish and lightweight technical tee that fits neither snug nor loose, making a great alternative to tank and long-sleeve styles.
This top is made from Cool-Lite, a lightweight and breathable fabric blend of merino wool, TENCEL and nylon, which is designed to wick moisture away from your body and regulate body temperature, so it’s intended for hefty runs on warm days but also keeps you warm in cool weather. It features an eyelet mesh back for full ventilation, underarm gusset for mobility, and offset shoulder seams meant to prevent pack rub if you’re wearing a hydration pack.
This lightweight running top promises advanced cooling technology for warmer days on the trail wrapped up in a soft, stylish tee. It’s crafted from Columbia’s own Omni-Freeze fabric designed to react with your sweat to lower the material’s temperature when you work out.
This short-sleeve top is designed to be slim-fitting and stylish, made from super soft, stretchy fabric. It also provides moisture-wicking and odor-controlling technologies.
Best women’s running tops: light vests for warm days
This ultra-lightweight, slinky racerback makes for a versatile top that you’ll be happy to wear for long trail runs and afterwards to cool down on the yoga mat. As you’ll have guessed by the brand’s name, Gym+Coffee has lots of stylish athleisure wear and is great for gym goers, but this item definitely works as part of your trail kit too. Made from breathable fabric, it wicks away sweat on the trails and dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable, and whatever you're doing in it, the T-shaped back means it moves with you with lots of stretch and no annoying seams or zips.
The silky synthetic fabric feels fabulous against your skin and the fit is classic racerback – high necked, slim and flattering without being skin tight. Reflective details on the left chest and low back offer protection for night runs. With a budget friendly pricing, there’s basically no reason not to add this to your running kit.
| Running top | Price | Style | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond LS Rhythm Tee | $110 (US) / £80 (UK) | Long sleeve crew base layer | Trail running, hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing |
| BAM Bamboo Women’s Tregarrick base layer | £44 (UK) | Mid neck long sleeve base layer | Trail running, hiking, camping, winter sports |
| Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top | $95 (US) / £75 (UK) | Long sleeve crew base layer | Trail running, hiking, camping, winter sports |
| Artilect Sprint Tee | £65 (UK) / $65 (USA) | Crew neck T shirt | Trail running, hiking |
| Keela Trail Short Sleeve top | £29.95 (UK) | Crew neck T shirt | Trail running, hiking |
| Icebreaker Women's Cool-Lite Amplify Short Sleeve Low Crewe T-Shirt | $75 (US) / £65 (UK) | Crew neck T shirt | Trail running, hiking, base layer |
| Columbia Women's Zero Rules t-shirt | $40 (US) / £30 (UK) | V neck T shirt | Trail running, hiking |
| Gym+Coffee Women's Activate Vest | $37 (US) / £25 (UK) | Racerback vest | Trail running, summer hiking |
What to look for in the best women's running tops
Like any article of performance clothing in your kit, what makes for the best women's running tops is a very subjective experience and a lot of it comes down to personal preference. There are, however, certain factors to consider that will influence your choice, like the weather and the climate.
If you tend to do most of your trail running in the summer or in a milder climate, or just don’t love having sleeves when you’re running, then you’ll be happiest in a vest style top. Of course, on chilly days you can easily layer a long sleeve base layer or running jacket on top, so your vest tops don’t have to get packed away for winter.
But if you’re looking for something that will protect you in cold weather or from the sun, then you’ll want to consider a long sleeve running top. These might cost a little more up front, but of course you can use them as a base layer for hiking, camping and winter sports too.
Finally, some of us prefer a good old fashioned t-shirt-style top. These can be a little more awkward to layer on top of, but they provide a nice mid-point between hot and cold weather attire and some sun protection for your shoulders.
The following are some factors that are worth considering whatever season and weather you’re running in to ensure adequate protection and comfort.
Comfort
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When you're already challenging yourself on the trail, the last thing you want is for your clothes to be uncomfortable. There are a lot of factors that play into comfort, from the fit of your running top to the material it’s made from. The best women's running tops are made using soft fabric that’s not too tight anywhere and don’t have annoying seams that rub.
Breathability
You’re always going to be working up a sweat on a run, so perhaps the most important factor when it comes to running tops is whether it wicks away moisture. Good breathability means you won’t get clammy or chilled no matter how hard you run, and the best women’s running tops dry quickly on the drive home.
Stretch
Whether you prefer a slow jog or like to spring up the side of the mountain, it’s always good to have a bit of dynamic stretch in your running top so you can move your arms with ease. Fortunately, the best women's running are designed with freedom of movement in mind. Look for a percentage of elastane or spandex in the material make-up of your running tops – any mention of four-way stretch is a good sign.
Odor control
Lots of the best women’s running tops are now treated to help with odor control, which means that you can wear them a few times without having to wash them. This means your running top lasts longer and your purchase is better for the environment.
Protection
Depending on the weather, you will want protection from wild weather and sun. You can achieve this either with a long sleeved top, or by layering a running jacket over a short sleeved top. Check the Ultraviolet Protection Factor – UPF – rating of your running tops if you’re planning on being outside a lot in fair weather during the middle of the day.
Durability
Not only do running tops have to hold up to a lot of sweating, you’re also likely to be wearing yours with a running backpack or hydration vest if you’re on a longer trail run. The best women’s running tops can withstand the rub of your pack straps and still look like new after a run.
What to do with your old running tops
Running tops can last an extremely long time, and even if the stitching goes under the arms, you can extend their life by sewing them back up (the repair doesn't have to be neat; it won't be visible).
There isn't huge demand for most second-hand running tops, particularly free T-shirts from races, so if you're not going to use yours, consider repurposing them as painting or gardening clothes. Once they're thoroughly worn out, you can submit them for textile recycling, but make sure they're not going to a program that will just ship them to another country to sit in landfill. Your local authority or city website should provide details of textile collection and recycling facilities near you.
