One of the most popular items of women's fitness clothing is the sleeveless top or gym vest. Follow our guide to find out which type is best for you and for top style tips.

Women’s Sleeveless Top Styles

When it comes to working out there's a multitude of different style we can choose in a sleeveless gym shirt. Here are some of the best and most popular.

Racer Back

Racer back women's gym tops allow freedom of movement around the shoulder joint, ensure your straps stay in place whilst performing difficult moves, and allow your skin to breathe where it needs it most. Unlike traditional bra straps, a racer back top won't slip down your shoulders as you move and will be more responsive during a tough workout.

Cut out

Sleeveless tops with a cut out provide improved ventilation and a stylish, flattering style. Perfect for extra sweaty sessions and warm summer workouts, a cut-out gym top will allow your skin to breathe and for any perspiration to evaporate away and reduce the risk of chafing. Not only this, the cut outs can look incredibly fashionable and attractive. 

Strappy

Strappy tops are very popular in recent times as it becomes more of a fashion statement to let your colourful or patterned sports bra peek through. Strappy tops provide a flattering fit which is ultra lightweight, however support across the shoulders and chest is minimal so this fit is better for a more relaxed training session such as yoga or Pilates.

Drop hole

A drop hole style top is one with very loose arm holes which allows more freedom for your skin to breathe under your arms. These types of gym top are also great if you're worried about sweat patches as there is more space around the under arm instead of tight, clingy material. 

Crop Tops

Crop tops work well in summer or for strength training workouts where you don't necessarily need the protection. Working out in just a crop top or sports bra without a long vest over the top won't be for everyone, but some ladies prefer not to have close-fitting clothing restricting them and feel more relaxed and comfortable with less material. 

Stringer

Typically these are rocked by the men in the gym to flash their muscle, but women can rock the look too. A stringer fit allows freedom of movement at the shoulder blade and can work for women as long as they team it with a supportive sports bra.

Women’s Sleeveless Top Materials

Women's Sleeveless Tops Style Tips

1. Find a comfortable fit: Opt for tops which don’t drape or move too much if you're bending over. The last thing you want is for your clothes to be a distraction and mess up your workout.
2. Function first: Always opt for functional wear, rather than what’s in fashion, some trends may end up impractical.
3. Support: The right sports bra should support you enough that you shouldn't need any extra support from your gym t shirt, however often strapless tops have built in bras, these can be great for lower impact sports to wear bra free, or combine with your sports bra for higher impact workouts adding an extra layer of support.
4. Choose technical: The chances are you’ve opted for sleeveless because you plan on getting sweaty, so go for a top made with technical fabrics which will help keep you dry during an intense workout and enhance your performance.

Guide to buying a sleeveless top

Buying workout clothes requires you to look for different things than when you're picking outfits for you regular wardrobe. Opt for companies who specialise in workout specific clothing rather than casual wear to get the best from your performance. The highest valued workout gear is almost always valued for its durability and how long the clothing will last. This style of clothing is put under far more pressure than your regular clothing and so needs to be more robust, as well as being capable of supporting your every flex and move.

When buying a top, make sure you want to wear it. Your gym clothing can be motivational, without having a slogan. Gym Wear that looks good makes you feel good and encourages you to stick at it and achieve your fitness goals.