AMR Gears Up: Running Tops and Tanks

If your “bottoms” drawer is anything like mine—Dimity’s—it’s filled with black shorts, navy blue leggings, dark grey bike shorts. In other words, when you’re covering your bottom half for a workout, you’re apt to keep it dark and neutral.

On top? A different story. Bring on the fun prints, the bright colors, a variety of silhouettes—provided, of course, the tops still wick sweat, don’t chafe, fit well and flatter. Which is exactly what these nine tops and tanks featured below do. Our AMR Team and some BAMRBassadors took them out for more than a few miles to see how they work on real bodies in real life. The result is nine of the best running tops of 2024. Check them out, especially if your “tops” drawer could use a fresh addition.

Tracksmith Twilight Tee

Price: $70
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: M
Size Typically Worn: S/M

Cathy is pretty much obsessed with all aspects of this tee: the color; the design, including seams that provide structure; the lightweight, soft material. On a six-mile sweaty hike, “this tee held up its part of the bargain, keeping me comfortably by wicking sweat and not feeling heavy.” Her only concern? The price. “But hear me out,” she says, “This can be a base layer in the winter and worn alone for the rest of the year. You’ll reach for it again and again because of the comfort and fit.” One note: Tracksmith tends to run small, so we recommend sizing up.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Taylor Swift. The sage green color feels perfect for the Folklore/Evermore section of the Eras Tour.

Price: $55
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: XL
Size Typically Worn: XL

Tester Monica, not typically a tank wearer, was pleasantly surprised by this “non-fussy” tank with laser-perforated air vents on the side and back. “I love that it doesn’t cling, and it’s a great length for me,” says the 5’1″ runner, adding that the arm holes also fit her perfectly–no chafing experienced or expected. She wasn’t a fan of the bright color, but the cut, fabric, and fit overshadowed the orange.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Toddler-targeted rock star Blippi. (“Only because it is orange.”)

Smartwool Perfect Crew Short Sleeve Tee

Price: $60
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: L

A fan of anything made with merino wool, Dimity was intrigued to try this new Smartwool blend: 50% merino wool, 50% organic cotton. Wearing it on both a 5-mile hike and a 30-mile bike ride under a windbreaker (read: a terrarium) without a wash in between, she was impressed by how the wool portion was still very effective both at wicking and odor-control. The fabric, soft and comfy, functioned perfectly, but she wasn’t a fan the high neck—too constricting—and wished the shape wasn’t quite so boxy.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: A spring or late fall concert outdoors at Red Rocks: perfect insulation for a base layer.

Rabbit EZ Tee SS

Price: $48
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: XS
Size Typically Worn: XS or XXS

“It fits!” was 5’4″ tester Colleen’s first reaction to this classic tee, “I have a petite torso, shirts often seem too baggy or long on me. This was flattering, with a women’s cut that showed off some curves but wasn’t so tight I couldn’t pull up the hem mid-run to wipe sweat off my forehead.” She often prefers designs in her running apparel, but came to love the simplicity and mix-and-match ability of this breezy shirt, which has an SPF 50 rating. “I would purchase another,” she says, “It’s a very good value for a shirt that can go anywhere.”

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Keith Urban, the master of the basic tee. It’s ideal for an outdoor country concert with jeans, hat, and boots.

Oiselle Flyout Short Sleeve

Price: $62
Sizes: 2-24/26
Size Tested: 12
Size Typically Worn: XL or 14/16

While 5’8″ tester April would’ve preferred one size larger to test, she still swooned over this short sleeve with a drop back hem, even though she’s typically a tank top fan. The shirt, which stayed put during her entire run, didn’t feel too tight, and the proprietary Flyout material is, “so thin and breathable, but also so soft and comfy.” She’d buy another for herself, opting for a larger size, different color, and, due to the higher price, during one of, “Oiselle’s really good sales.”

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Taylor Swift. It’s perfect to wick away all the sweat and the earthy tone fits the Folklore/Evermore era.

Brooks Distance Short Sleeve 3.0

Price: $28.50-38
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size Tested: XXL
Size Typically Worn: XXL

A South Carolinian, Ashley favors tank tops over short sleeves, which have a “very small” window of comfort in her humid climate. That said, she stayed cool in this lightweight, breathable shirt, but she wasn’t super keen on the graphic and also wished for more length. “The sleeve length and bust area fit well, but it kept riding up on my runs,” the 5’4″ runner says.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: a Dave Matthews show. His shows are always so hot during his summer tours!

Brooks Sprint Free Tank 2.0

Price: $34.50-42
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size Tested: XS
Size Typically Worn: S

This light and air tank gives, “race singlet vibes,” and 5’8″ tester Sarah is here for it. “I love the colors; they’re my go-to hues,” she says. Even though its described as a racer back, it’s more of a muscle tank, which she prefers for the sun protection on her back and chest. She tested a smaller size than she typically wears, but didn’t find the snugger fit constrictive. “It feels really good on,” she says, adding she plans to use it for summer racing.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Lizzo or Justin Timberlake or another super energetic show where I’d be dancing a lot.

Baleaf Laureate Racerback Gym Tank Top

Price: $38
Sizes: XS-2XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: L

“I did not have to worry about this tank riding up,” says 5’7″ Jenn, “It sat perfectly on my hips during the entire run.” She also adored the lightweight, almost silky fabric, and the flattering cut that, “can be worn for running or while out on Mom duty.” Her only quibble on this great-value tank? The neckline felt a bit too high for her taste.

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Any rock concert where you dance in your seat and wave your arms in the air.

Korsa Fly Sleeveless

Price: $47.99
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: XL
Size Typically Worn: L or XL

“As a middle-aged woman whose waist when MIA during perimenopause, I really appreciate that this top goes in at the waist without being fitted,” praises Sarah, who adds that the tiny pique fabric wicks sweat like a champion. She also loved the high neck, which provided protection from the sun; the arm holes, which were  the perfect depth to avoid chafing; and the back profile, which is a little longer than the front. “An ideal top for someone who likes basic, workhorse pieces that perform as well as you do!”

If I were to wear this to a concert, it would be perfect for: Sarah McLachlan, if it were black!