One of the few bonuses of the pandemic is that I’ve been working out regularly. I ride my Peloton and use the app to do some strength training. My daily sanity walks run four or five miles. And Kyle and I have been playing tennis a bit more.
As much as it feels good to be more active, daily workouts have made me realize that I need more workout tops. So here are a few of my favorite tops, all of which cost under-$30. 
One. CRZ Yoga Mesh Tie-Back Top // The mesh panel in the back of the top keeps the top breezy and lightweight. The tie-back is also an adorable feature. The top also comes in a myriad of colors to suit any taste. Plus-size? Try this sleeveless mesh-panel top which runs to XXL.
Two. The Drop Lauren Scoop Tank // The width of the straps on this racerback are ideal for those who like a bit more coverage. The longer length can also be worn alone or layered under another top. It’s a simple, versatile top that is flattering on most figures.
Three. Under Armour Tech V-Neck // Workout tops from Lululemon, Athleta, and Nike are great, but they’re pricey. These Under Armour tops can be snapped up for much less than their counterparts. The looser fit is nice for staying cool. And the top comes in many colors.
Four. Amazon Essentials Crewneck T-Shirt // I wear this top as a cover-up when I want to wear a more revealing tank top for yoga. It’s loose fitting, looks relaxed on, and the rounded hem is really chic. It also looks great under a denim jacket. Runs up to size XXL, and with the looser fit, should fit those in need of plus-sizes.
Five. Old Navy Tie-Back Performance Top // Even though it’s a bit too hot for long sleeves, I bought this top because I fell hard for the tie-back and the painted desert color. It’s such a gorgeous Earth tone. And Old Navy is always a reliable place for affordable workout attire in misses, petite, and plus.
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Serious question, is there something wrong a regular T shirt? I understand the need for performance fabrics for leggings and shorts but I’ve always found my cheap cotton tees from j crew factory and target to handle my workouts just fine.
Cotton is not a great choice for activities where you’re going to sweat a lot. It absorbs a ton of moisture, gets heavy and sags, and doesn’t dry quickly. I live in the midwest where the heat index has been 100+ on most days – cotton is super uncomfortable for anything more than walking inside from a parking lot. If you’re doing low impact stuff indoors, it’s fine. But outside or for high-sweat stuff, a moisture-wicking, quick dry fabric (i.e. synthetic) makes a huge difference! Bamboo can be nice too, but it gets pretty expensive and is harder to find.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a top in this price range with a built in bra? I don’t need a ton of support. I feel like I haven’t seen anything in stores like this recently… maybe because they can get more money if I buy the top and the bra separately…
Old Navy also has sleeveless
Tie-Back tanks. They are wonderful! I wear them every day on my “daily sanity walks” ????.
I just ordered several – happy to hear they’re good! Just love ON Athletic wear – I got a mini-WFH wardrobe for the price of one Lulu legging!
Those tie back tops/tanks are also great nursing.. My casual uniform when i’m breastfeeding is the tie back top or tank layered over a nursing tank. I have the gap version, but I like these ON colours better.
For those who know their size and aren’t totally grossed out by this (to each their own; I used to be), there’s a very active resale market in Lululemon on ebay, Poshmark, and other consignment sites. Exercise the usual caution – that is, only buy from sellers with good ratings + clear photos, and ask plenty of questions if sufficient info isn’t provided – and I’ve had great luck getting tops in great condition for under $30. They go straight into the laundry when I get them, and if I’m feeling paranoid, they get a soak in diluted white vinegar first. I figure I can save some money and somewhat reduce my environmental impact versus buying new.
And even if you are grossed out by it…you can still sell your unwanted gear to those who aren’t! Assuming your clothes aren’t stained / torn / smelly, you can probably make a few bucks.