So you've enrolled in a yoga class or signed up for a yoga streaming service. You have your mat and your props ready, but what about the clothes? Perhaps you have tried practicing while wearing the souvenir T-shirt from your last vacation, only to find out that it might not be the best option. Sounds familiar? It's time to treat yourself to a quality yoga top!
The selection of yoga tops available is enormous, and you might feel like you need some guidance to find the best match. Don't worry, that's what we're here for. We did the research and decided our favorite is the Mippo Athletic Tank Top, because of its versatility and breathability. Check out our 10 favorite items and buying guide to learn more about yoga tops!
Jaeyoung is an oral health educator and dental disease preventer passionate about paving the way for patients to embark on their journey to proper oral hygiene. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2018 and served on the UNC SOD SPURGEON Student Government. She's always trying to keep up with new dental research articles and products to help her patients choose compatible products that work with their lifestyles. She's also a coffee lover and mom to two Bengal cats and multiple plants!
Karin is a certified yoga instructor and HR director in addition to running a successful Instagram account about fashion, lifestyle, and more. She describes herself as "a Boho Girl living in a Yogi World".
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It is great to have appropriate clothes for every kind of activity, and yoga is no exception. Finding a good yoga top depends on what type of yoga you are doing, the room's temperature, and of course, your body type. In fewer words, the most important thing is that you are comfortable in it!
Yoga classes are a great way to make your body feel great. But, some poses require a lot of effort and concentration. This means that the first thing you have to look for in a yoga top is a style that's comfortable and will match your activity.
Do you want it to fit snugly or loosely? Does it let you move? Will it reveal anything that you don't want to be revealed? You want to make sure your top is snug, so it doesn't ride up, but at the same time, it should have room for you to get in plenty of movement. Your tops should also be supportive, especially if you have a larger bust.
If you're worried about the fit, you can probably exchange it for a different size if it doesn't fit right. Take a look at the return policy to be safe! Keep all of this info in mind to make sure that you will feel comfortable in your top.
Make sure to consider what types of top styles you're comfortable in before you buy! Thicker straps or sleeves may be helpful if you have a fuller bust, and spaghetti straps or sleeveless tops will help you stay cool.
Choose tops that are more form-fitting rather than loose so your instructor can see your alignment while you practice and you can check your alignment in poses when looking in the mirror.
If you're going to do yoga, you need to choose clothes that move with you. Freedom of movement and breathability are vital, and a big part of that is what fabric you choose. Here are some pointers on which one may be best for you.
Nylon (a.k.a polyamide) is one of the most common fabrics in yoga clothing. It is a synthetic polymer that is very flexible, which makes it a go-to for yoga fabrics. It's also great for moisture-wicking, but its breathability is pretty low.
Elastane is another synthetic blend. It's more commonly known as Spandex or Lycra and is heavily used in athletic wear because of its ability to stretch incredibly well yet snap back to its original shape. It is also extremely comfortable. The downside to this is the same as with other synthetic fibers; it's not that breathable, unfortunately.
Polyester is the other commonly used synthetic fiber. Just like the others, it's got great flexibility and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike the others, however, polyester holds on to smells easily, so this is not recommended as the main material for heavier workouts.
Lyocell, also known as Tencel, is a plant-based fabric made from wood pulp. It's often used in place of cotton or silk in garments because of how soft it is. It's extremely breathable and has high moisture-wicking capabilities, but its stretchability is quite low.
Cotton is one of the most commonly known and used fabrics in the world because of how breathable it is. It's great for athletic wear. Unfortunately, it soaks up sweat and moisture and can take a while to dry. So it's not a great option for sweatier sessions. But it's excellent for tops during slower and calmer sessions!
Modal is technically a semi-synthetic fiber, but it's widely lumped in with other natural fabrics because of how similar its behavior is to the others. It's an environmentally friendly option that's made from tree pulp that has lots of valuable properties, mainly that it is stretchy, soft, breathable, and durable. The one downside is it can be water absorbent, so if you're a heavy sweater, this might not be the fabric for you.
The material your yoga tops are made of is so important. I always choose a sweat-wicking material and go for materials that are more synthetic and specially made for sweaty yoga practices.
Lyocell, nylon, and elastane are keywords that I look for. Lycra should work as well if the feel of the material is slick.
Not all yoga is the same, and neither are yoga tops. One design can be excellent for one practice but not ideal for another. Make sure that your top fits the requirements for your preferred styles of practice!
Leaving your skin as clothing-free as possible is highly recommended for hot yoga. So, sports bras and crop tops are a must. The cropped midsection helps your body cool down by exposing your skin to some much-needed air.
Cropped tops are also generally form-fitting, keeping them from riding up or hanging over your head during complicated poses. You can also wear these for other types of yoga to celebrate your body. Remember, anyone can pull off a crop top!
A tank top gives the body just enough room to stretch while still fitting snugly enough to stay in place. These tops are ideal for highly active classes such as Vinyasa and Ashtanga. The lack of sleeves provides room for full arm mobility and usage, without any constricting fabric in the way. Go for one with a mesh back for extra cooling!
These are good options for medium-impact classes like Hatha or Iyengar or classes on hot days. The exposed back helps with extra airflow and breathability, and the extra airflow in turn helps cool your body down. Just remember to wear a sports bra underneath them because these tops can move in unexpected ways!
If you are taking a meditation-based class such as Kundalini or Jivamukti in which the emphasis is not on movement, short-sleeved shirts are best. They are especially great when the room temperature is on the cooler side or if the class is not very vigorous.
Some days are so cold that even if the heat is on, it's not enough for less active classes. That's when long-sleeve shirts come in handy! They are also great to wear as a layer under a tank top or a crop top. If the class is very active, you can always take it off at some point. You can also layer it on after a class if you want to warm up.
There are so many different necklines to choose from when looking for a good yoga top, and all the options can be overwhelming. But in general, there are three main categories: scoop, V-neck, and cut-out.
Scoop necklines are the most common necklines out there, not just for yoga tops, but most tops in general. They're generally very dependable, offering a decent amount of coverage and style. When it comes to yoga tops, you can wear almost any scoop neckline top depending on the activity!
V-necks, along with similar styles, can offer extra breathability for your chest. But for any type of yoga where you might bend over, you should avoid this style since it generally doesn't provide much support and can easily be revealing.
Cut-out necklines have a broad list of options that fall within this category. Depending on the shape of the cut-out, some of these might be too revealing for any poses that involve being upside down. But some that are supportive and form-fitting with square necklines can be great because of the extra breathability.
Choose a style that works for your practice! If you know you like inversions such as handstands, headstands, or forearm stands, consider making sure that the cut of the top adequately covers your chest area and that it's not so loose or billowy that it will drape over your face during downward-facing dog.
Some styles, such as backless and armless shirts, usually require a sports bra. However, some tank tops already include a built-in bra, so you don't have to bother with that extra layer anymore! They are typically also fitted, so you won't have to worry about your top lifting up while you're doing inversions.
However, people with larger chests may require more support. Check out the reviewer comments to see if others felt supported in the top!
I love an option for a yoga top with a built-in sports bra! You're saving money and laundry time by finding tops with built-in cups. A built-in bra will also help prevent material bunching during your practice, and sometimes there are removable cups that give you the option of more coverage or not!
Some people have one engagement after the other, and there's no time for changing after or before yoga. Or, maybe you're meeting up with friends after yoga class. In these cases, try picking a stylish yoga top that can pass off as a normal top.
This way you can walk around in your yoga clothes and not need to change before attending your yoga class. Tops with a scoop neck work best for this. You can also get away with wearing some mesh tops for more sweaty classes later in the day.
There are so many different brands and styles of yoga tops, so if you know you're headed somewhere immediately before or after your class, consider fuller-length tops that you can easily layer a jacket, sweater, or blazer over.
Cropped styles are also a great option if your work or activities allow a stylish outfit to be put together with a cropped top! Check colors, too: a neon yellow or bright pink might be fun for an after-yoga casual date or night out, but black, blue, and grey work better for work meetings or work-related functions.
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This sleeveless top is perfect for that intense Vinyasa or Hatha class. Its mesh back will keep you cool the whole time, while its back tie feature will allow you to secure it for inversions. It also features a high neckline for a conservative look in the front.
Reviewers loved how cute this top is and how bright the colors are. They said it’s very comfy and that they have received plenty of compliments on it. But others said the top was a little too small, especially if you’re planning to wear it tied. They recommended that if you’re planning to tie it up most of the time, then you should order a size up.
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No time to change after your yoga class? It's okay! This tank top will not only keep you dry during and after class with its moisture-wicking fabric, but it will also look great for hanging out with friends post-workout. It also includes a medium-impact built-in bra with removable pads.
Customers loved how cute it looks on them. They say it runs true to size, but a few with either A-cups or D-cups said they worried about revealing too much during some poses. Most loved the styles and said they're comfortable for yoga, though.
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This sleeveless, mesh crop top is all you need if you want to stay cool and look cute. The flowy silhouette lets your skin breathe while the airy fabric wicks moisture away, keeping you dry as you do hot yoga or any highly-physical practice.
Some reviewers mention that it runs small. They say to order a size up if you don’t want it to be too short. Other reviewers love how fresh it makes them feel and say it’s ideal for hot yoga or summer classes. They also mention that it’s very comfortable!
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This flattering top is designed to adapt to your body and stay in place. It has a mesh back that makes it cool and breathable, while its built-in bra offers the support you need to work out comfortably. The bra has removable pads, so you get to choose whether you want to use them or not.
Some reviewers mentioned that while the bra offers some support, it might not be enough for everyone. Overall, other reviewers adored how well it fits, especially when they are doing inversions. They say the bottom never comes up, even while head standing! They also loved that the material feels thick and soft to the touch.
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This is the perfect top for those who like to stay cool during a sweaty class. Its backless design and relaxed fit offer ventilation, which is always helpful for Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or power yoga classes. The bottom edge of the top is loose enough to tie, too. Try wearing it with a cute sports bra design to show off your back.
Some reviewers mentioned that since it’s a tight fit, it feels a little small. They suggested choosing a larger size if you like a looser fit. Other reviewers, however, are delighted by the super-soft modal fabric and appreciated that it stays in place in any pose. Reviewers wear it as a casual shirt when they’re not at the yoga studio, as well!
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This top is a bit longer than a regular crop top, so you can show some skin without feeling too exposed in yoga class. It also features an elastic waistband that prevents the top from lifting up during inversions.
Some reviewers say that the fabric tends to cling to the skin. They advise wearing a thick sports bra if you have concerns about visibility. Other reviewers love how good it looks. They say it’s great for hot yoga if you don’t want to show much skin. They also mention that it makes them feel sexy but never inappropriate.
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If you're looking for a more classic approach but still want moisture absorption and lightness, then this is the style for you. This T-shirt features mesh panels in the most sweaty areas to keep you cool and dry. This is ideal for practices that are meditation-based but also include some movement.
Some reviewers have complained that it runs a little small. But, due to its length, there's a chance that ordering a size up will result in a very long shirt. If you don't mind wearing a longer shirt or have a long torso, give this top a try. Other reviewers were surprised by the quality of the material. It has become a favorite for a lot of yogis!
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This stylish open-arm shirt is perfect for seeing what muscles you're using during your practice. Its flowy style provides a lot of ventilation, and the light fabric makes it breathable. Plus, this includes three tank tops, which means you can practice yoga for a few days before having to do laundry!
Some reviewers mention that the top is unflattering for people with shorter torsos. However, it's perfect for taller people or those that like having extra-long tops. Overall, users are very happy with how comfortable and lightweight these tops are. They also note that the sizes are accurate, so you don't have to size up or down.
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This top is a great top to have in your wardrobe. The soft pima cotton keeps you feeling cozy yet airy. It's very breathable, and is perfect for gentle yoga sessions, or even just for running errands!
Some reviewers say it's not as soft as they expected, and that the fabric loses its shape after a few washes. However, many like that it's form-fitting in the middle, so it won't ride up during yoga. Overall, buyers enjoyed how versatile this top is, and that it can be worn for basically anything.
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Sometimes the yoga studio is not warm enough for you to be comfortable for your practice! This long-sleeve shirt is perfect for these situations, especially in slower-paced classes such as Iyengar or Kundalini. Its fabric keeps the moisture away from your body, so it works well for a movement-demanding practice.
Some reviewers say that the sizes run a bit large. Those who ordered smaller sizes were pleased with this shirt. Other reviewers enjoyed how well it fits and how soft the material is. Bigger girls loved how the sizing is very accurate for plus sizes, and they said they look amazing in this shirt!
Karin says, "I would also consider checking the length of the top. Most form-fitting yoga tops will not have enough material to tie up if the top is a little too long, so make sure you read the fine print if you're not trying a top on in person first!
There are also materials that are anti-stink, which is always helpful - I'm a big fan of these materials. Have fun choosing a few different styles before settling on a favorite! Developing a small (or large!) yoga wardrobe helps motivate you to roll out your mat more."
To help you out even more with your quest for the perfect yoga top, we've answered another question on the mind of many.
More coverage is safest. High necklines will provide the most coverage, and keep your chest contained during practices. They work great for inversions too. High necklines provide a lot of support in the front, so even if the back is more open, you'll still be able to get through your practice with ease.
Scoop necklines are another great option for coverage. There are plenty of tops with scoop necklines, so you'll be able to easily pick and choose your favorite style. They also offer great support!
Square necklines can be more revealing styles that still offer support and coverage; just make sure they have wide straps. The wider the straps are, the more support the top will offer you.
Now that you know how to select a yoga top, you may be interested in finding clothing and accessories for your fitness classes. Here are some other articles that you may find useful!
If you're still feeling unsure about what to choose as a top, or you're interested in seeing more options, check out Amazon's best-selling list of women's yoga tops.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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