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13 women’s running vests to shop now that the weather is finally heating up
Ditch the sleeves and stay cool in one of these editor-approved running tanks
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
Even the most reluctant shoulder-bearers will find themselves reaching for a running vest when the sun is shining. Whether you're racing or clocking up the miles in a training session, they offer you slightly more freedom to move than the best running t-shirts and long sleeve tops, while wicking away sweat and offering more coverage than best sports bras alone.
Add a couple of these editor-approved picks to your summer training wardrobe and you'll be golden like the sun.
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0 Race Length
Read review
What makes a good running vest?
It's a seemingly simple piece of running kit, but opt for the wrong vest (or singlet or tank — whatever you like to call it) and you'll find yourself weighed down by excess material, or distracted by sweaty fabric that clings to your torso. Here's what makes a winning vest in our eyes:
- Lightweight: If you're chasing down a PB, the last thing you want is bulky clothing slowing you down. Some of our favourite women's running tanks weigh as little as 40g.
- Seamless: In warmer weather, seams which get sweaty can really rub on your skin, leading to chafing. The safest bet? Opt for seamless running vests like the ones below, so you've got one less thing to worry about (especially on race day).
- Material: For running, avoid any stuffy cotton shirts that will cling to your body and opt for high-tech materials that will keep you cool and comfortable. This is the difference between vests designed specifically for running and vests designed for gym-based workouts and training. All of the options below have been chosen with running in mind.
- Fit: This one's down to personal preference. You might prefer a looser, slouchy tank top like the Under Armour Launch Elite Tank, or you might like a more fitted style like Lululemon's Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0. Women's running vests can be full length or cropped too, so consider the types of leggings or shorts you'll be pairing it with (after all, it's all about those race photos).
How we test running vests
All of the running vests and tanks below have been hand-picked and personally tested by the Runner's World editors, who regularly clock up over 60km each per week and have completed all kinds of running challenges, from ultramarathons to parkruns. Using our expert knowledge of performance running apparel, experience testing hundreds of pieces of kit and eye for a good deal, we've put these vests through their paces on the roads, track and trails, as well as testing their strength, durability and how well they wash.
13 best women's running vests, tested by the RW editors
From Tracksmith's quality race singlets to Lululemon's flattering raceback design, these are our favourite women's running vests to see you through the warmer months.
The AeroSwift race vest is so lightweight that you instantly forget you're wearing it. The fabric, made from a minimum of 75% recycled polyester fibres, is perforated for added ventilation, but is anyway super breathable.
The vest has bonded sides, which effectively means no discernible seams, so chafing at the side, neck or armholes is a near-impossibility. The cut is flattering and hugs the body without being constricting. All this makes it the perfect vest for race day, even when the temperature is high, and has the added bonus that because it's so light and flat, it packs down to almost nothing, making it ideal for travel running too.
To the untrained eye, racerback tanks all look the same. ‘How much difference can there really be?’ we hear you cry. Well, actually, quite a lot.
There’s a reason why we buy some running vests in every colour available (guilty), while others lurk unused at the back of our lycra drawer. The Lululemon Swifty Tech Racerback is made from Lululemon’s Silverescent technology – a lightweight, sweat-wicking mesh construction that helps to manage body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable, and is antibacterial and stops bacteria growth. Plus, it looks good too – it gently skims your body, finishing at your waist (so there’s no excess material flapping about in the wind).
Prefer your tanks cropped? The Tracksmith Turnover Top is an understated, technical workhorse designed to withstand the rigours of daily training (although we’ve raced in it, too, and can confirm it's excellent).
The problem with a lot of cropped running vests is that they look great when you're standing still, but fail to hit the market when it comes to performing on the move. Not this one. The Turnover’s soft, breathable Inverno Blend fabric and high cut ooze quality, the fit is supportive, but not too tight, and there’s even a built-in shelf bra to provide moderate support. We’d buy it in all six colours if we could.
A brilliant piece of kit, designed for going the distance. (But then we expected nothing less from Tracksmith.)
Our membership director Jenny Bozon has been running in an earlier iteration of this vest for years now – and it's still in great condition. It's made from recycled polyester, which is soft to touch, and doesn't fade, bobble or lose shape after multiple washes. The material is a little thicker than some of the other vests feature on this list, so isn't quite as airy but its softness – coupled with the relaxed fit – keeps us reaching for it, time and time again.
If you’ve got the means to spend more on a running vest, spend it on the likes of the Norvan Tank. Designed for trails, it’s the perfect balance of soft material, lightness (45g) and breathability, thanks to the hybrid structure of Phasis FL fabric on the front and an ultralight Delta mesh on the back to improve airflow. Merrow seams and a laminated finish add to the overall comfort and help to minimise chafe during sweaty inclines too.
While yellow isn't for the fainthearted (don't worry, it comes in orange, pink and black, too), this vest is made from a fabric called Iso-Chill, which helps disperse heat from the body, keeping your skin nice and cool. We tested this in balmy Barcelona back in January and found the fabric fantastically sweat-wicking. Plus, it boasts anti-odour technology which prevents the growth of odour-causing microbes. Loosely fit, it's a great option for summer training (perhaps not racing) and we love the high-cut of the neckline.
Asics claims its marathon tank is designed to help you reach your new fastest time – and we can see why. Weighing in at just 44g, there’s no unnecessary material here; the front is a soft knit fabric with a silky softness to it, while the mesh back helps keep you cool and dry. Best worn with high waisted shorts if you’re looking to tuck it in, as it is a slightly shorter cut.
If you’re looking for a timeless race day vest you can wear again and again, then look no further than Tracksmith’s Van Cortlandt singlet. This classic racing vest looks super smart and features Tracksmith’s iconic signature sash across the front (inspired by the Cornell Track and Field teams of the late 1800s). Made from a lightweight, breathable mesh, this singlet has a high neckline and a long body – and looks good both loose and tucked in. It even comes with its own set of gold safety pins attached to the bottom right-hand corner, ready to attach your bib number. A true race day staple.
When this top arrives in the post, you'll immediately question whether it's too smart to get sweaty in (well, we did!). Made from bamboo viscose, the fabric is silky soft, stretchy and breathable – and unlike fossil fuel-base synthetics, is made from natural, renewable raw materials and is biodegradable, so is far better for the planet. We absolutely love the high neckline and fine-rib construction – it's not only comfy but amazingly flattering.
Sweaty Betty's best-selling running vest has had an update – and it's just as great as before. The body-skimming fit with racerback allows ease of movement and means there's no uncomfortable clinging around the waist. Super lightweight and sweat-wicking with breathable mesh panels at the back for added ventilation, it's the perfect top for training and racing when the weather is hot, and we love this vibrant blue colourway, which really pops.
As we’ve come to expect from running kit from Tracksmith, the Harrier Tank is supremely comfortable and oozes quality. It’s made from 89% Merino wool, and, thanks to the fabric’s natural properties, is luxuriously soft, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. We loved the long, scooped hem and loose fit, which pairs well with tights but also looks great tucked into cycling-style shorts, thanks to the high – and flatting – neckline. Our fair-skinned tester did find the peach colourway washed her out a little, however, there’s plenty of bolder colours to choose from.
When you wear this vest, you don’t feel like you’re wearing a vest at all – and trust us, that’s a good thing. While the translucent, next-to-nothing material used for this vest might make you question the large price tag, this item is a feat of race day engineering that is a game-changer if you’re pursuing a PB – especially if a half or full marathon is on the agenda. Made with 100% recycled fabric and weighing only 40g, this vest is laser cut with a close fit to reduce aerodynamic drag and eradicate any chance of chafing. Essentially a second skin, Soar's offering is breathable and comfortable – and, looks-wise, it’s incredibly cool.
A good option for speedy track sessions, On’s lightweight Race Crop features a built-in, non-padded bra for extra coverage and a mesh liner to increase ventilation. While the top does run true to size, bear in mind that when On says ‘crop’ they mean crop — it fits more like a long-line sports bra than a cropped tank that brushes the belly button. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just something to consider if you’re worried about coverage. If that’s not a dealbreaker, though, it’s an excellent piece of gear. The laser cutouts in the underband help to wick away sweat and we've never experienced any chafing in that area, even during the sweatiest treadmill sessions.
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