Warmer Weather Is Approaching – These 14 Workout Vests Get Our Vote for Hot, Sweaty Sessions
Approved by fitness experts and MC UK Editors.
Amelia Yeomans
Spring is just around the corner, the weather has finally started to dry up, and that means one thing - outdoor workouts are looking a whole lot more appealing. Enter: the best workout vests. Naturally, workout vests come into their own in the warmer months, so we’ve decided to collate an edit of our favourites for you to shop below.
Unlike T-shirts and long-sleeved tops, vests offer a little more movement and breathability (thanks to their lack of sleeves), making them just as perfect for high-intensity workouts like running and cross-training as they are for workouts heavy on stretching and flexing, like yoga. Win, win.
We’ve already rounded up the best workout tops - from long-sleeved to short - along with the best sports bras, Pilates tops, hydration vests, oversized gym T-shirts and even gym hoodies (to pop on over your workout vests in between sweat sessions, of course). But I'm here today to talk to you about workout vests.
I’m Valeza Bakolli, Marie Claire UK’s Contributing Health Writer and self-proclaimed Pilates Princess. I cover a fair amount of health-related shopping content and have browsed through (and sweat tested) a lot of athleisure clothing in my time - so I feel I’m pretty well-placed to pick out some of the best workout vests to shop.
I’ve also enlisted the help of Senior Health Editor Ally Head (who loves long runs and HIIT as much as she does yoga and Pilates), Junior Shopping Editor Amelia Yeomans (who also adores Reformer and low-impact workouts), along with two fitness experts at the top of their game: Sophie Boucher, Teacher Training Manager and Yoga teacher at MoreYoga and Holly Haywood, Lead Instructor at Third Space Soho.
In all, we cover a wide range of exercise types and fitness levels, so we’re able to give these workout vests a thorough test. These are the ones that came out on top.
Best workout vests: Quick shopping links
- Best size-inclusive: £38 at Very (save 21%)
- Most supportive: £48 at TALA
- Best luxury: £85 at Vuori
- Most affordable: £21 at Oner
- Best seamless: £40 at Sweaty Betty
What did we look for in the best workout vests?
- Material - was it sweat-wicking, lightweight and comfortable?
- Fit - was the style cropped or longline? Form-fitting or oversized? Did we find the fit to be flattering?
- Comfort - was it comfortable to wear through a sweaty workout?
- Design features - did it have a racerback or mesh panel for extra breathability?
- Price - did the price reflect the quality, and would we get our cost per wear?
14 best workout vests, tested by experts and editors
Best size-inclusive workout vest
"I love Girlfriend Collective’s brand philosophy. Their sports tops contain fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and they only work with factories with the highest ethical standards. I love the neckline and cross back of the Zoe top." - Sophie Boucher, Yoga Teacher at MoreYoga
Best sweat-wicking workout vest
"This top is made from a super light and dry fit material which is ideal on those hot sweaty runs. For such a lightweight material, the top really stays put, so it doesn't ride up and down as you're running." - Holly Haywood, Lead Instructor at Third Space Soho
Best supportive workout vest
"I am a huge fan of workout tops with bras built in, especially during the warmer months when I don't want to be wearing multiple layers. The layered design of this TALA top is so chic and elevated, making it a perfect pick if you're fed up with plain workout gear but still want to invest in a top with versatility. It's the ideal length for wearing with high-rise leggings, and the adjustable straps mean you can get the fit you need. It also has removable pads for extra comfort. The only thing to note - it isn't very full coverage if you have a larger chest, so it's probably worth sizing up if that's something you want." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best luxury workout vest
"I rarely do a workout without at least one piece of Vuori kit on, so you know my love for the brand is real. By far one of my most worn pieces is this vest, which has a built-in bra shelf that provides just enough support for low impact sessions like Pilates. Not only is the material unbelievably soft, but it wicks moisture well and doesn't show my under-boob sweat patches. It's so comfy, in fact, that I also regularly wear it when working from home or running errands instead of a normal bra." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best patterned workout vest
"If you've read any of my kit reviews, you'll know I'm a big fan of Free People kit. Not only does it look great, but it genuinely performs, too, and this workout top is no exception. It's seen me through half marathons and everyday workouts in style, and it offers plenty of breathability to keep you cool, even when exercising in the sun. Cutting just above the waist, it's the ideal length for pairing with high-waisted bottoms." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best fitted workout vest
"This vest comes in loads of different colours, making it perfect for the summer. The racerback allows for loads of movement and moulds to the shape of your body perfectly. It goes down to your waist so it’s great to wear with shorts as well as leggings." - Holly Haywood, Lead Instructor at Third Space Soho
Best affordable workout vest
"I absolutely love everything Oner produces, but this gym vest with built-in bra support is one of my go-tos. It's great for both Pilates or training in the gym, and I love the square neckline that doesn't cut into my chest. The midi cut is also perfect if you usually wear high-waisted leggings or shorts and hate the overlap you get with regular-length tops. Plus, when worn with matching leggings, it gives the illusion of a super sleek unitard." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best ribbed workout vest
"This cropped Alo Yoga top is great for low intensity workouts, like yoga or Pilates. The material is good quality and thick, meaning you do feel supported, that said, you would need to wear a sports bra underneath it as it doesn't have one in-built. Similarly, the material feels more like cotton than other iterations in this round up, meaning it doesn't sweat-wick as well and isn't suitable for sweaty, high intensity workouts." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Most stylish workout vest
"This tank looks incredible and offers great support for low-impact workouts. However, as someone with a larger chest, I'd be careful when wearing it for cardio or intensive gym sessions where you could slip out. It's very stretchy and doesn't dig in anywhere, and it has a chic enough cut to be styled up with linen trousers on summer evenings if you so desire. I have this beautiful blue, and it does a great job of not showing huge sweat patches despite how light it is - probably due to the thick, quality fabric. Plus, it's 60% off right now, making it a steal." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best seamless workout vest
"There's a reason this cult Sweaty Betty favourite has such rave reviews - it's a really solid option for all sorts of workouts. I've had mine for a few years now and rate it for a number of reasons. The fit is flattering, it sweat wicks well, and really feels like a second skin for any workout. A firm favourite." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best high-neck workout vest
"I am a big fan of lululemon. I always find their products last the test of time. Anything in the Align fabric is my go to as the fabric is super soft. This top is supportive and comfortable with a built in bra. I like the high neck version to keep everything in place." - Sophie Boucher, Yoga Teacher at MoreYoga
Best workout vest for running
"This has a lightweight material with mesh panels at the back for extra ventilation. It has a loose fit, so is great for a hot day or if you are having one of those days when you need things to sit a little looser." - Holly Haywood, Lead Instructor at Third Space Soho
Best workout vest for training
"I've had this tee from Nike for a few years now, and while it's not as thick and supportive as other options in this round up, it is a great, lightweight option for chucking on with a sports bra and shorts for hot summer runs. It sweat wicks well and is a great staple for cardio or gym sessions, if you're comfortable with a light level of support." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best colourful workout vest
"This affordable workout top from adidas performs well for any workout, whether that's weights, Pilates, or a Sunday long run. I love the airy mesh detail on the back, which is great for extra breathability, and am a fan of the high neck design for extra support, too. Plus, the material is really great at keeping you cool while you sweat." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
What are the best materials for workout vests?
According to Haywood, material is key when it comes to picking the most comfortable and performance-enhancing workout vests. She states: “when looking for running tops I always look for breathable material. Polyester and Nylon are two great ones to look out for.” She also outlines the sorts of materials to avoid if you want to be at the top of your game: “try to avoid cotton tops as they will soak up your sweat and stick to you” she says, “looking for tops with mesh on the back or at the side of the body will also allow some extra ventilation.”
