The best women's running vests & tank tops for summer 2023

Jan 27, 2024

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As the weather heats up, ditch the sleeves and stay cool in one of these running tanks

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 more freedom to move, while wicking away sweat and offering rather more coverage than a sports bra alone. Add a couple of these to your summer training wardrobe and you'll be golden - like the sun.

Our team of editors have spent countless hours determining what makes the perfecting running vest, sweat-testing all the products you'll find below. These are the ones that made the cut.

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:

The AeroSwift race vest is so lightweight that you instantly forget you are 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 constrictingly tight. 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.

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.

Our deputy digital editor 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’re after a statement summer vest for racing in, this is it. The neon green colourway really pops and we adore the two-tone racerback. It’s super lightweight and the slouchy fit combined with the dropped hem is flattering – with no clinging around the waist – while also feeling nice and airy when running in warmer weather. The moisture-wicking fabric uses anti-odour technology, and we found it didn’t smell, even after multiple runs with no washes in-between.

We love the summery tropic print of this ultra-light vest from Kalenji. The cut is designed for free shoulder movement, so you won't feel restricted as you push the pace, and the breathable fabric wicks away sweat and dries quickly. At just 50g (in a size medium), it's as light as a feather, and at less than 20 quid, is also a bargain!

Made with 100% recycled materials, this breezy tank scores top marks for sustainability. The large arm holes, coupled with the loose fit, ensure maximum breathability while the soft, moisture-wicking fabric feels comfortable against your skin and helps keen you dry. It's available in a range of colours, but we love the vibrant lime shade for summer.

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).

Another one for tough track sessions in the summer sun, this vest is made from a fabric called Iso-Chill, which helps disperse heat from the body, and so keeps your skin nice and cool. The fabric is sweat-wicking so will keep you dry and includes anti-odor technology, which prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes. It's cut out at the back allowing for a welcome breeze as you wizz round the track.

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.

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 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.

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