The Range: Workout Tanks
Jul 29, 2019
When I got back from Montana, I decided to start working out regularly. Â I spent most of the spring fighting one cold after another, and realized that my lungs need to be stronger. Â And while progress has been slow (37 isn’t exactly the new 23), there is progress. Â But if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that its takes a lot of workout tops to get through a week of workouts when you don’t have time to do laundry.
Corner Office
Lululemon Run Off Route Tank ($58)
Cubicle Farm
Athleta Double Stripe Chi Tank ($36)
Front Desk
Old Navy Twist Back Tank ($17)
Plus-SizeÂ
Lane Bryant Wicking Tank ($29)
{image here; this post contains affiliate links that generate commission for the author}
I think 90% of my laundry is gym clothes. I don’t have an in-unit w/d, so whenever I find a good deal, I’ll stock up so I don’t have to do laundry as often, but I still find myself washing clothes all the time.
I feel the same. Between not really wanting to wash my workout clothes (they’re pretty sunscreen-y) and only having two running and two non-running sports bras, I’m doing loads of gym clothes every 3-4 days. I’ve been putting off dropping the money on another running bra, but it’s probably time.
I LOVE Old Navy’s workout clothes. I think their quality is as good as, if not better, than Athleta. You can often pick things up for under $20 on sale.
Any recs on a decent sports bra? I’m struggling to find a supportive bra for a DD size without removable cups.
Champion “The Show-Off” is the best I’ve found. I’m 38dd and can wear both the L and XL. L fits tighter/more supportive of course but both work for me.
It’s this one: https://www.champion.com/shop/champion/champion-the-show-off-sports-bra-ch1666
Shock Absorber, Elomi, and Panache are the best for a bigger cup size. Amazon will get you the best price, but don’t just order your regular size…read up on each brand’s sizing and fit. They are the only thing keeping my 36HH chest in line!
Panache sports bras are the best! I wear a 32H, and that bra keeps me well supported. The hook to make the straps a racer back makes a huge difference. Second buying them on Amazon, you can usually find them much cheaper there if you don’t mind random patterns and colors.
I would highly recommend going to Nordstrom or somewhere similar a) so they can size you b) so you jump around in the bra a little before you buy. Even if you want to eventually get the bra on Amazon or Bravissimo because the price is better, trying on is superrrrr helpful.
The brand formerly called Moving Comfort, now owned by Brooks, is excellent for larger cup sizes + medium or high impact activities — these were literally bras designed for women runners of significant cup size. I highly recommend the Fiona and Juno, especially!
https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/all-sports-bras/
Yes! I just got this Le Mystere sports bra for $15 on TJ Maxx. It comes in bra sizes and is perfect for DD+ (I got a 36G). They have free shipping today and a few other styles in the same brand. https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/Full-Figure-High-Impact-Sports-Bra/1000533778
I absolutely love Old Navy workout clothes! They discontinued some of my favorite tanks, but there’s still so much great attire there. And then my favorite high-impact workout bras are from Gap or Climawear. I think having a wide selection of workout clothes that bring me joy (cute and functional tops/leggings that make me excited to go workout) has been really key in helping me go to the gym regularly.
Could you do a post on good short-sleeved workout shirts? I work out at the same gym as a lot of coworkers and don’t want my bra showing, but I can’t do long sleeves either and seem to be having a hard time finding anything that isn’t sleeveless or full length sleeves.
I love this Zella short-sleeved top – fyi I went up a size on this one.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-strength-performance-tee/5119624?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FActivewear%2FTees%20%26%20Tops&color=purple%20wisteria
Gap and Athleta both have lots of cute short-sleeve options. REI or other outdoor stores are also a great place to look, since lots of t-shirts made for hiking will be wicking fabrics but have sleeves (for example the Patagonia Capilene trail t-shirt).
Definitely keep an eye on Backcountry, Sierra Trading Post, and REI Outlet for good deals on old-stock workout tees. My favorite are the Adidas clima-cool v-necks, which I got on Zappos.
I workout at the office gym at midday and like short-sleeved tops, too. My favorites are the Speedlight heather tee from Athleta. I like it because if I get particularly sweaty, the variation in color hides it a bit.
Option 1:
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=180190022&pcid=999#pdp-page-content
Option 2:
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=486706002&rrec=true&mlink=5050,12413545,atproduct1_rr_2&clink=12413545#pdp-page-content
Also available in non-heather colors here:
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=150990#pdp-page-content
I don’t know why Athleta can’t put all of these on one page. Sigh.
Have you heard of Senita Athletics? They’re an indie athletic-wear brand started by two sisters in Arizona. They’re selection of leggings is especially great and under $40.
*their
My favorite are the lululemon Swiftly tanks. They’re body-skimming without being super tight. And they have silver fibers woven into the fabric, so they are naturally anti-stink! Super breathable and comfy.
I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but personally I only have a few nice workout tops. I hang them dry on a hook behind my bedroom door when I’m done working out, and I will re-wear a top one or two more times before washing. Same with leggings. Yes, they have a bit of a smell but hey the minute you walk in a gym everyone has a sweaty smell anyways. The reason I mention this is because I know it’s hard to get into a workout routine, and I think all the cute workout clothes can be an intimidating step — especially for cost. The Lululemon effect has really upped the ante. You really don’t need a deep bench of clothes to start Zumba or weights or jogging. Jump in, don’t be afraid to smell a little sweaty (no one will notice, I promise), and accumulate clothes over time.
I wish I could rewear mine. The body acne just comes on too strong.
I wouldn’t rewear leggings, but I also go commando in leggings, so it really wouldn’t be very sanitary. I might rewear a bra or top if I just did weights or something, but once I’ve done something pretty sweaty, they’re practically toxic.
I am really loving Duluth tradings no yank tank line.
I get most of my stuff from Old Navy & Under Armour (full disclosure, though, my cousin works at UA, so I get a lot of stuff through her for a discount). I’ve also had really good luck at Marshall’s/TJ Maxx for workout gear, if you’re not picky about colors/prints.
I tend to get my sports bras at Victoria’s Secret, but I’m going to look into those Brooks bras mentioned elsewhere (34E, here. *sigh*). The price is about the same, and they might fit a little better.
Can someone recommend a bra/top (long line) that works for cross training activities? I wear my running bras only for runs but it’s been so hot, I’m focusing more on less impact activities. I’m a 36C cup. Thank you all in advance. Oh and Abra, you’re doing great give yourself sometime I’m in my 50s now and am even more determined to get into better shape than in my 20s and 30s. Yes, I need more time to warm up, cooldown and recover but I’m Training for a half marathon in 2020. 🙂 I ran my 1st marathon at age 40 after my youngest turned 2. He just turned 16.
I work out nearly daily to the point of being completely sweaty (high-intensity bootcamp classes or spin) and wear the high neck Athleta Chi Tanks like the one above exclusively. There is often a version on sale. Double stripe, shadow stripe, there have been several variations – I’ve liked most except the mesh ones.
I wear Old Navy sports bras and their compression 7/8 leggings for the most part, but haven’t been happy with any Old Navy tops for dry time and lingering smell avoidance.
I really like Fabletics. They’ve corrected a lot of their initial problems and it’s easy to skip a month. They get points for showing real plus size models in the work out wear. I own Maj II pants in every color offered and they make a nice summer alternative to jeans. I pair them with a sweater tunic when I have an overnight flight and they a comfy as pajamas, but with functional pockets.
I’m not crazy about the workout bras. They are improving, but still have a way to go in the support area. After having children I’m not perky.
re: athleta tank – I’ve bought it and it sits in a pile to be returned. it’s more transparent than I like. It could be the color (I bought it in white)