Quick Shop: 11 Cute Workout Tops on a Budget

The holidays generally destroy my workout schedule and my healthy eating habits. By the time Jan. 1 rolls around, I’m sooo ready to hit the gym and eat buckets of salad with no dressing.

I’ll usually kick off my New Year’s commitment to fitness by investing in a cute workout top or pant — it’s an extra little motivator to ease me back into a regular exercise routine.

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Another lightweight option is Mippo’s crop tank with a scalloped hem in the back. The crew neckline keeps the top in place without restrictions. Choose from 16 colors, all made from a super-soft modal-spandex blend.

Mippo also sells its split-back crop with sleeves for those who prefer to keep their shoulders covered.

This crop tank is pretty enough to double as a work top under a blazer or cardigan. It’s made of a polyester-spandex blend that the brand calls “ice silk.” The gist is, the top is breathable and very soft.

There is a downside, unfortunately. This top is hand-wash only, which may be a deal-breaker if you don’t have a hand-washing process in place already.

Best long-sleeved workout tops for $25 or less

If you’re getting fit outside or in a gym that’s perpetually cold, you’ll want to have one or two long-sleeved options. The best long-sleeved fitness tops look cute (of course), don’t restrict your range of motion, and wick moisture away from your body. Here are some options that fit those parameters.

Runners and outdoor enthusiasts will love the UPF 50 feature of this relaxed fit top. It also has flattering side slits and a curved hemline for an extra dose of style.

This cute top is a compression top, even though the images imply otherwise. According to the reviews, the top is tight at your normal size — but you could easily size up for a looser fit.

This quick dry top has a chic v-neck with a mini collar — an upgraded touch for a workout top. Reviews say the shirt is easy to wear, but the sleeves and length run slightly long.

Best open-back workout tops for $25 or less

Fabletics and Athleta sparked the open-backed workout top trend and it’s been going strong ever since. The open back is eye-catching, of course. But it’s a useful design feature for an exercise shirt. It allows for extra air flow that keeps you cool and dry. Staying cool and dry, in turn, helps you minimize those icky back breakouts.

I like the long length of this tank — you can wear it over leggings without feeling that you’re putting every last curve on display. This one’s available in 17 colors, from this pretty dark green to hot pink.

Here’s another Mippo design — a spandex tank featuring twists at the back. Wear it to yoga or for a run. Either way, you’ll look and feel great.

Can’t find your sports bra? No worries — this top has one built in. This top is best suited for women who don’t need a lot of support, though. Reviewers say it’s very comfortable but runs a touch small.

This top makes the cut for its tidy cutout. Some open-back tops are so open that they don’t stay in place very well. As soon as you pick up a light jog, you’re pulling the shirt back up over your shoulders. That shouldn’t happen with this top, because it provides ample coverage across your shoulders.

Buying budget-friendly workout tops

Remember that quality is essential, especially for workout gear, as it contributes to your comfort and how much use you’ll get from the piece. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics, good stitching, and a fit that suits your exercise routine. Style — although we prioritize it here 🙂 — should be the last box to check.