Crop tops you'll actually want to work out in this summer - SFGate

Like leggings in winter and light pullovers in fall, crop tops are my summertime standby — as perfect for trail runs, gym sessions, and yoga classes as they are for errands, picnics, and dog walks. Whether they're skintight or flowy, high-neck or V-neck, barely shorter than a normal tee, or well above the belly button, I look for crop tops that are comfortable enough to wear all day long and versatile enough to go with a variety of bottoms. I also appreciate those with a little something different: a knotted bottom, fun straps, interesting material, or cool colorways.

Move Free Crop Top

Move Free Crop Top

Outdoor Voices

outdoorvoices.com

$34.00

When it comes to training hard, no crop I've worn rivals the Move Free Crop Top by Outdoor Voices. I find it so comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and cute that I save it for special occasions like the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. With a racerback, high neck, and removable pads (which I never leave in), and a fit that's more like a long sports bra than a short tank, I find it perfect for both working out and competing. It comes in a variety of great colors (that change seasonally), as well as a color block option and a few fun patterns, such as leopard.

Conscious Crop 

Conscious Crop in Powervita™

Athleta

athleta.gap.com

$59.00

Another favorite is the Conscious Crop by Athleta, which is similar to the Outdoor Voices options in a number of ways. It also has a racerback and removable bra, but the neck is higher, the straps are thicker, and the top as a whole offers a little more coverage. It's similarly soft and quick-drying, and is available in several solid colors — both neutral and bright. On top of all that, the Conscious Crop has a UPF rating of 50+ (awesome for those extra sunny days), and comes in two bra size options: A-C and D-DD+.

Relentless Crop Top 

Relentless Crop Top

New Balance

newbalance.com

$39.99

The Relentless Crop Top by New Balance is not your average big brand training top. With skinny straps, a thick elastic band on the bottom, and — the kicker — "a wrapped v-waistband" you probably have to see to imagine, it's a great balance between sporty and stylish. It's made of fast-drying, sweat-wicking material that's snug enough to feel supportive but not restrictive. The Relentless Crop Top only comes in two colors (black and navy), but makes a big enough statement without needing splashy colors.

Happiness Runs Square Neck Top

Happiness Runs Square Neck Crop

FP Movement

freepeople.com

$40.00

Although FB Movement has been an activewear sub-brand of Free People since 2014, it wasn't until last year that the first physical FP Movement store opened. Now, I'm seeing the brand everywhere. There are several crop tops in the Happiness Runs collection, featuring eye-catching patterns, layered looks, and frilly straps. Happiness Runs Square Neck Top stands out with its unique boxy cut, ribbed material, slightly relaxed fit, and option to wear a bra or go without. If the 16 color options don't do it for you, maybe the fact that 1% of all FP Movement purchases benefit Girls Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young females, will.

Twilight Crop Tank 

Twilight Crop Tank

Tracksmith

tracksmith.com

$58.00

Tracksmith is known in the running world for its hare logo and high-quality workout apparel that (for the most part) justifies the price. The Twilight Crop Tank is a testament to that reputation, designed for performance and durability with its silky smooth, stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, and reinforced double-stitch construction. It features a scoop neck, racerback, and length that's just a little shorter than a classic tank (and might feel more like a one on shorter torsos). Choose from six colors that range from "straw" (pale yellow) to "rosewood" (maroon), and plan to train in and wear this tank for many seasons to come.

Sculpt Tank Top Cropped

Sculpt Tank Top Cropped

Lululemon

lululemon.com

$48.00

For athletes and adventurers looking for a looser crop, lululemon's Sculpt Tank Top Cropped is a great place to start. It looks exactly like the Sculpt Tank Top on top (with a classic sports jersey vibe), but is cut to crop length and offers a little flow at the bottom. Mesh fabric panels make it cool and breathable, while the cutout near the top of the back adds an unexpected and modern touch element. Designed for running and training, the Sculpt Tank Top Cropped — sold in light blue, black, and white — would be an equally solid choice for any kind of active summer day.

Cover Tank

Cover Tank - Black

Alo Yoga

aloyoga.com

$54.00

Another crop with a hip but slightly modest feel is Alo Yoga's Cover Tank. From the back, you might mistake it for any other sleeveless tee, but the front shows differently, with a fun twist at the bottom and a subtle seam down the middle. Made with soft, draping jersey, and available in six classic colors, it would be a comfortable and flattering pick for all shapes and sizes. Whether you're a hardcore yogi (as most Alo Yoga customers are), an avid concert-goer, or a seasonal farmers' market shopper, the Cover Tank may be just the summer look you need.

Active Cropped Top 

Active Cropped Top

banana republic

gapfactory.com

$39.98

For a little something different, check out the Active Cropped Top at Banana Republic Factory. Crew-necked and long-sleeved, it offers more coverage by far than any other crop on this list. But before you write it off as a more appropriate winter purchase, think about its many possible uses: extra sun protection (who doesn't need that), a sensible pack for a chilly destination (or one that gets chilly at night), or just a change-up from your typical summer wardrobe. The Active Cropped Top comes in four dark colors, all of which can be paired with leggings of the same shade.

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