2023 SELF Activewear Awards: The Best Tanks, Tees, and Shirts

By Amy Eisinger, M.A., C.P.T.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With so much focus on finding the right sneakers, the perfect sports bra, and the best leggings, it can be all too easy to overlook the shirt you’re wearing until you’re regretting your choice mid-workout. Having the right top really does make a difference and can make your workout considerably more enjoyable.

That's why we took our time scouring more than 370 new tees, tanks, and shirts for our 2023 Activewear Awards, ending up with our top 10 picks below. They’re perfect for everything from your longest runs to days you just want to do a little stretching before bed. Short, long, tight, or loose—we know there's something for you on this list.

When selecting the best tops, we considered factors like fabric, fit, and length. With that in mind, we measured each top against its claims: Was it intended to be body-hugging or loose? Should it help keep you warm or wick sweat away in hot temps? Above all, we looked for tops that were comfortable to wear. That often (but not always) meant looking for apparel with bonded or flat-lying seams, or tops that were almost entirely seamless (like the Lululemon option on our list below).

We also considered fabric quality and whether it seemed like the shirt or tank would hold up season after season—looking just as good as the first time you threw it in the washing machine. Several of the winning options on this list also include antimicrobial fabrics—which prevent fungi and bacteria growth and, in turn, may help your tops smell fresher, longer, as SELF previously reported.

The tees, tanks, and shirts considered for the 2023 SELF Activewear Awards had to meet our submission guidelines, which you can read more about here. After brands submitted almost 500 items, a group of 45 testers (consisting of SELF staffers, fitness professionals, and exercise enthusiasts) got to work testing. Testers had two months to wear an item several times and in a number of ways, judging its performance against the standards set in SELF's Activewear Buying Guide (a summary of which you can read above!). The tees, tanks, and shirts that came out on top are listed below.

During our selection process, we were met once again with the disheartening reality that plus-size activewear options are not nearly as numerous as they should be, nor are they offered in the same quality as many straight sized lines. For that reason, we decided to include items that went up to a size 2X on the winners list, while instituting a new extended sizing badge system so you can easily tell at a glance which products are made for you (or not, as the case may be). For items that do only go up to 2X, we’ve mentioned comparable options from brands we trust that weren't part of the testing process but are available in additional sizes. We hope that these awards, the badge system, and SELF as a whole will continue to push the industry forward when it comes to size inclusivity and fat acceptance.

You can read more about our behind-the-scenes process here. And don't forget to check out the rest of the 2023 SELF Activewear Award winners here !

Courtesy of brand

You know that perfectly oversized sweatshirt you’ve had since forever that's been washed to a buttery softness? The one that kept you warm on cozy movie nights and kept you comfy on hungover mornings? This winner is that, but upgraded. Lululemon crafted this slouchy top to have an ideal fit, hit right around the waistband, and drape with just enough weight so that you feel like you’re getting a gentle hug each time you wear it. Testers said they wore it après workout and while working from home.

Available in sizes 0 to 20.

Courtesy of brand

Slip on this tank for your next yoga or Pilates class—and then forget you have it on because it's that comfortable. Bonded seams, a high neckline, built-in shelf bra, and a body-hugging construction made this an instant favorite among our testers, who also enjoyed the slight compression that helped give them that "held in" feeling for the duration of their workout.

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

Courtesy of brand

Wear it to your workout, then wear it out. This top comes with a built-in lining and removable padding. It's made of a four-way stretch fabric, so it will absolutely fit close to your body. Testers noted they did not need to wear another bra underneath it, and they still had great support. They also said the top was a little low-cut, but not so much as to be distracting or stressful during a workout.

Available in sizes XXS to XXL. Additional sizes up to 6X available in a similar style here.

Classic never looked so good. This tank features a high neck and wide racerback style for a little extra coverage. It has a slightly cropped length, so you can rock some midriff if you’re pairing it with lower-rise bottoms. Testers also loved the buttery soft material and how lightweight the top felt once it was on.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Kayla Blanton

By Sara Coughlin

Available in sizes XXS to XXL. Additional sizes up to 3X available in a similar style here.

Courtesy of brand

Your go-to muscle tank style gets an updated (literal) twist with this top from the makers of that stationary bike we all bought during the pandemic. Our testers loved the lightweight material on this tank, which was sweat-wicking, stretchy, and didn't get clingy during the sweatiest of workouts.

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

Courtesy of brand

It's hard to go wrong with a soft, crewneck T-shirt. This short-sleeve shirt has a slightly thicker weave, so it's perfect when temps are just starting to drop—think: that early fall run when the air is crisp and the leaves are just turning. Our testers also loved the top's longer length, which meant it stayed put whether they were hiking, shooting hoops, or going for a jog.

Available in sizes S to XXL. Additional sizes up to 4XL available in a similar style here.

Courtesy of brand

If you’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight tee with the perfect neckline, look no further than this top pick from Activewear Award newcomer Jungmaven. Our judges loved the silhouette, which they said is just structured enough but still perfectly casual if you're throwing it on with leggings for a quick workout or with a pair of shorts for a leisurely stroll. And with 17 color options, why not grab more than one?

Available in sizes XS to XXL. Additional sizes up to 3X available in a similar style here.

Courtesy of brand

Runners know: Lululemon's long-sleeve tech shirts can go the distance. These tops are highly breathable, the perfect length, and stand up to wash after wash after wash. This latest iteration—complete with a seamless design and 30 colorways to pick from—builds on that foundation. Testers loved the slim fit of this top and how easy it was to take off mid-workout, which is especially useful if you’re the type of person who starts cold and warms up quickly.

Available in sizes 0 to 20.

Courtesy of brand

Lightweight Merino wool will make this long-sleeve shirt a standout in your closet. Outdoorsy folks already know the magic of this fabric, which stays warm when wet, is thin enough to wear during warmer months for sun protection, and can also act as a base layer in colder temps. Testers raved about the softness and breathability of the fabric, which made it perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.

Available in sizes XXS to 4XL.

Courtesy of brand

What's better than a lightweight jacket that hugs your body so well, you barely realize it's there? Testers loved that this pullover did all of that and more—wicking sweat while still keeping them just warm enough without getting hot. This top from Columbia also features hidden thumb holes and comes in three color options. Wear it alone on your next outdoor adventure, or layer it under a heavier jacket on especially chilly days.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Kayla Blanton

By Sara Coughlin

Available in sizes XS to XXL. Additional sizes up to 3X available in a similar style here.