Runners know sweat is a given when you’re pounding the pavements. In fact, we usually resemble a sweaty tomato at the end of a run - and let’s not even talk about what we look like after a summer sprint.
Therefore anything that can keep us sweat-free, cool and comfortable in the heat as we make it through our weekly running schedule is well worth our money.
We love a long-sleeved running top in the winter to keep us cosy and protect us from the elements, but in the summer, a running vest or tank means our bodies have a chance to absorb some much-needed vitamin D and most importantly, keep us cool as we hit our stride.
Not any old vest will do. The wrong running vest could result in chafing, sweat patches galore and bothersome readjusting - all conspiring to distract you from your PB.
The material, or more specifically, the integrated tech woven within in the fabric, will have an effect on sweat-levels post-run. Look for sweat-wicking materials that work to remove excess moisture and leave you feeling fresh and cool, while added mesh also offers more ventilation.
The cut will also make a difference, and of course, it’s your preference when it comes to aesthetics, but for summer workouts, we prefer a bright scoop neck vest with reflective details that keep us visible for evening and early morning runs.
Here are a few of the best running vests for women
Gymshark Apex seamless tank
Heat-mapping ventilation sounds like a weather system, but in running vest terms it’s exactly what you need when you’re dripping with sweat halfway through your route.
The tech from Apex positions small holes around the vest (the chest, stomach and upper back area) where you’ll need it most, keeping you dry and sweat-free. The loose-fit design also sports mesh detail and is made from stretchy material - helping you move through your strides easier.
The high neck vests come in six colours including turquoise and apricot.
Buy now £38.00, Gymshark
Provis Classic Women’s Running Singlet
Made with a soft touch polyester this vest will keep you cool whether you’re running outside or on an indoor treadmill. Lightweight and thin enough to pull on and off quickly after a sweaty session, it’s offered in four colours, including a bright reflective pink and yellow.
Complete with Sensor+ technology it has a high moisture-wicking ability and allows heat to escape easily, so you’ll finish your run feeling comfortable. Perfect to pair with their reflective running jacket, the price point is very reasonable for such high quality.
Buy now £19.99, Proviz
NIKE DriFit Training Tank Top Ladies
It doesn’t matter whether you’re doing a warm-up run on the treadmill or a 10K run outside this Nike training top will keep you dry. Available in five different colours, including bright purple, the DriFit technology means sweat won’t ruin your workout.
Made with a crew neck collar and flatlock seams the loose-fitting t-shirt is as lightweight as it is comfortable. The vest, which is finished off with a small Nike tick, would pair well with bright running shorts or Capri leggings.
Buy now £12.99, Sports Direct
Under Armour Fly-By Tank
With a streamlined fit, loose enough to keep you cool yet tight enough to sit well on the body, this running vest will keep sweat at bay.
The Under Armour tech fabric will keep you dry and cool you down as you make your way around your local park. The curved neck design sits low on the chest, while we love the open back, with UA labelling.
Choose the reflective lime colour to really get noticed on your nighttime runs or pair the white with some UA shorts to show off your summer tan.
Buy now £22.00, Under Armour
Sweaty Betty light speed running vest
If you’re feeling the need for speed your best bet is this Sweaty Betty vest. Made from 96 per cent recycled polyester this loose-fitting running vest won’t stick to you as you run and is breathable enough for a tough workout.
Sweat-wicking, the top will help to regulate your temperature as you run, while the reflective logo will keep you visible at all times.
Available in a coastal blue, as well as dark pink and black, the top also has slits down the side giving you space to move around - helping you get to the finish line at a speedy time.
Buy now £45.00, John Lewis
Castore Women’s mango speed vest
Made especially for runners, this speed vest from Castore is designed with lightweight moisture-wicking fabric.
The racerback vest is cut with movement in mind, with bonded seams and high stretch material, so you can concentrate on your PB instead of adjusting your top. With a scoop neck it sits well on the front, while the cut out detail at the back is a great addition for style and breathability.
Available in a bright and cheery mango colour, the vest also comes in black and blue.
Buy now £45.00, Castore
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0
Designed for running and training this Lululemon top has minimal seams to reduce chafing - so you can get on with your sweaty workout, without the fear of injury.
The new streamlined fit also has the brands Silverescent technology - which helps to prevent odour-causing bacteria, meaning it can be a running vest staple for years to come. The vest, which is available in 5 colours, as well as a red rock colour, also has a breathable mesh, helping to wick away the sweat when you are out on the road or making your way through a tough HIIT session.
Buy now £45.00, Lululemon
New Balance Impact run tank
Whether you pick this running vest in black or vibrant orange you’ll be as cool as a cucumber as you rack up those miles.
Created in an active fit, which skims the chest, the vest has New Balance’s ICEx fast-drying technology, keeping the vest cool, even when you’re sweating buckets.
Made with 95 per cent recycled polyester the mesh design on the bank adds to the aesthetics and cooling effects, while its piping has a reflective element - keeping you seen in low light.
Buy now £30.00, New Balance
Salomon Sense Aero Women’s Tank
If you’re looking for a running vest which helps to cool your body temp as you run this vest has all the tech - including the brand’s 37.5 technology which will optimise your body’s microclimate and dry five times quicker than similar fabric.
The active fit, not too tight or loose, is just right for running - with its soft fabric and merrow stitch seams helping to reduce chafing.
With some quirky colourways, including our fave, lime and white - the design also doubles up as reflective elements, helping with visibility when you’re running in built-up areas or at night. Available in sizes XS - XL.
Buy now £45.00, Salomon
Asics Race Tank
A loose-fitting running vest, made with 50 per cent recycled materials Asics race tank is a great price point for the quality. The lightweight and quick-drying top, which comes in bright colours like lime green for the more adventurous and classic colours such as white or black if you want a no-fuss option, also has built-in cooling technology.
The ACTIBREEZE technology cools you down as you start to build up those miles, while its quick-drying fabric and flat seams will stop the chafe - even on longer runs.
Buy now £28.00, Asics
Verdict
The Gymshark Apex seamless tank is the top you need if you’re running long distances, with its heat mapping and bright colours, however if you’ve looking for something a little lighter on the purse strings Provis Classic Women’s Running Singlet is half the price but still has similar quality.
