Style Active Clothing
Nikki Chwatt
Nikki Chwatt
January 31, 2024
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Nothing makes us actually excited about going to our favorite yoga class than new winter workout gear. While we love stepping into a fresh pair of leggings or throwing on a new supportive sports bra, long-sleeved yoga tops are a piece that motivates us to roll out our yoga mat since we know we’ll be comfortable and warm in bone-chilling weather.
Long-sleeved yoga tops are functional garments that shouldn’t be overlooked. Why? “They keep muscles warm and skin protected through all movements, including weight-bearing hand or headstands that are often performed in advanced classes,” says Gabby Hirata, Global Brand President of Halara. With the rise of yoga as a popular exercise practice in the past year, activewear brands have leaned into the demand for suitable clothing, creating long-sleeved yoga tops in various high-quality materials that properly warm the body up for movement. You can find different blends of elastane, neoprene, spandex, and even fleece-lined options from brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoga, and more. These labels have also catered to all body shapes and types, offering long-sleeved yoga tops with details like built-in bras and wide bands that lift and hold. You’ll even find compression to enhance performance and increase blood flow.
Experts In This Article
- Gabby Hitara, global brand president of Halara
But that’s not all. “Long sleeve yoga tops are versatile enough to transition seamlessly from yoga sessions to everyday activities,” says Hirata. This focus has allowed the top to become street-ready—wearable for yoga and beyond. Celebrities and content creators like Jennifer Lopez, Kit Keenan, and Paige Lorenze have test-driven the look by elevating their long-sleeved yoga tops with everything from a cardigan and leggings to jeans and blazer for traveling, running errands, or even going out. This “sense of ease, allowing busy individuals to go throughout their days without the hassle of changing between tasks, is key,” says Hirata.
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Inspired to shop? Grab your towel and reusable water bottle, and read ahead for the best long-sleeved yoga tops that make it easy to get off your couch and head to the place that de-stresses you.
Best Long-Sleeve Yoga Tops, at a Glance
- Best With Thumb Holes: Halara, Ribbed Halter Top, $20
- Best Cropped: Alo, Alosoft Crop Finesse Long Sleeve, $68
- Best Budget: CRZ Yoga, Long Sleeve Crop Top, $28
- Best Support: The Gym People, Compression Long Sleeve Top, $25
- Most Stylish: Beyond Yoga, Spacedye Vitality Colorblock Pullover, $88
- Best Multi-Purpose: FP Movement, Accelerate Layer Top, $68
- Best Flowy: Athleta, Cool Down Top, $65
- Best for Hot Yoga: Lululemon, Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve, $78
- Best V-Neck: Reformer, The V-Neck Long Sleeve, $119
- Best Bra-Like Top: Azur, Classic Fit Long Sleeve Crop Top, $49
What To Look For in a Long-Sleeve Yoga Top
“When purchasing a yoga top, several key qualities and characteristics should be considered to ensure both comfort and functionality during practice,” says Hirata. Read ahead to learn what to look for when shopping for a yoga top.
Fabric
Looking at the material of a yoga top is a key component when it comes time to buy one. “Opting for tops with a four-way stretch allows for ease of movement and flexibility, allowing you to transition seamlessly between poses,” says Hirata. For example, tops that feature a blend of nylon and elastane are great because these fabrics allow the top to “be fairly form-fitting, allowing the yogi to move freely without worry of the top moving, riding up, or lacking support through practice,” she says.
Style
“Shopping for a yoga top that offers a built-in bra, banded hem, or a body-shaping fit are helpful features in ensuring that your top won't ride up during yoga,” says Hirata. “That said, looking for tops specifically designed for workouts allows for more peace of mind that your top will reliably carry you through your practice.” For example, a mesh paneling or open-back design is a great option for yoga, especially hot yoga, as it enhances ventilation, making for a fashionably functional trait. “Ultimately, shopping for a balance of comfort, functionality, and style will lead to a yoga top that enhances your practice,” notes Hirata. Even thumb holes on long sleeve yoga tops are key as they ensure the sleeves won’t ride up or shift during your practice.
Color
From black and gray options, which are timeless, to pastels, which are subtle and calming, and everything in between, there is no shortage of colors to choose from when it comes to yoga tops. When shopping for your yoga top, you should choose a color you look good in and feel most confident in, but you should also consider its versatility and how it pairs with the rest of your workout wardrobe. Remember, your workout attire has a big impact on how it expresses your fitness journey and how it can motivate you to get out of bed. So, pick the color yoga top you feel the most empowered in.
Value
Gym clothing has come a long way in recent years. They’re no longer just oversized T-shirts and sweatpants. Today, athleisure comes in various styles and colors, but especially a range of price points. So, when it comes time to shop for a new yoga top, think about how much or how little you want to spend. If you have a budget over $50, look to brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and FP Movement. For those who want to spend under $50, many fashionable and supportive yoga tops are available from brands like The Gym People, CRV Yoga, and Athleta.
Shop the Best Long-Sleeve Yoga Tops
Best With Thumb Holes: Halara, Ribbed Halter Top — $20.00
Material: 75% nylon, 25% elastane
“Not speaking in my capacity as Halara’s Global Brand President, but simply as a working mom with a hectic schedule, I often find myself grabbing Halara’s tops in the morning. The removable bras and halter design make them convenient and fashion-forward for running errands, and if I squeeze in some yoga, I don’t need to worry about changing.” Hirata adds that she loves the Ribbed Halter Top because it is a cute, casual everyday top. “It has a ribbed fabric for a high-performance, yet stylish look; this top is great for yoga because the cropped design allows for the skin to breathe, while the thumbholes keep your sleeves in place,” she says. “This style also comes with removable padding, allowing you to control the amount of support and coverage.” Plus, she appreciates the variety, with cropped and waist-length options and a vibrant selection of over 10 colors.
Available sizes: XS-4X
Available colors: 11
Pro:
- No bra needed
Con:
- The band runs large
Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
No activewear shopping guide is complete without a piece from Alo Yoga. We love the brand because of its Airbrush and Airlift signature fabrics but also for its Alosoft material, which this long-sleeve top is made from. Alosoft features a blend of polyester and elastane, lending a buttery-soft finish. While it may not be sweat-wicking, it’s still breathable, allowing you to wear it for Bikram and traditional yoga. It has a four-way stretch that lets the wearer perform advanced moves. The cropped length hits right below the rib cage. Grab one of the neutral hues and take it from yoga to brunch.
Available sizes: XS-L
Available colors: 2
Pro:
- Super-soft material
Con:
- Sleeve length runs long
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Material: 91% polyamide, 9% elastane
When we learned about CRZ Yoga’s Long Sleeve Crop Top on TikTok and read that 100+ shoppers have bought it in the past month, we had to run to Amazon to grab one. This top checks off everything you’d want in a long-sleeved yoga top. It has the perfect length, one that’s not too cropped nor too long (falls at the waistline), thumbholes to keep your hands warm in the winter, fabric that breathes well with sweat, is durable, and has an inclusive size and color range. Run, don’t walk—this piece is destined to sell out.
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Available colors: 17
Pro:
- Thick yet breathable material
Con:
- Runs large
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Material: 80% polyamide, 20% spandex
If you frequent TikTok, you’ve likely seen the brand The Gym People on your “For You Page” with users reviewing all sorts of its viral products; however, you probably haven’t seen the the Compression Long-Sleeve Top. That’s because this yoga shirt is fairly new. It’s made from a compression fabric that increases blood flow and circulation, which is especially beneficial in the winter when the cold causes your blood vessels to constrict. It has a crisscross design at the hem for visual interest, a scoop neck, and thumbholes to prevent the sleeves from bunching. It’s perfect for layering under a jacket or wearing alone. Plus, the material is thick and heavy, so it stays in place on the body and keeps it warm. This top may be the next big thing this winter, so get your hands on one or two before everybody else on your feed does.
Available sizes: S-XL
Available colors: 11
Pro:
- Well-made
Con:
- Runs small
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Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
If you spend your hard-earned money on one long-sleeved yoga top, make it Beyond Yoga’s Vitality Colorblock Pullover. This top features the brand’s best-selling fabric, Spacedye, a buttery-soft performance fabric with UV protection, moisture-wicking capabilities, and a four-way stretch. The darkest night/caramel coffee is a classic colorway, but we also love that it comes in a bold pink/red color-blocking, perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Pair it with the matching leggings for a complete look that will have you feeling comfortable and confident, allowing you to take your yoga practice to the next level.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Available colors: 3
Pro:
- Fashionable
Con:
- Pricey
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Creative-spirit shoppers who love the ease of Free People’s gorgeous dresses, skirts, and tops will also love the brand’s activewear, like its Accelerate Layer Top. This long-sleeved yoga top is a classic style that focuses on attention to detail, making it fit well and look pretty. It has a scoop neck silhouette that lets you show off your favorite sports bra and back cut-out, contributing to the top’s breathability. The rounded hem and slight ruching along the bodice visually flatter the waist and offer incredible depth and texture.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Available colors: 3
Material: 89% polyester, 11% elastane
Pro:
- Versatile
Con:
- Thin fabric
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Material: 49% recycled polyester, 37% Tencel modal, 7% spandex, 7% polyester
Athleta’s Cool Down Top is a staple piece. It’s great for those who love to wear sports bras while exercising but want something that can keep them warm pre and post-workout. It’s made sustainably with recycled polyester but also consists of Tencel, known for its ability to wick moisture from the skin quickly. It has hydrogen odor-controlling yarns that keep the top smelling fresh for days. Still not sold? This top gives you a bang for your buck as it’s extremely versatile and can be worn with leggings when heading to yoga or with jeans when grabbing brunch with friends.
Available sizes: XXS to 3X
Available colors: 6
Pro:
- Comfortable and lightweight
Con:
- Moves around if wearing it during yoga
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Material: 54% nylon, 40% recycled polyester, 3% elastane, 3% X-static nylon
For another fitted option, take note of Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve. This yoga top is designed for heavy sweaters. It has a non-seamless construction that prevents chafing and quick-dry technology that absorbs the sweat away from your body. The best part is the lightweight fabric interwoven with naturally antimicrobial Silverescent to eliminate any worry of bad body odor after a challenging workout. As far as the fit and style, this top has a long hem that hits below the hips and arm length that extends beyond the wrists. It also features thumb holes.
Available sizes: 0-20
Available colors: 5
Pro:
- Not too cropped
Con:
- Can feel too constricting for some
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Best V-Neck: Reformer, The V-Neck Long Sleeve — $119.00
Material: 85% nylon, 15% elastane
Reformer is the new it-girl activewear brand to have on your radar. The Los Angeles-based brand has differentiated itself from the rest because of the fact that its garments are sustainable, locally made, and only consist of seamless designs.
The seamless construction allows for a more excellent range of motion, essential for yoga as you can stretch and bend without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. The V-Neck Long Sleeve is one of the many pieces I own from the brand, and it’s one I always grab when heading out the door in the winter. While I typically don’t like working out in long sleeves since I get hot quickly, this one allows me to stay cool in my yoga classes because of the cropped fit and breathable nylon-elastane blend. My favorite feature is the long ribbed design on the wrists with the thumb holes because it keeps my hands warm and prevents bunching in the sleeves. Since the long-sleeved yoga top has compression, I recommend sizing up, especially if you plan on wearing a sports bra underneath.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Available colors: 4
Pro:
- Thumb holes
Con:
- Runs small
Material: advanced polyspan blend
Azur is a Toronto-based clothing label that blends fashion and function. Between lounge and activewear, the brand caters to a minimalist wardrobe with versatile, durable, and timeless pieces at a manageable price point. The Classic Fit Long Sleeve Crop Top is a perfect example of what the brand stands for and represents. It has a simple wide scoop neck, removable cups, and a sleeve length that hits the perfect spot right at the wrist bone. The color options also speak for themselves. It’s made of an advanced polyspan blend that is plenty strong, ensuring you can wear it repeatedly without it wearing, pilling, or ripping. Right now, it’s offered in dark, muted hues like dark green, navy blue, and brownish grey, fitting in perfectly with our winter uniform. Since the top is cut shorter than a typical crop top, I like wearing it with my highest-waist workout leggings. I also look forward to styling it with high-waisted jeans or leather pants and an oversized blazer for a night out. Yes, it’s that versatile.
Available sizes: XS-3XL
Available colors: 14
Pro:
- Perfect balance of softness and compression
Con:
- More like a bra than a top
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Tags: Active Clothing, Athleisure Wear, Well+Good SHOP, Yoga
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.
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