The 12 Best lululemon Tops + Affordable alternatives

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Logan Hailey

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Lululemon tops

Finding the perfect yoga or workout top is no simple task: you need something that will hold up the ladies, keep you covered, and wick away sweat to prevent armpit stains. Do lululemon tank tops and workout tees check all the boxes?

In our experience, they certainly do. Lulu gear is the leading athleisure brand in the world for a reason. If you’re wondering whether their tops are as incredible as their leggings, here is an ultimate guide to the 12 best lululemon tanks, tees, and lounge shirts.

Plus, if brand name lululemon Athletica is out of your budget, we found the best cheap alternatives that are almost as great as the real thing.

Best 12 lululemon Workout Tops

lululemon is known for their “less stress more sweat” mentality. These tops are designed with functionality and style in mind. They flow with you so you don’t have to worry about anything but your movement and mindset. No spillage, no bouncing, and no sweat stains (thank God!)

Here are our top 12 favorite Lulu tops for any workout (P.S. they all have free shipping and free returns, so don’t be afraid to try them on risk free from your home or order and pick up in store).

  1. Top Rated: lululemon Align Tank Top
  2. Best Top for Yoga: Nulu and Mesh-Back Shelf-Bra Yoga Tank Top
  3. Best Crop Top: Sculpt Cropped Tank Top
  4. Best Hip Length Tank: lululemon Align Hip Length Racerback Tank Top
  5. Best Full Length Top: Ebb to Street Tank Top
  6. Best High Neck Top: High Neck Running and Training T-Shirt
  7. Best High Neck Tank: lululemon Align High Neck Tank Top
  8. Best for Training: Invigorate Training Tank Top
  9. Best Long Sleeve Top: Love Long Sleeve Shirt
  10. Best Lightweight Top: Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0
  11. Best Breathable Top: Sculpt Tank Top
  12. Best for Running: Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top
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Top Rated:

lululemon Align Tank Top

This is the quintessential yoga top. Made with the same buttery-smooth Nulu fabric as lululemon’s infamous Align leggings, this top feels as luxurious as it looks. It is completely weightless, stretchy, and oh-so-flattering. The V-neck cut is feminine yet still provides enough coverage in a downward dog.

The built-in shelf bra with removable cups provides light support for Vinyasa flows and hatha sequences. Plus, it looks nice enough to pair with jeans or a skirt while out-and-about.

Without a doubt, this is Lulu’s most popular top! It has over 4,000 positive reviews and can be seen in yoga studios, gyms, and streetwear around the country.

Pros

  • Luxurious smooth fabric
  • Superior sweat-wicking
  • Flattering
  • Very form-fitting
  • Great for smaller busts
  • Great support for yoga flows

Cons

  • Not great for large breast women
  • May be too cropped for some body types
  • Somewhat revealing
  • Need to size up for larger midsection
GYM PEOPLE Womens Longline

Best Budget alternative:

Women’s Longline Sports Bra Wirefree Padded Medium Support Yoga Bras Gym Running Workout Tank Tops...

See latest price

This #1 bestselling Align tank alternative rings in at under $25 and comes in a range of gorgeous pastel colors. It is supportive, padded, and wire-free. The 80% polyamide and 20% spandex construction feels shockingly similar to lululemon’s Nulu fabric. We especially love the flattering cropped cut.

Nulu and Mesh Back

Best Top for Yoga:

Nulu and Mesh-Back Shelf-Bra Yoga Tank Top

If you’re looking for something unique to wear to hot yoga, this lesser-known lululemon yoga tank has lightweight coverage and added ventilation. It is made with the same Nulu fabric as align, but has more breathability in the mesh-lined back. We love the square-neck cut and longer length for more modesty on the mat.

Pros

  • Exceptional breathability
  • Signature buttery smooth Nulu fabric
  • More modest cut than the Align tank
  • Longer length
  • Mesh back
  • Unique stitching and style

Cons

  • Few color options
  • High price point
  • Runs small
Sculpt Cropped Tank Top

Best Crop Top:

Sculpt Cropped Tank Top

For a looser all-purpose tank, this flowy ultra-lightweight top fits the bill. It is designed for running and training, but you can wear it with practically anything. We love the extra keyhole opening in the back for extra breathability. The sweat-wicking fabric and boxy fit make it perfect for hot yoga, weight lifting, and anything in between.

Pros

  • Extra breathable
  • Affordable price point
  • Flowy, loose fit
  • Added Lycra for stretchiness and shape retention
  • Flattering cropped cut
  • Reflective details for running

Cons

  • Requires wearing a sports bra underneath
  • Neon colors may not look exactly the same as online photos
BALEAF Womens Crop Tops Workout Cropped Tank

Best Budget alternative:

BALEAF Workout Tops for Women Crop Tank Top Quick Dry Athletic Gym Exercise Sleeveless Shirts Muscle...

See latest price

This under-$20 budget alternative is made of an ultra soft polyester, spandex, and lyocell blend. It has the same sleeveless “muscle tank” fit as the Lulu option and flows perfectly with any body type. While it may not last as long, it looks surprisingly similar.

Align Hip Length

Best Hip Length Tank:

lululemon Align Hip Length Racerback Tank Top

This Align-family tank is perfect for yogis who don’t like showing off their stomach in class. It sits below your waistband and stays in place as you do inverted poses. It contours the body without feeling restrictive.

The weightless Nulu fabric feels deliciously smooth and sweat-wicking as it moves. We also love the high neck and racerback design for worry-free range-of-motion.

Pros

  • Longer length hits below the waistband
  • Stays in place
  • Built-in cups
  • Breathable Nulu fabric
  • Full range-of-motion
  • Incredible color selection

Cons

  • Cups are not removable
  • Not long enough for tall women
Ribbed Tank Tops for Women

Best Budget alternative:

CRZ YOGA Ribbed Tank Tops for Women Basic Cami High Neck Casual Sleeveless Shirt Workout Yoga Top...

See latest price

This high neck cami has the same overall vibe as the Lulu option. It is super cheap, but has a slimmer fit and smaller color selection. Nonetheless, we’re impressed by the softness and stretchiness for the price.

Ebb to Street Tank Top

Best Full Length Top:

Ebb to Street Tank Top

One of Lulu’s most popular new arrivals, the name “Ebb to Street” says it all: this tank was made to move from the yoga studio to errands and beyond. It has an extra soft seamless construction. Lulu’s special “Science of Feel” design process ensures that all the details are covered- minimal seams, no chaffing, four-way stretch, and light support.

We love the built in shelf-bra and nice coverage for the bust and stomach. It stays down in Downward Dog and there’s no spillage in inversions.

Pros

  • Seamless super soft construction
  • Chafe-free design
  • Full coverage
  • Built in shelf-bra with removable cups
  • Complimentary fit on most body types
  • Light support for B/C cups

Cons

  • May be too long for short yogis
  • Bottom half of tank is more see-through
Sphinx Cat Yoga Racerback Tank Top

Best Budget alternative:

Yoga Racer Back Tank Top for Women with Built in Bra,Women's Padded Sports Bra Fitness Workout...

See latest price

This full-length ribbed racerback has most of the same features as Lulu’s Ebb to Street, but at less than half the price. The built-in bra is extra supportive and the nylon/spandex blend feels almost as stretchy as the brand name.

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Best High Neck Top:

High Neck Running and Training T-Shirt

This extra breathable tee may look basic at first glance, but it has all the anti-stink, full coverage capabilities you’ve been dreaming of. Made to run, lift, press, jump, and move, this lightweight t-shirt dries way quicker than any cheap cotton counterpart. It floats away from your body and sits below your waistband for moderate coverage.

Pros

  • Flattering loose fit
  • Keeps you super cool
  • Lightweight and versatile multi-activity shirt
  • Huge array of colors to choose from
  • No Stink Zinc treatment to prevent growth of odor-causing bacteria
  • Reflective details for jogging
  • Mid-range price point

Cons

  • Torso runs short
  • May snag easily if washed with rugged materials
Athletic Short Sleeved Running T Shirts

Best Budget alternative:

BALEAF Women's Workout Shirts Short Sleeve Athletic Tops Lightweight Quick Dry Running Yoga Crewneck...

See latest price

Though it doesn’t have the same chic style as the Lulu top, this alternative performs similarly. It dries extra quickly and feels super loose on the body without looking baggy.

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Best High Neck Tank:

lululemon Align High Neck Tank Top

Yet another favorite Align-style tank! We’re honestly crazy about the high-neck fit of this piece. It has the weightless Nulu fabric and buttery smooth fit that we all crave, but without the risk of too much cleavage showing during an intense yoga session.

The color selection and flattering cut are truly top-notch. The neck sits elegantly above the collar bones and the armpits are cut low enough to prevent chaffing or excess sweat. Don’t forget the light support shelf-bra with removable cups!

Pros

  • Buttery smooth weightless Nulu fabric
  • Designed for extra coverage in yoga classes
  • Nylon, Lycra, and Elastane blend
  • Beautiful color selection
  • Cropped fit goes perfectly with high rise leggings

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Runs small
  • May not provide enough coverage for large breasts
Womens High Nick Longline Sports Bra

Best Budget alternative:

CRZ YOGA Women's High Neck Longline Sports Bra - Padded Racerback Yoga Bra Crop Tank Top with Built...

See latest price

It may not wick sweat away as well as the high-end counterpart, but it definitely looks similar. The built-in bra has removable cups and an inner chest bend for support. This top rings in at under $30 and performs great in yoga, pilates, barre, and the gym.

Invigorate Training Tank Top

Best for Training:

Invigorate Training Tank Top

For a seamless transition from hot yoga to the gym or even boxing, this tank was designed to support you as you build strength. Made of lululemon’s signature Everlux fabric, it handles sweat and heat like no other. It has their fastest-drying fabric combined with light support and tight contouring fit for any high-intensity training. The high neck looks cute enough to wear with high-rise shorts or a skirt as well.

Pros

  • Staple piece for versatile outfits
  • Extra quick drying Everlux fabric
  • Flattering cut and great support for training
  • Built-in shelf bra with removable cups
  • Lovely color selections
  • Very high quality
  • Great coverage for larger busts

Cons

  • May run tight
  • Fairly cropped
Kole Meego Crop Tops for Women

Best Budget alternative:

Kole Meego Crop Tops for Women Workout Cropped Tank Top Trendy High Neck Camisole Yoga Shirts...

See latest price

If you’re looking for budget staple pieces, this alternative is a gold mine! You get four tops for less than half the price of one Lulu tank. The main downside is that these tops are made of cotton and spandex rather than Lulu’s incredible quick-dry material.

Love Long Sleeve Shirt

Best Long Sleeve Top:

Love Long Sleeve Shirt

This flowy long sleeve cotton top is super casual for leisure and lounging. The Pima cotton fabric is a nice change from Lulu’s typical workout-style materials. It is naturally breathable and has a little bit of stretch for a slouchy (but not baggy) feel.

Pros

  • Super soft pima cotton
  • Relaxed fit without looking baggy
  • Classic long-sleeve

Cons

  • Fairly plain
  • High price point
Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0

Best Long Sleeve Top:

Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0

This seamless running top provides extra coverage without causing extra sweat. The chafe-free design is incredibly breathable and lightweight. The slim fit goes all the way down to your hips so you don’t have to worry about your stomach showing. We also love the added Silverscent technology that infuses silver to prevent odors and bacteria.

Pros

  • Seamless chafe-free design
  • Extra breathable, yet slim fit
  • Silver infusion prevents odors
  • Incredible diversity of colors

Cons

  • Too long for some body types
  • High price point
Seamless Workout Shirts for Women 1

Best Budget alternative:

RUNNING GIRL Seamless Workout Shirts for Women,Short Sleeve T-Shirt Stretch Tees Quick Dry Gym...

See latest price

This airy alternative is a copycat of Lulu’s Swiftly Tech 2.0 collection. It has as snug thermal fit that still keeps you cool. These tops ring in at less than half the price of the real thing and include a flattering side-ruching. The mesh knit panels are extra breathable.

Sculpt Tank Top

Best Breathable Top:

Sculpt Tank Top

For runners and weightlifters, this tank is incredibly lightweight and includes side mesh panels that cool you off quickly. The muscle-tank design compliments your arms and doesn’t ride up on the armpit area.

Pros

  • Flowy, lightweight design
  • Flattering muscle fit
  • Full length, classic fit (not too slim)
  • Sweat-wicking fabric

Cons

  • Runs large
  • No shelf-bra or support
Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top

Best for Running:

Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top

This “race length” tank comes in an array of vibrant colors and sports a chafe-free seamless construction. The slim fit keeps everything tucked in without restricting your movement or causing extra sweat. We love the quick-dry fabric and waistband-length that never rides up.

Pros

  • Quick-dry fabric
  • Never rides up during runs
  • Seamless design
  • Flattering fit for many body types
  • Lots of colors

Cons

  • No shelf bra or support
  • Runs large

Are Lulu Tops Worth It?

The reviews and active experience say it all: Lulu workout tops really do hold up to the test. Whether on the mat or on the go, we love how each of these tops performed and flattered.

Have you tried any lululemon workout tops or their alternatives? What did you think?

Namaste!

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About Logan Hailey

Logan Hailey is a writer, nomad, and 200RYT yoga teacher on a mission to help people live more vivacious, joyful lives aligned with nature. As she travels in her van conversion with her two dogs, she teaches about holistic health, herbalism, and personal development. Keep up with her adventures @naturallylogan on Instagram and TikTok. Follow me: Instagram | LinkedIn

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