Whether you are lifting weights or jumping on a treadmill, wearing the right clothes is essential. If you are choosing a new gym suit, make sure to include a gym top in your list.

Tank tops, muscle shirts, and classic T-shirts are popular choices for workout tops. Many of these styles are designed with performance features, such as wicking materials or mesh panels to promote airflow.

This buying guide covers everything you need to know. Below, we will share some of our best choices, including our favorite Under Armour ladies Tech Twist vest, available in more than 20 colors.

Most importantly, fitness tops should be comfortable. If it rises, feels comfortable, or needs frequent adjustments, it may affect your exercise. In terms of sports safety, comfort is also very important. Tops that limit the range of motion may cause you to move in unnatural directions and cause injury.

Women's plus size fitness tops are available in sizes from 1X to 5X. The sizes of different brands are not completely standard, which is why it is not uncommon to wear 2X in one brand and 3X in another.

When you compare the fit of different sizes, keep the materials in mind. For example, a fitted cotton-blend shirt is likely to shrink. For these fitness tops, many wearers simply adjust the size to solve the shrinkage problem.

Classic T-shirts: Classic T-shirts or T-shirts are essential for exercise. They are comfortable and versatile, so they can be easily matched with all gym pants. T-shirts have a variety of necklines to choose from, but round necks and V necks are still the most popular.

One of the shortcomings of T-shirts is that they tend to have a boxy cut. Sweat stains on sleeves are also common, especially for cotton-blend T-shirts.

Sleeveless: Popular styles of sleeveless tops for exercise include racer vests, muscle T-shirts and tank tops. They are either worn alone or as a base layer. Sleeveless tops are still the preferred style for weightlifting because they allow the wearer to check their figure in the mirror.

The sides of some of these styles are cut very low, which may expose the wearer's sports bra. Sleeveless tops usually have a low-cut design, and many wearers say this makes them less suitable for sports that require bending.

Long-sleeved: Long-sleeved shirts are still the first choice for outdoor sports. Depending on the weather, they can be worn as a base layer or a shell layer. There are also long-sleeved compression shirts, which fit snugly and help promote blood circulation and improve recovery.

However, long-sleeved tops are not suitable for everyone. Some wearers said the sleeves would get in the way, while others claimed that the sleeves would make them feel too hot or sweat more.

Basic cotton or polyester sports tops are priced at $15 and under. Performance-oriented tops, such as those made of wick materials, sell for US$20-35. Tops from high-quality sportswear brands can cost as much as $50.

Answer: It depends on how often you exercise. If you exercise once or twice a week, a few tops are very convenient. If you exercise almost every day, there are 6 to 10 exercise tops to keep up with your laundry plan.

A. It is recommended to wash the sports jacket with cold water and dry it. Cotton shrinks easily in the dryer. Synthetic materials, such as polyester blends, may deteriorate when placed in a dryer.

Best of the best: Under Armour Women's Tech Twist Vest

Our opinion: With excellent tailoring and comfortable fit, it is still a bestseller, not to mention its durability.

What we like: The lightweight structure with UA wick material keeps the wearer cool. The shirt can withstand repeated washing and wearing. There are more than 20 solid colors to choose from.

What we don’t like: Some wearers find that the vest is unusually long.

Great value for money: Just My Size Women's Active Graphic Muscle Vest

Our suggestion: a soft vest, a loose fit, suitable for low-intensity exercises, such as yoga and aerobics.

What we like: The wearer likes a high and low hem and a high neckline. Side vents allow the wearer to move naturally without worrying about the fuel tank rising. Made of polyester, it will not fade and will not shrink.

What we don’t like: choose the most comfortable size.

Option 3: Adidas Originals Women's Clover T-shirt

Our view: Classic T-shirts from popular sports brands are versatile and can be matched with any bottoms.

What we like: The ribbed crew neck holds its shape very well. The sleeves are located in the middle of the biceps, so they won't rise up during the activity. Made from a blend of high-quality cotton and elastic fibers. Perfect for year-round wear or layering.

What we don’t like: Some people report that after multiple washings, the logo fades or cracks.

Sian Babish is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.