Looking for my kind of gym top

Between one gym shirt waiting for me to cross the ocean again and my two other favorites being on their last legs, I’m in need of some new ones. I’ve included all 3 favorites in the pic to show I *am* looking for: loose-fitting cottony tops with a shelf bra. That’s what works best for me, in the kind of workouts I do. They are hard to find these days.

“The thing to do” is apparently to wear a sports bra that can be seen peaking out from underneath a shirt that’s looser cut/has bigger armholes, or wear an elastic-y top, possibly cropped, that includes a bra. I have a few of those that are ok, but I only reach for them when the 3 faves are out of commission.

Only one of my 3 favorites was sold as sports gear: the black one is JJill and the white one came with red/white seersucker shorts. I suspect finding more will require me to look beyond the sports dept. Can you help me find some?

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1 year ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I’m sorry to not have any suggestions, but I just wanted to confirm that you’re so right about how this sort of top used to be ubiquitous and is now really hard to find. Everything with a shelf bra seems to be form-fitted, and loose tanks require a separate sports bra beneath. Weird how these fashion shifts happen and we barely notice.

Kate

How about https://www.shebirdshop.com/. These tops are a little pricey, but if they fit the bill, the cost may be worth it.

At a much cheaper price, Uniqlo also sells the AIRism sleeveless bra top.

Janet

I agree with Jenn that these kinds of tops used to be everywhere (it drove me nuts because I've never had the kind of shape that can wear an integrated bra top), but now seem to have gone by the wayside. I think the designers figured out they can sell more pieces if they make cute bras and separate tops!

That said, I think TitleNine still makes some shelf-bra tops? I know they still do dresses with bras built in.

Suz

It's strange how the winds of ubiquity change! It's true, these used to be everywhere! Lulu Lemon and other places do make them, but as others have said, most are form-fitting, not loose.

I found one on Amazon. Wouldn't vouch for it because I know nothing, but it is not expensive, at least: https://www.amazon.com/Cestyle.....ref=sr_1_2

LaPed

what about Duluth Trading? They offer a few tanks with built in bras. Looks like they’re predominantly cotton and not super form fitting.

https://www.duluthtrading.com/.....wear/bras/

I bet other outdoor-casual companies like LLBean and Land’s End would be worth a look too.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I remember cotton yoga tops fitting like what you describe. I wonder if looking at Euro yoga brands would help you get what you need?

I also remember that Uniqlo had a top like this, but I can't find it on the site.

Zaeobi

Found the EU version of the Uniqlo Autism cotton bra tops - they do them in ribbed cropped & the usual hip length:
https://www.uniqlo.com/eu/en/w.....ar/bratops

Sal

I agree yoga brands may work.

At the moment it’s all crop tops or cropped tees or boxy tees. Finding a fitted tank for yoga was hard.

Stagiaire Fash

So many great suggestions--thank you all!

Kate, as you said, pricey, but might be worth it. There are a couple colors of the racerback tank that I really like.

Jenn, thanks for validating. I nearly didn't post, because I know many people here are bustier with smaller ribcages than mine.

Janet, I think you're right on the money about why companies have gone this route--more pieces=more money.

Sue, thanks for the link! Interesting that that shirt is called a yoga top. I usually think of those of being more form-fitting, so the waist stays on your waist, not your face, even in inversions. Apparently not!

LaPed, thanks for the suggestions. The ribbed one looks a little more fitted than what I was hoping for, but if the ribbing makes it easy to put on and off, that might be the one.

Sal, finding a fitted yoga top was hard? I raise you and say finding a non-fitted workout top is harder.

Angie, thanks to Sue's proof-of-concept link, I'll have a look.

Zaoebi, thanks for the link. Those look more padded/formed than I like. I appreciate you doing the legwork.

I'm off to investigate your suggestions

nemosmom

I was thinking Prana or Athleta might have something close. Lucy used to be my go-to for this kind of top, but I think they are long gone. You might have luck secondhand; there is a bunch of activewear on thredup.

ETA - darn! Thredup is not available where you are

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