Yoga tops

[indysteel]

For the love of God, why is it so hard to find a yoga top to my liking? I want something with a high neck made of a stretchy and breathable fabric that is long enough but not too long and that offers sufficient support without hindering my lungs. I know this is a tall order, but I can't find a single top that meets these needs.

I bought a bunch of halter tops a few years back from both Athleta and Prana but styles have since changed. Now, a lot of tops are so long that they basically cover my butt. I don't want to cover my butt; it's not an area that I care to emphasize, and all that extra length just ends up bunching up in unflattering ways. I also don't want to show the entire class my less-than-ample chest. I really get turned off during class when I have to look at people's boobs. My few tops have held up pretty well to a weekly wearings and washings, but they're starting to finally show their age. They need to be replaced.

Argh.

[Veronica]

Have you tried Title 9?

I have a few tops from them that I really like. I don't have an ample chest - either it's a 32 C or a 36A. I can't decide which, but neither is ample! :eek:

Veronica

[Reesha]

Check lululemon athletica as well.
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/women-tanks?mnid=mn;women;tops;tanks

I know this isn't a yoga top exactly, but I love my Sugoi Fizz Tank. It hits right at the hip but doesn't cover my butt and has a high neck and a shelf bra. Very comfy. Also it doesn't bunch up around my waist when I run or walk. Excellent tank.

[OakLeaf]

My favorite: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_341_0.html

I would buy a size up from your usual Ibex size and/or get it in black if you don't want it to be too form-fitting.

[indysteel]

I keep an eye on their offerings (as I do with Prana and Athleta and a few others), but have never seen one that I've particularly liked. My preference is for a high neck halter style similar to Terry's Euro top. The Euro would actually work just fine--notwithstanding the zippered pocket--but it's a little on the short side for yoga.

I realize I sound like Goldilocks. I am not ordinarily quite this picky when it coms to clothes, but for yoga, I want to feel totally comfortable with what I'm wearing. I don't want to have to pull or tug on my clothes during class or otherwise feel self conscious.

[indysteel]

Check lululemon athletica as well.
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/women-tanks?mnid=mn;women;tops;tanks

I know this isn't a yoga top exactly, but I love my Sugoi Fizz Tank. It hits right at the hip but doesn't cover my butt and has a high neck and a shelf bra. Very comfy. Also it doesn't bunch up around my waist when I run or walk. Excellent tank.

I hate Lululemon with the strength of a thousand suns. Well, maybe not that much, but I do not like them. I made the mistake of buying a couple of tops in Chicago last March. They looked okay in the dimly lit fitting room, but then I got them home. They're really long for one. Plus, the internal shelf bra is really narrow so that it barely covers my size 34A chest. The fabric makes me look like I'm 30 pounds overweight (which I'm not). The fabric clings to every bump and crevice of my body. I tried them on again last night with the hope that maybe they had magically transformed themselves. But no; they're awful.

I do like Sugoi as a general rule, so I'll take a look at the Fizz.

[indysteel]

My favorite: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_341_0.html

I would buy a size up from your usual Ibex size and/or get it in black if you don't want it to be too form-fitting.

I love my Ibex bras, but the tank looks like it runs long. Do you know what it measures?

[Reesha]

I hate Lululemon with the strength of a thousand suns. Well, maybe not that much, but I do not like them. I made the mistake of buying a couple of tops in Chicago last March. They looked okay in the dimly lit fitting room, but then I got them home. They're really long for one. Plus, the internal shelf bra is really narrow so that it barely covers my size 34A chest. The fabric makes me look like I'm 30 pounds overweight (which I'm not). The fabric clings to every bump and crevice of my body. I tried them on again last night with the hope that maybe they had magically transformed themselves. But no; they're awful.

I do like Sugoi as a general rule, so I'll take a look at the Fizz.

I'll be honest, I've never owned anything lululemon. My co-teacher likes it for yoga though, so I thought I'd pass it along. But seriously the fizzzzz tank. So great. I've really put mine through the mill too and it's still in great shape!

[indysteel]

I have a Moving Comfort top that has a built-in bra that more or less fits this description. Mine is just like the black and white one, though it's an aqua/white combo. I have used it for yoga.

This one: (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300402.html)

Or this one. (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300361.html)

This one with thinner straps looks promising too. (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300251.html)

No bra necessary. Not even for size D. TE has several others too. Just search Moving Comfort. The styles I linked to are available in either A/B, or C/D, but the two sizes are separate listings on TE.

No idea if they will be too long, they are longer than some tops I have. Sometime, I do have my shirts hemmed, as this bothers me too.

I was looking at the these earlier today. The one with the skinnier straps looked promising, but the reviews (on Altrec.com I think) really spooked me. They talked about how tight the internal bra is. Plus, I generally don't like molded cups in my workout tops. I'll take a look at some additional reviews though.

[indysteel]

I'll be honest, I've never owned anything lululemon. My co-teacher likes it for yoga though, so I thought I'd pass it along. But seriously the fizzzzz tank. So great. I've really put mine through the mill too and it's still in great shape!

I tried another of their tops on when my yoga studio used to carry them. At the time, I was easily a size 2. I tried on a small if memory serves. It was so tight that I got sort of stuck in it. It took every once of upper body strength I had to get it off.

I'm sure they must work for others because there's a brick and mortar shop in Chicago on every third block. Me, not so much. I do appreciate the suggestion though!

[Reesha]

I tried another of their tops on when my yoga studio used to carry them. At the time, I was easily a size 2. I tried on a small if memory serves. It was so tight that I got sort of stuck in it. It took every once of upper body strength I had to get it off.

I'm sure they must work for others because there's a brick and mortar shop in Chicago on every third block. Me, not so much. I do appreciate the suggestion though!

Lol I have an easy explanation for that! From teaching 8th grade girls I can safely say that they are a fairly significant part of their demographic. Teensy sizing for twiggy (and affluent) junior high girls.

[OakLeaf]

I love my Ibex bras, but the tank looks like it runs long. Do you know what it measures?

Unstretched, my small one is 14" from the lowest point in the neckline to the bottom. There's a considerable amount of stretch to it, though. I'm 5'3" with no waist and it isn't too long for me. Even if it were, the great thing about merino is that I can let it bunch up a little bit around the waist and hips and it looks and feels fine, it just kind of drapes.

[indysteel]

Unstretched, my small one is 14" from the lowest point in the neckline to the bottom. There's a considerable amount of stretch to it, though. I'm 5'3" with no waist and it isn't too long for me. Even if it were, the great thing about merino is that I can let it bunch up a little bit around the waist and hips and it looks and feels fine, it just kind of drapes.

Thanks for the info. That might work. Merino would sure feel luxurious in class!

[Crankin]

Indy, I have had the same experience with yoga tops. They are getting too long. I have one Athleta one that is perfect and I guess I'd better get more before they stop making it. I can't stand the bunching up. I do wear my Eurohalters, as they are the most comfortable, long enough (don't care if some skin shows on my back), and the print distracts from any headlight issues. The zippered pocket is annoying, but, I don't care. I bought a YMMV tank, and it's really thin and breathable, but way too long. I should have bought an XX small, instead of my usual X small :eek:. Of course, it would probably still be too long and then too tight.
Most Sugoi things fit me perfectly, so I will look into that, too.

[indysteel]

Cranklin, which Athleta top do you have that you like?

[jessmarimba]

I'll take all of your yoga tops that are too long!!! I can't find them long enough. Except Lucy, which unfortunately are so low-cut that I'm on the verge of flashing everyone in class (am hoping I can just shorten the straps on that one, as it's also so low in the back it shows the top of my scar, which is about at my bra line).

I have a few of the Champion C9 from Target, and I like them well enough. Probably too long for you :) Also enjoy the Mountain Hardwear Lhasa top. I have a peach-ish orange one in a small from a couple years ago that is slightly looser than I like (the XS is super tight though) that I can give you if you're interested. Let me know, I'll take photos.

Edit - just remembered you said high neck. The Lhasa isn't low-cut, but it's not a high neck either. I'm racking my brain trying to think of what I have at home.

[indysteel]

I'll take all of your yoga tops that are too long!!! I can't find them long enough. Except Lucy, which unfortunately are so low-cut that I'm on the verge of flashing everyone in class (am hoping I can just shorten the straps on that one, as it's also so low in the back it shows the top of my scar, which is about at my bra line).

I have a few of the Champion C9 from Target, and I like them well enough. Probably too long for you :) Also enjoy the Mountain Hardwear Lhasa top. I have a peach-ish orange one in a small from a couple years ago that is slightly looser than I like (the XS is super tight though) that I can give you if you're interested. Let me know, I'll take photos.

Edit - just remembered you said high neck. The Lhasa isn't low-cut, but it's not a high neck either. I'm racking my brain trying to think of what I have at home.

I did look at the Llasa as a possibility. Is it a pale peach color or a little on the brighter side? My skin is so fair that I have to be careful with certain colors or I look kind of nekkid. My Lulumon tops are a size small (it's their "Power Y" tank). One is green; the other is a subtle black/grey/white horizontal stripe. The green is cuter IMO. I'd be willing to do a trade if you're interested. I can also take photos. Of course, after what I said about Lulumon, you might have zero interest in these.

[Crankin]

It's the Switchback tank. And it's on sale now...
I've had it for years. I saw a couple of others that looked great recently, but the reviews were horrible; the things are too tight. I bought another style of Athleta top around the same time as the Switchback and I ripped it the first time I wore it, because I couldn't get it off! I don't mind the tightness when they are on, but please, I shouldn't have to be a contortionist to get a top off.

[jessmarimba]

It's kind of a "summer" orange. I guess we can't PM images or I wouldn't have put this in the thread. I'd be interested in a trade if you'd like this one - it's kind of an interesting color so I understand if not. Just let me know!

13987

(Oh, there is a small gathered area with decorative stitching in the lower left front, which they seem to not be doing on the newer Lhasa tops. May be hard to tell b/c the shirt is pretty wrinkled!)

[indysteel]

I like it, Jess. I'll post pics if the two tops I have that you might like and, assuming you want one of them, we can do a trade.

[indysteel]

Jess, here are the Lululemon tanks. They are a size 6. You might take a look at their size chart for a frame of reference. I tend to think they run a tad bit small, but it's hard to tell with as much stretch as they have.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8884/dsc7965w.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/7600/dsc7968y.jpg

Just let me know if yoiu're interested in either one of them for a trade. Neither have ever been worn. The green one still has its tags in fact.

Thanks!

[Owlie]

Um, may I ask a silly question? :o
Why a "yoga-specific" top? Is it just so that there's no excess fabric getting in the way.
:confused:
Signed,
Clueless.

[indysteel]

Um, may I ask a silly question? :o
Why a "yoga-specific" top? Is it just so that there's no excess fabric getting in the way.
:confused:
Signed,
Clueless.

Range of movement, coverage and support where you need it. I turn my body every which way, including upside down, in a room that is 95 degrees. A regular shirt will not work for me. But it doesn't have to be yoga specific per se. Running tanks can work too.

[Owlie]

Range of movement, coverage and support where you need it. I turn my body every which way, including upside down, in a room that is 95 degrees. A regular shirt will not work for me. But it doesn't have to be yoga specific per se. Running tanks can work too.

:eek: That sounds like my idea of torture!:p But then, I wilt if it gets above about 85.

The few yoga classes I took, the instructor just told us to show up in whatever's comfortable, so I have no clue.

[indysteel]

:eek: That sounds like my idea of torture!:p But then, I wilt if it gets above about 85.

The few yoga classes I took, the instructor just told us to show up in whatever's comfortable, so I have no clue.

Certainly, there's no rule that you have to be dressed a certain way. I just find I'm more comfortable if I'm wearing a support tank of some kind. I get SO sweaty in these classes. Less is usually more (so long as my chest and stomach are covered). But you should wear whatever makes you comfortable.

As for hot yoga sounding like torture. It is for some, but I love it. My stupio doesn't heat its rooms as hot as Bikram studios do. I'm not sure I could handle Bikram-level heat. And I don't think hot yoga or Bikram is a great place to start if you're new to yoga. It's really easy to overdo a pose when your muscles are that warm. But by the same token, I've been to studios that are beyond chilly. I don't think that's pleasant for practice either.

[emily_in_nc]

Basically, you don't want to wear anything loose as in some positions it will ride up and reveal stuff you don't necessarily want those behind you to see, or flap completely up. I like form fitting, comfortable tops for yoga that are long enough and will stay put no matter how I move. Most of the type of quick-dry tops I wear for running are just a bit too loose for yoga.

[Owlie]

Makes sense. We weren't doing anything complicated, but I can certainly see why a form-fitting, not-moving top would be useful. I had enough trouble with the slightly too-big sweatpants...

[indysteel]

I went up a size for the bra.

I ended up getting the Moving Comfort Alexis Support Tank. I went up a size as you suggested. I like it, although I could arguably do without the padded bra, in part because I barely fill it up. Perhaps I could have gotten by with a small. But it otherwise fits, the fabric is pretty and it's neither too long nor too short. So, thanks for the suggestion.

[meganm]

I hate Lululemon with the strength of a thousand suns. Well, maybe not that much, but I do not like them. I made the mistake of buying a couple of tops in Chicago last March. They looked okay in the dimly lit fitting room, but then I got them home. They're really long for one. Plus, the internal shelf bra is really narrow so that it barely covers my size 34A chest. The fabric makes me look like I'm 30 pounds overweight (which I'm not). The fabric clings to every bump and crevice of my body. I tried them on again last night with the hope that maybe they had magically transformed themselves. But no; they're awful.

I do like Sugoi as a general rule, so I'll take a look at the Fizz.


I feel the same way about Lululemon. Their stuff just doesn't fit right on me.

[indysteel]

Sweet! Terry just introduced a new halter top called the Bella. The catalog says that it's a bit longer than the Euro halter. Plus, the back is more bare than the Euro. I'm pretty sure I won't like that for cycling, but it'll be great for yoga. Unfortunately, it looks like they plan to discontinue the Euro top though. Buy them while they last.

[Crankin]

Bah, I don't want longer. I have enough trouble finding tops that don't come down to my hips and stop at my most unflattering feature.
But, I might buy one, to see how I like it for gym stuff. I agree, too bare for riding. Thankfully, I have 3 Eurohalters, so I guess they have to last.