Athletic Tops
When the New Year rolls around we all look towards that one goal, to get healthy and fit! Exercise, it comes in all shapes and sizes. One persons' idea of physical activity is different than others, just like our sewing journeys. So, when it comes to athletic tops we want something that will fit us perfectly, to encourage us to perform at our best and keep us feeling good. Fabric choice is extremely important as well. In our Wardrobe Essential - Leggings we had teamed up with our activewear experts at Discovery Fabrics. Please refer to their recommendations on the perfect fabric to fit your needs on top as well as on bottom, in this leggings post.
At PatternReview we are well aware of what is trending among our reviewers. Our members love to make athletic wear. We are here to introduce you to many new and older athletics top patterns from all over our shop from various designers. Let's take a look at the most popular athletic top patterns available on PatternReview.
Jalie - Marie-Claude
Our first athletic top to make our list is no other than Jalie's Marie-Claude. This workout shirt has 33 reviews to date, winning Best Pattern of 2019. It is a cold to mid weather athletic top due to the long sleeves and hoodie. I was hoping to find a member that hacked it for short sleeves and sure enough, I did! (see AnnaFlamma's short sleeved hack, below). With so many members ecstatic over the fit of Marie-Claude, you can't go wrong with this top. It is your quintessential raglan pullover activewear. The Marie-Claude is fitted and you can have your choice of neck shaping along with a rounded hemline. Choose from your favorite view, the banded crew neck, hood with ponytail hole or soft turtleneck, as well as, two cuff options: regular or longer with thumbhole.
Buy Jalie Marie-Claude
PatternReview Members in their Jalie Marie-Claudes': indigo_sue* and AnnaFlamma*
*Click on PR name to read review
Fehr Trade - Surf to Summit Top
In no particular order next I would like to re-introduce you to another one of our most favorite long-sleeved and short athletic wear tops. This is the Surf to Summit Top from our activewear greats, Fehr Trade. This top offers you long or short raglan sleeves with optional sleeve mitts, tall integral collar to keep your neck covered, princess seams with side panel, and your choice of two hem lengths. An optional half zip and back cycling-style pocket are also included. This is the Ladies' Edition of this pattern. A Men's Edition is also available.
Buy Fehr Trade Surf to Summit Top
PatternReview Members in their Fehr Trade Surf to Summit Tops: HepKara* and Judy Walker*
*Click on PR name to read review
Fehr Trade - XYT Top
We are now getting into the short sleeved/tank options for workout tops. Fehr Trade gives us their second designed athletic top pattern, the XYT Workout Top. This is a close-fitting, sleeveless workout top with front scoop neck, and choice of three upper back designs. An optional built-in bra is included, and neck and armhole edges can either be finished with hidden elastic or bound using a coverstitch binder.
PatternReview Members in their Fehr Trade XYT Tanks: Kathhhhhy* and velosewer*
*Click on PR name to read review
Butterick 6458
The Big 4 has a number of activewear patterns sprinkled amongst them. Our next is an older top pattern that enters our list from Butterick. Butterick 6458 gives us multiple views in one pattern. These close-fitting pullover tops have shaped upper front and sleeve variations.
Buy Butterick 6458
PatternReview Members in their Butterick 6458: creatarian* and Kelly D.*
*Click on PR name to read review
Jalie - Nikita
Jalie makes our list again, this time with a loose fitting athletic tank. The Nikita sewing pattern is for both a tank and tank/swing dress. The tank version has a front yoke and keyhole racer back, slightly longer in the back. The unique hem is easy to sew and adds a modern touch to the garment. The tank/swing dress comes to mid-thigh length with a closed racer back. The armholes on both views are finished with bands.
Buy Jalie Nikita
PatternReview Members in their Jalie Nikita Tops: Bonnie O* and Alexruthe's daughter*
Cashmerette - Spruce Tank
Cashmerette has designed a workout top that will keep you covered at the gym. Step up your game with the Spruce Tank. The Spruce is a sleek workout tank, featuring princess seams, a v-neck or crew neck, and an easy fold-over elastic finish. View A has a scooped back with trendy decorative straps while View B scores you some extra coverage with a high back and cap sleeves.
Buy Cashmerette Spruce Tank
PatternReview Members in their Cashmerette Spruce Tanks: CarolineJG* and Joaninstitches*
Sew Over It - Kingsley Top
Sew Over it gives us an activewear tank that is loose fitting and highly flattering. The Kingsly Top is a classic racerback activewear sewing pattern with a twist. Whether you’re into running, yoga, zumba or just dancing round your living room, add to your handmade wardrobe with your own me-made activewear. Kingsly features a comfy breezy fit, pretty curved neckline extending into a sporty racerback, along with a dramatic dipped hem at the front and back, which rises at the side seam for a highly flattering look. As well as a sporty, scooped-out shape, the back stars a separate gathered panel which adds a lovely little bit of detail – and potential for some fun colour blocking. The gathering adds to the flowing fit which allows the top to skim the body, keeping you comfy and cool while you work out. Topstitched binding at both the neckline and armholes finishes the raw edges, and creates a professional looking garment that’ll make you look as good as your post-exercise endorphin-filled self feels.
Buy Sew Over It Kingsley Top
Jalie - Pika
Leave it to the Jalie to design a sports bra that stylishly keeps you covered and is totally functional. The Pika has a unique design that combines a sports bra with a comfy, airy, modest layered tank. With View A you have the support of the sport bra underneath but the modesty of a tank. The wide hem band keeps the top in place. View B is a sport bra with side straps and contrast element in the front that is flattering and allows for different fabric weights and stretch to optimize support.
PatternReview Members in their Jalie Pika Tops: sewnitup* and Raye Ann*
*Click on PR name to read review
Simplicity - 8560
And finally, back to the Big 4 with the Simplicity Sports Bra in three different options to fit your needs. Work out in style and comfort with these knit sports bras designed to help you achieve a perfect fit. This pattern includes band sizes from 30 through 44 and cup sizes A through G, plus detailed instructions to help determine your correct band and cup-size combination. Bra styles include V-front with optional mesh or crisscross insets, plus three options on back openings.
Buy Simplicity 8560
PatternReview Members in their Simplicity 8560: Litapita* and nevereasy*
I hope this inspired you to create your own athletic top and get moving! All of these activewear patterns are available for sale on PatternReview by clicking on the green buttons. If you have already made a pair of pants of your own or for a loved one, don't forget to share it with us! Write a Review
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