Bamboo Tank Top for Training – Guide

Short answer: A bamboo tank top is an obvious choice for training, because bamboo viscose moves perspiration away from the skin and holds back the bacteria that cause odour. It keeps you drier than cotton and smells less than polyester, even after a hard hour at the gym.

Why the tank top works for training

Training is about getting rid of heat and moisture. A tank top leaves the shoulders and shoulder blades free, and there is no sleeve to catch when the arm is taken overhead. Have a look at the bamboo tank tops for men if you want as much air as possible.

Perspiration, moisture and odour

Cotton soaks up perspiration and stays wet. Polyester dries quickly but holds on to the smell between washes. Bamboo viscose carries the moisture on through the fibre, dries fast and holds back the bacteria that turn perspiration into odour, so the top can be worn twice after a light session.

Tank top or T-shirt

The tank top is best when the arms need to be completely free and the room is warm. If the back needs covering against cold equipment, or the top has to be worn on after training, a bamboo T-shirt for men is the more useful choice. Many people carry both in the bag.

Fit, close or loose

A close fitting model moves moisture fastest, because the fabric touches the skin all the way round, and it can be worn as a base layer under a jumper. A looser model leaves more air between fabric and skin and feels cooler to stand in. Choose according to whether you run cold or hot.

For strength training

When lifting, the back rests against the bench and the rack, and the fabric has to glide without dragging. A deep armhole gives the shoulders room in an overhead press, but it should still cover enough for you to use machines and benches at a gym without bothering anyone.

For running and hot days

When running in the heat, the weight of the fabric matters more than the cut. A light tank top that does not soak up water and turn heavy keeps the pace up on long routes. Watch the seams at the armhole and shoulder, because those are what chafe when the skin is wet.

Models for women

The same demands apply on the women's side, where the range of bamboo sportswear for women holds both tops and garments with more coverage. Choose wide straps if the top has to carry a sports bra, and a denser quality if it is worn on its own.

Washing sportswear

Wash sportswear the same day it is used, at 30 degrees and without fabric softener. Softener leaves a film in the fibres that slows moisture transport and locks in odour. Hang the top to dry rather than tumbling it, so the elastic at the armhole and neckline lasts longer. See also bamboo for training.