Best Running Shirts for Men of 2026
men’s running shirts: t-shirts, long sleeve, sleeveless for hot and cold weather runs
April 27th, 2026 with two new winners and to remove discontinued models
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The running shirt comes on every run, which makes it one of the more consequential pieces of gear in a runner's rotation despite rarely getting much attention. It covers the friction points under your arms while swinging, on your back under a pack, and around your waist under a belt. It manages the sweat your core produces and the heat your body generates, and over the course of a run it goes from dry to soaked and ideally back to something close to dry before you're done.
I tested 16 men's running shirts on desert trails, along the Pacific coast, in the eastern Sierra, and on suburban roads over hundreds of miles to find the best options across seasons and conditions. Testing covered the full range from easy recovery jogs to longer efforts where shirts get truly worked, and I wore each shirt across multiple runs before washing to assess real-world odor performance rather than just first-impression comfort.
A good running shirt needs to wick and breathe well across a range of temperatures, resist odor through multiple wears, dry fast enough to avoid that clammy post-run chill, and fit without creating new friction points when your arms are moving. Beyond that, fabric choice matters more than most runners expect: synthetics, merino blends, and bamboo composites all behave differently in heat, cold, and sustained effort.
Top Pick: The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for a cotton-like feel that hides its technical performance, solid odor resistance through multiple runs thanks to HeiQ Pure anti-stink treatment, 50% recycled polyester construction, a versatile temperature range that covers most conditions, and durability that holds up to the kind of daily use that warrants owning more than one.
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Men's running shirts comparison table
| MEN'S RUNNING SHIRT | TREELINE AWARD | PRICES | SIZES | FIT | WEIGHT | SLEEVE LENGTHS AVAILABLE | FABRIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily | Best Overall Read why |
$49 | XS - XXXL | Standard | 4.5 oz (M S/S), 6.5 (M, L/S) | S/S, L/S, Singley | 100% recycled polyester spun jersey with HeiQ® Pure odor control |
| Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve | Best Long sleeve Read why |
$95 | S - XXL | Slim | 5.8 oz (M) | S/S, L/S | 45% Merino Wool, 45% Tencel, 10% Nylon |
| REI Swiftland Running T-Shirt | Best Affordable Read why |
$45 | S - XXXL + Tall sizes | Standard | 3.5 oz (M) | S/S, L/S | 100% Polyester Blue Sign Approved® |
| REI Swiftland Grid Running Shirt | Best for Hot Weather Read why |
$50 | S - XXXL + Tall sizes | Standard | 3.5 oz (M) | S/S, Tank | |
| rabbit Ice Perf Tank | Best Sleeveless Read why |
$50 | S - XL | Standard to slim | 6.4 oz (M) | Singlet | 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex |
* We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
Interested in running? Check out the Running Gear section:
The winners
Best overall men's running shirt: Patagonia Cool Daily Shirt
Available sizes: XS - XXXL
Weight: 4.5 oz (M, short sleeve), 6.5 oz (M, long sleeve)
Fit: Standard
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester spun jersey with HeiQ® Pure odor control
Sleeve lengths available: S/S, L/S, Singlet
What we liked: Casual look and feel with a performance for running
What we didn’t like: Won’t be the best for extreme heat or extreme cold, but works in most conditions
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily shirt has long-been our winner for best overall running shirt. The 2026 Capilene Cool Daily we tested is even better.
The Capilene Cool Daily keeps the stink at bay, it’s durable, and it’s versatile. We tested the short and long sleeve versions. We like these running shirts so much we think it's worth purchasing multiples of the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily shirt in t-shirt and long sleeve lengths and making these your daily drivers. What we’ve come to find with Patagonia is that the quality is consistently impressive.
The Capilene Cool Daily sits right in the middle of a runner's temperature needs. It won’t be the warmest choice, but it has a home in chillier conditions with proper layering. It won’t be the coolest shirt out there for extreme weather, but it will perform for most of the warmer conditions that most people run in.
Patagonia Cool Daily Shirt
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The updated 2026 Capilene fabric is a 100% recycled polyester jersey with wicking finish, upping from previous models, which had 50% recycled polyester and 50% virgin polyester.
In a rare move, Patagonia is extending sizing to XXXL in the Capilene Cool Daily, meaning that so many runners and hikers who have wanted to wear this shirt can finally do it.
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Patagonia states that the Capilene Cool Trail is their “softest performance knit.” It’s made with a knit that feels like cotton but performs all the wicking and breathing duties we ask of it.
The next-to-skin feel offers immediate comfort when putting the shirt on. The underarm gussets and a stretch in the fabric assist with articulation, which can be an asset, especially so in slim-fitting garments, for keeping the arm swing unrestricted while running. The 100% polyester (50% recycled) keeps the shirt light and technical.
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Patagonia uses the anti-stink coating from the HeiQ® application. Patagonia uses HeIQ's Pure application, which is a “silver-salt-based” additive that is more environmentally friendly.
We wore the long sleeve version of the Capilene Cool Daily for three runs in a row averaging about an hour each in 35°F (with a wind shell) to 55°F temps before washing it. In the smell test there was just a little funk under the arms. It’s no merino wool, like the Ibex Tencel, which had almost no odor (see more below). But we have no problem getting multiple uses out of the Cool Daily.
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It’s widely known that Patagonia creates products with a list of sustainable environmental practices and through ethical labor relationships. The Capilene Cool Daily is no exception. It’s made within the bluesign® system to reduce the environmental impact of working with textiles, with 50% of the shirt made from recycled polyester. The Cool Trail is also made through a relationship with a fair trade factory to support fair labor conditions, including living wages.
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We don’t have much criticism for the Capilene Cool Daily, but we want to shed some light on some minor customer complaints.
Some runners find it too thin for casual use regarding how revealing it is. Put plainly: some reviewers find that it’s too see-through. We didn’t notice this, but maybe it’s a matter of getting it in the right light. We haven’t found the shirt overly thin, but it has a finish a little thinner than some of our daily cotton shirts.
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What we’ve come to find with Patagonia is that the quality is consistently impressive. In years of testing the previous fabric, we haven't noticed tears, holes, or snags. We've only been testing the newest version for a few months (it was just released) but it looks to be just as solid.
We tested the Cool Capilene Daily as a t-shirt and long-sleeve. The long sleeve version is a staple to include in your Cold Weather Running Gear List, but if you love the material and want to extend its use into warmer seasons, consider the short sleeve for summer. It's even available as a sleeveless shirt.
In addition to sleeve length, the Capilene Cool Daily is available in graphic and solid colors, so you can choose one that best fits your style.
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We tested the Cool Capilene Daily as a t-shirt and long-sleeve. The long sleeve version is a staple to include in your Cold Weather Running Gear List, but if you love the material and want to extend its use into warmer seasons, consider the short sleeve for summer. It's even available as a sleeveless shirt.
In addition to sleeve length, the Capilene Cool Daily is available in graphic and solid colors, so you can choose one that best fits your style.
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The Cool Capilene Daily wicks sweat, dries respectably fast, holds off the stink, looks casual, and ranks among the most comfortable shirts we’ve tested and versatile enough for running in cooler and warmer temperatures.
Interested in running? Check out the Running Gear section:
Best Long-Sleeve Running Shirt For Men: Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve
Available sizes: S - XXL
Fit: Slim
Weight: 5.8 oz (M)
Fabric: 45% Merino Wool, 45% Tencel, 10% Nylon
Sleeve lengths available: S/S, L/S
What we liked: Merino, Tencel, nylon blend makes for exceptional temp regulating, cooling, and shirt durability. Extremely comfortable it’s a versatile shirt for use beyond running (casual, skiing)
What we didn’t like: The price comes off as high, but it’s priced standard among its peers, and isn't bad considering it can be used for more than running
The Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve is our winner for Best Long Sleeve Running Shirt. It has all the benefits of a merino running shirts while also addresses the main challenge of merino as a running fabric such as being too warm or being slower to dry. During our testing in the eastern Sierra and southern California, we found that the Ibex Paradox running shirt performs beyond all other merino run shirts we’ve tried.
Our reviewer doesn’t usually go for merino wool for hot temperatures, as they can run a little warmer than other options in extreme heat. Ibex recognizes merino wool’s shortcomings when used in a running shirt—like how it often droops more than synthetic shirts, is slower to dry, runs warmer in the sun, and can be less durable on thinner knits. The Ibex Paradox addresses these issues by mixing merino with Tencel, making it an excellent choice for a long sleeve running shirt.
Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve
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We tested the long sleeve as a sole layer for running in cool temperatures. We used it as a base layer, layered with fleece and windshells during the fall and winter seasons. The merino wool, Tencel (a soft fiber often made from eucalyptus), and nylon blend on the Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve has us second-guessing our beliefs that merino can’t be a top-performing running shirt fabric when the temperatures rise.
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The merino in the shirt shines in a few ways. One, it’s thin enough to fall into the lightweight shirt category at 150g/m, or 19 microns. Ibex states that the thinnest of merino wool falls into the range of 16-19 microns, as opposed to a medium or “midweight” cold weather shirt.
Though it isn’t the fastest drying fabric compared to ultra-thin polyester, it dries quicker than other heavier merino knits. Not only does it keep the shirt breathable and drying faster, but it also retains merino’s claim to fame—its supreme temperature-regulating properties.
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These features lend the Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve shirt a level of versatility to the point that we felt comfortable doing some ski touring wearing it. It kept us cool on the uphill and warm on the downhill after doing the customary layering up.
We just kept on wearing it for the rest of the day, which brings us to the anti-stink benefits of merino. It’s arguably the most effective at keeping the smells down, and this shirt does it well.
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Though merino is less scratchy than traditional wool, this shirt has next-to-skin softness thanks to the addition of Tencel fiber. It also avoids any itch factor you might occasionally find wearing merino shirts. Tencel, like cotton, is a natural fabric, but unlike cotton, it has regulating and wicking properties similar to synthetics and merino wool.
One place you may have heard about Tencel is the world of bedsheets. There it’s known for its smooth feel, cooling properties on hot nights, and for hot sleepers. The nylon in the “core,” as Ibex notes, helps with the fabric's durability, with nylon having a slight edge over polyester regarding the durability of synthetics. Tencel also reduces droop in fabrics, giving the shirt a sleeker look.
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We don’t have any complaints about the Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve, but you should consider some factors when dealing with merino. It will almost always be more expensive than synthetic fabrics. Also, as a long sleeve, it will be more expensive than t-shirts and singlets we consider.
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Though we were impressed with the warmer weather performance of the shirt, we haven’t used it in scorching conditions of 90°+. That’s typically where we want an ultra-thin, lightweight synthetic for the best cooling effects possible, given our experiences with merino in the past.
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We’ve had small holes develop on full merino shirts, but so far, so good on the Ibex Tencel; maybe the nylon is doing its job there.
Customer reviewers find the shirt durable, too—to the point that some customers take it climbing, which is tough on pretty much all gear with the abrasive nature of fabric against rock.
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Customer reviews also find that the Merino Tencel fits on the slim side, and we would agree. Not compression level tight, but a little slimmer than Ibex describes it.
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Our main issue with the Ibex Paradox is that it can be difficult to get. Though the long sleeve has been in their line up for years, Ibex is a smaller brand that seems to not always have every item in stock. New colors drop every year, but we recommend getting this shirt early in the season when a drop happens to ensure you are able to find one.
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The Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve may be a little pricey and probably won’t be your hot-weather running shirt. Still, it will take care of most of your running needs in cooler weather as a moisture-and-temperature-managing, smell-resistant, durable, good-looking, and good-feeling running shirt. We give it two thumbs up.
Best affordable men's running shirt: REI Swiftland
Available sizes: S - XXL + Tall sizes
Fit: Standard
Weight: 3.5 oz (M)
Fabric: 100% Polyester Blue Sign Approved®
Sleeve lengths available: S/S, L/S
What we liked: Great value, on sale periodically, breathes well, Tall sizing
What we didn’t like: No frills build may not be for everyone
The REI Swiftland running t-shirt is our winner for Best Budget Men's Running Shirt. It got a lot going for it as a running shirt: 1) it retails at $45, 2) it’s an REI product that's available year-round, 3) it has all the basic wicking, breathability, comfort, and durability performance traits of a running shirt. As a customer reviewer succinctly put it, it’s a “great, no-nonsense shirt.” We’re confident in giving it our best affordable men’s running shirt title.
REI Swiftland
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REI offers the Swiftland tech fabric in other running garments, but we think the fabric excels in the form of the Swiftland running shirt. The 100% “Swiftex” polyester fabric, REI’s self-proclaimed lightest technical fabric, wicks well, and the breathability is aided by a grid stretch fabric that, when held up to the light, shows smaller and larger perforations designed to let air pass through.
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The shirt is a bit thin, with a pretty open weave, so it’s favorable to temperatures on the warmer side. However, it’s not so thin and airy that we wouldn’t recommend wearing it up mountain peaks in the shoulder season with a wind shell (we did just that).
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The REI Swiftland T doesn’t compromise on standard running shirt performance features. One example of this is that it has underarm gussets—a testament to REI’s aim to make this a well-articulating shirt. Underarm gussets aren’t a requirement for a performance running shirt, but can help with articulation when the shirt fabric isn’t the most stretchy or if it fits on the slim side.
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The REI Swiftland has a great balance of stretch and durability. In addition to running with it in the eastern Sierra, we also took it on a 4-hour desert bushwack in southern California, which involved some unavoidable snags. We thought that the thin nature of the shirt would mean an end to its integrity, but surprisingly, it came away with only a single loose thread. We clipped the loose thread with scissors and haven’t had any issues.
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There’s no anti-stink application on the Swiftland T, and despite being 100% polyester, it has an acceptable funkiness after prolonged running. This isn’t always the case. Polyester is infamous for broadcasting the smells that result from bacteria from our bodies mixing with this synthetic fiber. To help fight the funk, check out our guide on the Best Sports Detergent.
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Lastly, one of the things we like about this shirt, as is often the case with REI, is that the sizing is pretty inclusive. There is availability in the men’s version ranging from a size S-XXXL + tall sizes, so more people can take advantage of the Swiftland value.
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Fabrics used in the REI Swiftland are bluesign® certified with an environmental protection approach in mind. It’s also made through a Fair Trade certified™ factory, honoring workers by ensuring they receive a fair living wage. Both these factors make it similar to our best long sleeve running shirt, the Patagonia Capilene Daily (review above).
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Reviewers enjoy the Swiftland for running, hiking, gym or workout use, and general outdoor recreation. Some reviewers mentioned that it performed for them in both dry and humid conditions, not sagging or clinging in humid conditions. We’re thrilled to hear that, since our testing happened in primarily dry, mountain-west conditions. The reviews seem to be exclusively related to warm weather use, which makes sense given the thin, breathable build of the shirt.
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Our only knock on the price would be its lack of versatility for layering in cold conditions beyond shoulder season use. That’s more of an understandable limitation than a fault.
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Lastly, one thing that stood out is that REI doesn’t use flatlock seams on this shirt when most of the shirts on our list did. That said, we nearly forgot that this was the case, as the soft fabric (not at all abrasive) never bothered our skin. We do want to point this out though, as some runners do struggle with chafing, and may need flatlock seams to be a standard feature on their running shirts.
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Again, the Swiftland has all the basic wicking, breathability, comfort, and durability performance traits of a running shirt. It does not have the all-together absent airy feel or temperature-regulating performance of some of our winners. It doesn't have the anti-stink or regulating properties of the Ibex Paradox. But for many people, these are more features than essentials needed to go for a run. Keep it simple and affordable with the Swiftland T.
Best Men's Running Shirt for Hot Weather: Best REI Co-op Swiftland Grid Running T-shirt
Available sizes: S - XXXL + Tall sizes
Weight: 3.5 oz (M)
Fit: Standard
Fabric:
Sleeve lengths available: S/S, Tank
What we liked: Comfortable, stretchy, breathable, made of recycled materials
What we didn’t like: More expensive than the standard Swiftland T-shirt
The REI Swiftland Grid shirt has small vent holes that allow great airflow. We ran in 90-degree temperatures in this shirt and didn’t overheat. When you sweat, the fabric doesn’t absorb moisture quickly, either. Rather, it allows your sweat to evaporate off your body.
With stretchy material and underarm gussets and a slight droptail helm, the Swiftland Grid is made for movement. It has chafe-free seams, which is especially important for hot weather running. It also has reflective elements for running in low light, which is often the coolest time of day to run during hot summer days.
Simply put, the Swiftland Grid Running T-shirt is comfy, stretchy, and breathable. The recycled, bluesign-approved nylon/spandex grid fabric kept us cool and comfortable through it all.
Best REI Co-op Swiftland Grid Running T-shirt
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The REI Swiftland Grid running t-shirt is very similar to our top pick for a budget running shirt, the REI Swiftland T-shirt. The standard Swiftland is made of microventilated SwiftTex polyester, but it isn’t made with recycled materials. The Swiftland Grid, on the other hand, is made with a recycled nylon and spandex O²Grid fabric. The Swiftland Grid is stretchier than the standard Swiftland T-shirt. The Swiftland Grid also costs more than the standard Swiftland.
We like both the Swiftland and the Swiftland Grid running t-shirts. We like that the Grid version is made from recycled materials and is more breathable. It’s also much stretchier but slightly more expensive.
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Both testers liked the style of this shirt. Our men’s tester, Sam, noted his shirt had “a cool sun on it that looks like a tattoo you’d see on an old school beach volleyball player in California,” which won style points for him.
It is so stretchy that we’re pretty sure someone who normally fits in a men’s Large or Extra Large could fit into a size Small. It would be tight, but the fabric is that stretchy.
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We did find that when it gets wet from a lot of sweat, the fabric clung to our skin more than we wanted.
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This shirt is also available as a tank top. While we didn’t test it, we imagine we’d like it just as much and that could maybe keep you feeling cooler, if less protected from the sun.
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If you’re looking for the stretchiest shirt that’s made of recycled materials, you should check out the Swiftland Grid T-shirt.
Best Sleeveless Running Shirt For Men: Rabbit Ice PerF Tank
Available sizes: S - XL
Weight: 4.1 oz (M)
Fit: Standard to slim
Fabric: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Sleeve lengths available: Singlet
What we liked: Superb stretch, fun pattern, doesn’t cling, breathable
What we didn’t like: It’s surprisingly heavy for a singlet. Not for those looking for protection from UV rays
The rabbit Ice Perf Tank, which we’ll refer to as a singlet, has us dreaming of hot weather just for an excuse to wear this shirt. Spending most of our time with it in coastal southern California in the mid to high 70s, we found it fun to wear, with breathable fabric following in line with its naturally breathable design as a singlet. That's what makes the rabbit Ice Perf Tank our winner for best sleeveless running shirt.
Our reviewer often likes to go shirtless when weather conditions are appropriate for something like a singlet. Still, some instances call for modesty, and some marginal sun protection at minimum is good for everyone. Compared to other singlets we’ve tried, the rabbit Ice Perf Tank offers the best stretch, breathability, comfort, and lack of cling, giving it the edge for the best sleeveless running shirt on our list.
The rabbit Tank is made of rabbit MESH, 95% polyester, and 5% elastane, with a perforated pattern across the shirt. The polyester does the wicking and breathing, and the elastane does the stretching.
Rabbit Ice Perf Tank
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We chalk up the heavier weight of the rabbit Tank compared to some others to the elastane, which is often a heavy fiber and adds weight to all garments it's in. We believe the extra weight is fair trade, though, since the shirt doesn’t cling or sag when sweating, at least not for us. We’d be interested in getting more feedback in the most challenging of sweaty conditions like the humid southeast or eastern woodlands of the US, where sun levels are high, and so is the moisture content in the air.
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This rabbit tank has a semi-fitted style. We'd describe it as almost tailored, athletic, or even just “fitted,” referring to a slight taper in the midsection. This feature helps keep the shirt from bouncing around. Some runners even find it is helpful to tuck in singlets to keep them still, but we didn’t feel that it was necessary on this one.
As far as the tank straps over the shoulders go, they stay put, are no fuss, and don’t require any adjustment. The fabric is soft, even cotton-like. It’s a pleasant fabric! We used it as a daily warm-weather trainer.
As far as sizing goes, some customer reviews mention that it runs slim, so it might be worth sizing up if you prefer a looser fit. We did find the fit to be slimmer than the REI shirts and Patagonia running shirts, so keep that in mind.
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When we pair the Ice Perf Tank with a 3” split style running short, the combo makes our reviewer feel pretty fast. Maybe this is because that’s what track runners wear, and maybe they’re onto something.
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If singlets are your style, you aren’t looking for a lot of UV coverage, and you want to maximize breathability, the rabbit Ice Perf Tank has a lot going for it. This tank is the sleeveless shirt we’ll keep reaching for at the peak of summer with a thick layer ofsunscreen.
Other men's running shirts we tested
The North Face Sunriser hoodie
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Fit: Standard
Weight: 3 oz (M)
Fabric: Front body and sleeves: 80D 79 g/m² 100% recycled polyester with FlashDry™. Back Upper Yoke: 80D 79 g/m² 100% polyester with FlashDry™
What we liked: Breathes well, dries quickly
What we didn’t like: A little stiff, quick to harbor smells
We love the detailed specs on The North Face Sunriser and its careful approach to design for a specific use case. It also breathes and wicks pretty well, especially the rear of the shirt, with an open and stretchy knit. It also is a pretty reasonable price for a running shirt. Unfortunately, we found the front to hold more static than other shirts and felt scratchy.
THE NORTH FACE SUNRISER
Running after the first small snow storm, and before the big one in the high Sierra, in TNF Sunriser. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
The Sunriser also harbored the most intense smell of the shirts we tested, which can be a problem with some fully polyester garments.
Available sizes: S - XXL
Fit: Standard to slim
Weight: 3.1 oz (M)
Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester
The Saucony Stopwatch is one of the most popular running singlets out there. In testing, it was just edged out by the rabbit Welcome to the Gun Show for Best Sleeveless Running Shirt. The Stopwatch has a slightly straighter and more loose cut than the more trim Rabbit shirt, which is neither good nor bad, but is up to a runner's preference.
SAUCONY STOPWATCH SINGLET
Sunny warm conditions are fitting for singlets, which provide maximum breathability. We recommend it if you don’t mind it’s more static material. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Some runners like a more trim fit to keep the bounce down, while others like the air circulation of a looser shirt. What we liked more about the rabbit shirt was that it had some stretch and articulation, while the Saucony Stopwatch was pretty static or non-stretch. The women's Saucony Stopwatch was a winner for Best Affordable Running shirt in our Best Women's Running Shirts guide. The Stopwatch will do the job, just not to the level of the Rabbit shirt.
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Fit: Standard
Weight: 4.75 oz (L)
Fabric: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
The Brooks Distance t-shirt is one of the most comfortable running shirts against the skin in our testing—likely because it’s 50% cotton. We don’t typically recommend cotton for outdoor applications and won’t start here, but that’s not to say that the Brooks Distance doesn’t have a place in running. It’s just limited. If comfort is what you’re after, consider the Ibex Merino Tencel.
Our reviewer only uses cotton blends for short runs from the house in hot weather. The cotton can feel nice at first before proceeding to have an unwanted chilling effect over a long period of time. It also gets heavy with a lot of sweat. While we like the Brooks Distance, we’ve been wearing it more as a comfortable casual shirt than a running shirt.
BROOKS DISTANCE T-SHIRT
What to look for in a running shirt
Fabric
Like many technical garments, running shirts are typically made of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon (and all their branded names). Some runners prefer merino wool for its temperature regulation and odor management (more on that later). You’ll see traces of other fabrics like spandex, rayon, and cotton in running shirts. These are often added for durability or to give a better fit or more style.
The shirts in our review are mostly polyester, which is the norm for running shirts; they’re typically more affordable and easier to produce than nylon and merino wool. Polyester wicks effectively, dries quickly, and holds its shape. A typical downside of polyester is that it often stinks, though some manufacturers incorporate anti-odor applications that produce varying levels of success.
Fabric weight
Unlike insulated garments that report weight on a per meter or yard basis, running shirts typically advertise the overall weight of the garment using a men’s medium as a consistent baseline for comparison. This weight for t-shirts, non-singlet, or long-sleeve styles usually ranges (with exceptions) from around 2.5oz to 5oz, with 2.5oz shirts being the thinnest.
Thinner shirts are often polyester-based, with excellent airflow, but are not well-suited for cooler temperatures. Thicker shirts are suitable for non-peak summer conditions and tend to be made of merino wool; or, they may simply incorporate extra features such as pockets or heavily reinforced stitching.
Moisture wicking
Moisture wicking isn’t just a marketing buzzword in the outdoor industry. Standard synthetic fabrics (polyester and nylon) and natural fabrics (merino wool) are all wicking fabrics. Given the same shirt weight, synthetics and natural fibers will function similarly regarding moisture. On a hot day, moisture on the shirt means a much-desired opportunity for cooling. In cooler conditions, pulling the moisture away from your skin can prevent the body from getting chills from a soaked shirt. In any temperature, pulling sweat away from the body helps prevent chafing.
Fit
Shirts that hug your body can help wick moisture when sweating, but can be a problem if you have any awkward contact points due to rough seams or liner fabrics. This Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail pictured here didn’t give us any problem contact points. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Loose, airy shirts can be a dream in hot, dry weather, flapping around and encouraging air circulation. A more trim, next-to-skin shirt can wick moisture from your skin better, helping regulate temperature in a different way. However, with a skin-tight shirt, you’ll have more contact points and friction, potentially increasing your risk of chafing (ouch).
For some, the shirt's fit is more aesthetic; some people find a more trim or loose shirt more flattering. Though there are minor performance differences, comfort should be your top priority when it comes to fit – whether that means how the fabric feels on your skin or whether you feel comfortable with the style of the shirt.
When choosing a shirt, you may see “slim fit,” “standard fit,” or occasionally, you’ll see the unfortunately named “athletic fit.” When the term is used, it might refer to a larger cut in the shoulders, with a more tapered cut down into the waist. This fit is opposed to a straight, consistent cut from the shoulders to the waist, like standard or slim cuts. We can’t understand how the word 'athletic' refers to fit over body composition. It’s an inaccurate term in terms of what constitutes an athletic look because athleticism comes in all body shapes and sizes.
Our reviewer’s choice is a running shirt that's slightly baggy and long enough to loosely tuck into his running belt or shorts with some minor billowing over the top of the lower garment. One might describe this as a “track practice fit” in the road and track world or an old-school trail running look.
Range of motion
You don’t want a shirt that restricts the natural movements of your running stride. For more slim-fitting shirts, to get a good range of motion, brands may incorporate some stretchy fabrics like spandex and or add a lot of nylon, which is typically more stretchy than polyester and holds its shape better once unstretched. Range of motion is intuitive, so if it doesn't feel right to you when you try it on, find another shirt. We recommend going with a retailer with easy returns like REI or free shipping on returns like Zappos.
Flatlock seams
Flatlock seams—or low profile, chafe-friendly seams—are found on most polyester and nylon running shirts, and to a lesser degree, on merino wool running shirts.
If you look at the inside side construction of one of your typical cotton daily shirts, it probably has a non-flatlock seam. You’ll see a flap where the two pieces of fabric are layered over one another; when sewn, this results in a flap, or seam allowance, measuring around 1cm.
In contrast, a flatlock stitch avoids that flap by joining two pieces of fabric together without overlapping them. A flatlock stitch is a little more complicated to sew and is done with different equipment, but it’s more comfortable on running or active garments.
For merino wool, if the shirt doesn’t have a flatlock seam, there’s probably no need to worry. Merino wool is typically softer than nylon and polyester and doesn’t cause as many chafing issues. Also, it’s less likely that the merino shirt or any full merino wool garment will be tight-fitting because it is not the stretchiest of materials and often doesn’t hold its shape well once stretched.
Flatlock seams are especially useful if you're wearing a running hydration pack or running belt, which could potentially bounce or rub to create added friction.
Taped seams
The only taped seams found in our testing line up found on the high-end SOAR Hot Weather T (now discontinued). Notice no visible stitch lines, because there aren’t any! Photo by Trey French
Taped seams, sometimes called ultrasonic seams, are less common on running shirts but can be found on the most low-profile, low-bulk options. Taped seams are precisely that — seams made between two pieces of fabric using heat-applied tape. These seams are low profile, but they also result in a static feel because they don’t stretch. You might run into an issue with the range of motion with these seams or simply find the shirt uncomfortable in its rigidity.
Underarm gussets
You may be familiar with decorative gussets on shirts at the side of the bottom hem. If not, just know that they’re essentially a small panel of fabric (in this case, put under the arms of a shirt) to aid the range of motion of that area or to add breathability to an area where runners create a lot of heat.
Sun protection
Most everyone needs to consider sun protection when running. As runners, we are running over reflective surfaces like pavement and snow. Those living at altitude should be especially conscious of the sun, as it’s more intense at 5,000 to 10,000+ feet relative to sea level.
Shirts with UPF ratings are helpful, but having any fabric between your skin and the sun is typically more effective than applying sunscreen because you cannot sweat it off. That said, more coverage may sometimes mean less breathability. It’s up to you to consider the balance you want to strike.
Wearing the now discontinued SOAR Hot Weather T. It’s okay to walk when trail running. Especially when it’s hot out and the grade is steep! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Odor control
Of the three main fabrics discussed here, polyester typically stinks more than nylon, with merino wool being the best choice for controlling the funk. The Textile Research Journal ran some tests that indicate that “incomplete removal of odorants during washing, especially from oleophilic polyester fabrics, is a cause for odor build-up in clothing.”
Our bacteria mixed with the bacteria in some polyester can create an unpleasant scent. Though some polyester shirts turn out especially foul after some wear, this is usually not a big deal for most folks if they use their running shirt only for running and activewear.
Our reviewer typically doesn’t wash a running shirt after just one run. Call it sustainability rather than laziness, you know. So we have a lot of experience in smelling running shirts.
Many running shirts come with some anti-odor treatment. Untreated polyester fabrics might result in the shirt smelling early in the activity as the bacteria from our bodies starts mingling with the fabric and holding that smell. That's why we don't recommend running shirts without anti-odor treatment.
If you see yourself using your shirt to head to the grocery after a run or interacting with others, consider shirts that can help manage treatment. If odor is a primary concern, opt for nylon or merino primary fabric or polyester with a permanent anti-odor application offered by brands such as Patagonia.
Breathability
Not only is this rabbit running singlet breathable by construction, these perforated brand marks increase the breathability even more. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
If you intend to use your running shirt in consistently hot conditions, especially hot and humid ones, you’ll want to prioritize breathability. Thin polyester will typically breathe the best compared to nylon, merino wool, or blends of those fabrics. Breathability plays a part in dumping heat, transporting water vapor through the shirt, and keeping the shirt relatively dry.
Neckline
When it comes to neckline, crewneck, scoop neck, and the v-neck is what you can expect (though the latter is rarely found on men’s running shirts). Unless you're after maximum sun protection, the most common neckline will be a relaxed crewneck, high enough for some sun protection but low enough to avoid feeling stuffy. Scoop necks on men’s running shirts are more common on singlets when maximizing breathability.
Hem length
Besides having enough hem to run well below your running hydration packs, if you’re using one, hem length is largely a matter of coverage, style, and comfort. Consider the hem length if you want your shirt to cover your back and midriff when bending over or raising your arms. Or if you want to tuck your shirt in.
Thumbholes
Some shirt wrist cuffs incorporate thumbholes. These can help keep your wrists out of the cold by creating a seal along with a glove. The thumb hole can also protect your wrists from the sun. Some downsides to the thumb holes are that they cause your hand to pull at the seam under the arm when the sleeves aren’t long enough.
Thumbholes also tend to stain the ends of shirts or harbor lots of dirt because the shirt contacts what you touch and can’t be washed as quickly as hands can. Lastly, if you wear a running watch, you’ll need to put your watch on after going through the thumbhole, which can be awkward.
Consider also that if you rely on heart rate monitoring through the sensor on the underside of your watch, you won’t be able to use that function with the sleeve in the way. You can switch to a heart rate monitor strap, which is typically more accurate anyway, but this will incur an additional expense.
Fortunately, even if a shirt has thumbholes, if you don’t want to use them, you can simply ignore them without consequences other than a little bit of bunching at the end of your sleeves.
We don’t use hang loops on many garments, but running shirts is one of them that we do. Using a hang loop can avoid creating stretch markings around the collar of a running shirt. Photo by Trey French
Hanging loop
Most of us don’t bother using hang loops on our everyday shirts. But on running shirts, it’s more likely to matter. Often, it may be best not to put your technical running shirts in the dryer. Having a hang loop can be helpful to use on a hook so that the wet shirt doesn’t deform on the hanging spot when drying.
Another way to circumvent the dreaded stretch point in a shirt when air drying is to flat dry it on top of a towel. However, using the hanging loop saves space and doesn’t require a towel or drying rack. Another instance where a hang loop might be helpful is if you run at a gym as part of a workout or somewhere where you’re changing clothes and need to temporarily hang your shirt out of the way in a locker.
The sleeves on the SOAR Hot Weather T (now discontinued) were the longest of the shirt sleeve shirts we tested. Although it looks different than most run shirts, we found the extra coverage is a bonus, especially when the fabric breathes as well and feels as comfortable as this Italian knit. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Buying Advice
What kind of running will you be doing?
Are you running in purely hot and dry conditions? Get the thinnest polyester shirt you can.
Are you running in the mountains or long runs in variable conditions? Consider something like merino wool, which regulates body temperature better than synthetic fabrics.
You can use a merino/nylon hybrid if you’re putting the shirt through abrasion on rocks and branches, given nylon’s high tear strength over merino and polyester.
Are you running in the humid southeast US? Something quick-drying is a good move.
Will you be running in the dark?
When running in the dark, bright high-vis colors and reflective detailing on your shirt can be helpful. What’s on a shirt is usually not enough, though, and supplementing with reflective hats or even some light reflective vests might be considered depending on the number of cars where you’re running.
The reputable Gear Aid brand makes a reflective tape for these use cases, with reviews trending positively for the durability and reflective glare of the tape. See our Best Reflective Running Gear guide for more reflective running options.
How much arm coverage do you want?
Singlets will, of course, provide the least amount of coverage but the most amount of airflow. Short sleeve shirts come in varying lengths but still require some sunscreen in high-sun areas. Long sleeves provide the most coverage and can work in hot temperatures if they breathe well and promote good airflow.
How much neck coverage do you want?
Extra neck coverage can be appealing, but a thin neck gaiter or bandana works well for extra neck coverage if you need it. A lower neck on a shirt allows heat to escape, and you can more easily pull it up to your face to wipe sweat from your brow if desired.
Do you want a longer torso running shirt or a more cropped style?
A longer torso can always be tucked in like the Janji Helio Tech here, but it can’t be made longer. Photo by Trey French
Most of us will spring for a running shirt that covers our midriff, but a cropped style can also be breezy and comfortable. For example, you'll see this look in women’s track and road running or runners at hot trail ultras in Western states such as California. It looks pretty fast!
What features do you want?
The main features of running shirts will be fabric choice, stitching style, and mesh paneling. Everything else is how it fits you.
How much do you want to spend?
Running shirts aren’t particularly cheap. Since the best running shirts often are designed for specific use case scenarios, you may want more than one shirt: often choosing a summer shirt, shoulder season shirt, and winter shirt. This is one gear item where spending more doesn't necessarily mean getting more versatility.
For example, merino running shirts may not be the best shirt for your hottest runs. Ultra-thin polyester shirts with seam-taped seams may not regulate body temperature well if you’re starting a chilly morning and working through late morning, hot overhead sun. Budget for running shirts, knowing you'll likely want more than one.
Care and maintenance tips for running shirts
Running shirts take a beating. Between sweat, sunscreen, and trail grime, they need regular washing to stay functional. Here are a few things worth knowing.
Wash your running shirts after every one to two runs, depending on conditions and how hard you worked. The longer you wait, the more odor-causing bacteria have time to set in the fabric. This is especially true for polyester shirts, which hold onto smells more stubbornly than merino wool or nylon.
Use cold water and a sports detergent when possible. Standard detergents leave residue in technical fabrics that can reduce breathability and moisture-wicking over time. Fabric softeners are worse — they coat the fibers and actively degrade performance. See our Best Sports Detergent guide for options that actually work on technical fabrics.
Skip the dryer when you can. High heat breaks down synthetic fibers and elastic faster than wear will. Most running shirts dry quickly enough that hanging them is no real inconvenience. If your shirt has a hang loop, use it — hanging from the loop rather than the collar prevents the stretch deformation you'll otherwise see after a few months.
For merino wool shirts like the Ibex Paradox, wash less frequently than you would a synthetic. One of the benefits of merino is that you can get multiple runs out of it before it needs washing. When you do wash it, use cold water on a gentle cycle and always hang dry. High heat will shrink and felt merino, and there's no coming back from that.
Check the care label before the first wash. Not all running shirts are the same, and it's easier to follow the instructions once than to replace a shirt that went through the wrong cycle.
FAQ
Check for cotton in your running shirts. It’s comfortable, doesn’t stink too bad, but it can give you a chill! Photo by Trey French
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Tight shirts may be more effective at wicking sweat away from your body but can more likely cause chafing. Loose shirts might promote airflow, and only some people like a slim-fitting shirt, visually. Both will perform.
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Most importantly, avoid cotton in a running shirt since it soaks up moisture, is slow drying, and is heavy. You're probably on the right track as long as the shirt is synthetic, like polyester or nylon, or the natural fabric merino wool.
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Nylon is technically more durable than polyester but marginally less breathable. Nylon tends to stink less than polyester, but some brands, like Patagonia, incorporate anti-stink applications into their polyester. Both fibers perform similarly in running, with polyester being the more common fabric, likely because it’s cheaper to produce and can be easier to find recycled material.
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Cotton is the primary natural fiber to avoid for outdoor clothing, at least for high-output activities like running that are likely to induce sweating or in conditions where precipitation is possible. When a cotton shirt gets wet, it usually stays wet. When wet, it’s also heavy, sags, clings to the body, and can have a chilling effect. You may have heard that “cotton kills” in the context of outdoor sports and backcountry activities, primarily referring to cotton making the user cold and potentially hypothermic in extreme cases.
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Polyester running shirts can develop a permanent odor over time as bacteria bond to the synthetic fibers and resist regular washing. Using a sports-specific detergent, washing promptly after runs, and air drying rather than machine drying all help slow this process. Once a polyester shirt develops a deep-set smell that survives washing, it is difficult to fully reverse, which is one reason merino wool or shirts with a built-in antimicrobial treatment are worth considering from the start.
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A standard cotton t-shirt will work for short, easy runs in mild conditions, but becomes a liability over longer distances or in heat. Cotton absorbs sweat, stays wet, grows heavy, and can cause chafing when soaked. In cold weather, a wet cotton shirt can contribute to a dangerous drop in body temperature. For anything beyond a casual neighborhood jog, a moisture-wicking synthetic or merino shirt makes a meaningful practical difference.
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Flatlock seams are the most important structural feature for chafe prevention, as they eliminate the raised fabric flap that standard seams leave against the skin. A good fit matters too: shirts that are too loose bunch and rub, while those that are too tight create constant friction at contact points. Areas under the arms and across the upper back, where a hydration pack or vest makes contact, are the most common trouble spots and worth checking before a long effort. Worst case scenario: slather on some anti-chafing cream.
How we tested
Reviewing an Alabama Hills run in the Sierra Trail Runs book one more time before starting our run in the now discontinued SOAR Hot Weather T. The book was a key resource for finding unique testing grounds. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
We ran in what amounted to a large pile of running shirts, going through multiple runs with no specific cleaning schedule other than when a shirt smelled ready for the wash. During the time between runs, we inspected stitch lines, looked for snags, permanent stretching, piling, and other imperfections. We weighed them, stretched them, and kept wearing them after sweaty runs. We wore different shirts on the same run to compare differences in the same conditions.
When we ran in these shirts, we wore them alone or paired them with a wind or rain shell. We also tested each search tucked into a running belt as well as loose to flow with the breeze. Our runs average an hour, with some outings as long as four hours. We tested the running shirts in southern California, the Eastern Sierra mountains, and the humid state of Tennessee.
The author in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of Colorado. Photo by Justin Walker
About the author / Why you should trust us
Trey French is interested in human-powered, carless travel with the occasional assistance of public transportation or a friendly hitch. From trail outings starting and ending on NYC trains; mountain west multi-sport front door-to-door outings containing trail running, cycling and skiing; to long-distance thru-hikes on trails like the CDT, PCT, and Long Trail–working with variable conditions is a constant in Trey’s outdoor life.
Based above Bishop, CA, at around 5,000ft, Trey runs in all seasons — for mental health, fitness, and to prepare a base for big mountain adventures once the snow melts in spring. Trey has run the Salida Run Through Time trail marathon, the Grand Canyon double crossing (the “Rim to Rim to Rim”), and many self-made alpine routes in the mountain west.
He keeps his legs under him by shuffling the local foothills most days of the week, and he is kept honest by always seeking out new activities to be bad at.
Around 10,000 miles of combined running and hiking miles inform his approach to gear testing. Running shirts are a part of all of Trey’s activities, not just running. He’s had several running shirts fail him over the years, found that some are poor choices for high elevation cold weather use, and discovered that others work perfectly on adventure mountain runs. As the first defense against the elements, he appreciates the ability of high-performing running shirts to do their job and facilitate the pursuit at hand.
You can read more of Trey's work at his blog or on his author page.
