7 Best Running Shirts for Men

Remember the old days when ordinary folks simply slipped on an old tee before exercising? No one really bothered to curate a special wardrobe for working out—with the exception of actual athletes.

These days, activewear has gotten so advanced that running with a plain cotton tee feels almost unbearable. Wearing a proper running shirt (and running shorts) simply makes performing better and lasting longer so much easier.

With the sheer number of available options out there—from thermal tops to tech shirts to singlets—it can be tricky to figure out where to start. But worry not. Whether you’re new to the world of running or are simply looking to optimize your current running wardrobe, this shopping guide is for you.

Below, you’ll learn all the key features you need to look for in a running shirt, as well as some background information on the technologies, fabrics, and cuts that are used by the best running shirts of today.

So, sit back, relax, and read on. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll be closer than ever to finding the absolute best running shirt for your needs.

Men’s Running Shirt Styles

1. Short sleeve. Running shirts with short sleeves allow some flexibility and cooling during your running sessions. They come in a variety of sub-styles, such as V-neck and round neck cuts. Short sleeve running shirts offer a balance between flexibility and insulation, and this versatility makes them highly popular.
2. Long sleeve. Long sleeve running shirts cover your arms completely. They allow the least range of movement among all styles. That said, the extra length allows them to retain more heat than short-sleeve and sleeveless tops. This makes them an excellent choice for running in chilly weather. What’s more, they make for a great base layer. They help protect your arms from the sun, as well.
3. Sleeveless. Sleeveless running shirts include tank tops and singlets. These running shirts offer the maximum amount of movement and allow extra airflow, especially to your shoulders, back, and underarms. They’re also great if you want to eliminate chafing around your armpits. However, sleeveless running shirts are obviously not optimal if you’re looking for protection against the cold.

Performance Fabrics: Which Is Right for You?

Polyester

Polyester is undoubtedly one of the most popular performance fabrics. It wicks away moisture and sweat from your skin, keeping you cool and dry throughout your running session. It’s super lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, as well. If you’ve seen running shirts that have mesh panels, these are probably made of polyester or a blend thereof.

The downside? Polyester has a tendency to absorb and trap oil. Because of this, it is quite prone to harboring odor-causing bacteria. This is why polyester is known to have a “stink factor” if you don’t wash your garments thoroughly.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is closely related to polyester. The main difference? Polypropylene dries faster and doesn’t absorb water, which makes it a great material for waterproof running gear. Also, polypropylene is a good insulator.

Nylon

Nylon, which is also referred to as polyamide, is a silk-like fabric that is used in all sorts of garments. It is sweat-wicking, stretchy, and breathable. Nylon is also highly durable.

On the flip side, nylon is typically acid-dyed. This means that the fabric is more likely to have issues with fading and bleaching. It’s also sensitive to hot water.

Bamboo

Although natural fabrics are often frowned upon in the world of activewear, bamboo is considered an exception. This natural, organic fiber is very soft and comfortable to the touch, making it a great pick for those who have sensitive skin.

Bamboo also boasts natural moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties that keep you feeling dry, confident, and stink-free. This breathable fabric first climbed to popularity after being recognized as a highly-sustainable alternative to other fibers, although this claim is being contested lately.

As for drawbacks, bamboo running shirts are typically on the pricier side of the spectrum. Some people also report that white bamboo shirts are more prone to yellowing over time. Make-wise, though, bamboo is generally considered durable and resilient. So in the long run, your investment will likely pay off.

Spandex/Lycra

Spandex is known for its strength and stretch. An oldie but a goodie, it was one of the most popular performance fabrics back when athletic wear first became a thing.

Spandex sportswear can snap back to its original size and shape even after extreme stretching. These days, pure spandex garments are less common. But you’ll frequently find this fabric blended into other types of fiber in modern activewear.

Wool

Let’s face it: wool isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we’re talking about fabrics for running. However, it’s actually a great performance fabric if you’re looking for something to keep you warm during fall and winter runs. It’s also moisture-wicking and breathable. Plus, it helps keep UV rays at bay.

Synthetic-Cotton Blend

As you may have learned so far, all the different types of performance fabrics have their own pros and cons. To help address the individual shortcomings of these fabrics, synthetic-cotton blends have sprung into existence.

Synthetic-cotton fabrics offer runners a good in-betweener. Typically, these fabrics provide a good fit and feel while still having a decent amount of wicking ability.

What to Look for in A Running Shirt

Now that you know all about the different performance fabrics that are typically used in running shirts, it’s time to delve deeper. Here are the factors that you should take into consideration when shopping for the best running shirts for men.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to clothes, comfort is king—and running shirts are no exception. There’s no use buying a shirt that boasts the best performance fabric, cut, and technology if you feel uncomfortable wearing it.

When trying on a running shirt for the first time, notice how it feels against your skin. Watch out for abrasive seams and itchy fabric. Also, does it fit your shoulders, chest, arms, and stomach nicely? Does it hang comfortably on your frame? Are you comfortable with the neckline?

It’s best to try and mimic running movements as you evaluate a running shirt’s fit and comfort level. This allows you to get a feel of the range of movement allowed by the shirt, as well as to check for signs of possible chafing.

Moisture Wicking

Wicking is the mechanism in which a fabric absorbs moisture away from the body and expels it as vapor into the atmosphere. Having a moisture-wicking running shirt is important because it keeps you feeling dry and fresh for longer.

Without wicking, your sweat will remain close to your skin. Eventually, as you perspire more and more and you feel moisture accumulating underneath your running shirt, you’ll start to feel clammy, hot, and downright uncomfortable. And you don’t want that, do you?

Make and Durability

High-quality running shirts should be well-made and last you a long time. Aside from evaluating the quality of the fabric, you should also take the time to check the seam stitching to make sure that everything is nice and secure.

Another way to learn more about a running shirt’s durability is to read user reviews. Look for relevant feedback about how well the shirt retains its shape and how it reacts to the typical laundry cycle.

Odor and Microbe Control

Some fabrics are more prone to harboring odor-causing bacteria than others (see polyester’s description above). But beyond fabrics’ default vulnerability to odor and bacterial growth, there exists engineered versions that are specifically designed to have antimicrobial properties.

For instance, one of the most popular odor-fighting technologies these days is the incorporation of silver threads in clothing. Silver threads can control bacterial growth, which makes them great at protecting you from odors.

Reflectivity

Running comes with certain risks. If you enjoy going for an early morning or evening jog, you should take lighting conditions into consideration when choosing what running shirt to wear. In low light, it might be difficult for drivers to see you. This poses a safety issue if you like running along or near busy roads.

Wearing running shirts that have reflective strips is a great way to keep visibility as high as possible. It’s also best to avoid dark-colored running shirts and stick to bright, easily-visible colors when going for a run at night. We recommend neon colors in this regard. Among the most popular are neon green, yellow, pink, and orange.

We know that almost everyone loves their sleek black running shirts—but they are best saved for the treadmill or when running on a well-lit day.

Versatility and Insulation

If you live in a place where the weather varies significantly throughout the year, you might want to invest in running shirts that are versatile.

For instance, a long sleeve running shirt can provide decent insulation during slightly-chilly days. Come wintertime, the same shirt can serve as a base layer under a short sleeve top for added warmth.

UPF Rating: Is It Important?

UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor is a term that you’ll likely encounter when shopping for a running shirt. In a nutshell, UPF is a measure of how well a piece of clothing protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Ultraviolet protection is important because UV rays can deal serious damage to your body. Some of the harmful effects of UV exposure include premature skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. You’re at a higher risk of being affected if you frequently run under the blazing heat of the sun. However, it’s also worth noting that you’re still accumulating UV damage even in cloudy weather.

To give you an idea about how UPF works, picture this: typical pieces of clothing will have an average UPF of around 6. This means that you’ll be exposed to 1 unit of UV out of 6—or roughly 17 percent.  A running shirt that has a UPF rating of 35, meanwhile, will only allow 1 out of 35 units of UV—or less than 3 percent—to pass through.

Considering the harmful effects of regular sun exposure, we highly recommend that you go for UPF-rated clothes if you can. Nothing beats the sun protection provided by sunscreens, though. So if you’re already applying sunscreen all over your face and body diligently, then donning a protective running shirt will just be an added bonus.