Best Running Shirts for Men of 2024

The best running shirts for men are ones that someone can simply put on and not think about again. They prevent chafing, breathe well, and aren’t too thick or thin, so they can be used across various temperatures. The right shirt can lead to better training or race-day performance and put a runner’s mind at ease, knowing they won’t have to deal with unnecessary discomfort during a hard effort.

Finding the best men’s running shirts involves considering different types of material, fit, and styles. Popular running brands have a wide variety in their collections, and so do some of the lesser-known brands.

The iRunFar team researched over 100 shirts and tested several dozen top contenders so that we could put together a list of the best men’s running shirts on the market. These shirts accompanied our testers on long runs, short runs, hot days, cooler days, through the mountains, and on the trails and roads to ensure that they were tested in a variety of conditions.

For more background information on the best men’s running shirts, see our tips on choosing the best shirts and frequently asked questions below the picks. You can also check out our methodology for testing products for this guide.

You can also check out our best running shirts for women guide.

Best Running Shirts for Men

• Overall Best Running Shirt for Men: Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee
• Overall Best Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
• Best Wool Running Shirt for Men: Tracksmith Harrier Tee
• Best Wool Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee
• Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men: rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS
• Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt
• Best Cool Weather Running Shirt for Men: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip
• Best Cold Weather Running Shirt for Men: Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0
• Best Snap Running Shirt for Men: rabbit High Country SS
• Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt
• Best Budget Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100

Overall Best Running Shirt for Men: Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee ($70)

Pros:

• Great breathability
• Versatile and comfortable in a variety of temperatures

Cons:

• It can still pick up stink

We’re tempted to call the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee the Goldilocks of running shirts, but it’s more like the perfect chameleon of running shirts. We’ve been huge fans of Polartec’s Delta fabric since the fabric was first used in an Outdoor Research running shirt some years back. The material uses a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to move moisture from your skin to the air, and the highly three-dimensional honeycomb weave provides outstanding breathability and comfort across a wide range of temperatures. The material is also treated with an antimicrobial coating to help reduce smell.

On hot days, it wicks away moisture, is never clingy, and stays surprisingly cool despite feeling like it is made of a thicker fabric. On cold days, it’s a terrific extra layer to add warmth atop or under a long sleeve, and then it works fine as a single layer in merely cool temperatures if you warm up during your run. And on those perfect weather days, it’s the perfect tee. If you’re wearing a pack, you’ll appreciate that the flat-lock seams are moved off the top of the shoulder to reduce pressure and chafing.

All in all, the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee is a simple shirt that excels across a wide range of conditions.

Materials: Polartec Delta fabric, 47% recycled polyester

Shop the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee

Overall Best Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt ($45)

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Comfortable, light, and quick-drying
• Durable

Cons:

• None yet

Patagonia’s Capilene collection is a classic. And the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is one of the best all-around running, everyday, and outdoor shirts available. We’ve been running in the latest version of this shirt for a couple of years now and it continues to be one we reach for often. There’s a slew of reasons why this shirt is excellent. It’s soft, comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, durable, and planet-friendly. It also has built-in anti-stink properties.

Patagonia employs its recycled polyester jersey material, which is supremely comfortable. At just 4.5 ounces, it hardly feels like you’re wearing a shirt at all (in an excellent way). The shirt also features what Patagonia calls miDori bioSoft, a proprietary plant-based fabric softener that Patagonia claims speeds up moisture-wicking and increases long-term softness. Finally, the shirt also has a Polygiene permanent odor-control treatment.

Newfangled tech and terminology aside, this shirt kicks ass. It runs slightly small so we recommend sizing up one size.

Materials: 100% recycled polyester

Shop the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt

Best Wool Running Shirt for Men: Tracksmith Harrier Tee ($90)

Pros:

• Incredibly comfortable and soft
• Wicks moisture away quickly
• Looks good enough to also wear in casual settings
• Excellent temperature regulation, making it a versatile shirt

Cons:

• Expensive

Folks, we live in the golden age of running gear technology, and the Tracksmith Harrier Tee is a prime example of that newfangled tech. The New England brand launched its Harrier line a decade ago, immediately impressing runners — ourselves included — with the highly versatile merino wool tops. Tracksmith ups the ante with the newest iteration of the Harrier Tee by using 37.5 Technology in the material.

We’ll spare you the nerd stuff, but 37.5 Technology is a Ph.D.-founded, Boulder, Colorado-based materials company that specializes in improving temperature regulation by optimizing the evaporation of the moisture next to your skin. It’s gaining ground in active and outdoor performance brands like Tracksmith, Janji, Salomon, and Daehlie.

The result is a shirt that Tracksmith absolutely nailed. Between its material and fit, it’s one of the softest and most comfortable shirts we’ve run in. The temperature regulation boosts its versatility, and the merino wool does a good job at resisting the buildup of stink. The only downside of this shirt — similar to other Tracksmith products — is its price. At $90, it’s more than any other short-sleeve tee in this guide.

So the question you likely have is, is it worth it? We think so, otherwise we wouldn’t be including it. Not only is it truly one of the best shirts we’ve recently tested, we believe in its durability. From our experience, Tracksmith products are very high quality, durable, and worth the admittedly high price tag.

Materials: 48% merino wool, 39% 37.5 Technology nylon, 13% nylon

Shop the Tracksmith Harrier Tee

Best Wool Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee ($65)

Pros:

• Very comfortable and soft
• Less expensive than the Tracksmith Harrier Tee
• Good at resisting odor

Cons:

• We didn’t find it quite as good at moisture wicking and temperature regulation as the Tracksmith Harrier Tee

The Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee isn’t as teched-out as the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, but it’s close. The Mammoth Lakes, California-based brand employs a proprietary blend of merino wool it calls Axio. Ridge Merino spins the merino wool yarn to be lighter and stronger to the point where the brand claims it is 100% more durable than the merino wool used in other similar shirts. We’re not really sure how to measure that, but we do know this shirt has quickly become one of our favorite running shirts and is one of the best in the merino wool category.

Ridge Merino made this shirt for high-output outdoor activities like running, hiking, and ski touring. That means it’s more breathable, stretchy, and quick-drying than your typical shirt. The brand also designed the shirt to transition to the coffee shop, casual dinner, or work.

We agree this shirt is better than most at those design intentions, though most of our testers still preferred the fit of the Tracksmith Harrier Tee a tad better at performance and style. Still, the Pursuit Merino Tee is a very solid option, not far off of the Harrier, and at a more affordable price point.

Materials: 85% merino wool, 15% polyester

Shop the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee

Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men: rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS ($48)

Pros:

• Lightness and breathability set it apart from others
• Kept us cool and protected from the sun
• Doesn’t scream “running shirt,” which means it’s more versatile to wear outside of running
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Some of our testers said it runs a bit small, so you might size up

The rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS is our favorite hot-weather running shirt for men and women. The main reason is the shirt’s lightness and breathability stood out from the dozens of other shirts we tested. Rabbit employs a soft and light blend of mainly polyester with a touch of spandex. The materials kept us cool and protected from the sun, and it remained comfortable against our skin even when we were sweating.

We also love the versatility of this shirt. It doesn’t scream “running shirt,” and we found it easy to take from the run to the coffee shop or brewery. The shirt’s comfort also led our testers to grab it to throw on outside of runs. The one issue we’d like to point out is the shirt does run a bit small, so if you’re usually between sizes, go for the larger size.

Materials: 94% polyester, 6% spandex

Shop the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS

Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt ($65)

Pros:

• Very lightweight and breathable
• Super comfortable

Cons:

• The colors and design make it slightly less versatile than others on our list

The Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt is another excellent hot-weather running shirt. The only reason we gave the nod to the EZ Tee Perf SS reviewed above is it’s a bit more affordable and versatile. That said, the Dart Nano T-Shirt is an excellent running T-shirt, especially for hot weather. First, at 2.8 ounces, it is incredibly light. Montane employs its Apex Lite 100% recycled polyester material, which is highly comfortable, soft, and deft at removing moisture from the body.

The shirt also features Polygiene permanent odor control technology, designed to keep the shirt smelling and feeling fresh. We’ve found that merino wool does a slightly better job at naturally preventing stink, but the Polygiene odor control treatment also does a decent enough job.

We found ourselves constantly reaching for this shirt for runs, especially during the summer months when the temperatures soared. The only reasons it’s a runner-up in this category are its slightly higher price tag and available colorways. It’s not necessarily a shirt that we would go out to a casual dinner in, but the shirt’s performance features make it worthy of inclusion in this guide.

Materials: 100% recycled polyester

Shop the Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt

Best Cool Weather Running Shirt for Men: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip ($95)

Pros:

• It doesn’t pick up an odor
• Durable
• Zipper useful for venting

Cons:

• Higher price

The Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip is a shirt option that has been on the market for a long time and is loved by many. One tester has worn a previous version of this shirt for at least eight years, and with minimal changes over the years, the new version is just as worthy. This half-zip, lightweight, long-sleeve merino shirt is perfect for shoulder-season running and is a can’t-miss item in a runner’s closet.

It’s adaptable during surprisingly warm afternoons with sleeves up and zipper down or as an essential base layer when temperatures drop into the single digits. Wool is a much-loved material among runners for its odor-control properties and wicking ability, and Smartwool uses a merino wool and nylon blend to increase the durability of this shirt while still taking advantage of the performance properties of the wool fibers.

While the price is fairly high for a shirt, the quality fabric and equally phenomenal construction could allow this shirt to easily last a decade of heavy use. The flat-lock seams minimize the chance of chafing, and the shoulder seam is offset to minimize any pressure under pack straps on the shoulders.

Materials: 87% merino wool, 13% nylon

Shop the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Best Cold Weather Running Shirt for Men: Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0 ($98)

Pros:

• Warm
• Zipper helps with ventilation
• Watch window

Cons:

• It may be too warm for moderate climates

If you’re running regularly in colder weather, the Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0 could be a critical component of your running wardrobe. It’s an ideal cold-day running shirt that one of our testers, who lives high in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, turns to for many runs in a row as his favorite shirt during the winter and shoulder-season months. The textured, midweight fabric is far more insulating than a standard running shirt, and when it’s paired with a windbreaker, it can keep a runner warm down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit with a moderate breeze.

Pulling up the hood can provide another five to 10 degrees of apparent warmth when the sun goes behind the mountains or the wind picks up. If temperatures warm up, the lengthy half zip provides ample ventilation, and the sleeves can be pushed up, allowing for comfort up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Even when temperatures warm, the fabric effectively wicks away sweat and never feels like a soggy mess.

This shirt has some details that make it stand out, including a watch window to check your pace or the time without rolling up your sleeves. This is especially nice when it’s cold out. An antimicrobial finish helps with the stink if you work up a sweat, and the hood rolls away when not in use.

Materials: 91% polyester, 9% spandex

Shop the Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0

Best Snap Running Shirt for Men: rabbit High Country SS ($75)

Pros:

• Stylish
• It can be worn both running and casually

Cons:

• Button-down shirts aren’t everyone’s favorite

We love an excellent Western-style snap shirt, and the rabbit High Country SS is an absolute favorite. It is easy on and easy off and highly configurable, with various snaps that can be done or undone and a collar that you can flip up for extra sun protection. Over the years, we’ve logged plenty of miles with a Patagonia snap shirt developed for their trail running line but ultimately released in their fly fishing line. That shirt confirmed our suspicion that a technical snap shirt is an excellent option for trail running, and rabbit nailed it with this one.

Launched in 2021, this shirt instantly caught our eye as a running snap shirt made with lightweight technical fabric consisting of 88% recycled polyester and 12% spandex, perfect for moisture wicking and management. The perforated back panel helps with temperature control, and the whole shirt allows for a full range of motion. We have to admit, we really love rabbit’s plaid in this shirt, and we appreciated the semi-relaxed fit that was equally at home on the trails as in the coffee shop afterward.

Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% spandex

Shop the rabbit High Country SS

Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt ($40)

Pros:

• A truly solid running shirt that is comfortable and moisture-wicking
• Affordable
• Sustainable

Cons:

• Some folks didn’t like the fit

We’ve been fans of REI Co-op running gear for many years, and the REI Swiftland Running T-Shirt is another piece of apparel we love from the brand. Two of the main reasons for our fandom are the true comfort of the shirts we’ve tested, and their styling which makes them versatile. We regularly wear these shirts on runs and to social outings and work. They are also high-performance and effective at wicking moisture away from the body, helping to keep body temperature regulated during high-output activities like running.

We put this in the budget category because it’s the second-most affordable option in this guide, but it’s also one of our favorite running shirts that we constantly grab for runs and other outings. We also love that REI continues to emphasize sustainability and fair-trade practices within its house brand products. For example, the Swiftland Running T-Shirt includes Bluesign-certified materials and comes from a Fair Trade Certified factory.

The one issue a few testers have had with this shirt is its fit. While it did seem tighter to us, especially around the shoulders, when compared to previous models, it wasn’t enough of an issue to keep it out of this guide.

Materials: 100% polyester

Shop the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt

Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100 ($20)

Pros:

• Very affordable running shirt
• Comfortable and moisture-wicking

Cons:

• Unusual fit, especially around the shoulders and arms

If you’re searching for a true budget running shirt, look no further than the Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100. Decathlon is a budget outdoor gear and apparel brand that we’ve been fans of for many years. And while the Quechua MH100 is technically a hiking shirt, it works fine as a budget running shirt. It features material with good stretch, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties. Was it the best shirt we tested? Not really. But considering it only costs $20 and is a huge step up from a cotton T-shirt that you may be tempted to run in, we had to recommend it.

Our only real issue with the shirt so far is the sizing is a bit off, both in overall size and proportions. Decathlon is a European brand, so the sizes run smaller than some typical American brands, and we found the fit tighter in places like the shoulders and arms and looser around the stomach and waist.

Materials: 23% elastane

Shop the Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100

Comparing the Best Running Shirts for Men

SHIRT	PRICE	MATERIALS
Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee	$70	Polyester, Lyocell, spandex
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt	$45	Recycled polyester
Tracksmith Harrier Tee	$90	Merino, nylon
Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee	$65	Merino, polyester
rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS	$48	Polyester, spandex
Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt	$65	Recycled polyester
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip	$95	Merino wool, nylon
Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0	$98	Polyester, spandex
rabbit High Country SS	$75	Polyester, spandex
REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt	$40	Polyester
Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100	$20	Elastane

How to Choose Running Shirts for Men

Determine Your Intended Use

When we started running, the prevailing wisdom suggested an excellent pair of sneakers and maybe a watch was all we needed. But along the way, dedicated trail and ultrarunners realized the importance of quality gear, including the best running shirts for men. When considering the purchase of a shirt for running, be mindful of your intended usage, as different shirts perform well in different situations.

You may be facing a double-digit mileage training day with a pack where shirt durability is key, and you want to make sure the seams don’t chafe. Or you may be heading out on a multiday fastpacking adventure or a fastest known time attempt where you probably won’t change your shirt but want to minimize the smell. A wool shirt like the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee could be ideal for that situation.

Alternatively, you might want a light and airy shirt for a track workout on a hot day, like the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS, or you might be looking at a shirt to change into after a workout for joining friends for a post-run beer or coffee. Every shirt prioritizes different qualities, such as durability, style, and comfort.

Figure out what you’re specifically looking for in a shirt and go from there. And if you’re hesitant to spend a lot of money on a running shirt when you have a closet full of event T-shirts, you might still want to consider investing $35 in the Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100 for an upgraded running experience.

Pick Out a Style That Suits You

Even though you may be traversing through mud and dirt, it’s still important to feel good about how you look out on the trail. While North American trail runners may trend more toward utilitarian-casual than their European counterparts, who tend to prefer tighter form-fitting clothes, everyone wants flattering clothing in a color and design that makes you feel like you.

During an outing on the trails or within your running group, you could see everything from a tight-fitting tech shirt to a cotton tank top to a button-down shirt like the rabbit High Country SS — and more.

In the simplest terms, the best running shirts for men are the ones that make a person feel great, even if they’re not the most expensive or high-tech shirts available.

Don’t Forget Comfort and Fit

In the end, you want to feel good in the running clothing you wear. What works for one person might not work for another, so understand what fit, materials, and designs feel the best on your own body.

When choosing a shirt, prioritize the fit — after all, you will wear it for hours during your long runs. Think about your personal preference. Do you generally like loose-fitting tops that allow your skin to breathe? Or, perhaps, you prefer a tight-fitting shirt that doesn’t flap around as you traverse a windy ridge. The Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee provides a comfortable fit with more stretch than a pure wool shirt.

It’s also important to consider the hydration pack you most regularly use and how a particular shirt will work with it. You certainly don’t want a shirt that will continually bunch up underneath it. Most of the shirts in this guide, including the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS, have seams off the shoulders in order to minimize the chance of chafing under a pack.

Be Choosy About the Fabric

Some people love wool, others love spandex, while some still, for some reason, stick with cotton — we see you! The fabric makeup of a shirt has a lot to do with the goals it’s looking to achieve: odor-control ability, washability, stretchiness, or straight-up comfort. Each fabric type has unique characteristics, and the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee, our choice for the best overall shirt, stood out for its high-performing fabric blend.

The merino wool of today is not your grandmother’s scratchy wool. Merino wool is a popular choice among runners, as it works well during runs in both hot and cold weather. Shirts made with merino wool are highly breathable, wick away sweat, and are lightweight. Merino wool is effective because it works well in both warmer and cooler temperatures.

In addition to wicking sweat effectively, its fibers have insulating properties that maintain body heat more effectively than cotton or other common fabrics. If you see yourself running in areas where the temperature rapidly changes, a shirt with merino wool could be a good solution for staying comfortable in variable temperatures. We loved the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip as a standalone layer and one for layering on cold-weather runs.

Conversely, cotton is known for trapping moisture. A sweaty shirt combined with heat and friction could very likely lead to chafing. Still, some runners opt for a cotton shirt. If you choose this direction, do so at your own peril — and be sure to lube up!

Another option for shirts is polyester, and the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt uses the material in its fabric blend. It is durable yet feels very light and breathable. Polyester can be a good option when running during summer days because it can block ultraviolet rays better than other materials. And you need not worry about getting caught in a rainstorm, as the polyester will keep you warm even when it gets wet.

Nylon is also a popular choice for runners. It wicks sweat efficiently, offers superior breathability, and is stretchy, giving you the freedom to move.

Be Sure to Protect Your Shoulders

No one likes to chafe. Running long distances with a pack or vest over a shirt with less-than-optimally crafted seams can lead to painful shoulders — the last thing you want to think about when your feet already probably hurt! Look for shirts with flat-locked, taped, or raglan-sleeve seams, like the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, to reduce chafing on your shoulders and other pack contact points.

Make Sure the Shirt Can Breathe

While people react to heat differently, your shirt needs to keep you cool regardless of the temperature, humidity, and heat index. A shirt’s breathability is directly linked to its material, venting, and wicking properties.

If you want a more insulating shirt for cooler days, it should still be breathable and wicking to minimize sweat build-up. The material of the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee performed well in a wide range of temperatures because of its high level of breathability.

Keep the Stench Away

Many of us like to wash our running clothes after one use, but on a fastpacking adventure or road trip, that’s not always possible. For these situations, or for our sweatier friends, look for a shirt made of wool, like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip or the Tracksmith Harrier Tee.

Wool has natural antimicrobial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria, the main cause of odor. Many synthetic shirts, including the Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt, are treated with antimicrobial processes to reduce stink.

Consider Drying Time

Drying time comes into play on those longer endeavors or multiday trips. If you can river-wash your shirt after a long day and need it to dry before nightfall, or you just want the sweat to evaporate sooner, look for a shirt with good wicking and quick-drying properties.

Fabrics that dry rapidly include merino wool, polyester, and nylon. The material of the Tracksmith Harrier Tee has a speedy drying time with its blend of merino and 37.5 Technology nylon fabric.

Be Mindful of the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating

Protecting your skin from the sun is important during midday runs when the UV index is high, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) determines how much of the sun’s harmful rays can get to your skin, the rating being the inverse of the fraction of the sun’s rays that can penetrate a fabric.

Most normal shirts have a UPF of 15, transmitting only 1/15th of the UV rays that hit them, but some shirts have ratings up to 50, allowing only 1/50th (2%) of ultraviolet rays to make it to your skin.

Thin wool shirts, like the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, tend to have lower UPF ratings than shirts made of synthetic materials because wool generally has a looser weave than other fabrics. When it comes to the top performer in heat, our best hot-weather shirt is the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS.

Express Yourself

A great way runners can express themselves is through their choice of clothing. When it comes to shirts, you can choose options that fit the exact look you seek. Do you want pockets on your shirt? A high neckline? A zipper? Eye-catching design?

The sky’s the limit; if you want your shirt to be extra creative, go for it! The Rabbit High Country SS was the most unique shirt on our list, and its style makes it great for casual wear.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing process began with research. We examined the breadth of products on the market, from longtime favorites to the newest and most innovative products available. We closely considered nearly 100 short-sleeve running shirts before testing 30. We put these shirts through rigorous testing under a gamut of running conditions for over a year.

Our testers, consisting of trail, road, and ultra runners took shirts out in as many conditions as possible, from the heat of the day to chilly mornings. We evaluated each shirt’s breathability, moisture-wicking properties, fit, material, odor control, and durability. We also considered the aesthetics of a shirt and whether we felt comfortable wearing it out for a cup of coffee after a run.

We then narrowed our selection down to the best running shirts for men in a variety of categories to help you determine what’s best for you. Our research can help you navigate the hundreds of options for a shirt and let you choose the best one for your specific needs and budget.

Please note that product models are routinely discontinued in the running world, while new ones frequently come to market. At the same time, we here at iRunFar often keep using our top picks in our daily running … they’re our top picks, after all! Sometimes, that continued use results in uncovering product failures.

With all this — product discontinuations, product introductions, and product failures — in mind, we routinely update our buyer’s guides based on past and ongoing testing and research by our authors and editorial team. While these updates can appear to be us pushing the newest product, it’s anything but that. Most products will likely remain the same when we update any buyer’s guide. That matches our goal: to get you in the best gear you’ll use for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Shirts for Men

Can I run in a cotton shirt?

It’s totally up to you, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Cotton is heavy, holds sweat and other moisture, and stretches out easily. Cotton can also cause chafing during longer runs as it gets sweaty.

For the most comfortable run, leave the cotton shirts for the post-workout gathering. A very reasonable monetary investment can get you the Decathlon Quechua Hiking Synthetic Short-Sleeved T-Shirt MH100, a significant upgrade from your average cotton shirt.

What kind of material should I look for in a good running shirt?

It depends on what you want the shirt for, but in general, look for breathable, moisture-wicking, smell-reducing material that is smooth against the skin. As detailed in this article, merino wool covers many bases more effectively than other fabric types.

It’s often not considered as soft as synthetic options, but its performance properties allow us to overlook that drawback. The Polartec Delta fabric of the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee made it our favorite running shirt, as it is breathable, comfortable, and wicking.

Is wool a good choice for warm weather?

While it might feel a bit itchy against your skin to start, today’s merino wool is not like the wool sweaters of yore. Modern-day merino is thinner and softer than ever before, and it’s naturally antimicrobial, so it can be a good option for warm days, as it dries quickly and doesn’t pick up a smell as quickly as synthetic shirts.

Wool is also an excellent option for a run that will span a wide range of temperatures. A long-sleeve wool shirt like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip can be comfortable on chilly runs that warm up as the day goes on.

Should I run in a short-sleeved shirt, tank top, or no shirt?

Much of choosing the best running shirts for men comes down to personal preference; for some, less is more. Some runners don’t experience much chafing while wearing a running vest or pack, so sleeves aren’t as important. You might be going out for a short run or in very hot weather and want to let your underarms breathe, so a tank top is a good option.

If you don’t mind getting a tan — please wear sunscreen! — and desire ultimate breathability in warmer weather, go shirtless! If you’re looking for extra sun protection and it’s not too hot, consider a long-sleeve shirt like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip. You can also check out our Best Sun Shirts for Running guide for more options if you’re looking for sun protection.

What’s the best shirt for running in hot weather?

Choosing a shirt that will breathe and wick moisture well is extra important for hot weather runs. You’ll want a shirt that effectively moves sweat from your skin without getting soggy or uncomfortable. While our guide’s short-sleeve shirts performed admirably in warmer conditions, our testing found the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS to be the best option for staying comfortable when temperatures increased.

Call for Comments

• Have you tried any of the men’s running shirts included in this guide, and if so, what were your impressions?
• Is there a great shirt we haven’t included that people should know about?

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