Best Running Shirts for Men of 2025

The best running shirts for men are the ones you can wear without a second thought. They’re comfortable and fit well, of course, but they also breathe well, wick away moisture, prevent chafing, and are versatile enough to be worn under other layers or a pack. Oh, and they look good, too.

With all of that in mind, our testing team researched over 100 shirts and tested several dozen top contenders from a variety of running and fitness brands. We tested shirts made of various materials and designed for different purposes, and we looked at shirts at various price points. Our testers wore these shirts on long runs, short runs, hot days, cool days, through the mountains, on the roads, and on the trails — all to find the best running shirts for men. We made judgments on a variety of factors, from comfort to odor resistance, and compiled our findings in this guide.

After testing, we concluded that the best overall running shirt for men is the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee, due to its versatility across a range of temperatures. Meanwhile, we loved the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS for hot-weather running. For a standout merino wool option, we loved the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, and our top budget pick was the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt. You can read more about why we loved these shirts, as well as several others, in the product reviews below.

After that, see our tips on choosing the best running shirts for men and read through our frequently asked questions below the picks. You can also review our testing methodology in this guide.

Finally, if you need a pair of shorts to go with your shirt, check out our Best Running Shorts for Men guide.

Best Running Shirts for Men

• Best Overall Running Shirt for Men: Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee
• Best Overall Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
• 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 Wool Running Shirt for Men: Tracksmith Harrier Tee
• Best Wool Running Shirt for Men — Runner-Up: Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee
• Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt
• Best Sun Shirt for Men: Janji M’s Sunchaser Hooded Long Sleeve
• Best Long-Sleeve Running Shirt for Men: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip
• Best Snap Running Shirt for Men: rabbit High Country SS
• Best Cotton Running Shirt for Men: Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee

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

Pros:

• Great breathability
• Comfortable in a variety of temperatures

Cons:

• Not as odor-resistant as other options

We could call the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee the Goldilocks of men’s running shirts, but it’s more like the perfect chameleon. We’ve been huge fans of Polartec’s Delta fabric since Outdoor Research incorporated it into a running shirt a few years ago. The material utilizes a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to transfer moisture from your skin to the air, and its 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, though this shirt is not as odor-resistant as other options. If you’re wearing a pack, you’ll appreciate that the flatlock seams are moved off the top of the shoulder to reduce pressure and chafing.

On hot days, it wicks away moisture, is never clingy, and stays surprisingly cool despite feeling like it features a thicker fabric. On cold days, it can serve as a terrific extra layer to add warmth atop or under a long-sleeved shirt. On cool days, it works as a single layer if you warm up during your run. And on those perfect weather days, it’s the perfect tee.

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

Materials: 52% polyester, 44% lyocell, 4% spandex

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

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is one of the best all-around shirts for running, everyday wear, and outdoor activities. We’ve been running in the latest version of this shirt for a couple of years now, and it remains one of our favorites. It’s soft, comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, durable, and planet-friendly. It also has built-in anti-stink properties and is comfortable and understated enough to wear on the trails or to the coffee shop after.

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. 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. After hundreds of miles in this shirt, we’ve found both claims to be true. Finally, the shirt also features a HEiQ mint odor control treatment.

Newfangled tech and terminology aside, this shirt is simply excellent. Like many Patagonia products, this item is made in a socially and environmentally conscious manner, created in a Fair Trade Certified factory using 100% recycled polyester. And at $45, it’s one of the best values you’ll find.

Materials: 100% recycled polyester

Shop the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt

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

Pros:

• Supremely light and breathable
• Stylish and versatile enough to wear outside of running
• Great value

Cons:

• Ran a bit small on some testers

The rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS is our favorite hot-weather running shirt, primarily due to its standout lightness and breathability. Rabbit employs a soft and light blend of mainly polyester with a touch of spandex, featuring micro perforations throughout the material, hence the shirt’s name. This kept us cool and remained comfortable against our skin even when we were sweating. The polyester and spandex blend sits lightly on the skin and dries quickly.

We also love the style and versatility of this shirt. It doesn’t scream ‘running shirt,’ and we found it easy to transition from the run to the coffee shop or brewery afterward. Its exemplary comfort also led our testers to throw it on in non-running situations. One issue we’d like to point out is that the shirt runs a bit small, so if you’re usually between sizes, we recommend going for the larger size.

We also featured this shirt in our Best Running Gear for Hot Weather guide.

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:

• Extremely lightweight, breathable, and 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 option for hot-weather running. The only reason the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS, which we reviewed above, ranked higher in testing is that it’s a bit more affordable and versatile. That said, the Dart Nano T-Shirt is another standout hot-weather running shirt. First, at 2.8 ounces, it is incredibly light. Montane employs its Apex Lite, a 100%-recycled polyester material, which is highly comfortable, soft, and effective 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 the Polygiene odor control treatment isn’t quite as effective as merino wool in preventing odors, but this shirt resists odor better than many other synthetic shirts.

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 we would wear to a casual dinner, 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 Wool Running Shirt for Men: Tracksmith Harrier Tee ($90)

Pros:

• Incredibly comfortable and soft
• Moisture-wicking
• Stylish enough to wear in non-running settings
• Excellent temperature regulation for year-round versatility

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-based brand launched its Harrier line a decade ago, immediately impressing runners — ourselves included — with the highly versatile merino wool tops. Tracksmith raised the bar with the latest iteration of the Harrier Tee by incorporating 37.5 Technology into 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 enhances its versatility, and the merino wool does a good job of resisting the buildup of odor.

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 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, but we also believe in its durability. Based on our experience, Tracksmith products are of high quality, durable, and worth the admittedly high price tag.

We also included this shirt in our Best Running Gear for Hot Weather and the Best Base Layers guides.

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:

• Comfortable, soft, and odor-resistant
• More affordable than the Tracksmith Harrier Tee

Cons:

• Not 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 a close second in the merino wool category. The Mammoth Lakes, California-based brand employs a proprietary blend of materials, which it calls Axio, and utilizes a distinct production process for the merino wool itself. Ridge Merino spins the merino wool yarn to make it lighter and stronger, to the point that the brand claims it’s 100% more durable than the merino wool used in other similar shirts. We’re not entirely sure how to measure that, but we do know this shirt has quickly become one of our favorites among our wool running shirts.

Ridge Merino designed this shirt for high-output outdoor activities, such as running, hiking, and ski touring, making it breathable, stretchy, and quick-drying. The brand also designed the shirt to transition seamlessly from the coffee shop to a casual dinner or work by providing a nice fit.

We agree that this shirt is better than most at achieving those design intentions, although most of our testers still preferred the fit, style, and performance of the Tracksmith Harrier Tee slightly more. Still, this shirt is an excellent option, not far off from the Harrier, and at a more affordable price point.

Materials: 85% merino wool, 15% polyester

Shop the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee

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

Pros:

• A solid running shirt that’s comfortable and wicks moisture well
• Affordable and sustainable

Cons:

• Some testers didn’t like the fit

We’ve been fans of REI’s running gear for many years, and the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt is another piece of apparel we love from the brand. We primarily appreciate this shirt because of its comfort and style. We regularly wear it on runs, to social outings, and to work. This shirt is 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 categorize this as the budget option because it’s the most affordable choice in this guide, and it’s also one of our favorite running shirts overall. We appreciate that REI continues to emphasize sustainability and fair-trade practices within its house-brand products. This shirt includes bluesign-certified materials and comes from a Fair Trade Certified factory.

The one issue a few testers had with this shirt is its fit. While it did seem tighter to us compared to previous models, especially around the shoulders, it wasn’t a significant enough issue to warrant exclusion from this guide.

Materials: 100% polyester

Shop the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt

Best Sun Shirt for Men: Janji M’s Sunchaser Hooded Long Sleeve ($82)

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight fabric
• Protective hood

Cons:

• Material picks up a stink relatively quickly
• Gets too hot in very hot temperatures

When you want to shield yourself from the sun as much as possible, the Janji M’s Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve offers high protection from harmful UV rays with a lightweight fabric. The material has a UPF 50 rating, meaning it allows only 2% of the sun’s rays through. There are very few other shirts on the market with a higher rating than this one, and what impressed us most is how breathable and light-feeling this material is. While long-sleeve shirts will inherently be hotter than short-sleeve shirts, we were able to wear this in all but the very hottest of temperatures.

The material is stretchy and fits loosely on the body, allowing for good airflow. We appreciated that the shirt had nice thumb holes that hold the sleeves down and keep them from riding up. This also provides additional sun protection for the back of the hands. The hood is deep and keeps the sun off the neck, head, and ears. It also comes up to the chin in the front, protecting the skin on the front of the neck.

Like Patagonia, Janji also works in an environmentally conscious manner. It donates 2% of its profits to clean water initiatives around the world, and it also employs recycled materials for many of its products. This shirt features 84% recycled polyester, and spandex gives it a bit of extra stretch.

This shirt claimed the top spot in our Best Sun Shirts for Running guide due to its lightweight fabric and fit.

Materials: 84% recycled polyester, 14% spandex

Shop the Janji M's Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve

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

Pros:

• Doesn’t pick up an odor
• Durable
• The zipper is useful for venting

Cons:

• Expensive

The Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip has been on the market for a considerable time and is highly regarded by many, including us. One tester has worn a version of this shirt for at least eight years, and with minimal changes over the years, this updated model is just as worthy as past ones. This quarter-zip, lightweight, long-sleeve merino shirt is perfect for shoulder-season running.

It’s adaptable during surprisingly warm afternoons with sleeves up and zipper down or as a base layer when temperatures drop into the single digits. Many runners love wool for its odor-control properties and wicking ability. Smartwool utilizes a merino wool and nylon blend to enhance the durability of this shirt while still leveraging the performance properties of the wool fibers.

While the price is high, the quality fabric and equally phenomenal construction could allow this shirt to easily last a decade of heavy use. The flatlock 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 Snap Running Shirt for Men: rabbit High Country SS ($75)

Pros:

• Stylish, comfortable, and versatile
• Can be worn in multiple settings

Cons:

• Button-down running shirts aren’t for everyone

We love an excellent Western-style snap shirt, and the rabbit High Country SS is an absolute favorite. It is easy to put on and take 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 regulate temperature, and the entire shirt allows for a full range of motion. We have to admit, we really love the rabbit’s plaid in this shirt, and we appreciate the semi-relaxed fit that is 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 Cotton Running Shirt for Men: Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee ($45)

Pros:

• Comfortable, stylish, and sustainable
• Can be worn in multiple settings

Cons:

• It’s cotton
• Don’t wear it in warm temperatures!

First, a disclaimer: the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee is 50% cotton, a material that notoriously traps moisture and heat and can lead to some uncomfortable runs. There’s a good reason most running shirts, including all the others in this guide, are made from merino wool or synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. These fabrics are lighter, more technical, and adept at wicking away moisture and removing heat from your body.

All that said, for those who seek the comfort and classic feeling of a cotton shirt while running, there’s no better option than this shirt. Firstly, it’s only half recycled cotton, with the other half being recycled polyester. Our primary tester ran in this shirt for multiple runs with temperatures in the 50-degree Fahrenheit range, including one morning in Florida, thereby achieving something he’d never thought he would: running in a cotton shirt in Florida. For all of those runs, this shirt was soft and comfortable, and while it certainly wasn’t the most breathable, it didn’t get super heavy or sag. It’d probably be even more comfortable for runners who stick with short sleeves when the temperatures drop into the 40-degree Fahrenheit range. Our tester, of course, tried running in this shirt in warmer temperatures, and it was a predictably rough experience. It was drenched through with sweat by the end and felt sticky throughout. The lesson? If you wear this on a run, make sure it’s cool.

Another reason we love this shirt is because of its style and sustainability. The design is cool, and you could wear it in many non-running settings. In fact, our tester wore this for a long day at a theme park for his daughter’s birthday and felt comfortable the whole time. It’s also made entirely of recycled materials, and the fabric is bluesign-approved. Finally, like many Patagonia products, it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

For all of these reasons, if you really want a cotton running shirt, this is your best bet.

Materials: 50% recycled cotton, 50% recycled polyester

Shop the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee

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
rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS	$48	Polyester, Spandex
Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt	$65	Recycled polyester
Tracksmith Harrier Tee	$90	Merino wool, nylon
Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee	$68	Merino wool, polyester
Janji M’s Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve	$82	Recycled polyester, spandex
REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt	$40	Polyester
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip	$95	Merino wool, nylon
rabbit High Country SS	$75	Recycled polyester, spandex
Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee	$40	Recycled cotton, recycled polyester

Buying Advice: How to Choose Running Shirts for Men

There are, of course, several factors to consider when you’re searching for the best running shirts for men. Fear not, though. For one, it’s not as high-stakes as choosing a pair of running shoes or a GPS watch, and secondly, we’re here to help guide you. Will you opt for a synthetic material, such as the recycled polyester used in the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt, or a natural material, like the merino wool blend in the Tracksmith Harrier Tee? Are you seeking a hot-weather shirt like the Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt, or are you looking for a more affordable option, such as the REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt, that can meet most of your needs? No matter your preferences, we’re here to help.

Use

The first question to ask yourself about running shirts is what you intend to use them for. Are you going on multi-hour runs in the mountains? Maybe go with the comfortable and durable Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt. Are you using the shirt for track workouts in the summer? The light and airy rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS would keep you cool. Do you need a good base layer for the winter or a solid option for those perfectly crisp fall days? The Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip and the Tracksmith Harrier Tee are both standout choices. Do you want a shirt that you can wear on the run and then to your meeting after? The stylish rabbit High Country SS is versatile enough for both.

Or maybe you want a shirt that can do it all. For its supreme versatility, we especially loved the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee. It’s cool enough for hot days, perfect for those cool days, and could be a good base layer for cold ones. These chameleon-like qualities made it our top pick.

Style

Even though you may be caked in mud, dirt, and sweat, it’s still important to feel good about how you look on the roads and trails. While North American trail runners may trend more toward utilitarian-casual than their European counterparts, who tend to prefer tighter form-fitting clothes, most people want flattering clothing in a color and design that makes them feel like themselves.

Most of the shirts we picked in this guide are versatile enough to wear both on your run and to the coffee shop afterward. We particularly liked the understated style of the Tracksmith Harrier Tee and unique design on the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee. And for those seeking an even more elevated look, may we point you in the direction of our favorite snap running shirt, the rabbit High Country SS.

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.

Comfort and Fit

You want to buy a running shirt that you can reach for again and again, one that makes you feel good while running. Comfort is probably the biggest factor in finding that.

We think all the shirts in this guide are comfortable — seriously, the word appears in every one of our product reviews — but the merino wool-nylon blend of the Tracksmith Harrier Tee makes this shirt stand out above the rest. It’s one of the most comfortable shirts we’ve ever run in. If you’re looking for something lighter and more breathable, the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS also received high marks in our comfort category.

Fit also plays a significant role in how comfortable a shirt is — after all, you’ll 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 running vest you use most regularly 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 have seams off the shoulders to minimize the chance of chafing under a pack.

Fabric

Running shirts come in a variety of fabrics, and finding the ones you like the most is another good way to narrow down what type of shirt you’re looking for. Some people love wool, others go with polyester, while some still, for some reason, stick with cotton — we see you! The fabric makeup of a shirt significantly affects various aspects, including its odor-control ability, washability, stretchiness, and overall 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.

Polyester, a synthetic fabric, is the most common material in running shirts. It’s smooth and durable, and it doesn’t absorb water. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt features 100% recycled polyester. Many shirts, like the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS, add spandex to polyester to make them stretchier.

Merino wool, such as that in the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee, is a popular choice among runners, as it performs well in both hot and cold weather conditions. Shirts made with merino wool are highly breathable, lightweight, and adept at wicking away sweat. Wool fibers also have insulating properties that maintain body heat more effectively than do cotton or other 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.

And finally, there’s cotton. Oh, cotton. It’s heavy, traps heat and moisture, and absorbs water, so most people avoid it for running. But some just can’t help but love the classic and comfortable feeling of a cotton shirt, and for those people, we included the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee. We won’t judge whatever material you choose to run in!

Seams

Running shirts include multiple pieces of fabric stitched together at seams, and the design and placement of these seams are the primary factors in determining whether — or how badly — you chafe. Running long distances, which necessitates the same movement over and over, with less-than-optimally crafted seams, can lead to serious irritation and discomfort.

Most running shirts have flatlock seams, those sewn together flat without overlap, while others, called taped seams, don’t have stitching at all. Flatlock and taped seams will rub against your skin far less than overlock seams and minimize the chance of irritation. The fit of a shirt also matters. On tight-fitting shirts, seams will be more noticeable and therefore important to consider, while on loose-fitting shirts, they won’t be as vital.

The placement of the seams also matters. Since many runners wear hydration packs, many companies have moved seams off the shoulders to eliminate any possible chafing there. If you wear a pack, our recommendation is to look for shirts with flatlock, taped, or raglan-sleeve seams, such as the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, to reduce chafing on your shoulders and other areas of pack contact.

Breathability

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 — a measure of how well it removes sweat away from your skin — is directly linked to its material, venting, and wicking properties. Mesh and other lightweight materials are the most breathable, which is why we loved the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS.

If you want a more insulating shirt for cooler days, it should still be breathable and wicking to minimize sweat buildup. The Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee performed well in a wide range of temperatures because of its high level of breathability. The merino wool of the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee is another material known for its breathability and temperature regulation properties.

Drying Speed

The speed at which a shirt dries comes into play on those longer endeavors or multiday trips. If you want to river-wash your shirt after a long day and need it to dry before nightfall, or if you just want sweat to evaporate more quickly, look for a shirt with good wicking and quick-drying properties.

Wicking refers to how well a shirt removes moisture from your skin and moves it to the outside of the shirt, where it can evaporate. Merino wool is naturally adept at wicking moisture, whereas brands treat some other materials with chemical compounds that enhance their ability to move moisture; however, these can become less effective with repeated wear and washing of a shirt.

Merino wool, polyester, and nylon are fabrics that dry rapidly. The Tracksmith Harrier Tee’s material, in particular, boasts a speedy drying time due to its blend of merino and 37.5 Technology nylon fabric.

Odor Resistance

When you run, you sweat, and when you sweat, you stink. Sweaty running clothes are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to that infamous odor. Many of us prefer to wash our running clothes after each use, but on a fastpacking adventure or road trip, that’s not always feasible. 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. Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria, allowing it to be worn multiple times without picking up an odor.

If you prefer the feel of polyester, though, many synthetic shirts, including the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt and Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt, are treated with antimicrobial processes to reduce stink.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor 

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial during midday runs when the ultraviolet index is high, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or for any time you spend outdoors in direct sunlight. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) determines how much of the sun’s harmful rays can reach your skin, with the rating being the inverse of the fraction of the sun’s rays that can penetrate a fabric. For example, most normal shirts have a UPF of 15, transmitting only 1/15th of the UV rays that hit them. However, some shirts have ratings up to 50, allowing only 1/50th, or 2%, of ultraviolet rays to reach your skin.

Sun shirts, such as the Janji M’s Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve, are ideal for runners seeking maximum sun protection. These shirts are designed for maximum coverage, from your chest and arms to your head, neck, and ears, with a lightweight, breathable material that makes them comfortable for high-output activities. You can read our Best Sun Shirts for Running guide for more information and other recommendations.

Social and Environmental Impact

Many runners, and consumers in general, place a high importance on the social and environmental impact of their clothing and seek apparel they can feel good about wearing.

When it comes to these factors, Patagonia is a leader in the industry. Many of its products, including the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt and the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee, are made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory with recycled materials. Patagonia also donates 1% of its sales to environmental nonprofits. The REI Co-op Swiftland Running T-Shirt is also made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory, and REI is a Climate Neutral Certified brand.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing process for the initial version of this guide began with research. We examined the breadth of products on the market, from longtime favorites to the newest and most innovative products available. We considered nearly 100 short- and long-sleeve running shirts before testing more than 30, subjecting them to rigorous testing under various running conditions.

Our testers wore these shirts in as many conditions as possible, from the heat of the day to chilly mornings, on both roads and trails. We evaluated each shirt’s comfort, fit, breathability, moisture-wicking properties, 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 across various 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.

It’s important to note that 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 of 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 may appear to be us pushing the newest product, that’s not the case. In fact, most products will likely remain the same when we update a buyer’s guide. Our goal is simple: to get you in the best running shirt, one you’ll use for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Shirts for Men

Can I run in a cotton shirt?

Yes, but we don’t recommend it. While more technical materials have clear advantages over cotton, you can run in any fabric that feels comfortable to you. For those runners who love the comfort and classic feeling of a cotton t-shirt, we recommend the Patagonia Wind Runner Responsibili-Tee.

All that said, many runners avoid cotton at all costs for understandable reasons. It’s heavy, holds sweat and other moisture, stretches out easily, and can cause chafing during longer runs. Cotton can lead to some truly uncomfortable situations, especially in hot weather.

That’s why all but one of the shirts in this guide feature more technical materials, such as polyester or merino wool, which are much more breathable and wick moisture more effectively. The merino wool in the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee and the Polartec Delta fabric of the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee will be much more comfortable than cotton during long runs.

But if you love cotton, go for it, especially for shorter runs in cooler conditions.

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

It depends on what you want the shirt for, but in general, look for a breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant material that is smooth against the skin. Merino wool, as well as synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, check most of those boxes. Our top merino wool options were the Tracksmith Harrier Tee and the Ridge Merino Pursuit Merino Tee, while we loved the synthetic Polartec Delta fabric of the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee. Its combination of breathability and comfort made it our favorite running shirt across a variety of temperatures.

Is wool a good choice for warm weather?

We’ve written a lot about merino wool in this guide, and for good reason. While it might feel a bit scratchy at first, 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, making it a good option for warm days. It dries quickly and doesn’t retain odors 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, such as the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, can be comfortable on chilly runs that warm up as the day progresses.

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

The answer to this question largely depends on personal preference and the weather. Some runners, especially when the temperatures rise, opt for a tank top or no shirt at all to stay a bit cooler, albeit at the expense of greater sun exposure and possible chafing. Others who prefer more coverage will opt for a light, breathable tee, such as the Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt.

If you’re going out for a long effort that requires carrying a running vest or pack, you’ll probably want a shirt with sleeves. Not only will they help prevent chafing, but they’ll also provide more protection against the sun. A sun shirt, such as the Janji M’s Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve, will provide extra protection from ultraviolet rays when you’re out for extended periods in the sun.

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

Choosing a shirt that breathes and wicks moisture well is especially important for hot-weather runs. You’ll want a shirt that effectively moves sweat from your skin without getting soggy or uncomfortable. While most of the short-sleeve shirts in this guide performed admirably in warmer conditions, our testing found the rabbit EZ Tee Perf SS and Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt to be standout shirts for running in the heat.

For more apparel and gear recommendations for the heat, you can read through our Best Running Gear for Hot Weather guide.

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

The best cold-weather running shirt is one that is cozy enough to keep you warm but still wicks away sweat and dries quickly. When you run, you sweat, even in the cold weather, and the last thing you want is a shirt that retains all of that moisture and leaves you a cold, soggy mess.

When it’s chilly or cold out, we regularly turn to merino wool. This super fiber has strong temperature-regulating properties — keeping you cool when the temperatures rise and warm when they fall — and is versatile enough for year-round comfort. For a short-sleeve option, we loved the Tracksmith Harrier Tee, while for a long-sleeve shirt, we turned to the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

For more apparel and gear recommendations for running when the temperatures drop, you can read through our Best Cold Weather Running Gear guide.

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