The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Saysky Logo Pace T-Shirt
2. Best budget running T-shirt: Mountain Warehouse Endurance Active T-Shirt
3. Best for hot weather: Tracksmith Strata Tee
4. Best odor-resistant T-shirt: Montane Dart T-Shirt
More tried and tested
In recent years, fabric technology has advanced so much that today’s running T-shirts probably pack more tech than the spacesuits used to walk on the moon back in the day. Well, maybe not, but a decent one can definitely make running a more comfortable and fun experience thanks to lab-tested materials developed by years of research. But what are the differences between them and, of the countless options available, which is best for you? I’ve tested the best from all the major brands, so you can find the perfect T-shirt to meet all your needs.
If you're giving your running kit a refresh I can also recommend some excellent running shorts, long-sleeved tops, vests and jackets.
How I Test Running T-Shirts
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I am a keen runner with a 2hr 28min marathon PR who logs around 50-60 miles of training each week. That gives me plenty of opportunities to test running T-shirts, and I usually do three or four runs in a shirt before writing it up here.
The quick list
I’ve tested a lot of tees and you can see write-ups of them below, but for those who need a running T-shirt recommendation asap here are the top picks to consider. Click on any of the T-shirts here to jump to the full review.
Best overall
The Saysky Logo Pace tee has a comfortable fit, wicks sweat away and is perfect to wear in all conditions. It hits all the high notes you need in a running tee without costing the earth, and there’s a long-sleeved version too if you prefer.
Best budget running T-shirt
This affordable tee is great for hot weather runs thanks to the UPF50 protection it provides, and while it tends to smell after one run and isn’t as comfortable as the best I’ve tested, it still offers great value to runners.
Best for hot weather
The Strata tee is made from a featherweight material that’s comfortable and breathable in hot conditions, and it doesn’t stick to your body too much when you get sweaty. It also offers UPF protection for sunny runs.
Best odor-resistant T-shirt
The Montane Dart T-shirt uses Polygiene-treated fabric and so it won’t start to smell after one run, or even multiple runs—it’s up to you how far you want to push it. It’s good value and I found the fit comfortable for long runs.
The Best Men’s Running T-Shirts
Best overall
The Logo Pace T-shirt is a great daily training option, with the stretchy, soft fabric being comfortable to wear in all conditions. It’s not too tight or loose, and wicks sweat away quickly to keep you dry. At the moment, the range of designs is small and simple, though Saysky updates this regularly and there’s also the Clean Pace tee for those who want the same fabric without the big Saysky logo, and a long-sleeved version of the top for colder weather.
Best budget running T-shirt
This lightweight tee offers UPF 50 protection and wicks sweat away to keep you cool on the hottest of days. It’s a great budget pick for those training outdoors regularly, though it tends to absolutely stink after one sweaty run in my experience and can rub a bit more than other tees, especially if you use it with a backpack.
Best for hot weather
The Strata tee is made from a lightweight, breathable material that’s perfect for hot conditions, and the UV protection the fabric offers is also handy when the sun is out. Even when sweating profusely I found the tee didn’t get too clingy and stick to my body unpleasantly on the run, and it dries quickly. It’s expensive, and there’s only one color for now (with more promised this summer), but the Strata tee is a big upgrade on budget options for runs in high temperatures.
Best odor-resistant T-shirt
The Dart tee is designed as a running top but works well for pretty much any kind of activity thanks to the looser cut and simple style. It’s still closely fitted enough to not flap about on the run, and the Polygiene treatment means that the fabric resists odors, making it ideal for longer runs, multi-stage events or just cutting down the amount of kit-washing you do at home. There’s a good range of colors and the T-shirt is good value at its RRP. Top marks all round—this is one of my favorite running tees.
More tried and tested
The long zip on the front of the Asics Fujitrail top is helpful for keeping your cool on long runs, and you can unzip it from either end, with the bottom zip being helpful when you’re wearing a running backpack with chest straps that block easy access to the top zip. The Actibreeze material is lightweight and breathable, and I found the tee dried quickly after running in the rain.
Allbirds is renowned for its sustainable running shoes, so it makes sense that the company has now expanded into environmentally friendly running gear as well. The Natural Run Tee is made from a mix of three sustainable materials: Merino wool, recycled polyester and Tencel Lyocell, which is made from sustainably sourced wood. Those materials also have useful properties for sports like temperature regulation, and I found the T-shirt highly breathable and comfortable to wear, with a looser fit than most running tees.
The Van Cortlandt is the most stylish running tee I’ve come across, and while it’s also close to the priciest, it’s a piece of kit that makes me smile whenever I wear it. The T-shirt comes in a range of designs and there are also vests and long-sleeved versions available with the same look, so fans of the sash can get completely kitted out. It’s not just easy on the eye either—the Van Cortlandt is made from a comfortable, lightweight mesh and it has had an antimicrobial treatment that keeps odors at bay.
The Dash is exceptionally comfortable for a running T-shirt, without the scratchy feel of a cheap technical tee. It also stretches well and works for other activities thanks to the slightly looser fit. The downside of the soft fabric is that I found it soaks up a bit more sweat than other tees. The Dash still dries fairly quickly, but on sweatier runs I noticed the difference compared with more lightweight options that allow the perspiration to evaporate faster.
A lightweight tee made from 100% recycled polyester that costs less than a fiver. What’s not to like? This simple Kalenji tee does all the sweat-wicking of fancier options and comes in a range of pleasing colors.
There’s nothing particularly exceptional about this tee, but there’s nothing not to like either. It’s comfortable and breathable on hot days, it has a fit that hugs the torso nicely without getting clingy, and of course it wicks sweat and dries quickly. I wouldn’t dare mention a tee that didn’t. It’s also made from 88% recycled fabrics, which is good, although not as good as 100%. One thing to be aware of is that it’s cut quite short on the front. It only just covered the top of my shorts, which could be a concern for anyone with a long torso.
There are far too many words in the name of this T-shirt, but it is an excellent soft running tee that has a comfortable loose fit. There aren’t many designs but the simple style will appeal to everyone, and there are reflective details on the front and back of the tee to make you more visible at night. On faster runs I found it less breathable than other tees, as well as a little heavier than some, but it’s great for easy runs and doesn’t look out of place if worn outside your training as well.
This T-shirt is mostly made from bamboo viscose, which not only has a lower carbon footprint than other materials including cotton and polyester, but is also naturally very soft and odor-resistant so you can wear it multiple times between washes. I’ve used a lot of BAM’s kit in recent years and it’s always comfortable to wear on long runs, with a seamless design that helps to ensure nothing chafes, but it does tend to dry more slowly than more lightweight tees.
