There is a caveat, and it’s a big one, so listen up. I got the opportunity to test both the ​ obsidian solid-color shirt (a personal favorite) and the geo stripe patterned shirt. They are two completely different shirts, despite sharing the Helio name.

You can also find performance tops made with natural materials like Merino wool and even cotton. Merino wool, an exceptionally soft wool sourced from a specific type of sheep, offers remarkable performance capabilities: It breathes well, keeps you warm in cold conditions and vents heat when you get hot, and resists odors. Cotton is generally considered a poor choice for performance apparel—it soaks up sweat and gets heavy—but it does have its fans ( Runner’s World Deputy Editor Jeff Dengate, among them). It can work just fine in chillier weather or for those who prefer the soft feel of a natural fabric. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of different colours and designs to choose from. These colours include dark blue, dark red, orange, and grey, to name a few.Soft, breathable, and odor-resistant, the Brighton Base Layer is ideal for cold runs when you need to layer and can also be worn on its own. Test Editor Amanda Furrer was surprised at how warm she felt one day when the weather app read “feels like 28.”

Fit is somewhat of a personal choice and largely depends on your body type and preference. It is expressed in two main ways: how tight around your body the fabric sits and the length of the hem and sleeves. I can confidently say that SOAR gear is manufactured at a higher quality than anything I’ve tested — and I’ve been testing running gear for 10 years. If performance is worth the money to you, and compliments from fellow runners brighten your day, give it a try — it might be the best running shirt money can buy. Specs: If you’re looking for an affordable staple training or running t-shirt, look no further then these from MKR. Coming in endless colours such as green, purple, red, and blue, this 100% polyester training top is comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and reflective even in the darkest of conditions. Drying times, especially in the sun, were among the best I tested. This high-performance running shirt also felt incredibly comfortable against my skin. This design is like no other running shirt I’ve tested.

6. New Balance heather tech short-sleeved t-shirt

Those with a larger midsection may want to consider shirts with a longer hem to ensure enough length to reach below your waistline. Loose-fitting shirts can feel heavy and annoyingly floppy when wet. Because of this, I prefer a closer-fitting shirt such as skin-tight or slim-fitting when it’s raining.

Let’s start with a little odor science. Believe it or not, sweat isn’t the sole source of B.O. It’s when sweat and bacteria that live on your skin react that a foul smell is created. Fabric is also a concern: some elasticity can help your comfort levels, especially if you are in-between sizes. Most running tops are made of synthetic fabrics but as in the case of the dhb Merino Short Sleeve Base Layer, natural materials can also provide high-performance, too. One of the benefits of Nuyarn wool is that it’s 35% stretchier than merino wool, so it’s best worn close to the skin. I’m not a huge fan of tight-fitting shirts, so I opted for a size up, which had a more relaxed fit. Whether you’re running in the hot summer heat, on the treadmill, or in frosty conditions, here are sixteen men’s running t-shirts to choose from. Consider Your Ideal Fit and Style: Most running shirts have an athletic cut that’s more fitted than your average tee. So if you’re between sizes or just like a little more room, don’t be afraid to size up. Also, take note that women’s tops are shorter and tend to have a more tapered, narrow fit around the waist.

The Best Men’s Running Shirts of 2022

You also have to choose between sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve styles. The weather and your natural temperature tendencies while running are two things to consider when it comes to sleeve length. Break out sleeveless tops for hot runs and long-sleeve shirts for chilly runs. If you prefer less material, sleeveless is the one to go with. But if you like more coverage, choose a short-sleeve or long-sleeve running shirt. These styles not only offer protection from the sun, but also reduce chafing.