Best Running Shirts for Men of 2023

We tested dozens of men’s running shirts to bring you this guide to the best available today. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

The best running shirts for men are ones that someone can simply put on and don’t think about again. They prevent chafing, breathe well, and aren’t too hot or cold, so that 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 so they won’t have to deal with unnecessary discomfort during a hard effort.

Finding the best men’s running shirt 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 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 this guide.

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

Best Running Shirts for Men

• Best Overall Running Shirt for Men: Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee
• Best Wool Running Shirt for Men: Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt
• Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men: Montbell Cool Light T
• 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
• Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: Under Armour Streaker Run Short Sleeve
• Best Cheap-as-Heck Running Shirt for Men: Decathlon Kalenji Running Breathable T-Shirt Dry+

Ultrarunner Jeff Rome runs in the Decathlon Kalenji Run Dry+ Running T-Shirt. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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

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 highly three-dimensional honeycomb weave provides outstanding breathability and comfort across a wide range of temperatures.

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.

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

Honorable Mention: Rab Sonic Ultra Tee ($55)

Best Wool Running Shirt for Men: Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt ($85)

If one category of short-sleeve shirts has seen the biggest advances over the past decade, it’s wool-blend shirts. They’ve gone from heavy shirts that might be a good fit for a few shoulder-season runs to an anytime option. Such is the case with the Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt, made of NuYarn fabric. This 57% nylon, 43% merino wool shirt is light enough to wear on warm runs and warm enough to wear on cool runs. This mix of nylon and merino provides 35% more stretch than a normal merino shirt and can dry significantly faster.

It gets the nod over a few other excellent options due to its slightly horizontal-ribbed structure that keeps it from being clingy in warm conditions and helps trap air for insulation in cool conditions. This shirt is comfortable and stylish enough to wear casually as well.

Be sure to check out our in-depth Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt review.

Honorable Mentions: Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt ($45) and Smartwool Merino Active Ultralite Short Sleeve ($50)

Best Hot Weather Running Shirt for Men: Montbell Cool Light T ($49)

The Montbell Cool Light T is a delight to wear during runs on hot days. The fabric is silk-weight but not silky at all. The barely perceivable structure in the material keeps it lightly in contact with the body to wick away sweat without being clingy. The fabric microstructure is small enough that it doesn’t trap heat. The shirt’s simple classic cut and design just work in the best way. There are no complications or over-designed features to get in the way of the shirt’s performance or your comfort.

The shirt is currently only offered in darker colors, which is a downside when finding one for staying cool while running in the sun.

Honorable Mention: rabbit EZ Perf Tee ($50)

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

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 baselayer under a short-sleeve shirt and windbreaker when temperatures drop down into the single digits. While the price is higher for a shirt, the high-quality fabric and equally phenomenal construction could easily last a decade of heavy use.

Best Cold Weather Running Shirt for Men: Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0 ($95)

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, giving comfort up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Even when temperatures warm, the fabric effectively wicks away sweat and never feels like a soggy mess.

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

We love a good Western-style snap shirt; the rabbit High Country is an absolute favorite. Easy on, easy off, it is highly configurable with various snaps to be done or undone and a collar that you can flip up for a bit of 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.

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 drying quickly. The first iteration of the High Country SS short-sleeve shirt performed excellently and looked great in rabbit’s plaid.

The style of the shirt also makes it wearable in various casual situations for times when you’re not running.

Best Budget Running Shirt for Men: Under Armour Streaker Run Short Sleeve ($35)

The Under Armour Streaker Run Short Sleeve delivers a heck of a high-performance shirt for a very reasonable price. It feels cool in the heat, doesn’t cling, even in the rain, and feels soft and light on those perfectly delicious runs as the seasons change, all for $35. With nearly all the other shirts we tested costing no less than $45, with at least half a dozen costing $80 to $100, this shirt is quite the bargain.

This shirt comes in a variety of colors to suit any personal preference.

Best Cheap-as-Heck Running Shirt for Men: Decathlon Kalenji Running Breathable T-Shirt Dry+ ($17)

The Decathlon Kalenji Running Breathable T-Shirt Dry+ is a totally functional, silkweight technical running shirt. It’s got a solid cut, the fabric drapes far better than you’d expect from a $17 shirt, and it runs well in the heat. Underarm mesh panels increase the breathability of this 80% recycled polyester shirt. While you can run in any shirt in your closet, this one can be a great investment in upgrading your running wardrobe for little money. Its fabric can keep you cool and dry throughout a run. As a bonus, it’s available from XS through 3XL, a wider size range than any other shirt in this guide.

Sunrise running and testing men’s running shirts for this guide. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Men’s Running Shirt

Determine Your Intended Use

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

You may look at a double-digit mileage training day with a pack where durability is key. Or you may be heading out on a multi-day fastpacking adventure or fastest known time attempt where you probably won’t change your shirt but want to minimize the smell.

Alternatively, 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 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 $17 in the Decathlon Kalenji Running Breathable T-Shirt Dry+ 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 — and more.

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

Kyle Curtin runs in the rabbit High Country at sunrise in Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Don’t Forget Comfort and Fit

In addition to looking good, you want to feel good, and the two often go hand in hand. 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 Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt provides a comfortable fit with more stretch than a pure wool shirt.

And 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.

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: antimicrobial, washability, stretch, or straight-up comfort. Each fabric type has its 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 allows the runner to brave cooler temperatures. 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 warm and cool. Our top pick for a wool shirt is the Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt, made with 43% wool and 57% nylon.

iRunFar’s Ben Kilbourne runs in the Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt on a spring run. We chose this as the best wool men’s running shirt. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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 is shirts made out of polyester. 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. 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 its stretchy qualities give 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 probably hurt! Look for shirts with flat-locked, taped, or raglan-sleeve seams, like the Montbell Cool Light T, to reduce chafing on your shoulders and other pack contact points.

Jeff Rome tests men’s running shirts in Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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 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 one treated with antimicrobial processes to reduce stink.

Consider Drying Time

Drying time comes into play on those longer endeavors or multi-day trips, along with breathability and smell protection. 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 that has good wicking and quick-drying properties. Fabrics that dry rapidly include merino wool, polyester, and nylon. The material of the Black Diamond Rhythm T-Shirt has a speedy drying time with its blend of nylon and merino.

Be Mindful of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating

Protecting your skin from the sun is important during midday runs when the UV index is high, generally daytime hours 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.

When it comes to the top performer in heat, our best hot weather shirt is the Montbell Cool Light T.

The Montbell Cool Light T makes a great shirt for everything from a track workout to a vert session. While we chose it as the best hot weather shirt, it performs well anytime. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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 was the most unique shirt that made our list and provided a level of style that also 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.

In this case, we closely considered nearly 100 short-sleeve running shirts before testing 30. We put these shirts through rigorous testing through the gamut of running conditions for more than a year.

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.

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. When we update any buyer’s guide, most products will likely remain the same. That matches our goal: to get you in the best gear you’ll be using for a long time.

The Rab Sonic Ultra Tee won honorable mention in this guide’s best overall men’s running shirt category. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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. For the most comfortable run, leave the cotton shirts for the post-workout tavern gathering. A very reasonable monetary investment can get you the Decathlon Kalenji Running Breathable T-Shirt Dry+, 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 material that is breathable, moisture-wicking, smell-reducing, and smooth against the skin for the most comfortable experience. As detailed in this article, merino wool covers many of the bases more effectively than other fabric types. The Polartec Delta fabric of the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee made it our favorite running shirt. It is breathable, comfortable, and wicking.

The right running shirt can be comfortable in many different weather conditions and times of the day. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

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. Merino is thinner, softer, and naturally antimicrobial, so it can be a good option for warm days, as it dries quickly and reduces smell. 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 and then warm up.

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.

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

For hot weather runs, choosing a shirt that will breathe and wick moisture well is extra important. 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 Montbell Cool Light T 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?