Running t-shirts are lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable for exercising in than an everyday cotton t-shirt. There are plenty of options to choose from, but with the current issue with fast fashion, we've been on a mission to find the best running t-shirts for men that not only perform well, but are more sustainable and durable.
To get one thing out of the way, what is the difference between a base layer and t-shirt? You could think of a running t-shirt as a type of base layer since you tend to wear it directly against the skin.
Base layers are often thought of as tight-fitting, often long-sleeve garments for cold weather. But these days, the term base layer is also being applied to lightweight running t-shirts for summer too.
Our shortlist
Patagonia Ridge Flow Shirt - Best in Test
Alpkit Koulin Trail Tee - Best Value
Montane Dart Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Best long sleeve running t-shirt
Dynafit Ultra 3 S-Tech S/S Tee - Best running t-shirt for long distance and ultras
Smartwool Active Ultralite Short Sleeve - Best natural fibre running t-shirt
The North Face Summit High Trail Run Tank Top - Best running tank top
To make things simple, we've included all different types of running tops into one article. There are many different types of base layers and t-shirts for running, so here, you'll find a collection of the best. Whether you pair your running top with a running jacket or a mid-layer is up to you, and largely influenced by the season.
The best running t-shirts for men
Best in Test
www.sportsshoes.com
Description
The Patagonia Ridge Flow has all the credentials that make a fantastic running t-shirt. On the performance front, it feels very lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and has an anti-odour treatment.
On the sustainability front, it’s made from recycled material, Fair Trade Certified sewn, and the HeiQ anti-odour treatment is bluesign approved.
There are a couple of clever touches too, such as the reflective logo. And thanks to the patterns, it doesn’t look too ‘sporty’ and can therefore be worn as a casual summer t-shirt too, which increases its versatility and value even more.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Excels equally for running and everyday
- Anti-odour treatment
Cons
- Tank version for women only
Best Value
alpkit.com
Description
Alpkit is very good at producing excellent and sustainable outdoor gear at a very agreeable price. The Koulin Trail Tee is hard to ignore too, certainly compared to options costing twice as much.
As you’d expect from a running t-shirt, the Koulin Trail Tee feels very lightweight and breathable with the added benefit of Polygiene anti-odour treatment. We like the body-mapped construction, which features mesh underarm panels to improve breathability further.
Although this wins the Best Value award, you can still have a clean conscience while wearing the Koulin Trail Tee on a run. Alpkit is a certified B-Corp (since 2020) and the Koulin Trail Tee is made from recycled polyester.
Pros
- Fully recycled material
- Anti odour treatment
- Clever stash pocket
Cons
- Only two colour options
Best long sleeve running t-shirt
montane.com
Description
A long sleeve is great for extra sun protection or warmth, but it’s hard finding one suitable for running because they get too hot. We found relief in the Dart Long Sleeve.
It’s a slim, athletic fit with a soft feel, which is good for comfort, but I did find my usual size (M) was a tad tight across the shoulders. The flatlock seams are excellent however, as is the healthy range of colours to choose from.
The Dart Long Sleeve is part of Montane’s More Sustainable Choice range, so it’s made of recycled polyester. And the Polygiene anti-odour treatment means you can go longer between washes.
Pros
- Suitable for running and fast hiking
- Lots of colour options
- Part of Montane’s more sustainable range
- Short sleeve also available
Cons
- Fit a little tight across the shoulders
Best running t-shirt for long distance and ultras
www.alpinetrek.co.uk
Description
The Ultra S Tech fits almost skin-tight like a base layer, and has generous four-way stretch to ensure you still get freedom of movement.
The fabric is a mix of elastane, polyester and majority polyamide (nylon). Because of this, it has greater stretch than the other running t-shirts here.
The tight fit and ‘seamless’ design of the Ultra S Tech is ideal for long runs where chaffing is a bigger problem. So, for ultra marathons and other long-distance endeavours, this is the t-shirt to wear.
The Ultra S Tech isn’t made using recycled materials, but Dynafit is a Fair Wear Foundation member.
Pros
- Best t-shirt for long runs
- Four-way stretch
- Lightest t-shirt on test
Cons
- Only two sizes
Best natural fibre running t-shirt
www.alpinetrek.co.uk
Description
Going all natural doesn’t mean you have to go au naturel. Some brands such as Smartwool specialise in high-performance clothing made from natural fibres. In this case, merino.
The Smartwool Active Ultralite Short Sleeve is made from an almost equal blend of merino and Tencel (the semi-synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp). It’s a very soft fabric and impressively lightweight against the skin – size M weighs just 120g. Smartwool calls the fit ‘athletic’, but it’s slightly looser than the other options here.
If you're thinking that wool isn’t suitable for running, then the Active Ultralite Short Sleeve proves that’s an outdated concern. In addition to being soft and light, this is very breathable, and the natural properties of merino come into play too. It’s naturally anti-odour and also temperature regulating, even if it gets damp.
Pros
- Made from natural materials
- Very soft fabric
- High performance merino-Tencel blend
Cons
- You might prefer a tighter fit
Best running tank top
www.thenorthface.co.uk
Description
If you want the best in breathability, a tank top is the way to go. And the best currently on offer fo running is The North Face’s Summit High Trail Run Tank.
It’s a slim and very lightweight design, made from a recycled polyester mesh. It's great for intense training and races alike.
There are a couple of touches beyond breathability and comfort that make this a champion. One is the split hem and the bottom, which helps with freedom of movement. The other are the reflective logos on the chest and shoulder.
Pros
- Super breathable
- Great for hot weather
- 100% recycled
- Available as a t-shirt too
Cons
- No anti-odour treatment
What to look for in a running t-shirt
Material: Different materials have certain strong suits. Polyester is highly breathable, which is ideal for colder conditions, and a cheaper material. Technical nylon is stronger and can have more stretch but isn't quite as breathable. This can have a cooling effect and therefore be better for warmer conditions. Merino is clever because it aids temperature regulation; it can therefore be suitable year-round.
Fit: Perhaps something that differs between base layers and some running t-shirts is the fit. Whether you prefer skin-tight or something a little looser is entirely personal.
Price: This is one of the primary influential factors. It's absolutely fair to have price affect your buying decision, but don't let it dictate it. If the ideal product you need means saving up for another few weeks, so be it. It's always worthwhile.
Sustainability: Merino is always a favourite for many runners because of its properties and because it's a natural fibre. Synthetic materials are very popular too, but it's worth looking for garments made from or at least containing recycled materials.
Independent certification from the Fair Wear Foundation and B Corp, for example, also demonstrate the brand is operating responsibly and transparently. It's good to support brands doing the right thing.
Features: Mesh panels, sleeve length, anti-odour treatments, zipped, flat seams. There are lots of features crammed into performance running base layers and t-shirts. Some are for comfort, some for breathability, some for warmth, and so on. Think about which are applicable to you.