To find the best workout shirts for men, we researched and spent time with a range of options, evaluating tops for fit, breathability, moisture-wicking and durability. And because a “workout” constitutes anything from a bike ride to a run, we wore them while cycling, lifting, hiking, running and so much more. Based on our findings, Ten Thousand’s Interval Shirt is the best option for most guys due to its versatility and ventilation, though we also found six other great options that meet more specific needs.
Break a sweat in one of the best workout shirts for men.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Though styles look similar from one to the next, not all workout shirts are created equal, and the right one for you depends on what you’re doing in it. A shirt that’s great for lifting, for example, offers a close fit to keep fabric out of the way, while a running shirt is ventilated and light. The best men’s workout shirts are ultimately breathable, comfortable, durable and well-fitting, and the standout styles below embrace these qualities.
Fit, performance and durability are equally important to Ten Thousand. After all, the brand takes thousands of measurements, test all of its products on real athletes and put its clothes through the wringer to make sure they hold up for the toughest workouts. Featuring a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that moves with you, and an anti-odor treatment to keep out the funk, the Interval Shirt is ideal for all types of training, which is why it earns a top spot in this guide.
Using strategically placed perforations to encourage airflow, the shirt keeps you comfortable and dry no matter what, and the flatlock seams reduce the risk of chafing. While it isn’t designed for a specific activity, we appreciate its versatility; this shirt can easily transition from the weight room to a long run or any other workout.
Made from 100% recycled materials in a Fair Trade-Certified factory
Cons:
Fit feels a little tight
Fores Vetted gear editor Cam Viglitotta picked up his first Patagonia Capilene shirt while backpacking through the Alps in the dead of summer, and now he can’t imagine hot-weather activities without it. While many workout shirts offer some degree of breathability, this shirt truly feels cool against your skin as you sweat, and it’s so light that you’ll barely notice it’s there. The breathability also helps it dry faster when a workout ends, but it’s still surprisingly durable if you’re exposing it to dirt and debris, or the constant abrasive contact that comes with wearing a running vest.
It’s pretty hard to find any fault with a shirt this simple, versatile and effective, but if we had to nitpick, we’d say it feels a bit tighter than your normal sizing. It’s not as tight as a true compression shirt, but it is form fitting. Pick it up in the long-sleeve version if you’re looking for a little added protection against the elements.
Snorkel hood fits over a hat and provides neck coverage
UPF 50+ protection
Cons:
Fabric loosens up the longer you wear it
Both John and Vigliotta spend just about every winter suffering through cold-weather workouts because they prefer the fresh air to the treadmill. Thus, they have each tested all manner of winter workout apparel, from tights to hats to gloves. Last year, Vigliotta began running in the Path Projects Pyrenees T19 Hoodie whenever he needed to brave the elements, and it quickly earned a spot in his rotation.
Made from a tencel fabric blend that wicks moisture and fights odors, the material is soft, stretchy and easy to wear for hours. It also offers UPF 50+ protection, so you won’t have to lather on the sunscreen before heading out. We also like the thoughtful features, including thumb holes to protect your hands, a snorkel hood to shield your face and neck, and a slot in the left wrist that serves a a watch window. With a temperature rating of 35-90 degrees Fahrenheit, this pick can be worn year-round without issue. You might feel cold when you walk out the door, but after a mile or two, it makes for the perfect amount of warmth.
Having worn this hoodie in sub-freezing temps for over 100 miles of training, we find little reason to knock it, but we have noticed the fabric gets looser as a workout goes on. Fortunately, it never gets loose enough to hinder a workout—and washing it tightens the fabric back up—so you won’t have to worry about a baggy fit.
Off-set shoulder seams allow you to wear a backpack
Innovative design
Cons:
It’s partially see-through
Icebreaker’s Merino Blend 75 Cool-Lite Featherlight Shirt was an ISPO award winner in 2024, when a jury of experts praised its soft, light-as-a-feather fabric made from renewable raw materials. Since then, it’s become available to the masses, and after wearing it while running and cross-training, we understand the appeal. The fabric feels great against bare skin thanks to its blend of natural fibers, and it’s incredibly breathable, too. Icebreaker also moved the shoulder seams back to ensure they don’t rub while wearing a pack or running vest.
The only real issue you might have with a top like this is the fact that it’s partially see-through. The fabric is just so thin that light can pass through it, and that might not be the look you’re going for. Still, this is most evident in the black top we tested, but it isn’t as obvious in other colors. If you can get past its transparency, you’ll work up a sweat in a lightweight, highly breathable layer that’s ready for almost any activity.
Best Workout Shirt For Running
Log Miles In Total Comfort
Tracksmith
Tracksmith Session Tee
Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 84% polyester, 16% spandex | Wicking score: 4/5 | Weight: Light | Cut: Relaxed
Pros:
Mesh fabric promotes breathability
Quality feels durable and long-lasting
Relaxed fit improves mobility
Cons:
It’s expensive for a tee
New England-based Tracksmith is one of our favorite independent running brands, and the Session Tee is a bestseller because of its simple, understated performance. Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, the fabric offers just a little stretch to improve range of motion. It’s also breathable enough for those hot midday runs when you can’t get out in the early morning, and its antimicrobial properties and Polygiene odor-repelling treatment help keep the shirt from smelling bad as it dries.
While I’d describe the fabric as lightweight, it isn’t as light as Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt; if you’re running in especially hot or humid conditions, you may want to look for something a bit more breathable. Ultimately, what we love about the Session Tee is its versatility since it caters to runs of different intensities, from easy efforts to uptempo track sessions. It’s the kind of shirt you can throw on and forget about as the miles add up.
Most workout shirts are made with synthetic fabrics to improve breathability and “infused” with technology to fight odor, but designs like the Smartwool Active Ultralite Shirt offer the same benefits with natural materials. Merino wool fights odor-causing bacteria on its own, so it doesn’t hold onto funky fumes between washes, and lyocell, a fabric made from wood pulp, boosts breathability. When you combine the two, you get a versatile, comfortable workout shirt that keeps you cool and doesn’t stink if you decide to wear it a few times between washes.
While we prefer to workout in Smartwool’s slightly heavier Merino Tee, the Active Ultralite is perfect for hikes, gym sessions and runs. Another thing to note: The athletic fit of this shirt (it’s a little tapered in the torso) may not match everyone’s street style, but I’ve had success dressing it up for casual outings with friends.
Made from a temperature-regulating, breathable fabric blend
Can double as a base layer for cold-weather activities
Cons:
Should be washed in cold water to avoid shrinkage
Might consider sizing up
If CrossFit or other high-intensity exercises are a part of your routine, you’ll want a top like Under Armour’s HeatGear Shirt that hugs your torso and eliminates excess fabric. Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, it’s durable and stretchy to allow for full range of motion, and the mesh panels help to prevent overheating. You can wear it as a standalone layer in the dead of summer, or as a base layer if the weather calls for a long-sleeve on top. Though it didn’t score quite as well on the moisture-wicking front as some of the other options in this guide, the shirt’s overall quality and durability more than make up for some of its shortcomings.
It’s also worth noting the fit is very tight—there’s a good chance you’ll put it on for the first time and wonder if you should have sized up. While it’s supposed to be tight to aid in specific activities and movements, you might consider going one size up for bit more comfort with the compression.
Other Workout Shirts We Tested
Vigliotta and John have worn dozens of different workout shirts over the years; those featured above stood out from the pack, but there are other shirts worth considering.
Columbia Stealth Spring Short Sleeve Shirt($55): John has worn different varieties of this Columbia Sportswear tee on countless runs. It offers UPF 40 protection, so your torso and shoulders are safe from the sun even on the sunniest of days, and the 100% polyester fabric wicks sweat away from your body well. The shirt tends to feel a bit clingy and even sticky when soaked with sweat, so it might not be suitable for high-output activities.
Janji Run All Day Tank ($58): If a running tank is more your style, this lightweight tank top from Janji is a great pick. It’s made from polyester and weighs less than three ounces, and it comes with a HeiQ Fresh treatment to curb odors. The cut is a bit looser than traditional running shirts, so keep that in mind if you’re not a fan of billowy styles.
John nearing the top of a Utah summit, his workout shirt faithfully wicking moisture.
Steven John
How We Tested The Best Workout Shirts For Men
A great workout shirt should feel good, perform well and last you countless workouts. To find the best options, we focused on five key factors:
Fabric: The right fabric makes all the difference. We looked for breathable, moisture-wicking materials like polyester blends and merino wool that help you stay dry and comfortable, no matter how hard your workout gets.
Range Of Motion: A workout shirt should move with you, not against you. We prioritized styles that offer plenty of mobility—fitted enough to stay put but not so tight that they feel restrictive. Stretchy, well-cut designs that don’t bunch or ride up earned extra points.
Odor Control: No one wants to deal with a workout shirt that stinks after one wear. We favored options with built-in odor-fighting tech, like antimicrobial treatments or naturally odor-resistant fabrics such as merino wool, to keep things fresher for longer.
Durability: Workout gear takes a beating, so we made sure these shirts hold up. We looked for ones that resist pilling, stretching and wear, even after countless sweat sessions and washes. If testing and research proved that a shirt lost its shape or softness too quickly, it didn’t make the cut.
Thermoregulation: Whether you need something to keep you cool in the heat or add a little warmth in the cold, we made sure to include shirts designed for different conditions. From ultra-light options for summer to heavier tops for cold-weather training, there’s a style in this guide for every climate.
The watch slot and thumb holes found on the Path Projects Pyrenees T19 Hoodie are perfect for cold weather.
Cam Vigliotta For Forbes
What To Look For In A Men’s Workout Shirt
There’s an endless assortment of workout shirts for men on the market. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your specific needs:
Fabric
Fabric plays an important role in how a workout shirt performs. Look for materials that wick moisture away from your skin and help sweat evaporate quickly so you stay dry.
Synthetic blends like polyester and nylon are great at pulling moisture away, while merino wool and tencel offer natural breathability and odor resistance. Cotton, on the other hand, tends to absorb sweat and stay damp. If you train hard or in humid conditions, prioritize lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that prevent sweat from weighing you down.
Fit
A good workout shirt should be comfortable without getting in your way. If it’s too loose, it can bunch up or feel distracting. If it’s too tight, it can restrict movement. Look for a fit that allows for a full range of motion while staying in place during dynamic movements. Stretchy fabrics can improve mobility, making them a great choice for activities like weightlifting, running or yoga. Also consider whether you prefer a slim, athletic or relaxed fit.
Odor Control
No one wants their workout shirt to smell after just one use. If you’re planning to wear yours multiple times before washing—or just want to avoid shirts that hold onto smells—look for styles with built-in odor control. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with antimicrobial technology to fight bacteria, while merino wool and tencel naturally resist odors.
The Icebreaker Featherlight Base Layer features incredibly thin, soft fabric for superior breathability.
Cam Vigliotta For Forbes
Durability
Workout shirts take a beating, whether you’re lifting weights, running outside or cycling in high-intensity virtual classes. A quality shirt should hold up through repeated washes without losing its shape, stretching out or pilling. If you’re investing in a quality workout shirt that’s more expensive, check for reviews that mention long-term durability to make sure you’re getting one that lasts.
Climate Suitability
Where and when you workout will influence the type of workout shirt that’s right for you. If you train in warm or humid conditions, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with mesh panels to help with airflow.
On the other hand, if you’re running outside in colder weather, look for a shirt that’s insulating or one that can layer under a jacket. Some fabrics, like merino wool, offer temperature regulation, keeping you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold, which makes them a versatile pick for year-round use.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we research, test and review dozens—sometimes hundreds—of shirts each year, covering everything from base layers to sun shirts to workout tees. Our comprehensive approach brings in feedback from staffers with diverse backgrounds and experiences and from outside experts, ensuring we evaluate apparel from different angles before making our recommendations.
This guide was written by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has spent more than six years testing outdoor, health and wellness gear. With a kinesiology degree and hands-on experience working with athletes, he knows what makes a great workout shirt. When he’s not testing tops, he’s running, hiking, cross-training, biking and traveling in his favorite styles.
Vigliotta trains every day, so he constantly relies on shirts that can handle intense workouts while keeping him comfortable for hours. He has personally tested workout shirts from Patagonia, Smartwool, Icebreaker, Nike, Adidas, Path Projects and many other brands across activities to ensure they perform as intended.
Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John contributed to an update of this guide. John runs or rides at least four to five times a week, hikes most weekends and lifts weights several times a week.
In addition to their own testing, Vigliotta and John spoke with fellow athletes, colleagues and fitness experts to gather insights on the best men’s workout shirts, including insights on what makes them stand out.
Given that workout shirt styles are always evolving, and new shirts come out season after season, we regularly review and update this guide to ensure it contains relevant, helpful information. It was most recently updated in March 2026.
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We refreshed this story for 2026 by adding in long-term testing insights and updating our selection process. We also added a couple of additional workout shirts we like, beyond those that made the final cut.
