REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable seams
UPF 40+ protection
Reflective bar for low-light visibility
Reasonable price
REASONS TO AVOID
Less breathability for hard efforts
Less versatility
Brooks Dash T-Shirt Review
A reliable everyday training shirt with good construction and sun protection that handles daily miles without fuss
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 2, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shirts for Men
Our Verdict
The Brooks Dash T-Shirt is the dependable mid-packer in our running shirts review. The DriLayer knit is soft against the skin, flatlock seams and side notches at the hem prevent irritation and add mobility, and UPF 40+ provides sun protection. A reflective bar on the back adds low-light visibility. It does not lead any metric, but it does not trail badly in any either. For runners who want a reliable shirt for everyday training at a fair price, the Dash delivers consistent, no-drama performance.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Brooks Dash T-Shirt | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best For Sun Protection Seekers |  Best Overall Running Shirt |  Best Budget Running Shirt | ||
| Price | $45 List Check Price at REI | $50 List Check REI (on sale!) | $49 List Check Patagonia (on sale!) | $35 List Check REI (on sale!) | $45 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A reliable everyday training shirt with good construction and sun protection that handles daily miles without fuss | A soft and comfortable easy-day shirt with excellent sun protection and a relaxed fit for runners who prioritize feel over peak performance | A soft and versatile recycled jersey with effective odor control at an outstanding price | A budget-friendly option with excellent sun protection and enough stretch for mixed activity, best for hiking and casual use | An ultralight warm-weather running shirt with near-top-tier breathability and fast drying at an accessible mid-range price |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Dash T-Shirt | Rabbit EZ Tee | Patagonia Capilene C... | REI Co-op Active Pur... | REI Swiftland T-Shirt |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Moisture Control (20%) | |||||
| Sun Protection (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Brooks Dash T-Shirt | Rabbit EZ Tee | Patagonia Capilene C... | REI Co-op Active Pur... | REI Swiftland T-Shirt |
| Best For | Everyday runs; training; warm weather | Easy runs; long distance; casual wear | Versatile activities; beginners; long distance | Beginners; hiking; casual wear | Trail running; warm weather |
| Material | 100% recycled polyester (DriLayer knit) | 94% recycled polyester / 6% spandex (Quick n Fit) | 100% recycled polyester jersey (heathers: 50% recycled) | 92% polyester / 8% spandex | 100% recycled polyester (SwiftTex) |
| UPF | UPF 40 | UPF 50+ | Not rated | UPF 50+ | Not rated |
| Odor Control | Yes (antimicrobial finish) | No dedicated treatment | Yes (HeiQ Mint odor control) | No dedicated treatment | No dedicated treatment |
| Chafe Risk | Low (flatlock seams; side notches) | Low (flatlock seams; raglan sleeves) | Low (minimal seam construction) | Low (flat seams) | Low (raglan sleeves; minimal seams) |
| Reflective Areas | Bar at center back | Logo only | None | None | Tabs on sleeves; logo |
| Weight (Size Large) | 4.90 oz | 4.60 oz | 4.40 oz | 5.10 oz | 3.70 oz |
| Fit Type | Semi-fitted | Semi-relaxed | Regular | Regular | Slim |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash separately; tumble dry low; no fabric softener | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Brooks Dash T-Shirt on a wooded trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
The Brooks Dash T-Shirt is the kind of shirt that never demands attention, and that is a compliment. Wicking performance is above average, with the DriLayer fabric reliably moving sweat to the surface, and it dried in 20 minutes during our dryer testing, placing it in the faster group. The semi-fitted cut follows the body without restricting movement, flatlock seams keep chafing low, and side notches at the hem add mobility during faster efforts. The UPF 40+ sun protection is a practical feature, and the reflective bar on the back of the neck provides a touch of low-light visibility.
The DriLayer knit fabric of the Brooks Dash T-Shirt up close. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The Dash does not excel in any single area. Breathability is average, and we noticed more heat buildup during tempo runs in direct sun than with the lighter, more ventilated options. The DriLayer knit is comfortable but not remarkable. The semi-fitted cut and straightforward design have limited crossover appeal for casual or gym wear compared to competitors that are more stylish. This is a solid shirt, but in a lineup with some genuinely impressive performers, solid does not stand out.
The back fit of the Brooks Dash T-Shirt with arms extended. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Brooks Dash T-Shirt?
If you want a reliable, well-constructed daily training shirt at a fair price with good sun protection and no surprises, the Dash delivers exactly that. It is not the most exciting choice, but it is a safe one. Runners looking for peak breathability, softest fabric, or maximum versatility will find better specialists elsewhere.
What Other Running Shirts Should You Consider?
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is more comfortable than the Dash and provides better breathability and versatility for a similar price. The REI Swiftland T-Shirt delivers much better breathability at the same price for warm-weather runners, though both the Swiftland and the Patagonia lack a UPF rating.
—Matthew Richardson
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