We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Running is more enjoyable when you're comfortable. Sweaty clothes and wet layers can stop you dead in your tracks, making a breathable, quick-drying shirt a must-have for regular running.
We've tested more than 40 shirts since 2013, including the 13 in this review. The market is flush with fancy competitors boasting different attributes, and it can be difficult to determine which is the best. We tested shirts side-by-side, wearing them on daily runs and conducting hands-on objective measurements. We compare comfort, breathability, drying speed, and versatility to help you pick the perfect shirt for your adventures andbudget.
Running doesn't require much gear, but the gear you need should be comfortable and effective. If you need shoes to go with your new shirt, we've tested running shoes for men and men's trail running shoes.
The updated Arc'teryx Cormac Crew is the best-fitting shirt we tested. The new lighter fabric is more breathable and dries faster, making it perfect for hot climates that are dry or humid. As one tester noted, “The lack of wetness when running was a relief. ” The improved seams offer the same comfort as taped seams without uncomfortable rigidity around the collar. The lighter-weight design is very compressible, making it a great sleep shirt or an easy addition for an expedition. The fit feels unrestricted but not overly baggy. The 100% polyester blend is soft and durable and resists static more than some more natural blends.
This is our go-to shirt for daily use. But we wish there were a simple rear reflector to offer better low-light visibility. This lightweight option also offers less heat retention than other synthetic shirts we tested. If you run in cooler climates, you may opt for a slightly thicker option or consider carrying a lightweight jacket as a backup. We like the Ibex Merino Tencel as a great warmer option, and it is perfect for layering when things get cold. It is also pretty spendy for a t-shirt, even a high-tech one, which could be a deal breaker for some. If your budget is tighter, we also love the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily. However, if you want the one shirt that can do it all, look no further than the Cormac Crew.
The Arc'teryx Cormac crew is one of our go-to's for expedition and travel use due to its lightweight packability and fast drying.
Material: 100% Recycled Polyester | Weight: 4.1 oz
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily provides great comfort and versatility for a stellar price. If you want to add more flair to your runs, Patagonia offers this shirt in a wide array of colors. We are impressed with the cool feel of the fabric, even on hot days. It's one of our favorites for daily use and a variety of activities. The Capilene fabric is sleek and simple and contains no extra features that tend to be overkill, like ultrasonic welds and seams. The simplicity of the design helps keep the price low, and as one tester said, “I don't need all the bells and whistles, I just want a basic shirt that gets the job done.”. Due to its synthetic fabric, it will retain some warmth even when wet and does not suffer from sagging, a common issue with natural fabrics.
The Capilene Cool Daily lacks some breathability compared to the more expensive shirts we tested. And those in extremely hot or humid climates may desire something that absorbs less moisture and dries more quickly. If you need a more breathable option for days when the temperature peaks or seating might be high, the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee is a potential contender. But you should strongly consider the Capilene Cool Daily if you want a shirt that can do it all at an amazing price.
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily is a high value shirt due to its affordable price and great performance.
The Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee uses Polartec Delta to create a running shirt with evaporative cooling. This textured shirt minimizes touch points, increasing breathability and airflow. We are big fans of the simple but reflective elements that provide visibility from every aspect. The fit is loose but not overly baggy, making it a comfortable choice for a range of activities. While some might find the unique texture less ideal for wearing a pack, we had no issues. However, one tester said, “Texture isn't for everyone, so if you like things smooth and silky, you likely won't love this option.”
This shirt is best for hot days when wind or movement will help cool you down. If you are in humid conditions, we'd recommend a shirt with less moisture absorption. While this shirt is highly breathable, it does not dry as fast as shirts made of lighter-weight fabrics like the HOKA Glide. The increased weight also reduces the packability, so if you're counting grams for your upcoming ultralight backpacking trip, you may consider a lighter-weight option.
The Ulitmate Direction Nimbus with Polartech Delta offers industry-leading evaporative cooling great for warm/dry climates.
The Ibex Merino Tencel is our favorite natural fabric shirt for layering. While it is not the lightest shirt we tested, it was the warmest, thanks to the slightly heavier-weight Merino blend. One tester noted, “It was perfect for early morning runs that tend to be cooler, especially in the fall.” A T-shirt baselayer is a good starting point for your winter clothing system and great for shoulder season running. This shirt feels durable but soft and is extremely comfortable, even with a pack on.
The only drawback with the Ibex Merino Tencel is the cost. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily is a versatile shirt that is less expensive, though possibly not as warm or suited to layering. Even so, the price point of the Ibex is directly comparable to other natural fabric shirts we tested. If you plan on running only in hot conditions, we recommend a lighter, more breathable shirt. For a hot weather alternative, check out the HOKA Glide. Not only is it exceptionally breathable, lightweight, and fast drying, but it will save you money. Overall, the Ibex is an excellent choice if you want a T-shirt that can handle a wide range of conditions across multiple seasons.
The Ibex Merino Tencel is a great all-around natural fiber layer that's thicker than other natural models we tested. This means it works great as a baselayer and into shoulder seasons.
Our favorite running shirts are adaptable and work in a variety of conditions and temperatures. Keeping us comfortable both in valleys and on ridgelines is a priority.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
How We Tested
Over three months, we not only wore these shirts for all of our aerobic and outdoor pursuits but also used them for day-to-day activities. Over the years, we have developed a side-by-side, hands-on test process that evaluates the most important factors when deciding if a running shirt is right for your goals and needs.
We focused our testing of each running shirt across four rating metrics:
Comfort (30% of overall weighting)
Breathability (30% weighting)
Drying Speed (20% weighting)
Features & Versatility (20% weighting)
While we primarily focused on running, we realized there are a wide variety of uses for a shirt, and we wanted to ensure we captured as many of these use cases as possible.
Our main tester Matthew out for a run high above Durango, Colorado. Each shirt went through a series of runs with and without a pack as part of our comfort testing.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by Matthew Richardson, a review editor with years of outdoor experience. With a passion for gear, Matthew always looks for the best when setting out on a new project, like an out-and-back day trip to the Chicago Basin 14ers in the San Juan Mountains and a solo ride of the Colorado Trail in 2021. After years of using various gear for personal projects and trips, he has the adventure expertise to analyze all kinds of outdoor gear.
Laying the foundation for this review was Jeff Colt. He has years of industry experience working with trail-running brands during his two decades of competitive running, including the last five years as an elite ultramarathoner.
Analysis and Test Results
When testing running shirts, we considered layering, thermal regulation potential, breathability, and the temperature use range. We also performed quantitative tests analyzing drying speeds by comparing weights during drying time intervals. Our results can help you determine which options are best for you.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Higher prices often translate into more premium design elements such as ultrasonic seams, thin stitching, and advanced materials. Sometimes, these materials are more versatile; other times, they are ultrathin and light, feeling virtually weightless. If you are looking for the best performance-to-value ratio, we recommend the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily. This shirt scores high in comfort and versatility, and while you don't receive perfectly flat seams and material blends, the performance cannot be matched at this price.
The name REI Active Pursuits is fitting for this shirt, as we found it comfortable and capable on trail, during pick up soccer, mountain biking, and in the gym. This shirt has a comfortable do-it-all fit that is highly versatile.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Comfort
Shirts need to be comfortable under a variety of circumstances and activities. Comfort is key when your shirt is wet, under high/low humidity, in cool/hot temperatures, and with or without a pack.
Some shirts attempt to minimize discomfort by including top-of-the-line technology to reduce seams and increase airflow or by integrating multiple fabric types to have different breathability zones. After our testing and research, we determined the two most important elements are seam type and fabric type, followed by fit.
The most comfortable shirt in the group overall was the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew. This shirt has a skin-friendly weave and feel with a stretchy neckline that didn't chafe. The Cormac was followed closely by the Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee, Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily, and the Vuori Strato Tech. The least comfortable is the Rabbit EZ Tee. While it isn't scratch it off your back in a frenzy uncomfortable, it struggled to keep up with the higher ranking options in our lineup.
Seam Sewing
If you are often plagued by seam chafing, lean towards a shirt with more ultrasonic welds (taped seams). These seams are welded together under heat, and they are much thinner and protrude less than your classic stitched seams, but they lack stretch. The ON Performance-T features the highest amount of taped seams with minimal stitching throughout the shirt. Unfortunately, the neck and back panels were stiff and restrictive. The updated Arc'teryx Cormac Crew has a solid but slightly stretchy neck seam that replaces the previous taped version. This provides a structure that doesn't sag without feeling stiff and is easier to pull on and off.
The improved collar on the Arcteryx Cormac Crew was a welcome update that is snug but less stiff. Gone is the ultra-welded seam which we previously didn't love.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
We recommend the HOKA Glide or the Patagonia Capilene Cool Dailyfor a classic seam design that offers premium comfort. One of our favorite types of stitching is merrow stitching, which joins two pieces of fabric in a thin, low-profile manner. The Arc'teryx Cormac Crew offers this, and we think it is one of the most comfortable for all-day use. This shirt is our favorite seam design.
"Move and Be Moved" reads the accent label under the sleeve. We couldn't agree more, the Vuori Strato is so comfortable and it moves with your body, whether doing stadium repeats or stepping through from downward dog.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Fabric Type and Weave
The majority of the shirts we tested are polyester. This synthetic material provides great durability and warmth when wet and absorbs less water than natural materials such as wool and cotton. We found all the products in this test group to contain comfortable face fabrics that didn't irritate skin. The Vuori Strato Tech was the most comfortable shirt cut from synthetic fabrics. We were surprised by how soft the shirt felt, and at first, it felt like a natural blend like cotton or wool. The Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee is another outstanding synthetic option. This shirt uses innovative Polartec Delta fabric for increased breathability and incomparable comfort.
Our lead tester Matthew used the Rabbit EZ on an evening run in SW Colorado.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Another great choice for a more natural blend is the Ibex Merino Tencel, which has a Merino, TENCEL mix. The Trew Lightweight Nuyarn Merino Basic T has the highest percentage of Merino in its blend, but we didn't find this to provide more comfort over other synthetic options. The softest fabric in our lineup was the Rabbit EZ Tee, which features a spandex, polyester blend.
The Janji Helio Tech fit is one of the best we tried, we like how the fabric is soft and pliable but not overly stretchy even when wet.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Fit
We were impressed with the fit of the running shirts we tested and have no complaints about the cuts or shapes. Fit is incredibly variable from person to person. If you often have difficulty with the fit or are picky when it comes to length, we suggest you purchase from a retailer with a good return policy. Fortunately, we didn't feel that any shirt was overly long or short in any dimensions. If we had to pick our favorite fitting shirt, it would be the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew. This shirt does a great job of feeling relaxed but not baggy, offering freedom of movement while still fitting athletically. This shirt is great for all-around use, from running to bouldering or days on the river.
Receiving the highest score for breathability the Ultimate Direction Nimbus is a go-to for hot weather where breathability is crucial. Users in wetter climates may find this shirt absorbs more water than lighter models.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Breathability
Breathability is important in a running shirt. A breathable shirt will help move heat away from your body and improve drying times, but it can also make the shirt thermoregulate less. If you plan on running in hot, humid conditions, we recommend a shirt with high breathability or a high drying score. If you want your shirt to be more adaptable to various conditions, stick to a shirt with less breathability.
The Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee had the greatest breathability out of all the shirts we tested, and it was our go-to pick for hot trail runs. For laps around the track where we craved a shirt with an airy feel, the similarly breathable HOKA Glide was another great option. Textured shirts like these two tees have increased surface area, creating airflow pockets. While some could find the feel less ideal against the skin with a pack on, our testers had no issues even with 25-pound loads. But it's something to consider, especially if you're particularly sensitive to textures.
The Rabbit EZ is the softest shirt we tested, the slightly thicker fabric breaths great and works well in a wide range of temperatures.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Rabbit EZ Tee received high marks for its breathability, which was surprising given that it has thicker fabric. This is nice for chilly runs that warm up later. The least impressive for breathability are the REI Co-op Active Pursuits T-Shirt and the Vuori Strato Tech. You may want multiple shirts to pull from if you run in various conditions throughout the year. It can be nice to own a dedicated summer shirt for maximum breathability and something a bit more insulating for colder shoulder season runs, where it's still T-shirt weather, but you aren't sweating as much.
Our chart showing drying speed displays weight in ounces on the y-axis and time in 5-minute increments on the x-axis. Once a shirt was within .10 oz of the recorded dry weight, we considered it dry.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Drying Speed
Nobody wants to run in a shirt soaking in sweat, so drying time is important when comparing these running shirts. Drying time is directly influenced by the material type and breathability. Generally, the fastest-drying shirts weighed the least, which makes sense given there is less fabric to absorb moisture. This is your most important metric if you live in a humid or hot climate.
Unsurprisingly, the HOKA Glide is the fastest-drying shirt, given that it is also the lightest shirt. Other top-drying shirts are the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew and ON Performance-T. Our test results determined that dry weight is a better indicator of drying speed than the breathability score.
The square stitching pattern found on the Hoka Glide allows for maximum airflow and fast drying. For hot and dry conditions this is the model for you.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Running in wet conditions is tricky because if it's hot, you want the least amount of fabric weighing you down. If it's cool and you're running in the rain, high breathability can quickly make you feel cold, while having a thicker shirt, even though it's heavier, can provide more heat retention. We recommend the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily, and Ibex Merino Tencel for cooler running in wet conditions. While the REI Co-op Active Pursuits T-Shirt has the longest drying time, we didn't prefer it for hot or cooler temperatures.
We love how the synthetic Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily balances fabric weight and moisture retention to keep us at just the right temperature.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
We'd recommend a shirt with the highest drying score for hot conditions with humidity. Alternatively, we recommend using breathability as your most important technical metric for hot conditions without humidity. But as with most outdoor gear, having a few options for the various conditions you will encounter throughout the year is a good idea.
The Nathan Rise 2.0 seen here is a great all-around model that features great breathability even with the heavier fabric used. High-visibility colorways are also great for running with minimal light.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Features and Versatility
We love versatile gear, especially when spending this much money on a shirt, so we want it to be suitable for more than one activity. If you only run in your shirt and take it off as soon as you finish, any of the shirts will likely work well. But if you want your investment to function for wide-ranging activities and temperatures, you should seriously consider prioritizing versatility.
We consider how well each shirt works across a wide temperature range and under various conditions. We also considered items like reflective areas, UPF ratings, and odor control mechanisms, but largely, the score can tell you how well the shirt will perform under a range of conditions.
We love the tighter weave on the natural material Ibex.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Ibex Merino Tencel is our favorite shirt to layer. It contains natural materials similar to some competitors, but the weave is tighter, making the shirt warmer and smoother against the skin. This tighter weave also increases the durability, so we find ourselves pulling this shirt out for other activities that are more demanding on gear, like bouldering or biking. Other top performers included the REI Active Pursuits, Patagonia Capilene Cool, and Arc'teryx Cormac Crew. While these shirts are heavier than some of our lightweight options, they are better for all-day use outside of just running. Each of these shirts also feels great with a backpack or hydration pack, which is a key consideration if you enjoy long-distance trail runs or hiking.
Excelling at all-day use, the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew is our top pick for going on long trails or expedition-length trips. The blend of packability and performance is leading in our test group.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Two new shirts that score highly in this category are the Rhone Reign and Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve. Both shirts have thicker fabric, allowing for comfort in a wide range of temperatures. This thicker fabric also makes them more usable in various social settings. For more specific gym shirts, we'd recommend these options.
The least versatile shirts include the HOKA Glide and the ON Performance-T. Their lightweight design and quick-dry capabilities mean they aren't the best for all-day adventures where durability and comfort might be more of a priority.
The Lululemon Metal Vent Tech has a cool two-tone look that is sure to grab attention while being very comfortable.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Conclusion
Finding the perfect shirt for every kind of run can be simpler when you know how they perform. We believe our in-depth review can help you choose the best shirts for your running needs and budget. Remember to consider your location and climate when buying a new shirt. Hot or cold, warm or dry, there is a shirt for you in our lineup. For trails and ultra runs, you should prioritize versatility for regulating across a wide temperature range. Running in wet and humid conditions? Choose something that dries fast. If sweating is an issue, choose a shirt with high breathability. This lineup has some of the best shirts we've ever tested, and we know there is something for everyone. Have fun out there!
