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We put women's running shirts from Arc'teryx, Rabbit, Brooks, Stio, REI, and more through a battery of tests to help you find your perfect match
A good running shirt can make or break your running experience.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated July 2, 2026
A great running shirt can make your run easier, longer, and better. A breathable shirt that doesn't chafe or hold moisture can be the difference between joy and misery as you run and push your fitness limits.
Our favorite running shirts this season are the Arc'teryx Sunna Crew T-Shirt and the Stio Lucent T-shirt. Both offer a blend of breathability and technical features that perform well on runs of all kinds. The Rabbit EZ Tee is a more affordable running shirt option that feels luxuriously soft to the touch yet offers moisture-wicking technology that rivals the most expensive shirts we've tested.
We've reviewed over 60 unique women's running shirts since 2011, including the 10 featured in this review. From daily road runs and adventurous trail runs to spin classes and gym time, we pushed these tees to the max. We assessed comfort, breathability, moisture control, and more.
Editor's Note: Our women's running shirt review was updated on July 2, 2026, with 10 all-new products from REI, Brooks, Rabbitt, and more.
The Arc'teryx Sunna Crew T-Shirt is a well-designed running shirt that is ideal for a life lived outside. Its thoughtful seam placement, strong odor control, and relaxed fit help make it a running shirt favorite. Woven of polyester with an ability to wick away sweat, the Sunna and trail running go together like macaroni and cheese. We enjoyed the looser fit and how it enhanced moisture management.
Some runners may find the relaxed fit of this shirt a bit too loose. While wearing the Arc'teryx will provide some sun protection, it does not specify a true UPF rating. For a slimmer fit and a UPF rating of 20+, the Brooks Dash T-shirt is a running shirt to consider. The Stio Lucent T-shirt also offers a more tapered fit with a 50+ UPF rating. Overall, runners looking to purchase a single running shirt that they can do it all in should consider the Sunna Crew as one of our top recommendations.
The Sunna Crew T-Shirt is a strong choice for runners who spend a lot of time running outside in the heat. It wicks moisture well and maintains rugged durability. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Best For: Outdoor running | Material: 68% recycled polyester/32% polyester
The Stio Lucent T-shirt is a well-featured shirt that is ready to get outside. Designed with functional odor control, a massive UPF 50+ rating, and reflective details, this lightweight shirt is an easy grab when you just need a shirt to get you out the door. Though it runs a bit on the pricier side, runners who need an outdoor running companion will appreciate this powerhouse shirt's thoughtful design features.
The Lucent is ultra-thin, which is part of why it wicks moisture away from the body and dries so efficiently. This thinness means that bra straps are more visible beneath it than they are with some of the more thickly woven shirts. We never had an issue with this, but we understand that some runners may prefer a more modest style. Moreover, the thin fabric is durable but lacks the softness of some other high-scoring running tees. Running shirts like the Rabbit EZ Tee and the Brooks Dash T-shirt are both softer to the touch and offer a weave that feels a bit more modest. If you want a super-lightweight shirt that will encourage you to run a bit faster and farther, the Stio Lucent is a great option.
One of the only shirts in our lineup this season to offer taped seams, the Stio Lucent T-shirt is full of features that make runners' lives easier when they know a serious adventure is waiting. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Best For: Daily running | Material: 94% recycled polyester/6% spandex
The Rabbit EZ Tee is the softest shirt in this lineup of exceptional running tops. From the moment you pull it on, the smooth fabric feels effortless against the skin, helping it disappear whether heading out for an easy jog, tackling a long run, or simply moving through the day. More importantly, that comfort doesn't fade with time. Through months of testing and years of experience with previous iterations of the EZ Tee, we've been consistently impressed by how well it holds up. Despite its soft construction and refined appearance, the fabric retains its shape, softness, and overall aesthetic after repeated washes and countless miles.
Some runners may want a more technical-feeling shirt, which could cause them to pause when considering the Rabbit EZ Tee. Moreover, runners who want a shirt loaded with tech may be disappointed that the EZ Tee lacks odor control, though it does offer a high 50 UPF rating. This shirt is well-equipped to get sweaty, though it was outperformed by other shirts. However, most shirts with more advanced moisture management also came with heftier price tags, like the well-featured and highly capable Stio Lucent T-shirt. Runners seeking softness will appreciate what the EZ Tee offers. It's the rare running shirt that feels indulgent enough to look forward to wearing yet durable enough to reach for again and again.
The Rabbit EZ Tee is one of the softest and most comfortable shirts in our lineup, making it an often-reached-for option for most runs. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Best For: Daily running | Material: 86% recycled polyester/14% spandex
The Brooks Dash T-shirt stands out as a lightweight, highly comfortable running shirt that works well across a wide range of activities. It's cool, ultrathin, stretchy fabric feels soft against the skin and moves effortlessly with the body, making it a strong choice for running, gym work, and everyday wear. Built-in odor control helps keep it fresher between washes, and the UPF 20 rating adds a useful layer of sun protection for long outdoor sessions. Overall, it delivers a well-balanced mix of comfort and practical features in a simple, versatile package.
Despite its strengths, the Dash has some limitations in high-output performance. The lightweight fabric tends to show sweat more easily than more engineered technical shirts, especially during intense efforts or when wearing a hydration vest. While it dries reasonably quickly, it doesn't manage heavy moisture as efficiently as premium performance tops, which can leave heavy sweaters feeling slightly damp during sustained efforts. Shirts like the Oiselle Flyout Short Sleeve offer a more textured, floaty design that aids in moisture-wicking. While also on the thinner-feeling end of the spectrum, the REI Swiftland T-Shirt is a smoother take on fabric that wicks moisture well. Runners seeking a budget buy that performs almost as well as the higher-priced options will find success with the Dash T-shirt.
Best For: Warm weather | Material: 49% polyester/49% lyocell/2% spandex
The Oiselle Flyout Short Sleeve is an exceptional moisture-managing running shirt that excels in hot and humid conditions. Its featherlight construction and soft fabric blend create a barely-there feel that helps runners stay cool and comfortable even during long, sweaty efforts. This is accomplished through the shirt's fit and weave, which repel sweat to help runners stay cool. The combination of polyester and lyocell delivers a smooth, slightly elevated feel while maintaining strong moisture management and quick-drying performance. It's the kind of shirt that feels easy to wear from the first mile to the last, making summer running noticeably more manageable.
While the Flyout shines in warm-weather comfort, it's less impressive when conditions turn cooler or more variable. The ultralight fabric can feel a bit delicate compared to more durable, training-focused tops, and it offers less structure for runners who prefer a more substantial feel. It also lacks advanced technical features such as strong odor-control treatments or sun-specific ratings, which may limit its appeal for all-day or multi-environment use. For more advanced features, we recommend the Stio Lucent T-shirt, which offers odor control and a high UPF rating, or the Brooks Dash T-shirt, which also features these technical features. If you spend a lot of time running in warm climates, the Flyout running shirt is worth looking into.
The honeycomb weave of the Flyout helps it stay cool and non-clingy in hot weather. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Product Comparison Table
We take each running shirt we test through a rigorous round of testing to ensure they can hold up to the demands of daily running and sweating. Credit: Ally Arcuri
How We Test
When deciding which shirts to include in this review, we looked at the most popular running shirts currently on the market. We set out to dig deep, test product claims for ourselves, and delve into new clothing lines from the pillars in the running world. For testing, we ran across trails in Utah, through dense forest in Washington state, navigated the fog of San Luis Obispo, and suffered through the summer heat of the Sierra Nevada. The diversity of conditions and climates lent itself to creating the most comprehensive round-up of women's running shirts available.
Our testing of women's running shirts is divided into four different metrics:
Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)
Breathability (30% weighting)
Moisture Control (20% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Our rigorous, side-by-side comparison also included testing each shirt beneath our favorite women's running jackets, different types of hydration vests, and different styles of sports bras to determine which shirts held up to our imposing demands and which ones left a bit to be desired.
Why Trust GearLab
Ally Arcuri tackles the testing of women's running shirts throughout the seasons. Ally is a South Lake Tahoe local who splits her time between the mountains and the beaches of Central California. She is an ultramarathon runner, a spin instructor, a personal trainer, and a yoga teacher. From the mountains to the high desert and down to the coast, Ally knows what to look for in outstanding running apparel.
We ran many, many miles in all of these shirts to provide context to how a fabric or feature performs in real life. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Analysis and Test Results
We tested each shirt for comfort, breathability, moisture control, and versatility to help you determine which options meet your goals and budget.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The best value is a balance between your needs and budget. We recommend purchasing a shirt that checks the most required boxes while still fitting into your budget. Typically, shirts with more technical features, like UPF ratings, odor control, and taped seams, cost more. Shirts that forgo one or more tech features are often more affordably priced.
The Rabbit EZ Tee is a solid value because it offers comfort, technical strength, and the ability to be worn in a multitude of situations. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Dash T-shirt is a more affordably priced shirt that offers nearly as much as more expensive options. The only downside is that this shirt shows sweat a bit more readily than its counterparts. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Rabbit EZ Tee is a moderately-priced running tee that offers nearly unparalleled comfort and exceptional durability. With a few stylish touches, the EZ Tee's staying power helps it feel like a worthwhile way to spend your money. The Brooks Dash T-shirt offers an ultra-lightweight take on running apparel. Complete with a UPF rating of 20+ and powerful odor control, the fact that this shirt costs less than more premium brands is pretty exciting. While a few of the pricier shirts offer more versatility or less sweat visibility, in terms of value, the Brooks Dash is a slam dunk.
A running shirt isn't worth much if it isn't comfortable. The Rabbit EZ Tee remains incredibly comfortable on longer efforts. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort
Before all else, comfort is the most important factor to consider when buying a running shirt. Running is a sport of repetitive movement, so when you have fabric and seams rubbing over the same spots on your body thousands of times, you want to be sure that they are as minimally irritating as possible. We are incredibly particular about how our running gear touches us, which gives us our keen eye for detail when assessing the comfort of each shirt. We notice how seams rub our skin and have tasked friends and family members with running in the gear and noting their comfort observations. While all of these shirts seemed comfortable enough at first, we started noticing features we really liked and others we didn't after hours and miles of wearing them. The shirts that score the highest in this category are the ones we practically forgot we had on by the end of our long runs.
One component of comfort is the fabric itself. Some shirts in this review are 100% polyester, others are polyester blends, and some use natural fabrics like Merino wool. They all have very different feels against the skin, with some feeling more like traditional athletic wear, and others being so soft they feel like shirts meant for lounging on the couch. Additionally, the shirts use different weave patterns to increase breathability; some can be pretty see-through, which is something to note if you want to prioritize coverage.
We found that we prefer a shirt with a slightly longer hemline that is relaxed without feeling baggy for our runs. For runs with a hydration pack, we favor shirts like the REI Active Pursuits that offer slightly longer sleeves. Credit: Ally Arcuri
After fully assessing the fabric of each running shirt, we pivot to focus on fit and how it relates to our range of motion. While some of this will come down to personal preference and how each shirt fits your body, we noted factors like stretchiness, gussets around the sleeves, and the length of the sleeves and the body. We have found that we feel the most comfortable in shirts that skim our hips without providing too much extra fabric to fiddle with as we run.
Every shirt fits every body differently. One person's ideal fit becomes another's nightmare on a long run. Dialing in your preferred style can help you find the shirt that best suits your body.
Since bodies differ, it is important to ask yourself what qualities you look for when assessing the comfort of your gear. Some tees have smaller sleeves than others, which can be negligible to some and earth-shattering for others.
Not only did we evaluate the seams used, but we also counted the number of seams on each shirt and their locations. Found on numerous shirts, the low-profile flatlock seams are comfortable and the least likely to cause chafing. Taped seams are top-tier for comfort and come with an equally top-tier price tag. If you are looking to skip even the potential for chafing, a loose-fitting shirt with taped seams might be your perfect match.
Some running shirts read like serious fitness gear; others can be worn on other occasions and still feel right at home. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Best and Worst for Comfort
The most comfortable shirts were the Rabbit EZ Tee. The EZ Tee is constructed of 94% recycled polyester and 6% spandex with a soft, smooth feel. The softness stays light and fresh, even when saturated with sweat, making this shirt comfortable even after extended wear. Rabbit also designed this shirt with 100% flatlock seams. Slightly more expensive to produce than typical overlock seams, flatlock seams create comfort by lying completely flat against the skin.
A closer look at the seam types commonly found in running shirts. From left to right: overlock, flatlock, and taped seams, listed in order of increasing production cost. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Arc'teryx Sunna Crew is another shirt that earned high scores in the comfort metric. With flatlock seams in areas where they matter most (think, high-chafe areas), the Sunna is a much more rugged-feeling shirt than the Rabbit EZ Tee. The Sunna offers a durable, brushed feeling with a weave that lets air move through. The more relaxed fit also helps this shirt sit away from your body rather than cling to it.
The Dash and Active Pursuits both offer fantastic comfort but in completely different ways.
The Brooks Dash T-Shirt scored well for comfort, though it feels completely different from the EZ Tee and the Sunna. The textiles of the Dash are soft to the touch and ultra-lightweight. The materials retain a cool-to-the-touch sensation that remains comfortable when worn beneath a pack on long runs and on shorter endeavors. The REI Active Pursuits T-Shirt is another soft, all-day comfortable shirt. Also well-suited for wear beneath a pack, this T-shirt offers aesthetic versatility we appreciate. Designed to look like a simple, everyday tee, the Active Pursuits top feels comfortable on errands before the run, during your workout, and on the couch after.
While the underarm gusset is nice, the up-cut sides and thick feel of the Tempo SS aren't the best suited for long efforts. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The UA Tech V-Neck - Women's and the Nike Tempo SS Running Top are two of the least comfortable, though they feel completely different. Both are polyester, but with the UA option, the result is a soft, unathletic-feeling shirt with a tapered V-neck and a large, tent-like flare through the hips. This tee is decent for gym workouts and short runs, but it isn't the most well-fitted option. The Nike Tempo SS Running Top feels a bit thick and heavy on the body. When paired with large U-shaped side cuts, it doesn't feel like a shirt meant for long-distance runs. The Tempo does at least offer underarm gussets, which help with airflow, but neither it nor the UA Tech V-Neck is a shirt we recommend to runners seeking comfortable gear.
Some shirts, like the Brooks Dash, are designed to feel cool and breathable in warm conditions. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Breathability
Whether it's hot or cold outside, running is pretty much synonymous with sweating, and how breathable your clothing is will play a huge role in how comfortable you will be throughout your miles.
Breathability describes how well a shirt allows air to pass through it, and while we don't have as controlled a test for breathability as we do for drying speed, we tested this metric by running in as many different weather conditions as we could and taking notes on how we felt each time. If we got through a hot, full-sun run in the desert without wanting to strip down to just a sports bra, that was a win. We also awarded bonus points to shirts that performed well beneath some of our favorite hydration vests. The shirts that allowed our backs to breathe beneath a pack became our superstars in this metric.
One of the first things we did was weigh each shirt. This doesn't perfectly correlate to how breathable a shirt is, but it does give a good starting point. It also gave us a bit of insight into each shirt's potential drying speed, though we tested this later.
Some shirts have subtle cross-hatch style weaves, while others are more like honeycomb. Others still rely on smooth, thin fabric to create breathability. Credit: Ally Arcuri
We also considered features in the fabric, such as the pinprick-sized holes that allow air to move more efficiently. Some shirts rely on a looser overall fit to enhance breathability. Alternatively, other options rely on ultralight fabrics to allow airflow.
The Stio Lucent top is airy, breathable, and quite thin. If you prefer a shirt that fully disguises the color and fit of your sports, a breathable shirt with a thicker weave, or simply a darker color, may appeal to you more. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Stio Lucent T-shirt uses very thin yet durable fabric to promote airflow. The result is a shirt that feels almost weightless during runs, making it a strong choice for warmer-weather runs. The thin fabric may be a dealbreaker to some, though, as it is easy to see through in the light colorways.
The weave of the Flyout helps it stay airy during warm weather. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Oiselle Flyout Short Sleeve is our top choice for warm-weather running. Unlike the Stio Lucent, the Flyout feels a bit thicker, which adds a comfortable amount of coverage. The honeycomb-shaped weave is varied enough to allow for full airflow, and the fit keeps the shirt away from your body as you move. The fit and weave come together to create a shirt that feels fresh and unintrusive during warm summer runs. The least breathable in the group is the Nike Tempo SS Top.
A shirt's ability to wick moisture away from the body is important. We assessed these abilities to determine which shirts offered the best moisture management. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Moisture Control
Drying speed is another important factor in your overall comfort while running. In hotter weather, quicker drying times mean more efficient, effective evaporative cooling, and in cooler weather, a faster drying time can be a safety feature, helping ensure you don't get too chilled. This is another metric where you can look at the shirt's weight to get a general sense of how quickly it will dry, though it's not an exact parallel.
We washed the running shirts through a standard wash-and-spin cycle and removed them immediately following the spin cycle. We assessed each shirt's moisture content before tossing them into the dryer. Before putting the shirts in the dryer, some felt only mildly damp. We put all of the shirts into the dryer and set a timer for 5 minutes. We removed the shirts and again assessed the dampness of each garment.
We conducted rigorous testing to ensure that the way each shirt felt on the run was upheld by how well it managed moisture in a more controlled setting. Credit: Ally Arcuri
We repeated a 5-minute dry cycle and were pleased to discover that the Salomon ShakeOut Core T-shirt, the Sunna, the REI Swiftland T-Shirt, and the Stio Lucent were all dry. We continued this process until all the shirts were completely dry, a process that lasted only 20 minutes. Then we ran all of the shirts through a wash-and-spin cycle again before hanging them to dry. This test yielded similar results.
We wore each shirt on hard runs when perspiration was plentiful, with hydration packs adding an extra challenge for moisture management and comfort. Credit: Ally Arcuri
We also paid attention to drying speed during our real-world testing, especially noting how shirts saturated with sweat felt underneath a running vest since wet conditions are more likely to cause chafing. We were pleased to see that the results here correlated with our less precise testing, and we assigned ratings accordingly.
The shirts with the best moisture control pull sweat away from the body and allow it to evaporate before pooling and fully saturating the fabric.
The Stio Lucent, Arc'teryx Sunna, and REI Swiftland are among the top scorers in terms of moisture control. All three of these running shirts effectively draw moisture away from your body and allow it to evaporate into the atmosphere, leaving you with a drier-than-average shirt. While no shirt is perfect at whisking away perspiration, these three are adept at keeping things collected so you can focus on your run.
The subtle weave variations help moisture move away from the skin. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Sometimes, runs in foggy weather can feel ultra-damp. When the fog rolls in, we reach for shirts like the Flyout that can handle our sweat and the extra moisture in the air. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Salomon ShakeOut Core T-shirt and Oiselle Flyout are two honorable mentions in the moisture control metric. Both feature durable weaves that allow air to pass through, which helps them shed moisture. Even beneath hydration vests, these fabrics didn't allow sweat to pool, which is exactly what we look for. The worst performer is the UA Tech V-Neck, though in fairness, it wasn't terrible.
We appreciate when a shirt can be worn for other activities without looking like we just came straight from running a marathon. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Versatility
We often use running shirts for a lot more than just running. We love multi-sport days and changing up our activities. We think finding a multi-purpose shirt makes the most sense, as it can save you money while you run and run errands. Some things to consider include the fabric's level of sun protection, reflective elements, and odor-fighting properties. The overall fit and design are also important.
Fight the Funk
Odor control can be achieved in a few ways, including using natural fibers like Merino wool and applying specific treatments to polyester fabrics, such as Polygiene. Both fight the growth of bacteria that cause lingering smells, so if you're going to be in situations where washing is limited, such as backpacking, this feature will be very appreciated by you and the people around you!
The EZ offers comfort versatility along with a UPF rating. Credit: Ally Arcuri
One of the most versatile running shirts is the Rabbit EZ Tee. The versatility of this shirt extends beyond its comfortable, stylish design thanks to its powerful UPF 50+ rating. Shirts that paired practical features like sun protection and odor resistance scored highest because they transitioned effortlessly between runs, hikes, travel, and everyday outdoor adventures.
The Sunna offers a balance of added features that make it a versatile contender. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Sunna is another versatile running shirt because it is rugged enough to withstand the demands of daily runs while also being comfortable for backpacking trips and workout classes. The Sunna does not offer an official UPF rating, but it does have some of the strongest odor protection in this lineup, as determined by our frequent, somewhat disgusting sniff tests. The Stio Lucent is one of the more versatile shirts. Though it looks very much like a running shirt, it offers a UPF rating of 50, strong odor control, and has a few reflective patches for added visibility.
We like to look at versatility through the lens of value. A more versatile shirt is going to give you more bang for your buck, no matter how much it costs.
The Brooks Dash and REI Active Pursuits both perform well in terms of versatility. While the Dash looks like a running shirt and doesn't offer the aesthetic versatility one might seek, its breezy skin feel, odor control, and UPF 20+ rating cement it as a multipurpose running short. The Active Pursuits tee does not offer odor protection, which can become noticeable, but it boasts a solid 50+ UPF rating and doesn't look like a straight-up running shirt.
Finding the right running shirt can feel a bit overwhelming. We sifted through some of the best options on the market so you don't have to. Credit: Ally Arcuri
How to Choose the Best Women's Running Shirt
Once you dial in your needs, the details we found can help select what is sure to be your new favorite shirt.
The climate you run in can help you determine what style of shirt will be best for you. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Check Your Climate
Before you start shopping, it is important to determine which running shirt suits your climate and needs. If you do a lot of desert running, seeking out a running shirt with superior moisture-wicking and a high UPF rating might be a good start. If your area is humid, a shirt with good moisture-wicking could be the ticket.
While the market trends are leaning more towards relaxed-fit shirts, more tapered, skin-hugging options are available if that is the style that feels most authentic to you. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Consider Design
Choosing the best design for your needs and goals can result in more comfortable runs or a shirt you can wear beyond running. If you have sensitive skin that is prone to chaffing, looking for more seamless options might be a good choice. Do you predominantly run trails? If so, maybe a heartier, harder-to-snag textile is better than some of the thinner options.
Other Notable Running Shirts for Women
We considered over 30 potential test subjects. Since we can't test them all, here are some popular options we didn't choose, but might be on your shortlist.
Patagonia Capilene Cool — This shirt has been a tester favorite in the past and is well-loved. It missed the cut this go-around, as online buzz shows it isn't as well-loved as those we chose.
Active Ultralite Short Sleeve — If wool is your jam, the Smartwool is worthy of consideration and just missed being added to our selection for this review. While we might test it in the future, for now, we think wool lovers might want to check it out.
Chock-full of features while offering a relaxed and comfortable fit, the Arc'teryx Taema quickly became one of our most recommended running shirts for women. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Picking out your next running shirt may not be as complicated as finding your next pair of trail running shoes, but there is still a surprising amount to consider before investing, especially when you are considering pricier options. Our testing and explanations can help you narrow down your decision. The best running shirt is the one that fits your specific running needs.
