The best men’s workout shirts should be masters of multitasking (as versatile as your fitness routine), combining strong yet breathable fabrics that can handle sweat, movement, and spin cycles in the wash without showing visible wear. Or always smelly. When you hit the gym to reap those benefits, wearing something that doesn’t make you feel like a fool will always boost your confidence. To that end, we’ve got you covered with some of the best men’s workout shirts, from T-shirts to tank tops to streamlined, breathable and even stylish long-sleeves.
The best men’s fitness shirts at a glance
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Best all-around fitness shirt: Rhone Reign
Rhone’s four-way stretch Reign T-shirt fits in all the right places (i.e. around biceps so sleeves don’t move up and down) and doesn’t fit in any of the wrong places (shoulders, shoulders, shoulders, etc.) . This best-selling product is breathable enough to prevent penetration, but not so thin that your nipples will be highlighted by everyone on the track on a sunny day. The best part, though, is that the fabric is infused with a small amount of gold for odor protection, which the company says will delay the onset of the dreaded permanent scare that most other sweatshirts end up with. It sounds silly, but to us, shirts purchased from other brands at the same time have acquired a certain musk that, thankfully, this brand does not.
Best Budget Workout Shirt: Nike Dri-FIT
Every brand now makes its own version of sweat-wicking fabric, but after nearly three decades on the market, Nike’s Dri-Fit remains a serious challenger to some of its more expensive counterparts. High armholes and a slim body make this shirt comfortable enough for running and fit-able enough for lifting weights, while a range of classic colors means you can wear this shirt regularly without having to tell everyone else “Yes.” , you lifted weights, bro” signal. At half the price of our other picks, and with Nike products often on sale at retailers, this is the most cost-effective solution for that reprehensible collection of raw-edge T-shirts you’re still clinging to.
Best Ventilated Workout Shirt: Lululemon Vent Tech 2.0
Synonymous with athleisure, Lululemon makes activewear that’s actually meant for working out, not just for lounging. This updated version of our favorite Lululemon workout top is looser than the Rhone, and it deserves a spot on these hallowed rankings because it lets in a ton of air. This is largely thanks to a series of visible, larger-than-usual holes that somehow don’t show any skin. Additionally, the variegated colorway and contrast-stitched seams are a nice break from the bright solid colors of your local sporting goods store. For those reluctant to shop the sportswear giant without an endorsement deal, the logo—already small and unobtrusive—is tucked away on the back, just below the neck.
Best Cold Weather Workout Shirt: Under Armor HeatGear Compression
Under Armor’s HeatGear Compression Shirt will help you focus on your workout without the distractions of cold winter weather. Its ultra-lightweight fabric provides excellent coverage without weighing you down. It includes mesh underarm and back panels for better ventilation to help wick away sweat and keep you dry. This $32 HeatGear long-sleeve top is a must-have. Cold weather will not be an excuse next winter.
Best fitness shirt for runners: Tracksmith Harrier
Tracksmith has carved out a niche for itself in the running world with its preppy New England apparel—think Prefontaine-era silhouettes with a hint of retro Ivy League flair. Its Harrier T-shirt is one of the brand’s best athletic shirts because of its merino wool construction, which makes it odor-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking. It feels great against the skin, even during long runs, and it regulates your body temperature so you don’t overheat.
Best Workout Vest: Ten Thousand Durable Muscle Vest
Does boob day make you feel like showing off a little more? Behold, folks, the Muscle Tank is a sleeveless way to show off your gains during an intense workout, HIIT session, or cardio session. In our testing, Wanjia’s line of durable tops provided plenty of chest-supporting action without alerting gym staff to flashes. The material is anti-odor treated so it won’t create odors no matter how much you sweat. Plus, when you wear a muscle tee at the gym, you’ll look like you’ve worked really hard.
Best long-sleeved shirt for exercise: Bandit Micromesh
Even after the harsh winter, some people still like to wear long sleeves when exercising, whether to help absorb excess sweat or to create a hotter environment that helps you sweat more. Bandit’s Micromesh Performance T-Shirt is perfect for this crowd – thanks to its construction, it won’t stick to your sticky skin, and the anti-odor properties won’t keep your gym bros away from you while you’re out and about. An observer. We noticed zero chafing during our runs (which makes sense, since Bandit prides itself on being a running apparel brand), which makes it a great base layer under a crewneck or hoodie. Plus, unlike many other long-sleeved T-shirts that prioritize a slim fit to accentuate the look of your upper body, this T-shirt has a loose fit that’s easy to take off and throw in the laundry basket at home.
FAQ
What to look for when buying a sweatshirt
Cotton feels great against your skin and is very breathable, so you might be surprised to learn that it makes for a terrible sweatshirt. This is because cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away. So when your cotton T-shirt absorbs sweat, it blocks airflow, making you feel hotter. For this reason, most sportswear brands avoid using all-cotton fabrics, which is why you rarely see athletes wearing jerseys made of this material. Instead, the best materials for sweatshirts are polyester or polyester blends. Not only are they breathable, they’re also moisture-wicking and quick-drying so your sweat can dissipate during the toughest workouts. Some fitness shirts are even designed with strategically placed mesh to increase airflow.
But it’s not just about keeping calm. Your fitness shirt or tank top should also be stretchy enough to accommodate the wide range of motion in your next level yoga poses and work with you as you attempt to set your personal best on the shoulder press machine. A high-quality fitness shirt will use elastane or spandex, which will stretch and conform to your every move and maintain flexibility for the long term.
Fit is another consideration and depends on how you want to train. Tight-fitting workout clothes, such as compression shirts, help increase blood flow for better performance and less soreness, while loose-fitting workout shirts allow for better airflow to cool you down. It’s all a matter of preference.
How we test
We’ve designed the best workout shirts for men to put them through their paces by running, lifting, training, and sweating it out, and even layered on some of our all-time favorite fitness pieces Q Fitness Award. Some have mesh panels for extra ventilation, some offer UPF50 sun protection, and some are super fly, providing an extra boost for heading out for a few laps in the depths of winter. Best of all, they’re the perfect medium of comfort, breathability and design to help you work out in style – any shirt with sweat-wicking and odor-resistant properties is a plus. Here are some of the best workout shirts for men that deserve a spot in your workout rotation.
