Running during the summer can be exhilarating (all that daylight!) and daunting (all that sweat!) at the same time. Whether you embrace the heat and humidity of summer running or long for a return to cold, dark winter days, the right running top can keep you cooler and drier while making you feel fast and fashionable. To help you decide what to wear, we tested over 50 t-shirts and tank tops to find the best men’s summer running shirts.
Update May 2025: We selected new winners in nine categories, including a new best overall t-shirt pick from Arc’teryx. We also added objective lab measurements on air permeability and dry time to help you select the best summer running shirt for you. Be sure to check out the “How We Test” section below for more details on our methodologies and how to interpret the lab data.
At a Glance
- Singlets
- Best Overall: Adidas Adizero Running Singlet ($70)
- Runner-up, Best Overall: Hoka Airolite Run Tank ($52)
- Best Splurge: Tracksmith Strata Singlet ($125)
- Best for Race Day: SOAR Race Vest ($115)
- T-Shirts
- Best Overall: Arc’teryx Norvan Downward Logo Shirt SS ($90)
- Runner Up, Best Overall: Rabbit EZ Tee SS ($48)
- Best Value: Terignoga Trail Tee ($22)
- Best Splurge: SOAR Advanced Tech Tee ($195)
- Best Wool: Ridge Pursuit Ultralight Merino Tee ($68)
- Best for High Heat: Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt ($65)
- Best Road-to-Restaurant: Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt ($78)
- What to Look For
- How We Tested Running Shirts In the Field and In the Outside Lab
- Meet Our Lead Testers
Best Running Singlets
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Best All-Around
Adidas Adizero Running Singlet
$70 at Adidas $63 at Running Warehouse
Sizing: XS-2XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Silky smooth feeling
⊕ Suburb mobility
⊗ Saturates with moisture easily
Lab Dry Time: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 1 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
There’s something about a light, airy singlet that makes us feel fast. No other singlet captured this sensation better than the Adidas Adizero Running Singlet. Made from a thin, lightweight blend of 86 percent recycled polyester and 14 percent elastane, the texture feels phenomenal—smooth and silky, easily moving over the skin. Testers praised its soft touch and barely-there sensation, with one noting it as “the lightest and most comfortable singlet I’ve ever worn.”
The fit is slightly slim, but thanks to the stretchy fabric and side slits at the hem, the singlet offers exceptional mobility. Lead tester Cory Smith says, “I’m typically between a men’s small and medium, but since I prefer a slightly looser fit, I went with a medium that fit that bill perfectly.”
The entire singlet has tiny holes in the face to enhance breathability of the tight weave, which testers said let moisture out, but the lab noted doesn’t allow much breeze through. Testers also said that the fabric tends to stick to the skin when fully soaked through. It did, however, have the fastest dry time among all the singlets we tried, which helped make this stylish, comfortable singlet stand out as one of the best all-around.
Runner Up, Best Overall
Hoka Airolite Run Tank
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Incredibly light
⊕ UPF 40+ sun protection
⊗ Semi-transparent
Lab Dry Time: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
With its silky smooth texture and featherlight feel, we found ourselves reaching for the Hoka Airolite Tank time and time again. “I couldn’t find a single thing to ding this tank on—I love it,” raved one tester. Crafted with a pinhole mesh, composed of 72 percent recycled nylon and 28 percent elastane, it was one of the thinnest and most delicate tops we tested, making it disappear on the run.
The featherlight fabric wicks moisture efficiently but can become saturated quickly. However, thanks to its minimal weight, even when it was clingy, it never felt heavy or weighed down. In the lab, the Airolite achieved the highest score in air permeability and second highest in dry time. Naturally, its ultra-light design raised concerns about durability. However, after months of wear and repeated washes, one tester was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up.
The tank is “cut is long and slim, with just the right width and length of shoulder straps,” noted a tester. One potential drawback is its semi-transparent fabric, but, despite that, we were pleasantly surprised to discover it offers UPF 40+ sun protection. As an added bonus, it’s treated with an anti-microbial finish—something we didn’t notice in testing but is nice to know it’s there.
With its smooth texture, near weightless design, and added sun protection, the Hoka Airolite Tank delivers on both comfort and performance. While its ultra-thin, see-through design may not be for everyone, those who prioritize weightlessness and freedom of movement will find it hard to beat.
Best Splurge
Tracksmith Strata Singlet
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Unbeatable heat and moisture management
⊕ Odor resistant
⊗ Costs twice as much as many other well-made singlets
Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Tester Scott Douglas says, “This ultralight marvel is the best singlet I’ve run in during my 40+ years in the sport.” The fit is slim but not restrictive, with plenty of stretch. The bluesign-certified nylon/elastane blend incorporates coldblack, a Schoeller Textil technology that reduces heat absorption like nothing else he’s experienced. As someone who can lose 5 of his 130 pounds on an easy hour run in Maine, he says, “I’m used to wringing out gear post-run and leaving large puddles. This simply wasn’t possible when I wore the Strata; although my shorts and socks were drenched, little sweat had collected on the singlet.”
And then there’s its odor resistance: Douglas ran at least an hour in it every day without washing it during one of summer’s hottest, most humid weeks. “It smelled the same on Day 7 as on Day 1,” he marveled. The Strata is expensive, but a good value, given that owning one eliminates the need for all but maybe one other singlet.
Best for Race Day
SOAR Race Vest
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely breathable, perfect for hot, humid conditions.
⊕ Featherweight design
⊗ Runs small
Lab Dry Time: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Displaying the precision and craftsmanship of a top runway fashion design, SOAR’s Race Vest stands at the peak of high-performance running apparel. If you’re looking to turn heads come race day, this is sure to draw attention. “I’ve gotten more compliments wearing this tank than any other singlet,” says lead tester Cory Smith.
The singlet is made with an Italian-made open mesh fabric that’s razor-thin and extremely breathable. Even on the hottest, most humid days, body heat escaped effortlessly, while the airy design allowed any breeze to pass through for cooling relief. The lab confirmed the vest’s airyness: It blew away the field in air permeability and also earned the highest score in dry time.
The only drawback we found was that the fabric doesn’t absorb and wick moisture as well as thicker materials. However, its sheer lightness let skin dry and cool without pulling sweat away from it.
Premium touches like laser-cut and bonded seams eliminated chafing during our test. With many singlets, the shoulders can shift while running, creating a distraction—but not with the SOAR Race Vest. The straps lay flat and stay securely in place. The slim-cut design sits close to the skin and runs small, so if you prefer a more relaxed fit, we recommend sizing up.
Best Running T-Shirts
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Best Overall
Arc’teryx Norvan Downward Logo Shirt SS
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Feels luxurious against the skin
⊕ Silver ion polymer treated
⊗ Large logo
Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2.5 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Blending form and function, this shirt wowed our testers with its performance. Despite being marketed as a mountain running shirt, we found it well-suited for runs on any terrain.
The front features a silky-smooth polyester fabric that’s DWR-treated, excelling at both repelling moisture and wicking it away from the skin. The face fabric feels incredibly smooth and luxurious, gliding against the skin without friction, flowing naturally with every stride. Although the shirt had average lab marks on air permeability and dry time (relative to the other top T’s in this guide), it never felt weighted down, even when saturated with sweat. Meanwhile, panels under the arms and the entire back are made of an airy mesh, allowing more airflow in high heat areas—which we especially appreciated when wearing a hydration vest.
Subtle details distinguish the Norvan Downword from cheaper options, including a tailored fit, laminated neckline, and smoothly finished seams and hems. Plus, a silver ion polymer coating effectively fights bacteria and odors.
One of our biggest pet peeves is when a shirt rides up during arm movements. Although the Norvan Downward’s fit is trim with a slightly shorter hem length, thanks to the articulated sleeves and split sides, we found the hem stayed put on the run.
Runner Up, Best Overall
Rabbit EZ Tee SS
$33 at REI $48 at Running Warehouse
Sizing: S-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft and stretchy
⊕ Flat-lock stitching enhances comfort
⊕ UPF 50 protection
⊗ Limited color options
Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Soft, stretchy, and impressively moisture-wicking, the Rabbit EZ Tee takes comfort to a new level. Our testers said it quickly became a go-to for nearly any activity, including everyday wear. Made with a simple, soft polyester and spandex blend with a UPF 50 rating for sun protection, it’s a shirt you’ll want to keep on post-run for its comfort and style, whether you’re grabbing coffee or heading to the gym.
Testers appreciated the EZ Tee’s tailored cut, which offered a comfortable fit that felt neither restrictive nor clingy. One tester described it as “just right—not too short, too tight, or too loose.” Thoughtful details, such as raglan shoulders and flat-lock stitching, showcase the attention to detail put into this shirt.
Our only complaint? The limited color options. “I could comfortably, confidently buy seven different colors and run in nothing else,” said one tester. And the price is so reasonable that stocking up is a feasible option.
Best Value
Terignoga Trail Tee
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely lightweight
⊕ Outstanding price-to-performance
⊗ Limited color options
Lab Dry Time: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
At nearly a third of the cost of other options, you will not find a higher quality shirt at a better price. Crafted from 100 percent polyester with a woven grid pattern, it checks all the boxes: lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Its woven design and thin fabric reminded us a lot of Patagonia’s Capilene for a fraction of the price.
Despite being marketed as a trail tee, it’s equally suitable for the roads. Throughout the warm, sunny SoCal summer, it kept me cool and comfortable, proving to be a versatile go-to for any tempo. After hot and sweaty runs, I was impressed with how quickly the shirt dried in direct sunlight. With a 4 out of 5 in both dry time and air permeability, the Terinoga had the highest combined lab score of any tee we tested.
The fit is labeled as relaxed, but I found it slightly on the slim side compared to other shirts in our lineup. It’s not enough to size up, but I wouldn’t call it a true relaxed fit.
Best Splurge
SOAR Advanced Tech Tee
Sizing: S-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Fantastic range of motion
⊕ Extremely breathable
⊗ Short hem length
Lab Dry Time: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 1 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
London-based SOAR founder Tim Soar says he incorporates his passion for functionality, performance, and sports science into every design, and the Advanced Tech Tee is a prime example of this.
At first touch, the ultralight, stretchy 3D woven fabric felt “a bit stiff and scratchy,” according to one tester. But that impression didn’t last long. “It disappeared once I started running,” he said. “I actually feel cooler and more comfortable in this than going shirtless.” The fabric’s subtle stretch and textured weave made it stand away from the skin and stay dry, even when we were sweating profusely. Surprisingly, the lab reported that the tight fabric doesn’t let much air through, but it has the fastest dry time of any shirt or singlet tested, quickly evaporating moisture.
Additional touches, such as a split hem and one-piece raglan sleeves, enhance freedom of movement, while laser-cut sleeve hems and flat-locked seams reduce potential chafing.
The tee boasts a relaxed fit but leans more toward a European cut—slightly fitted through the shoulders and chest, with a bit more room through the torso for ease of movement. My only wish is that the hem was a little longer to better accommodate those with longer torsos who prefer more coverage.
Best Wool
Ridge Pursuit Ultralight Merino Tee
Sizing: S-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Fantastic moisture-wicking abilities
⊕ Natural odor-resistant
⊗ Wool is an acquired taste
Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
When you think of a warmer weather running shirt, wool may not be the first fabric that comes to mind. Most people equate wool with cold weather. But wool, which is naturally both extremely breathable and moisture-wicking, is just as effective in hot conditions as in cold. After testing over six wool shirts, testers all found the Ridge Pursuit Merino Tee the best. “This is the closest to my gold standard,” said one tester with an extensive wool collection.
Thoughtful attention was given to every detail, from gusseted sleeves for improved range of motion to a one-inch drop tail for added coverage. Merrow stitching along the side seams ensures a smooth, flat finish to help prevent chafing. The patented Merino wool yarn is engineered to be lighter and stronger and said to deliver twice the durability of traditional 100 percent Merino wool apparel. Testers said it was noticeable. Where most wool shirts we tested felt delicate and lost shape easily, the Ridge Pursuit Merino was more resilient, maintaining its structure even after repeated wear and washing. The merino wool is so naturally odor-resistant, however, you won’t have to launder it often: One tester found that the “Pursuit tee can go five runs before it needs to see the hamper”—a boon for those who feel the pain of a never-ending laundry cycle.
With its thoughtful design, durability, and natural benefits, one tester said the Ridge Pursuit Merino Tee strikes “the delicate balance of performance, comfort, and value that has long eluded the Merino market.”
Best for High Heat
Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Remarkably lightweight
⊕ Airy
⊗ Limited moisture absorption due to thin fabric
Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
The Montane Dart Nano comes as close as possible to the feeling of running shirtless.“It’s lightweight to the point of near-invisibility,” said one tester. Made with 100 percent recycled polyester and weighing a mere 2.8 ounces, the thin fabric allows for excellent airflow. During sweltering runs in the hot and humid Northeast summers, one tester reported his body heat escaped effortlessly through the material, which, he said, “transformed scorching runs into manageable experiences.” Another tester said, “It’s the shirt you’ll reach for without hesitation when the temperature soars.”
The cut is trim, sitting close to the body, but doesn’t feel suffocating thanks to the featherlight fabric and added articulation, which includes extra room around the underarm so the sleeve won’t ride up even when your arm is extended. However, the ultra-thin material comes with two drawbacks: It doesn’t absorb and wick moisture as effectively as some other options and provides minimal warmth on cooler days. But, in the most extreme warm-weather conditions, this ultralight tee offers exceptional breathability and comfort.
Best Road-to-Restaurant
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt
Sizing: XS-XXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Suburb range of motion
⊕ High-quality fabric
⊗ Not as good at dealing with heat as lighter, more breathable fabrics
Lab Dry Time: 1 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 1 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the Outside Lab
Best suited for runs that start at the track and end at the cafe, the Lululemon Metal Vent Tech blends performance and style with a timeless, refined design. “It seamlessly transitions from morning runs to evening restaurants with uncompromised excellence,” one tester reported. Made from a nylon, recycled polyester, and elastane blend, this shirt has a heavier, more substantial feel than the thinner options we tested. It doesn’t vanish like ultra-lightweight shirts but instead offers a noticeably soft and comforting feel against your skin.
While it’s not a particularly airy shirt, we found it does breathe and wick moisture adequately to not feel clammy on most days. And, thanks to the built-in stretch, the shirt offers an unrestricted range of motion and doesn’t hold you back on the run. On extremely hot days, however, when sweat is pouring and the fabric becomes fully saturated, it can feel slightly weighed down.
Given its versatility and comfort, the Lululemon Metal Vent Tech became one of our go-to shirts for just about any occasion, from running to lounging at home to heading out for a casual dinner.
What to Look For in Summer Running Apparel
Dressing for summer running is straightforward—you want pieces that breathe, wick moisture, move naturally, don’t stink, and don’t get in the way. Shirt choices come down to how much skin coverage you prefer, fit, and material.
Here are some quick tips on buying the best without going broke:
- Look for high-quality synthetic fibers. Yes, our top picks include a few items with natural fibers. But for the most part, specially designed varieties of polyester, polyamide, nylon, and the like can handle summer running’s high sweat rates better than wool and cotton.
- Seek sun protection. Even if you run at dawn or dusk, or on trails, sun damage can be insidious. Many shorts and tops come with a UPF coating. Well-ventilated hats reduce squinting while shedding heat. Running tan lines aren’t something to be proud of.
- Check for chafing. If you’ve ever been rubbed raw by a rigid seam or sagging liner, you won’t want to repeat the experience. Abrasion accelerates when you’re drenched in sweat. Look for flat seams, unobtrusive logos, and other elements of construction that will minimize chafing.
- Go with the flow. Our picks in this review strike the right balance between being loose enough to allow cooling air flow but not so billowy that they impede normal running form.
- Banish bacteria. Many high-quality summer running items incorporate an anti-bacterial treatment that greatly reduces nasty odors setting up shop. These pieces not only can be worn many more times before needing to be washed, but also lessen your chance of developing a funky skin situation.
- Invest in quality. It can be tempting to think, “Whatever I run in is going to get soaked anyway, so I’ll just buy the cheapest gear out there.” Such reasoning quickly falls apart when, well, the item itself starts to fall apart because of constant exposure to sweat and frequent laundering. Fewer high-quality pieces that hold their form and don’t hold odors are better than more cheaply made gear that will start disintegrating in one summer.
How We Test
- Number of testers: 10
- Number of products tested: 20+ singlets, 40+ short sleeve tees
- Number of brands tested: 45+
- Number of miles run in testing: 4,500+
- Highest testing temperature: 101 Fahrenheit
- Number of Outside Lab tests: 2
Our testing team ranged across the U.S.—from the California beach town of Santa Barbara to central Wisconsin and the high plains of Nebraska, to the urban bake sites of Chicago and Houston, and, for good measure, the running hub of Eugene, Oregon. All are dedicated runners with average weekly mileage ranging from low 20s to mid-70s over both roads and trails. Some have been running for 30 or more years and can compare today’s running apparel to previous attempts to keep runners cool in the summer. We focused on a subjective combination of moisture management, comfort, versatility, value, and looks to answer a simple question: Of all the apparel you logged summer miles in, which would you be most likely to recommend to fellow runners?
How We Tested Running Shirts in the Outside Lab
Air Permeability
Air permeability is a measure of how much air (in volume) is able to move through a fabric. It is not the same as “breathability” which measures how moisture vapor (sweat) moves through a fabric. The more air permeable, the more the cooling breeze makes it through your shirt and reaches your skin directly. To test this in the Outside Lab @ CU Denver, we use a James Heal AirPro, a machine that uses a vacuum pump to pull air through fabric clamped between plates with a specific diameter opening to measure the flow rate at a pre-set pressure. The greater the volume of air getting through, the more air permeable. This lab test only evaluates the material itself, and can’t account for how the cut and design of a garment aids its airiness.
Dry Time
The lab tested drying time by soaking each shirt and then recording how long each needed to dry. Each shirt was weighed while dry, then soaked in tap water until all of the material had absorbed water. After soaking, they were hand wrung until all excess water stopped releasing from the fabric, leaving a fully saturated, but not soaked, shirt. The saturated shirts were weighed again to get the “wet” starting point and then put on a mannequin to dry. Weight was recorded every hour to start and then every 15 minutes as they approached dryness, stopping when the sample was within 4 percent of the original dry value. Allowing for 4 percent of weight gain (a few grams) takes into account any dirt particles that could be introduced from the tap water or environment, and small hemmed areas of the shirt that may hold a little moisture, even though the overwhelming majority of the shirt is dry.
We compiled the raw data into groups of similar values for each measure to obtain scores of 1 to 5, worst to best, relative to all the t-shirts and singlets tested.
Meet Our Lead Testers
Cory Smith
Cory Smith, a former Division One runner at Villanova University, has been running since the mid-1990s. With over a decade of experience testing and reviewing running apparel and shoes for publications like Outside and Runner’s World, he continues to compete as a masters athlete, boasting a personal best of 4:31 in the mile. He consistently logs 30 to 40 miles per week over roads, trails and on the track.
A 13.25km trail race Cory Smith ran while testing the Adidas Adizero Running Singlet.
(Gaia GPS is owned by Outside Inc.)
Scott Douglas
Scott Douglas says, “I’ve run more than 130,000 miles since starting as a teen in the 1970s, and have always loved how daily runs undergird and elevate the rest of my life.” The author or co-author of several running books and a writer/editor about fitness, he sweats like crazy despite living in Maine.
Other testers included:
- Jonathan Beverly, a Nebraska resident who is a senior running gear editor for Outside and has also been running since the 1970s.
- Nathan Brown, a doctor of physical therapy who founded the Pineries Running Lab in Wisconsin.
The post The Best Running Shirts for Men: Field and Lab Tested appeared first on Outside Online.
