WHEN IT COMES to discovering the perfect exercise shirt, our worn-out college T-shirts of yesteryears won’t suffice. Today, the pursuit is driven by innovation, performance, and a blend of style and functionality. The world of athleisure has undergone a shift in the past 8 years, with men’s workout shirts evolving beyond simple clothing to become a vital part of the fitness experience.
Typically crafted from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, the best workout shirts for men feature odor and sweat-fighting technology, ensuring your comfort and dryness even during the most challenging workouts. Some have spandex or elastane to provide stretch for workouts that require a large range of motion (like, say, burpees).
And of course, beyond their performance specs, these workout clothes just look great. It’s not just about staying dry; it’s also about the satisfaction of feeling good while breaking a sweat. That’s why a workout shirt must seamlessly combine comfort, performance, and aesthetics to perfection.
Best Workout Shirts for Men
- Best Overall Workout ShirtAthletegy Flex TeeRead more
- Best Classic-Looking ShirtVuori Current Tech T-ShirtRead more
- Most Breathable Workout ShirtNo Bull Men’s Deltapeak® Micro Textured TeeRead more
What to Consider
In a category of clothing with so much functionality and tech involved, there are some serious considerations.
Fabric
Cotton may be the most dependable fabric for regular every-day t-shirts, but cotton holds on to moisture, which makes it a sweat trap, weighing you down. Instead, opt for synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon that are lighter. They can also be woven in special ways that cotton can’t to enhance breathability. Synthetic fibers don’t bleed and are hard to discolor, so they won’t get sweat stains. Some menswear brands are even starting to use finely knit wool for its natural breathability, moisture wicking, and odor-fighting properties. Consider what feels best to you and in what environment you might be working out in.
Friction Points
In most clothing, seams are placed where they are easiest to construct the shirt or look the best. However, those places—like under your armpit and along the side of your body—are also high friction areas, especially when working out. Athletic brands have designed t-shirts that minimize the amount of seams and place them in areas that wont be impacted by your movement. Look out for seams and other high-contact areas that could prose a problem, depending on where they’re located.
Odor Defense
Simply put, your workout clothes get stinky when they hold on to sweat. A whole range of innovations exist that brands claim will fight odor, but the only sure fire way to keep your workout shirts from stinking are to keep them dry and wash them after every use. That means the workout shirts that retain the least amount of sweat are the easiest to keep from stinking. So if odor is a concern for you, as it should be, look for the shirts that dry the fastest and breath the best. There’s a lot of new tech out now that helps combat stink.
UV Protection
Forward thinking labels are adding UV protection to workout clothes. Sunscreen is great, but even the best sweat-proof kinds can wear off during long and intense outdoor exercises. Not so with UPF clothing, which block UV rays to keep you protected during your entire sweat session, no reapplication necessary. Even the Skin Cancer Foundation has touted the skin-saving benefits of UPF clothing. If you’re looking for even more sun protection, look for long-sleeve t-shirts, or hooded tops with UPF features.
How We Selected
Our fashion and fitness editors, led by fashion director Ted Stafford and fitness editor Charles Thorp, NASM, put more than 50 men’s workout shirts through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, and value. We tried them in a variety of settings, from long runs outdoors to intense weightlifting sessions. Below, the top 11 workout shirts for men to shop this year.
Best Overall Workout Shirt
Athletegy Flex Tee
$58 at athletegy.comCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Highly breathable
- Unsurpassed stretch
Cons
- A little snug for some body types
Stylish, exceptionally well-fitting, and high-functioning, this workout tee takes the cake. We love it from top to bottom, especially the flattering and physique-forming fit. The Flex Tee is as versatile as they come, performing well in all areas, from jogging to weightlifting.
The breathability is impressive, bolstered by its proprietary fabric that also keeps the shirt light as a feather. Sweat build up was never an issue with this shirt on, and the sophisticated raglan sleeve spells added mobility and increased stretch. This shirt is as limber as a gymnast, a real gold medal in the category.
We worked out in this tee in just about every weather condition outside and through a number of indoor activities, from climbing to stationary biking. Each time, the consensus only grew: This is a best-in-class shirt. The model earned high marks in all the important facet areas, such as durability, flexibility, and stretch. Even editors with sensitive skin kept coming back to the Flex Tee. While it might run a little snug for certain more buffer body types, the feel, mobility, and texture practically make up for it.
Read more: Best Running Shorts for Men
| Fabric | Polyester, Coolmax, spandex |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | Anti-odor, anti-microbial |
| UV | UPF 50+ |
Best Classic-Looking Shirt
Vuori Current Tech T-Shirt
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Buttery soft material
- Looks brand new after many washes and wears
- Great value for the quality
Cons
- Limited sizes
The Current Tech T-Shirt is one of the best combinations of style, comfort, and performance out there right now. This shirt is made with a 4-way stretch knit that provides max comfort for any kind of physical activity, and its moisture-wicking fabric kept us cool and dry.
Those of us at MH who have tested this tee have agreed that it holds up well to even the most sweat-stain prone among us. Added bonuses include UV protection, anti-odor tech, and a modern, athletic fit. The quick-drying tee is the best kind of deceptive, looking like a classic tee with tons of built-in performance. In fact, our fashion team says you can wear this as an everyday shirt, and plays nice with your go-to jeans or shorts.
| Fabric | Recycled polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | Few |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | None |
Most Breathable Workout Shirt
No Bull Men’s Deltapeak® Micro Textured Tee
$48 at NOBULLCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Flat-lock seams
- Ideal texture
- Perfect for those who sweat a lot
Cons
- Overly simplified look
A deft blend of polyester, tencel, and spandex, this shirt has struck the ideal textural harmony for workouts. The breathability is remarkable, venting when you need it most. That trait is assisted by the smart design, with the shirt draping away from the body to keep you comfortable. We also love the reflective accent and flat-lock seams. If you’re a cross-trainer, runner, or just plain intense athlete who works up a serious sweat, this shirt will keep pace and never weigh you down with moisture. And its buttery-soft fabric feels like something you just want to snuggle up and nap with.
| Fabric | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | None |
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Best Workout Tank Top
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet
$70 at TracksmithCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Anti-microbial tech
- Exceptional arm movement
- Timeless look
Cons
- A bit tight in the torso
Simply put, Tracksmith makes some of the coolest, most timeless workout shirts. This tank top is no exception, with a classy diagonal stripe that looks a bit like an iconic soccer kit. The lightweight mesh is super breathable, even when we tested this during hot afternoon runs, while the poly-spandex blend feels great on the skin. And there’s more, as this shirt boasts anti-microbial technology to keep you fresh indoors or out. Being sleeveless, this is an ideal wear for tasks that require a lot of arm movement, from tricep curls and hoops to pickleball. Sun’s out, guns out, as they say.
| Fabric | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | Anti-microbial tech |
| UV | None |
Best Workout Shirt for Weightlifting
Lululemon License to Train Short Sleeve
$78 at LululemonCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Casual look
- Great for weightlifting
- Tremendous mobility and stretch
Cons
- Weak color options
Living up to its name, this shirt is your license to train. From no-cling comfort to anti-odor technology, this tee works in tandem with your workout. Weightlifters will like the extra room in the chest, while the added lycra and resulting stretchiness offers both a bit of mobility and support. Best, the rounded hem affords a casual look, meaning you can wear it at the gym or to the coffee shop. It feels tremendous and the underarm gusset adds durability, meaning no tears even when you’re throwing down in the free weights section. Strength and style, woven together into this one.
| Fabric | Recycled polyster, nylon, lycra |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | Virtually none |
| Odor | Silverescent tech |
| UV | None |
Best Lightweight Workout Shirt
Gymshark Vital Seamless T-Shirt
$30 at GymSharkCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Flat-lock seams
- Underpriced for performance level
Cons
- Runs a tad long
Calling this shirt lightweight is an understatement. Upon first wear, we had to double-check to make sure we were even wearing anything. That’s a freeing feeling, which can really elevate a workout. But the Vital shirt doesn’t stop there. With sweat-wicking technology and flat-lock seam lines, you’re going to be dry and looking sharp. Your physique truly is boosted by this particular design and the fact that the shirt is only $30 means it’s an overachiever in every sense of the word. Shoot, get two or three just to be on the safe side.
| Fabric | Polyester, nylon |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | None |
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Best Pro-Tested Workout Shirt
Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt
$58 at Ten ThousandCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Rich color options
- Strategic perforations
- Tested again and again
Cons
- No sun protection
Made of mesh fabric, the Versatile option touts anti-odor treatment and anti-chaffing seams. It repels sweat and dries faster than a desert wind. We love the stretchiness and the core color options are all appealing. Minimal in its look, the details are in the fabric, as well as the rigorous testing. Ten Thousand put the thing through hell, testing for abrasion and pressure. Best, the shirt came out victorious in all categories. This shirt is designed by workout junkies and for workout junkies. And if you don’t want the sleeves, get the tank option. You can’t go wrong.
| Fabric | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | Anti-odor tech |
| UV | None |
Best Value Workout Shirt
Under Armour UA Tech™ Vent Short Sleeve
$35 at Under ArmourCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Great as base layer
- Outstanding value
- Superior stretch
Cons
- Might run tight for some guys
Value is always welcome and, this shirt carries it in droves. The minute we put it on, the shirt felt like second skin. That means it can work as a great base layer in the colder months (ski season is coming, people). We adored the stretch and high level of comfort, while the mesh underarm kept out pits cool and dry. Bonus points are awarded to the cool, slightly washed pattern and easy-on-the-eyes color choices. Being tag-less with a straight hem, the fit is quite striking as well. And you get all of that with just a tiny dent in the bank account.
| Fabric | Polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | Virtually none |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | None |
Best Recycled Polyester Workout Shirt
Nike TechKnit Dri-FIT ADV Short-Sleeve Running Top
$80 at Dick’s Sporting GoodsCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Dri-FIT tech
- 100% recycled material
- Stunning chevron design
Cons
- A bit snug in chest
Nike’s famed Dri-FIT ADV fabric wicks away sweat, and has a seamless, soft feel that’s very agreeable on the old epidermis. The mesh side vents air things out right, while the cool look makes it stand out a bit from the crowd. Nature-lovers will appreciate the fact that the shirt is made from recycled polyester fibers, meaning a smaller carbon footprint. We don’t claim to fully understand the science behind the proprietary fabric, but we know it feels outstanding and performs at an Olympic level. There are a few seams, but positioned wisely, making them virtually unnoticeable.
| Fabric | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | None |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | None |
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Best Textured Workout Shirt
Rhone Swift Short Sleeve 2.0
Now 19% Off
$55 at RhoneCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Odor-fighting tech
- Saddle seam shoulder
- Superior texture
Cons
- Three color options
Do you know the recipe for ultra stretchability? It involves a dash of polyster, nylon, and elastane, as this shirt proves. The mesh fabric does the job and the reflective logo keeps you visible in the night. This all-purpose workout shirt has side slit seams for extra mobility (and style points), while its Gold-fusion tech fights odors for more wears between washes. The saddle seam shoulder offers support without intruding and the reinforced neck never folds over. You’ll be feeling and looking good, whether you’re at the gym or pounding pavement. And the faded stripes are a nice touch indeed.
| Fabric | Polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | Virtually none |
| Odor | Goldfusion tech |
| UV | None |
Best Seamless Workout Shirt
VRST Men’s Circuit Seamless Short Sleeve Top
$54 at Dick’s Sporting GoodsCredit: Eli Schmidt
Pros
- Classic crew neck aesthetic
- Slim yet comfortable
- Spandex for extra stretch
Cons
- Weird tag on neck
Sleek with a crew neck, this shirt from VRST deserves a spot on the podium. We like the 4-way stretch and length of the sleeves, not to mention the moisture-wicking capacity. There’s a raglan back for increased mobility, meaning no tension whatsoever no matter what you’re doing. The soft hand feel is noteworthy, and the blend of poly, tencel and spandex provides a slim fit without being constricting. If you want to look taught without being tied down by any restraints, this is your shirt. There’s not a seam in sight, so you’ll be gliding all day long.
| Fabric | Nylon, spandex |
|---|---|
| Friction Points | Few |
| Odor | NA |
| UV | UPF 30+ |
What Workout Shirt Fabric is Best?
Synthetic fabrics work especially well in workout shirts, as they’re designed to handle moisture better than traditional materials. These fabrics include: polyester, Gore-Tex, nylon and spandex, which have tiny spaces in knit or mesh that allow moisture to move through, evaporating quickly.
According to Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, moisture-wicking fabrics help moisture from the inner layer of the fabric (the part that touches your skin) escape to the outside of the garment.
“Synthetic materials are better at moisture-wicking as they not only pull sweat moisture away from the skin, but they also dry quickly and don’t hold onto moisture,” explains. Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.
“Cotton, on the other hand, while it can absorb sweat and moisture from the skin, it is more likely to hold onto the moisture and not dry as quickly, leaving the sweat in prolonged contact with the skin,” she explains. Although, some cotton fabrics may be specially treated to make them moisture wicking.
Double checking the tags on your tops, or reading about the materials it’s made of will help you pick proper shirts for your workouts. And thankfully, you can find moisture-wicking materials in tanks, short sleeve tees, long sleeve tees and hoodies.
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Can You Workout in Regular Shirts?
So, why buy a workout shirt anyway? We’ve all workout out in a regular cotton t-shirt at one time or another, and while it certainly won’t ruin your gym session, it won’t make it more enjoyable either.
The result of wearing shirts designed for athletic performance is that the fabric from which they’re made feels drier and cooler against the skin.
“Moisture-wicking [shirts] can be especially beneficial when the body is subject to higher temperatures, like during a workout or a hot summer day,” Dr. Hartman explains. Plus, keeping things cool and dry under your shirt can actually minimize a slew of issues.
“Buildup of sweat can lead to irritation which can appear as red, flaky patches or breakouts, which appear as red papules or pustules that may involve the hair follicle,” explains Dr. Garshick.
There are some body odor perks, too (or lack thereof), according to Dr. Hartman. “Body odor occurs when sweat mixes with natural bacteria found on the skin. The less sweat on the skin, the less body odor.”
Why You Can Trust Us
At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts to collaborate with on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.
Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
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