Just as it’s important to find the right running shoes and shorts for your daily workouts, finding the right men’s running shirt is a decision that should be made with serious consideration. Get the wrong fit and you’ll wish your run could end as soon as you begin, or choose the wrong material and you’ll be sweating buckets from minimum effort.
Where you run will also have an effect on the men’s running shirts you invest in. If you choose to run through the city streets, you’re going to want to look as stylish as possible, but if you go off the beaten track, then you’ll definitely want something with a bit more substance.
Just because a running shirt doesn’t form part of your daily wardrobe, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t place as much importance on it. But with a sea of brands, materials, and styles flooding the market, finding the perfect running shirt is no easy feat. That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured the market for the best of the best to bring you the definitive guide to the best men’s running shirts currently available.
Nike
Price: From $30
Sizes: S – 4XL
Origin: Beaverton, Oregon
Nike should need no introduction. The most valuable sports brand in the world knows a thing or two when it comes to developing world-class apparel. Aside from its legendary Dri-Fit technology, Nike also has TechKnit, a material developed in 2016 to help support the body’s natural thermoregulation (the process of maintaining core internal temperature). That’s exactly what Nike’s best men’s running shirt, the TechKnit Ultra, does; it also has air vents placed in the exact areas you’d want them. It’s lightweight too so won’t hold you down and it has reflective strips to keep you seen at night.
Lululemon
Price: From $78
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Origin: Vancouver, Canada
No, Lululemon isn’t just a brand for yoga-practising women, it actually has a strong apparel section for guys too; of course, including men’s running shirts. This Metal Vent Tech tee is a prime example, as it not only looks great (and comes in a range of colours) but it has strategically placed air vents and Silverescent technology which promises to stop it from smelling after particularly sweaty runs by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Allbirds
Price: From $29
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Origin: Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand-American company, Allbirds, is dedicated to creating eco-friendly footwear and apparel made from sustainable resources. Founded in 2016, this eco-friendly company is renowned for their extremely comfortable and stylish shoes that are made with only renewable and recycled materials.
Allbirds has recently branched out into activewear and now stocks an ultra-light, breathable mesh tee specifically designed for running. Made with sustainable materials, the Natural Run Tee wicks moisture, dries quickly, is naturally temperature-regulating, and features anti-chafe seams. Available in a few colour options, this men’s running shirt will keep you cool in eco-friendly style.
Rhone
Price: From $68
Sizes: S – XXL
Origin: Stamford, Connecticut
This American start-up may be new but it’s already made a huge name for itself, finding a big audience from guys of all ages. The Swift tee by Rhone is designed specifically for running, with a lightweight build with moisture-wicking and anti-odour technologies. Add to that flatlock stitching for “chafe-free seams” and you’ll soon notice your runs become that bit more comfortable. Seriously, this is one of the best men’s running shirts available.
Vuori
Price: From $68
Sizes: S – XXL
Origin: Stamford, Connecticut
Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, surf, sport, and art. Breaking down the boundaries of traditional activewear, Vuori’s performance apparel is built to move in but styled for life.
Vuori has a huge range of men’s running shirts that have been specifically designed for running. Whether you run on the road or a trail, Vuori’s men’s running shirts are breathable, moisture wicking, and will keep you comfortable while you run.
Salomon
Price: From $35
Sizes: XS – XXL
Origin: Annecy, France
You may know French brand Salomon more for its ski and snowboard gear than for running. But with over 70 years in the game, it can safely be considered accomplished. Their S/Lab range is made up of impressive running gear that’s specifically designed for “experienced runners.” With mesh vents and moisture wicking properties galore, Salomon is one of the best brands to get men’s running shirts from.
Tracksmith
Price: From $68
Sizes: XS – XXL
Origin: New England, USA
Tracksmith was born in 2014 in New England, US, taking its inspiration from amateur-level college athletes. Their range of men’s running shirts have been developed to be the optimum tool for running, whether at a competitive level or casual. Featuring breathable moisture wicking and temperature regulating fabrics, Tracksmith’s men’s running shirts and tops will keep you chafe free and cool in style.
On Running
Price: From $110
Sizes: S – XXL
Origin: Zürich, Switzerland
This Swiss brand is also relatively new, having been founded in 2010. However, with customers in over 50 countries it’s safe to say On Running has quickly made their mark as a fantastic sportswear brand. The company’s Performance-T is one of its hero products, benefitting from high-tech fabrics that won’t weigh you down, taped seams to prevent chafing, and a large breathable back panel to keep the air flowing around your body while you run like the wind.
Iffley Road
Price: From $85
Sizes: S – XXL
Origin: Richmond, London
Iffley Road was founded by a British husband and wife team who named their brand after the track where Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. The brand caters exclusively for men and one of the stand out items is this striped Durham t-shirt.
Not only is it lightweight and breathable, but it harnesses the power of coffee beans (yes, really) by using an S.Cafe Ice-Cafe fabric, which incorporates recycled coffee grounds to help wick moisture away from your skin and absorbs it to prevent odour build-up. The Ice-Cafe fabric also does a damn fine job of cooling your body temperature, making those kms even easier to lap up. There’s no other men’s running shirt quite like it.
New Balance
Price: From $28
Sizes: S – XXL
Origin: Boston, Massachusetts
New Balance started life producing heel inserts for shoes and has now been in operation for more than a century to comfortably become one of the major sports brands worldwide. The company consistently strives to be at the forefront of technologies and as a result, has an impressive range of men’s running shirts. Our favourite is the Q Speed Breathe t-shirt which benefits from proprietary ICEx and DRYx. These help to keep moisture away from the body, which is particularly effective for long endurance runs.
2XU
Price: From $35
Sizes: XS – XXL
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
2XU is another Australian brand that strives for absolute performance. Their men’s running shirts have sweat-wicking properties and are available in a variety of short sleeve and tank top styles. The fabrics used are designed to move seamlessly with your body too, giving you a full range of movement. Plus, we also happen to think 2XU’s men’s running shirts look fantastic, rocking a minimal, yet premium-looking design.
Under Armour
Price: From $30
Sizes: SM – 3XL
Origin: Baltimore, Maryland
Under Armour is another heavyweight in the fitness world, producing everything from tops to shorts, shoes to accessories. Under Armour’s range of men’s running shirts are breathable and lightweight, and will keep you chafe free thanks to sweat wicking technologies. UA claims their men’s running shirts provide “next-level comfort”, and we have to agree.
Everlane
Price: From $38
Sizes: XS – XXL
Origin: San Francisco, California
A favourite brand of ours here at DMARGE is Everlane. They produce sustainable products that don’t compromise on style or quality. While Everlane doesn’t have a range specifically for running, they do have the Sport tee which is sweat wicking and quick drying. Available in multiple colours, Everlane’s short sleeve tee will make a perfect running shirt.
Myles Apparel
Price: From $54
Sizes: SM – XXL
Origin: San Francisco, California
Myles Apparel have a huge range of men’s running shirts in various styles and colours. All feature high-performance technology such as sweat wicking, quick drying, and breathability. Myles Apparel have men’s running shirts in both short sleeve and long sleeve options (in case you’re a winter runner), and are so comfortable you’ll be able to solely focus on your run.