<h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><p>In a category of clothing with so much functionality and tech involved, there are some serious considerations.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Fabric</h3><p>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 <a href=” target=”_blank”>menswear brands</a> are even starting to use<strong> </strong>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.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Friction Points</h3><p>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.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Odor Defense</h3><p>Simply put, your <a href=” target=”_blank”>workout clothes</a> 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.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>UV Protection</h3><p>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 <a href=” target=”_blank”>UPF clothing</a>, which block UV rays to keep you protected during your entire sweat session, no reapplication necessary. Even the <a href=” target=”_blank”>Skin Cancer Foundation</a> has touted the skin-saving benefits of UPF clothing. If you’re looking for even more sun protection, look for <a href=” target=”_blank”>long-sleeve t-shirts</a>, or hooded tops with UPF features.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>Our fashion and fitness editors, led by fashion director <a href=” target=”_blank”>Ted Stafford</a> and fitness editor <a href=” target=”_blank”>Charles Thorp</a>, 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.<br></p>”/>
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
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
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 |
Best Workout Tank Top
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet
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 |
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.
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.
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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