The best workout shirts for men should be masters of multi-tasking (just as versatile as your fitness routine), combining sturdy and breathable fabrics that can clear the wringer of sweat, movement, and spin cycles in the wash without emerging significantly worse for wear or perpetually odorous. And when you hit the gym to get those gains, it’s always a boost of confidence to show up in something that doesn’t make you feel like a schlub. To that end, we’ve got you covered with some of the best workout shirts for men, from tees to tanks to long-sleeves that are streamlined, breathable, and even stylish.
The Best Workout Shirts for Men, at a Glance
Save the heavy lifting to us and get straight to our favorite men’s workout shirts right here.
The Best All-Around Workout Shirt: Rhone Reign
Rhone’s four-way stretch Reign tee clings in all the right places (around the biceps, for example, so that the sleeves don’t ride up and down) and it doesn’t cling to any of the wrong ones (the shoulders, the armpits, and the gut) thanks to raglan sleeves and a slightly looser fit. This best seller is breathable enough to prevent soak-throughs, but not so thin that that a brisk day will highlight your nipples to everyone on the track. The best part, though, is that the fabric is infused with little bits of gold for anti-odor protection, which the company says delays the onset of that dreaded perpetual funk that most other workout shirts succumb to eventually. It sounds dumb, but for us, contemporaneously acquired shirts from other brands have already acquired a certain musk that this one, mercifully, has not.
The Best Budget Workout Shirt: Nike Dri-FIT
Every brand now makes its own version of sweat-wicking fabric, but after almost three decades on the market, Nike’s Dri-Fit is still a more-than-capable challenger to some of the more expensive counterparts. High armholes and a slim body make the tee comfortable enough for runs and fitted enough for weightlifting, while an array of classic colors let you wear this shirt on the regular without signaling to others that yeah, you lift, bro. At half the cost of our other top picks—plus, Nike products frequently go on sale at retailers—this is the most cost-effective solution to the reprehensible cut-off tee collection that you’re still clinging to.
The Best Vented Workout Shirt: Lululemon Vent Tech 2.0
For a brand that’s synonymous with athleisure, Lululemon makes gym clothes that are actually good for working out and not just lounging. A shade looser than the Rhone, this updated version of one of our favorite Lululemon workout tops deserves its spot in these hallowed rankings because it lets in a whole lot of air. That’s thanks in large part to a series of visible, larger-than-usual holes that somehow don’t show any skin. Also, the heathered colorways and contrast-stitched seams provide a nice reprieve from the bright solid colors available at your local sporting goods store. For those of you who aren’t inclined to shill for an athletic apparel giant without an endorsement deal in place, the logo—already small and unobtrusive—is tucked away on the back, just below the neck.
The Best Cold Weather Workout Shirt: Under Armour HeatGear Compression
Under Armour’s HeatGear compression shirt will help you focus on your workout without any interruption from the brisk winter weather. Its super-light fabric delivers superior coverage without weighing you down. It includes a mesh underarm and back panels for better ventilation to help wick sweat and keep you dry. For an affordable $32, this HeatGear long-sleeve top is a must-have. The cold won’t be an excuse next winter.
The Best Workout Shirt for Runners: Tracksmith Harrier
Tracksmith has carved out its own niche in the running community for its preppy New England athletic apparel—think Prefontaine-era silhouettes with a dash of retro Ivy League style. Its Harrier tee is one of the brand’s best workout shirts because of its merino wool construction, which makes it odor resistant and naturally moisture wicking. It feels good on the skin, even during long-distance runs, and it’ll regulate your body temperature so you don’t overheat.
The Best Workout Tank: Ten Thousand Durable Muscle Tank
Chest day got you feeling like you want to show a little more off? Fellas, behold the muscle tank, a sleeveless way to show off your gains during intense workouts, HIIT training, or cardio days. In our testing, Ten Thousand’s Durable line of tops offers just enough chest-bearing action without alerting the gym staff to a flasher situation. The material’s been given an anti-odor treatment so you won’t smell no matter how much sweat you perspire. Plus, you just look super hard when you’re wearing a muscle tee at the gym.
The Best Long-Sleeve Shirt for Working Out: Bandit Micromesh
Even beyond the dead of winter, some folks prefer to work out in a long-sleeve, whether it’s to help absorb excess sweat or to create a hotter environment that helps you sweat it out even more. Bandit’s Micromesh performance tee is best for those kinds of people—because of its construction, it won’t cling to your sticky skin, while the anti-odor properties won’t have your gym bros keeping their distance from you when you’re in need of a spotter. We’ve noticed zero chafing during runs (which makes sense since Bandit prides itself as a running apparel brand), and this makes a great base layer under a crewneck or hoodie. Also, unlike so many other long-sleeve tees that prioritize a slim fit for accentuating the look of your upper body, this option has a relaxed fit that’s easy to slip off and toss in the laundry hamper at home.
FAQ
What to Look For in Workout Shirts
Cotton feels great on the skin and is super breathable, so you might be surprised to hear that it makes for a terrible workout shirt. That’s because cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away. So as your cotton T-shirt takes on sweat, it blocks airflow and can make you feel hotter. Most activewear brands avoid using all-cotton fabrics for that reason and it’s also why you’ll rarely ever see an athlete wearing a jersey made of the stuff. Instead, the best materials for gym shirts are polyester or a polyester blend. They’re not only breathable, but moisture-wicking and fast-drying too, so your sweat can dissipate through your most grueling gym sessions. Some workout shirts are even designed with strategically placed mesh for more airflow.
But it’s not just about keeping cool. Your workout shirt or tank should also have enough stretch to accommodate a wide range of motion for that next-level yoga pose and work with you when you’re trying to set a personal best on the shoulder press machine. High-quality workout shirts will use elastane or spandex that will stretch and conform to your every move, and remain flexible for the long haul.
Fit is another consideration, depending on how you want to train. Tighter activewear garments like compression shirts can help increase blood flow for better performance and decreased soreness, while looser-fitting gym shirts have better airflow to cool you down. It’s all a matter of preference.
How We Tested
We put the best workout shirts for men through their paces by running, lifting, training, and sweating abundantly in them—even anointing some our favorite fitness pieces of all time with a GQ Fitness Award. Some are extra-ventilated with mesh panels, others offer UPF50 sun protection, while still others are so fly that they provide extra motivation for getting out there to run laps in the dead of winter. Above all, they’re the perfect medium of comfort, breathability, and design to help you work out in style—with bonus points given to any shirts with sweat-wicking and odor-blocking properties. Here are some of the best workout shirts for men that deserve a spot in your fitness rotation.
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