The 10 Best Workout Shirts for Men, Tested by Editors and Trainers

The Strato 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.

This is one of my go-to shirts if I have to go anywhere looking respectable and want to get a workout in after wearing the same gear. The feel is soft, but without any friction when you are really pushing it in the gym.

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. The quick-drying tee is the best kind of deceptive, looking like a classic tee with tons of built-in performance.

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Made of mesh fabric, the Interval 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. Minimalist 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.

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A deft blend of polyester, tencel, and spandex, this shirt strikes 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.

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A sleek 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.

Simply put, Tracksmith makes some of the coolest, most timeless threads. This tank top is no exception, with a classy diagonal stripe that looks a bit like an iconic soccer or cross country 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.

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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, 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.

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The perfect workout shirt should look great, move well, and feel like a second skin. Rhone’s accomplished this and more with the Reign Tech tee, which has earned a mention in our Fitness Awards several times already. These awards don’t come to t-shirts easy, but this design has made its mark on the Men’s Health team by being a welcoming wear for any sweat session.

The exclusive fabric mix does the job and the captain’s stitch really brings another level . 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 straddle stitching offers support without compromising your range of motion. 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.

Value is always welcome and, this shirt carries it in droves. The minute I put it on, it conformed comfortably to everything. That means it can work as a great base layer in the colder months, too. But this shirt was truly designed to help keep you cool during the hotter months, making it a perfect pick for summer training.

We appreciate the stretch and high level of comfort, while the mesh underarm kept my pits cool and dry. Bonus points are awarded to the classic, solid color options that pop or blend-in at the gym. All with that old school UA logo. Being tag-less with a straight hem, the fit is quite striking as well. And you get all of that with a minimal dent in the bank account.

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, so you won’t have to worry about tears even when you’re throwing down in the free weights section. Strength and style, woven together into this one.

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 Tee doesn’t stop there. With sweat-wicking technology and flat-lock seam lines, you’re going to be dry and looking sharp.

This particular design truly boosts your physique, 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.

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 worked out 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.”