21 Cool Workout Shirts for Men to Buy Now

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WHEN IT comes to discovering the perfect exercise shirt, our worn-out college T-shirts of yesteryears won't suffice indefinitely. 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.

Navigating the e-commerce realm in search of these gym shirt gems, however, can be a challenge. We understand that the recent surge in activewear trends and social media marketing has inundated the market, overwhelming even the most discerning shoppers. In response, we've consulted esteemed trainers and fitness experts from Men's Health about the best workout shirts for men. These pros have thoroughly tested a variety of workout shirts, enduring numerous sessions drenched in sweat and sticky summer days. The result? A handpicked selection that bears the stamp of approval from the world of fitness and style.

The era of compromise between style and substance has come to a close—the new generation of workout shirts delivers a wearing experience that's as sleek as it is effective. Whether you're looking for a shirt for your long runs or a do-it all tees for your HIIT sessions, these men's workout shirts have you covered (literally). Below, the top 21 workout shirts for men to shop this year.

Tech Stretch Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

A week's worth of quality workout shirts can set you back a few hundreds of dollars. Not so with Amazon's in-house brand of workout tees, which cost less than $20 each and have amassed over 1,400 five-star ratings. We love its (yes) incredible value, and sun-protecting, moisture-wicking properties.

The size range and fit is designed to accommodate larger guys, but what's really impressive is the range of colors available. With 23 options available, we've purchased this shirt for just about everyone we know. From patterns to classic neutrals and eye-catching solids, we appreciated that there's truly something for everyone.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,939 Amazon reviews, 82% recommend the Tech Stretch Short-Sleeve T-Shirt with at least a 4-star rating.

Reign Short Sleeve

When it comes to finding the right fit for a workout shirt, ideally you want it to feel like a second skin. Enter Rhone's short sleeve tee, which has a broken-in (while still secure) fit that's loaded with gym-friendly specs like an anti-chafing, moisture-wicking fabric. It's also infused with gold (yes, really) to fend off stink, meaning we feel an edge of luxe badassery every time we put it on.

Taking it outside? No problem. We love that it also has a UPF50+ exterior for adequate sun protection. The Reign's suite of features made it an easy cinch for our Men's Health Fitness Awards.

Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, creator of In Time Fitness, has multiple pairs of Rhone's gym tees. "They are comfortable and have enough stretch in them that allows zero restriction," he previous told Men's Health.

What do buyers say? "In love with the fabric, can be used for athletic wear and casual wear. Your staple, all-around t-shirt,"said one reviewer on the brand's site.

Read more: Best Moisture-wicking shirts

Strato Tech Tee

If softness is your priority, consider Vuori a go-to brand for apparel. This tee is made with the brand's softest performance knit ever. Plus, a modern athletic fit and 29" body length (1" longer than the Current Tech T-Shirt) offers a flattering fit for most guys,

Moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry and comfortable during even the most intense workouts, while the anti-odor technology is intended to keep you fresh all day. It also features an ultraviolet protection to keep you safe from the sun's harmful rays while you enjoy getting outside. After wearing this shirt at least once per week (and often more) for the past year, we can attest to its quality. There's truly nothing to dislike, including it washability. We've tossed it in the machine for a wash on hot and cold and even dried it—it's always come out as fresh as new, and has yet to lose any of its elasticity.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 6,036 Vuori Clothing reviews, buyers recommended the Strato Tech Tee with a 4.83-star rating.

Conquer Reform Crewneck Short Sleeve

The shirt from Alo is undeniably soft and makes any workout feel just a smidge more badass. We put this shirt through its paces during hot weather and high-sweat workouts, and it stayed light, dried quickly, and didn't smell nasty afterwards. The fit is true to size, stretchy and doesn't cling, and feels more athletic than relaxed. Above all, it's ultra-soft, making each wear to the gym or for leisure just as enjoyable.

As someone who appreciates both style and functionality, I found the Conquer Reform Crewneck transitions well from practice sessions to casual outings, and looks better than many competitors in either setting. Its versatile design, combined with its impeccable fit, has us already contemplating getting one in every color.

CloudKnit Tee

The Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Tee is a game-changer in the comfort department. We've never felt a tee so soft and lightweight before. The CloudKnit fabric basically feels like wearing a cozy hug. It used to be called the All Day Shortsleeve, and I get why–we've even worn it to sleep regularly. It's stretchy and just about the comfiest thing in our fitness wardrobe.

We have to admit, though, it's not the best bet for high-sweat activities or scorching days. The breathability somehow falls short competitors, meaning we keep it on-hand for low-key moments like travel or low-intensity workout days. The fit is easygoing and laid-back, but it does run a bit long. Despite its ventilation hiccup, the CloudKnit Tee is a winner when it comes to its softness.

Versatile Shirt

Ten Thousand's marquee shirt lives up to its name. Its anti-chafe flatlock seam prevents armpit irritation, and silver ions fend off BO. Plus, despite the shirt's relatively breezy fit, it's also incredibly durable and holds up even after months of consistent use (and washes). In short, it's a truly versatile workout shirt.

"My go-to workout shirt. I like how the fabric has a subtle texture that feels airy and light, yet the shirt is still strong enough to hold its shape over time. There’s no collar break down here," says John Thompson, Men's Health Gear and Commerce Editor.

What do buyers say? "Great shirt for running, gym or just hanging! Well made, like all their stuff- it just works," said one tenthousand.cc reviewer.

Performance Cotton Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Russel has been making workout gear for over a century so they've got more experience than almost anyone else in the business. Their cotton-polyester blend t-shirt is so simple but effective. It does everything you want a workout tee to do and you can wear it in your daily life too.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 61,963 Amazon reviews, 86% recommend the Performance Cotton Short Sleeve T-Shirt with at least a 4-star rating.

HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt

This short sleeve compression tee is made with Under Armour’s sweat-wicking HeatGear fabric, which features anti-odor technology to keep you—and your shirt—smelling fresh during sweaty sessions. Also available in sleeveless and long sleeve versions.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 23,760 Amazon reviews, 92% recommend the HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt with at least a 4-star rating.

Read more: Best Compression Shirts for Men

Current Tech T-Shirt

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 technology keeps you 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.

Its got the perfect fit, too. At 28" in length with a modern athletic fit (not too baggy, not to slim), it's perfect for tucking in or leaving out.

What do buyers say? "Very high-quality tee, with a fit that is true to size. Love how soft it is, and it has held up really well after repeated washes after yoga and workouts," said one reviewer on vuoriclothing.com.

Accelerate Singlet

This running tank top from New Balance is made from a tight mesh fabric that provides maximum breathability and sweat shedding. The loose singlet design allows air to flow over your whole body as you move. An extra long back panel allows you to keep the shirt tucked in to reduce drag.

Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt

One of the lighter tees we've tried, Lululemon's training shirt can still hold up when you want to hit the pavement hard. Sweat-wicking, BO-fighting technology makes it ideal for even outdoor exercises, and it's available in an array of tastefully textured patterns to break up your solid color gym gear.

It's a crowd favorite with Men's Health editors, too. Here's what Commerce Editor Maverick Li had to say about his experience with this shirt.

"Ever had a tee that is cool to the touch—and stays cool throughout your workout session, no matter how sweaty you get? In my experience of wearing it to the gym for weight training, it has never gotten wet, stinky, and or clingy to my skin. In fact, I’ve tested its sweat-wicking, BO-fighting technology in outdoor exercises, and the coolness and freshness have never once worn off, even against sweaty skin. Its lightweight and stretch also render it all the more workout-friendly, especially for benching.

However, I did notice that, without proper storage and care, this shirt can get wrinkly. But after stretching it out in the gym, the wrinkles disappear like a thief in the night."

Outdoor Research Echo T-Shirt

Outdoor Research built this t-shirt with a unique panel design to place seams where the create the least friction. The fabric is a tight mesh designed for maximum breathability and moisture shedding. Its incredibly light weight but still provides UV protection.

What do buyers say? "As the weather started to cool, the thought of returning to heavy cotton T-shirts didn’t appeal to me. I had a couple of these OR Echo tees that I originally bought for use outdoors. I decided they would make great tees for every day. They do!" said one Backcountry reviewer.

React Drop Arm Tank

With a slim fit and drop armhole cut, this tank allows for maximum mobility and airflow, preventing any restrictions during exercise.

"The thing I love about the GymShark drop tank is the freedom of movement. It's great for pull-ups and overhead exercises, and it's perfect for training in the summer," says Samuel.

The Gymshark logo is printed on the front of the tank, adding a touch of style to this minimalist design with being too in your face. The brand is sharpening its focus on sustainability, so the product comes without its OG swing tag.

UA RUSH Energy Sleeveless

This tank from Under Armour is made of a super-soft cotton-blend fabric, providing all-day comfort during training. The ribbed collar and generous dropped armholes ensure full range of motion, allowing you to move freely and with ease.

"This Muscle Tank feels light on my body so I barely notice it when training, yet it does a solid job of soaking up sweat," explains Samuel. "Oh, and it manages to look badass, too."

Crater Lake Hoodie

Mountain Harwear built this shirt for those outdoors workouts when you need a little extra protection from the sun and the elements. A three piece hood design provides neck and ear coverage. Thumb holes at the sleeve cuffs keep the sleeves in place during intense movement. The fabric also provides UV protection.

What do buyers say? "I’m on the water in South Florida fishing a lot. I own multiple brands of sun hoodies. This is my favorite no question. Most comfortable and the hood is designed so well that you’ll actually use it. Super soft material that actually feels cooler as you sweat," said one Backcountry reviewer.

72-Hour Merino Tee

True to its name, Proof's signature tee kept us dry even after the longest workouts. And while most workout tees have that synthetic, slightly-itchy feel, this one is as comfortable as our favorite loungewear, which means you'll want to wear this all day, every day.

We asked our editors about their experience with this shirt. "I’ve had this shirt for over 2 years now and it continues to be a soft and breathable tee I can turn to. It doubles as my airplane shirt and my hotel gym workout shirt whenever I’m traveling light," explained Thompson.

What do buyers say? "This is the second one I purchased. Expensive but great quality and comfortable T-shirt. Very breathable fabric that will not make you sweat like crazy in the heat. If your on the fence between sizes definitely size up," said one Huckberry reviewer.

Read more: Best Online Clothing Stores for Men

Van Cortlandt Tee

Yes, this Ivy League-inspired shirt is a stunner, but don't let its pretty looks deceive you. It has a moisture-wicking mesh top that offers maximum breathability and movement, so you can wear this even during your hardest sweat sessions.

And while other workout shirts we tried ride up after running more than five miles, this one stays perfectly put during our long runs.

More Workout Shirts We Love

YPB infinityKNIT Tee

A&F's foray into activewear has been a huge success. Case in point: its infinityKNIT tee, which has a soft-but-strong fabric that can take a beating, and a flattering cut to show off your gains.

TechKnit Dri-FIT ADV Short-Sleeve Running Top

Nike's famed Dri-FIT Adv fabric wicks away sweat, and has a seamless, soft feel that's like a second skin.

Swift Short Sleeve 2.0

This all-purpose workout shirt has side slit seams for extra mobility (and style points), while its Goldfusion tech fights odors for more wears between washes.

Apex Seamless Tank

Show off on arm day with the Apex, a next-gen tank with ventilation across the chest and sides to keep you looking and feeling cool.

Focus Tank

On's sharp-looking tank has a thick material that's great for Fall temps, and features a moisture-wicking interior to keep you from feeling swampy.

Flex Tank

UPF 50+ and a quick dry fabric makes this tank great for outdoor workouts, and gun show weather.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Workout Shirt

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.

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.

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, look for the shirts that dry the fastest and breath the best.

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.

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.

How We Selected the Best Workout Shirts

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness and Style on the top workout shirts for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., fashion director Ted Stafford, and team of commerce editors put countless 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. We also considered top-reviewed men's workout shirts that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

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