Ace Apparel: 12 Best Men’s Running Shirts

When you think of running gear, you obviously think about getting the right shoes, which makes perfect sense; however, getting a quality running shirt is also important, but can be easily slept on. If you love to run, at a certain point you have to ditch that faded, old workout tee and upgrade to something more serviceable.

Whether you’re into doing half or full marathons, running a 5K every now and then or simply running to stay in shape, getting a quality running shirt will improve your workout experience. But, how do you go about picking the best running tee? Shopping around for the ideal one may seem like an easy task, but there are many things to consider, including wickability, breathability and the comfort of the material. In order to help guide you through the vast variety of running shirts out there, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are some of the best running tees for men on the market.

Nike Dri-Fit Rise 365

Nike’s simple design is ideal for your daily run with it’s highly breathable fabric and mesh back that helps you stay cool under the sun. It also has flat shoulder seams for a smoother feel and a reflective swoosh logo, so you’ll be sure to stand out. In addition to its comfortability and functionality, the classic crew design makes for a sharp look, allowing you to take care of some errands right after you record your time.

Purchase: $45

Ronhill Stride S/S Crew

For the Ronhill team, running isn’t a hobby, but a lifestyle, and that’s why this running top caught our attention. This lightweight, high wicking tee has a relaxed fit that’s ideal for the summertime. Made with Regulite fabric, this thermal t-shirt is able to assist in regulating your body temperature while feeling super soft. Coming in a variety of colorways and designs, you can add a little flash to your running gear.

Purchase: $50

Ten Thousand Distance Shirt

With more of a minimalist approach, this t-shirt by Ten Thousand focuses on functionality over style. Made from premium featherweight Italian fabric, this breathable t-shirt is built for comfort, allowing you to work harder towards your run goals. This American-made shirt even has anti-chafe seams and silver ion anti-odor for your convenience.

Purchase: $50

The North Face Men’s Flight Better Than Naked Tee

This lifetime guaranteed running tee by The North Face was designed for endurance runners, with its very resilient, ‘FlashDry’ fabric that has wrapped seams for an excellent fit that won’t bog you down. Additionally, this top has a slight drop-tail hem for additional coverage when you have to power up hills, as well as a locker loop and reflective logos.

Purchase: $50

Patagonia Windchaser Shirt

Patagonia’s ultralight shirt is made out of 100% recycled polyester that proficiently follows your flow on a run, while providing excellent ventilation with its open mesh on the upper body panel. Not to mention, it also has a set-in sleeve construction and underarm gussets for chafe-free, full range of motion. They’ve even got the little things covered, like a locker loop and tagless neck, which helps in making it one of the best out there.

Purchase: $60

Under Armour Hex Delta

Under Armour continues to hang with the best of them, pumping out quality products on a regular basis, and this shirt is no exception. This super light, next-to-skin t-shirt is snug without being too constrictive and has a special hex-shaped pattern that traps some warmth for those colder mornings. Additionally, this shirt is made with a 4-way stretch construction, allowing your movements to feel natural on any route you decide to conquer.

Purchase: $60

Rhone Celliant Running Short Sleeve

When it comes to running, Rhone’s got things down with their Celliant Running tee, featuring Celliant technology that will actually help in temporarily increasing your blood flow. That means this shirt has the ability to help give you more energy and endurance for those long, draining marathons. On top of that, it also has ‘SilverTech’ threads that effectively fight bacteria, along with an intricate seamless construction for efficient breathability and moisture wicking. In a sport where it’s you versus the course, every ounce of energy counts, and this shirt can give you that extra edge.

Purchase: $80

Lululemon Run Out Short Sleeve

The Run Out tee by Lululemon is both stylish and practical, as it utilizes ‘Silverescent Technology’ that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, allowing you to stay fresh throughout your workout. It also utilizes a four-way stretchable, sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric to keep you as comfortable as possible while you run.

Purchase: $80

Tracksmith Strata Tee

Made for competitive runners, Tracksmith’s Strata top is light and breezy, featuring the ‘Strata: Coldback,’ which provides UV protection and reduced heat absorption technology. It may look simple with it’s dapper single-stripe accent, but it’s got plenty of upsides, such as ‘Active>Silver,’ an anti-microbial finish that aides in reducing odor. This soft running top will definitely help you train hard to get into peak marathon shape. In fact, it was tested for the Boston Marathon, where runner Jason Ayr didn’t do too bad of a job, placing 22nd overall.

Purchase: $80

2XU Heat Short Sleeve Run Tee

This tee by 2XU was designed for running in colder climates, as it’s made with a revolutionary heat activating ceramic infused yarn, because it’s not always sunshine and rainbows out there. You won’t have to bundle up with this moisture wicking t-shirt, so you won’t be weighed down as much when you’re trying to shave seconds off your mile time. Furthermore, this zero body cling t-shirt is made with raglan sleeves and flat lock seams for an ideal feel and fit.

Purchase: $90

Iffley Road Cambrian Drirelease T-Shirt

Produced with a bespoke technical drirelease micro-blend pique that adequately wicks away sweat, this slim running tee is truly made with the runner in mind. This lightweight shirt even has a convenient in-seam pocket for a key and credit card so you can focus on the road ahead without worrying about losing your essentials.

Purchase: $90

Isaora Laser Bonded Panel Tee

At first glance, this looks more like a graphic tee than one you would throw on to go for a run, but it does have all the workings to be suitable for a workout. Using Superfine Pima Cotton, this shirt, created by the fashionable team at Isaora, can stretch with your unique movement and stride. When you put this tee on, you’ll feel the quality of the construction, as each shirt is pieced by welding machine operators with no thread whatsoever. Topping things off, it has raglan sleeves for excellent range of motion and reflective logos on the back neck.

Purchase: $150