Compared to other outdoor gear that we review, picking a running shirt can be relatively simple. All the shirts reviewed in this article are comfortable, have a great fit, keep you cool when working hard and include features that relate to running. We don’t believe you can go far wrong with any of the shirts in this review. To determine the best ones, we paid close attention to all the details. Our nitpicky assessments may have made some shirts seem less worthy than they really are. This article on buying advice is intended to highlight the subtle differences in fabric types, sewing techniques, breathability, and features. We discuss at the end which shirts are best for certain purposes.
Comfort
Comfort is the main thing to look for when purchasing a running shirt. We found that the three main design elements of comfort are the type of stitching on seams, the fabric type, and the fit. Stretch also plays a role in all three elements of comfort. We will leave you to choose the right fit, as it is unique to your body shape. However, we will cover the other two factors in the following paragraphs.
Seam Stitching Types
The fabric is sewn into a shirt to create a garment. A seam is created where the smaller pieces meet. The way these seams are connected will determine how comfortable a sweater is. You may not even notice your shirt’s seams as you drive or sit at your office. Running is a repetitive motion that involves rubbing and bouncing against your shirt and body thousands of times. This can irritate the seams and rub against the skin. While the type of stitching on your work shirt might not be a major consideration, it is a primary concern for running shirts. Below, we describe the three types of stitching that we found in our review, along with the pros and cons of each.
Flat Lock Seams
This type of seam is the most common among the shirts that we have reviewed. The flatlock seam is created by sewing two pieces of fabric together without overlap. It is the most popular type of sewing seams for outdoor clothing, as it leaves less material to rub. The location and number affected the comfort of these seams. As an example, seams running across the back shoulders are more noticeable when you’re running. However, seams along the sides of the torso tend to be less noticeable. The more comfort-oriented designers of shirts have started to gusset these problematic areas.
Overlock Seams
Overlock seams tend to be more common than flatlocks in the traditional clothing industry. However, because of their higher visibility, they can irritate and chafe more easily. The two pieces of fabric are folded and then sewn together. The seam is nice on the outside, with no visible stitching, but the inside has a hanging piece of cloth.
Taped Seams
Taped seams require no stitching. They are made by adhering the seam together with an adhesive. They are the most comfortable, especially for running, because they have no protrusions to rub against. While taped seams provide more comfort, they are also more fragile.
Patagonia uses taped shoulder seams to reduce friction when worn with a water bottle. Credit: Jeff Colt
We noticed that, in addition to the type and direction of the stitching, the thread type used to stitch seams together varies from shirt to shirt. The direction in which the ” grain ” is stitched also matters. Arc’teryx used a very tight stitch for their merrow stitching in the Cormac Crew so that the seams were almost unnoticeable.
Types of Fabric
The type of fabric is second in importance when it comes to comfort. The majority of shirts reviewed here are Polyester, but a few are blended with nylon or lyocell. The Black Diamond Rhythm Shirt is the only shirt made from a merino blend instead of Polyester. Below, we describe the properties of each fabric type.
The use of Polyester
Most of the shirts that were tested and described are made of Polyester with a blend of spandex. The synthetic chemical compound polyester is made from oil. It is not a natural fibre. It is durable and retains its form easily, making it an excellent choice for outdoor clothing. It has a smooth and slippery texture, and it can be woven into an almost infinite variety of thicknesses and weaves. It is non-absorbent and will not absorb sweat or water, making it extremely quick drying. The ability to dry quickly is a great advantage for polyester fabrics, as they can cool you down fast if you get sweaty. They are also very useful for cold weather activities since they won’t keep you wet.
The shirt is made of a linear stretch-poly weave that allows for ventilation. It also has less fabric surface than tighter woven shirts and holds less water. Credit: Jeff Colt
Merino Wool
We have worn merino-wool shirts without issue in the past. However, we sometimes find that they are a little too itchy and tend to fall apart after running a thousand kilometres. Some wool/synthetic mixes are durable and do not itch. When trying out alternative fabrics, keep in mind that comfort is the most important factor. Fabric feel can be affected by skin sensitivity. Merino has many benefits, including being a natural fibre that wicks away moisture and protects against odour.
Black Diamond Rhythm is a lightweight and stretchy base layer that is perfect for running or any other activity requiring breathable clothing. Credit: Jeff Colt
Breathability and Drying Speed
By assessing breathability and drying time, we may be giving the same grade twice. While both metrics are important to how a shirt keeps you cool and dry, we believe they are two sides of the same coin.
Breathability is the ability of the shirt to efficiently allow airflow through the fabric so that sweat can stay in vapour while passing from inside to outside air. This metric is higher for shirts that have mesh panels or thin fabrics that allow air to pass through.
The Drying Speed was measured by comparing the wet shirts to each other in a controlled setting. The drying time of a shirt is influenced by two factors: wicking and absorption. The ability to wick is the fibre’s ability to move sweat out of the shirt and onto the outside, where it can quickly dry due to exposure to sunlight and wind. It can be due to the difference in the size and shape between the fibres inside and outside the shirt or, mechanically, by fibres that are able to absorb water on the interior and then pull it through the fibres by the evaporative effect on the exterior. Some fibres, such as merino, have natural wicking qualities, while other weaves help promote wicking. The ability of a shirt to dry quickly is dependent on water absorption or retention. Polyester is not able to absorb water. However, fibres such as nylon and wool are. Different polyester weaves can trap molecules and retain water, resulting in slower drying times.
It doesn’t matter if we call it ” breathability ” or ” dry time “; what we really mean is the effectiveness of a shirt in keeping you cool. The cooling effect is greater when the evaporation occurs faster, but only for a short time.
Features and Versatility
Features are the little extras that make shirts stand out and add to the overall effect of the shirt. In addition to the fabric’s durability, features are what determine a shirt’s versatility. Hardshell jackets can have an almost infinite number of features. Since we’re talking about running shirts, there are a few reasonable things you can do to increase the value of the shirt without compromising its functionality. Reflectivity, odour control, and UPF ratings are the three main features of these shirts that help boost their versatility. Below are the details:
Baleaf has many of the features found in more expensive running shirts. These include a sweatband for the back neck and flatlock seams that are surprisingly comfortable. Credit: Jeff Colt
Reflectivity
Most of the running shirts that are described in this article have reflective logos or tabs to increase visibility for runners at night. These reflectors light up white when the headlights from a car strike them, just like an animal’s eye does when you shine your headlight at it in the dark. These reflectors may not be strictly necessary, but they can provide a feeling of security to those who run at night. On the websites of manufacturers, you’ll often see the term “360-degree reflectiveness“. However, this is only true for two shirts: the Motus Crew by Arc’teryx and the Baleaf Quick Dry, which both feature reflectors on all four sides.
The Airchaser shirt lacks the 360-degree reflective banding that we look for in running shirts. Credit: Jeff Colt
Odor Control
The majority of the shirts that we tested had either a natural odour-control additive (such as Merino fabric) or a proprietary odour-control additive. All of them worked well in our tests, but the natural merino found in the Black Diamond Rhythm Tee performed the best. You may remember the old polyester shirts that would retain odours to the point they were almost impossible to wash out. Some shirts retained more odour than others. We suspect that these odour-protection additives are effective in reducing odour.
UPF Ratings
Some shirts come with a UPF rating. UPF is an ultraviolet protective Factor, and it has a rating similar to that of sunscreen. Some manufacturers boost the UPF of a product by using special dyes or fabrics. If a shirt is rated at 30, it means that only 1/30th of the ultraviolet light rays will reach your skin. What about shirts that have no rating? The average UPF is 8-15. Clothing products are not allowed to advertise their UPF rating until they have reached 15 or higher. This means that those with a rating were specially designed for additional protection. The Cormac Crew has the highest UPF rating in our review.
The Decision Making Process
Asking yourself some pertinent questions can help you narrow down your choices. This is the most important question: How will I use this shirt? We have provided some suggestions for specific uses below. We recommend reading individual reviews for more information on the performance of each shirt. Here, small preferences such as features and fit can help you choose between the remaining options.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Running
These shirts can be worn when running. If you’re looking for a running shirt, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out our top scorers.
Hot Weather
If you are running in hot or warm weather, you should choose the shirt with the highest breathability and the fastest drying time. These factors help you cool down quickly through the evaporation of sweat. The shirt with large mesh panels to promote airflow is the best choice.
The darker green mesh is more breathable and mapped in areas of the back where heat is shed. The darker green mesh allows for better ventilation and is mapped on the areas where heat is lost. Credit: Jeff Colt
Ultra Adventure Running
Running vests or small packs are often worn for ultra runs or long adventure runs to carry food, water and other essentials such as rain gear. These running shirts are all fine for long runs. However, those without mesh on the shoulders and back will last longer as jostling and repeated bouncing can quickly wear out the mesh. Fit is important for long-lasting efforts. The discomfort and chafing that you feel on a shorter run will be worsened by the longer distances, increased sweating, and weight changes as a full hydration bag is emptied between aid stations. The Cormac Crew is a great option for long-day adventures because it has a UPF rating of 50+.
The Cormac is the ideal choice for long-lasting efforts or easy trips around town. Its comfort comes from the gridded material and merrow stitches, as well as the perfect amount of four-directional stretch. Credit: Jeff Colt
Hiking or Backpacking
The same technical running shirts are great for backpacking, hiking or climbing! In this case, we often use them. We caution you against wearing a backpack for too long with a shirt that is mostly mesh. It might not be able to withstand the abuse. Merino Wool is a great option for long thru-hikes such as the PCT or AT, where odour can be an issue.
Jeff Colt
Workout at the Gym
These synthetic shirts, such as running shirts, are ideal for exercising in the gym. Some of the most affordable shirts we reviewed are able to handle sweat and intense gym workouts with ease. You may not want to spend too much money on a shirt for the gym. We would recommend the shirts on the cheaper end.
As a base layer
We like to wear a breathable and durable tee shirt as a base layer when skiing, ice-climbing, or participating in cold-weather activities. The polyester weave in the Cormac Crew made it easy to slide warmer layers over the top without bunching. If you plan to use your running shirt as an underlayer, durability and a sleek athletic fit are two of the most important attributes. The -Rhythm Tee is a warm and comfortable base layer that wicks away sweat while on Nordic skiing and ski tours. The Rhythm Tee is the best shirt for this purpose because of its merino core and benefits.
The conclusion of the article is:
In this article, we have provided a more detailed description of the features that define the best running shirts. You can find a lot more information about any of the above topics by searching online. We hope that this article helped you find your next shirt. Happy running!
