The 20 Best Workout Shirts For Men

The days of throwing on any old T-shirt to work out are long gone — that old college or high school logo tee simply won’t pass muster, even if your gym is of the home variety versus a high-powered fitness club. No sir, we’re of the opinion that every aspect of your gear requires time and thought, and that the right approach can lead to better performance — especially in your daily training sessions.

The best men’s workout shirts deliver quality performance and functionality above all else, but modern brands like Rhone and Proof Performance are also working off the notion that your workout gear can look pretty stylish, too. Again, the days of the old cotton T-shirt simply aren’t cutting it anymore, and a quality workout shirt can prove to you exactly why you need this critical wardrobe upgrade.

We put together what we consider to be the 20 best workout shirts for men to give you plenty of options. With technical function in mind, any of these workout shirts should last you for a long time — can your old cotton tee say the same? Amp up your gear and your workout with one of these workout shirts ASAP.

Rhone Reign Tech Short Sleeve Shirt

Best Overall Pick

Rhone has turned into a brand that impresses at every turn, approaching the needs of the active-yet-stylish man with an eye toward both design and functionality. That results in simply designed but highly effective gear like the Reign Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt, which is just about everything you could ask for in a workout shirt. Consider it the answer in your search for new and improved workout gear.

• Material: Proprietary anti-odor fabric
• Color Options: Deep plum, blueberry, bright white, asphalt heather, black, monument, estate blue/navy, atlantic deep/blue fog, baked apple
• Fit: Tailored athletic
• COO: United States
• Price: $78
• The Takeaway: Body mapped mesh fabric and four-way stretch mean that Rhone’s Reign shirt offers a flattering fit and comfortable performance.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve 2.0

If you haven’t yet hopped on the Lululemon train when it comes to the brand’s ability to churn out some of the best workout gear for men, we’d recommend you do so immediately. The Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve 2.0 Shirt is the latest and greatest innovation from a brand that wants to cover all the proper bases when it comes to your healthy lifestyle, and thanks to Silverescent Anti-Stink technology, this should be the shirt that makes you a Lululemon believer.

• Material: Nylon, recycled polyester, elastane, X-static nylon
• Color Options: Silver blue/cedar green, night sea/deep cove, highlight orange/butternut brown, petrol purple/dew green, prismatic blue cast black/blue/red, mineral blue/true navy, stoney peach/warm apricot, delicate mint/night sea, emerald ice/true navy, delicate mint/date brown, delicate mint/delicate mint, deep coal/black, midnight shadow/tempest blue, white/white, slate/white
• Fit: Slim
• COO: Any of these 26 countries
• Price: $78
• The Takeaway: Seamless construction makes this workout shirt completely anti-chafe, and the permanent silver ion anti-odor treatment is an excellent addition as well.

Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Crew Neck T-Shirt

The right fabric makes all the difference when it comes to brands crafting workout tees, and Mack Weldon assuredly knows this. That’s where the AIRKNITx line comes into play. This fabric is so breathable as to be lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear on its own outside the gym, but the AIRKNITx Crew Neck performs so reliably in tough workouts, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

• Material: Polyamide, polyester, and elastane
• Color Options: Indigo heather, charcoal heather
• Fit: Relaxed
• COO: Thailand, Peru, China, Egypt, and/or Vietnam
• Price: $42
• The Takeaway: A comfortable cut and fit combine with plenty of stretch and breathability to let this shirt keep you cool now matter how hot your workout gets.

Fourlaps Short Sleeve Level Tee

We appreciate Fourlaps’ A-to-Z approach to crafting the best men’s workout gear, from stylish and comfortable sweatpants and zip hoodies to all the gear you count on when you start to hit a wall in your workout. On that note, the Fourlaps Short-Sleeve Level Tee delivers nicely, featuring 37.5 technology that releases heat when you get too hot. Plus, it’s simply designed and stylish — just like your favorite pocket tee — too.

• Material: Recycled polyester, wool, and elastane
• Color Options: Gray, navy heather, army green
• Fit: Standard
• COO: Thailand and/or Vietnam
• Price: $68
• The Takeaway: The proprietary fabric used for Fourlaps’ tee keeps you cool when your workout is heating up, and warm when the weather turns cold.

Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee

We love brands that can target both the workout and recovery portions of your wardrobe, and Vuori is assuredly one of those brands. Vuori’s loungewear is soft and comfortable, while its Tradewind Performance Tee acts as a jumpstart when it comes time to kick your workout into overdrive. The performance knit fabric and UPF capabilities set it apart in your search for your next favorite workout shirt.

• Material: Recycled polyester and elastane
• Color Options: Sienna heather, cloud heather, black heather, heather grey, army heather, quartz heather
• Fit: Modern athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $48
• The Takeaway: The perforated knit fabric that makes up the body of the Tradewind Tee gives it best in class moisture wicking and breathability.

New Balance Impact Run Short Sleeve Shirt

When you find your workout shirt, you know it. And when you find a shirt from a lauded running brand that’s geared to power your workout in the speediest, best way possible, well, you’d better act quickly to snap one up. That’s where the New Balance Impact Run Short Sleeve Shirt delivers so readily — pair it up with New Balance sneakers, and watch your times drop and drop.

• Material: Recycled polyester knit mesh fabric
• Color Options: Athletic grey, black, serene blue heather
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $44.99
• The Takeaway: Made almost entirely from recycled polyester, New Balance’s Impact Run shirts are as cool for you as they are for the environment.

On Active-T

On Running’s sneakers are the stuff of legend, springy and light as air to deliver quick runs and arduous training sessions in equal measure. The On Active T is similarly made for those pursuits. The blend of cotton, modal and elastane offers up comfort and performance, and the anti-microbial technology is a must-have these days, too.

• Material: Cotton, modal, and elastane
• Color Options: Black, mulberry, dark
• Fit: Standard
• COO: Vietnam
• Price: $69.99
• The Takeaway: A generous addition of bamboo-based modal fiber makes On’s Active-T buttery soft and comfortable. Great for workouts and everyday wear alike.

Rhone Swift Running Shirt

We’re back again to Rhone and the brand’s aptly named Swift Collection. If you haven’t previously given thought to finding a shirt you can wear for running in particular, Rhone is the place to go when it comes to the best workout apparel. In bright colors to help you stand out from the pack in matters of style and performance, the Rhone Swift Running Shirt is a must-buy before you next log some miles on the road.

• Material: Synthetic mesh with anti-odor technology
• Color Options: Chili pepper, maritime, blueberry, light gray camo, brilliant blue, eden, granite, white black, vintage crimson, spring break
• Fit: Relaxed
• COO: United States
• Price: $68
• The Takeaway: Nearly a dozen bold colors and a relaxed fit make the Swift Running Shirt a shoe in for any guy’s athletic wardrobe.

On Performance-T

Most Comfortable Pick

If you’ve got a pair of On Running sneakers, then you know how best to pair up and gear up for your next run — with a new On Performance Tee, of course. Made specifically for racing but built to be functional just about anywhere and in any training situation, it’s made from breathable polyester for perfect performance, no matter how hot it gets out there this season. And again, if you’ve got On Running sneakers, you know they deliver the goods — this T-shirt should perform much the same.

• Material: Polyester
• Color Options:  Mulberry/spice, cerulean/black, black/dark
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: China
• Price: $79.99
• The Takeaway: Ultra lightweight construction and fully taped seams make On’s Performance-T feel like you’re wearing nothing at all (but you won’t get kicked out of the gym for it).

Orvis Drirelease T-Shirt

Best For Sports On The Water

You surely know Orvis for the brand’s tough waxed jackets, durable chore pants, and reliable henleys for cool mornings out in the field, on the trail, or tackling yard work — get ready to welcome this tough-as-nails heritage brand into your workout routine, though. The Orvis Drirelease T-Shirt takes the same tech-forward approach that Orvis takes to all of its gear, with the brand’s best-selling fabric used to deliver a quick-drying base layer (and a swift workout experience). At that sub-$50 price, go ahead and get more than one.

• Material: Polyester/cotton blend with an anti-odor treatment
• Color Options: Light gray, bright cobalt, moss green, faded red
• Fit: Relaxed
• COO: Imported
• Price: $49
• The Takeaway: If your idea of a workout has more to do with a day out on the river than pumping iron, Orvis’s Drirelease T-Shirt should be at the top of your list.

Reebok Workout Ready Melange T-Shirt

There might not be a more apt name for a workout tee than this one from Reebok, which should pair up nicely with your durable Reebok sneakers. And let’s not forget the price tag on the Reebok Workout Ready Melange T-Shirt, which is so affordable you can pick up a couple of these to power through all your training sessions.

• Material: Speedwick 100% polyester single jersey
• Color Options: Midnight pine, vector navy, black, pure grey 2
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $30
• The Takeaway: Affordable and easygoing, Reebok’s Melange T-Shirt is a great staple for folks who just want to get active more often.

Ten Thousand Lightweight Shirt

Best For Intense Workouts

Get ready to sweat in the Ten Thousand Lightweight Shirt, because this shirt will keep you cool and dry, no matter how hot the weather. Made from an ultra-lightweight polyester fabric, this workout shirt is beautifully minimalist with flat no-chafe seams – a design that makes it perfect for marathons and triathlons. The micro-ventilation is incredibly breathable, and the fabric wicks sweat away from your body to reduce sweat and salt build-up over your run. With the incorporated silver ion anti-odor treatment, you’ll never have to worry about smelling even after a long run or workout.

• Material: Polyester microfiber with silver ion anti-odor treatment
• Color Options: Black, light grey, deep sea, snow camo, mesa red, stone, admiral blue, pacific, navy
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $54
• The Takeaway: Anti-chafe seams and a premium featherweight fabric combine to make this shirt from Ten Thousand a perfect fit for any hard working athlete.

Outdoor Voices Fast Track Shortsleeve

Runners, take your mark – and get ready to love this Fast Track Shortsleeve. Outdoor Voices has made a performance tee ideal not only for runners and track athletes, but also resistance trainees, CrossFitters, and anyone else who needs a breathable, moisture-wicking workout shirt. The Sweatee Mesh fabric will keep you cool all workout long, and you’ll love how lightweight this shirt feels.

• Material: Polyester, cotton, and spandex
• Color Options: Black, jasper, patina, green apple, deep taupe, sunstone
• Fit: Relaxed
• COO: United States, China, and/or Vietnam
• Price: $48
• The Takeaway: Lightweight with a relaxed fit and available in a range of bright colors, Outdoor Voices’ workout shirt is a great alternative to drab black athletic shirts.

Western Rise Session Tee

Want a super versatile shirt capable of keeping up with any workout type? That’s exactly what the Western Rise Session Tee is all about. Whether you run, lift, row, or cycle, this shirt can keep up with your high-paced lifestyle. The micro-mesh fabric pulls heat and moisture away from the body, yet still allows the occasional summer breeze to cool you down. Once you put on the tee, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it, that’s how lightweight it is. With the antimicrobial, odor-resistant fabric, it’s a shirt built to keep you fresh and looking stylish all year long.

• Material: Deltapeak polyester
• Color Options: Black, ash
• Fit: Standard
• COO: Imported
• Price: $68
• The Takeaway: A high-tech Japanese polyester called Deltapeak puts Western Rise’s Session Tee in a category of its own when it comes to breathability and odor resistance.

Marmot Conveyor T-Shirt – Men’s

Take your workouts to the next level with the Marmot Conveyor T-Shirt. Made with polyester, this shirt weighs next to nothing, is ultra-breathable, and will keep you dry and cool all workout long. The flatlock seams will never chafe, even if you’re running a marathon or completing a triathlon. With the UPF30 protection, you’ll shield your skin from radiation no matter how many hours you spend working out or training under the hot sun.

• Material: Polyester
• Color Options: Arctic navy heather, black, botanical garden heather, steel onyx heather, varsity blue heather
• Fit: Standard
• COO: Imported
• Price: $31.95
• The Takeaway: A casual cut and standard fit let Marmot’s affordable Conveyor T-Shirt double as an everyday shirt, too.

Saxx Hot Shot Short Sleeve Crew / Black Heather

Style, class, and performance – those are the three words that best describe the Saxx Hot Shot Short Sleeve Crew shirt. The darker colors of the Black Heather will slim you down and make your shoulders look broader, and you’ll love the comfy, easy fit. The proprietary DropTemp technology will help your body keep you cool more effectively than ever, even on the hottest summer days. It’s just a workout shirt that “gets it” and delivers exactly what you need for any training session.

• Material: Recycled polyester and elastane
• Color Options: Red heather, malibu heather, black heather, dark denim heather
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $50
• The Takeaway: Saxx’s proprietary DropTemp fabric technology will keep you seriously cool even while you workout during the hottest months of the year.

Under Armour Men’s UA Iso-Chill Training T-Shirt

Under Armour is the go-to for professional athletes and trainees around the world, which is one of the reasons that the Iso-Chill Training T-Shirt comes so highly recommended. The Iso-Chill polyester fabric pulls heat away from your body to cool you down when you’re working hard, and the built-in ventilation in the sleeves and lower back ensure maximum breathability. The fast-drying, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, super-stretch fabric is exactly what you need to wear for even the most hardcore workout or run.

• Material: Iso-Chill nylon
• Color Options: black/white, mod gray/white, white/mod gray, midnight navy/white
• Fit: Athletic
• COO: Imported
• Price: $45
• The Takeaway: Under Armour’s proprietary Iso-Chill fabric is so moisture wicking and heat dispersing, it makes this shirt literally cool to the touch.

Myles Apparel Momentum Tee

Myles Apparel touts the Momentum tee as “the world’s most comfortable workout tee,” and anyone who has tried it on will tell you the claim isn’t too much of an exaggeration. The fabric is an incredibly soft Polartec PowerDry material, which is both quick-drying and moisture-wicking. The bi-component knit also makes it surprisingly sturdy without adding unnecessary weight. You’ll find it’s beautifully breathable even on the hottest summer days, keeping you feeling cool and dry in intense heat. Best of all, it’s finished with an eco-friendly anti-microbial, anti-odor coating that will keep it looking and smelling great for years to come.

• Material: Polartec Power Dry Bi-Component Fabric
• Color Options: Heather coal, heather gray, heather river, heather olive, heather sky, heather oxblood
• Fit: Standard
• COO: United States
• Price: $54
• The Takeaway: Myles Apparel’s collaboration with Polartec yields amazing results, with a shirt that’s top of the line in comfort and cooling power.

Public Rec Elevate Crew

I love the motto of the Public Rec Elevate Crew: “Feel soft. Work hard.” It definitely lives up to that claim, with an ultra-sleek feel thanks to the combination of polyester and spandex. The Raglan shoulder seams are sturdy and accentuate the breadth of your shoulders, so you can always look your absolute fittest in this shirt. With an odor-resistant finish and quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric, it’s a workout tee that’ll make you smile every time you slip it on.

• Material: PROTX2 polyester and spandex
• Color Options: Heather black, heather oat, heather steel
• Fit: Relaxed torso, athletic shoulders and chest
• COO: Indonesia, Thailand, and/or Peru
• Price: $58
• The Takeaway: It’s an elevated daily essential equipped with odor-blocking antimicrobial technologies and a darned soft fabric, too.

Nike Pro Dri-FIT Men’s Short-Sleeve Top

Nike takes comfort to the next level with the Pro Dri-FIT Men’s Short-Sleeve Top, blending organic cotton fibers with just enough recycled polyester to make it a hard-wearing, moisture-wicking, quick-drying workout superstar. The jersey fabric is super soft to the touch but won’t turn soggy when sweaty. Though the cut is form-fitting, it’s comfortable and loose enough to keep you moving easy on the court or in the gym.

• Material: Recycled polyester and polyester
• Color Options: Particle gray, gray fog, heather, black, chile red, university red, rough green, white, game royal blue
• Fit: Relaxed
• COO: Imported
• Price: $35
• The Takeaway: Lots of colors and a generous cut and fit make this Nike workout shirt accessible to just about every guy out there.

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