The 11 Best Workout Shirts for Men, Tested by Editors

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 with this shirt on, 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.

Read more: Best Running Shorts for Men

Pros

• Buttery soft material
• Looks brand new after many washes and wears
• Great value for the quality

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 fabric kept us 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. Added bonuses include UV protection, anti-odor tech, and a modern, athletic fit. The quick-drying tee is the best kind of deceptive, looking like a classic tee with tons of built-in performance. In fact, our fashion team says you can wear this as an everyday shirt, and plays nice with your go-to jeans or shorts.

Pros

• Casual look
• Great for weightlifting
• Tremendous mobility and stretch

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Flat-lock seams
• Underpriced for performance level

Pros

• Rich color options
• Strategic perforations
• Tested again and again

Pros

• Dri-FIT tech
• 100% recycled material
• Stunning chevron design

Pros

• Odor-fighting tech
• Saddle seam shoulder
• Superior texture

Pros

• Classic crew neck aesthetic
• Slim yet comfortable
• Spandex for extra stretch

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.