Nike Dri-Fit Legend Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Sizes: S to 3X | Materials: 100% polyester | Wicking score: 3/5 | Weight: Light | Cut: Classic
What’s notable:
- Easy airflow to keep sweat off your skin
- Affordable price
- Comes in many sizes and colors
What could be better:
- Some reviewers say this runs small; consider sizing up
- Fabric might collect lint
Cut in a slightly relaxed fit for ultimate breathability and mobility, Nike’s bestselling Dri-Fit Legend Tee is a no-fuss shirt. The sweat-wicking polyester fabric is soft and smooth to the touch, so it doesn’t cause irritation or chaffing, and ergonomic panels on the side seams ensure a comfortable fit. Reviewers also appreciate how easy is it to care for this simple basic: just wash and go.
What our tester says: “Overall, this is a well made shirt. It’s cut from a lightweight, slightly more cotton-like material and while it didn’t feel extremely premium in construction or quality, I found the moisture wicking was good. I consider it a more affordable version of the Ten Thousand shirt.”
Best Cold-Weather Workout Shirt For Men
Wolaco: Head Protection And Built-In Stretch
Wolaco High Line Hood
Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 80% polyamide, 20% spandex | Wicking score: 3/5 | Weight: Medium | Cut: Relaxed
What’s notable:
- Side vents for mobility
- Zippered pocket keep essentials secure
- Hood is lined with ripstop nylon
What could be better:
- Hood can’t be adjusted
- Fabric is not snag-proof
Made for everything from outdoor running to training to just hanging out at home, this hoodie from Wolaco is made from a luxe, stretchy Italian fabric that’s made to ergonomically fit to your body. A soft-brushed interior feels cozy on the skin while the handy hood is lined with a ripstop material to help give it shape and stability. It’s also available in 8 colors, from neutral basics to cool red or royal blue.
What our tester says: “This hoodie is made from a heavier material, so it’s best for outdoor workouts versus indoor gym session. I would recommend layering it with a shirt underneath because it felt more like a sweatshirt with a slightly boxy cut. The sweat wicking was good but not as good as the Ten Thousand, Lululemon and Vuori shirts.”
Best Compression Workout Shirt For Men
Nobull: Natural Fiber Works With Your Body Heat
Nobull Blended Merino Wool Tee
Sizes: S to 3X | Materials: 67% tencel, 29% merino wool, 4% spandex | Wicking score: 3/5 | Weight: Medium | Cut: Fitted
What’s notable:
- Compression fit for a leaner look
- Temperature-regulating, breathable merino wool
- Can double as a base layer for cold weather activities
What could be better:
- Runs smaller than other Nobull shirts
- Should be washed in cold water to avoid shrinkage
Athletes like merino as a base layer for its naturally temperature-regulating properties, and the same concept applies for Nobull’s Blended Merino Wool Tee. It has a tighter fit that sits close to the skin and keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not. It’s blended with tencel and comfortably stretchy while wicking away sweat and odor, so you can stay dry from one workout to the next.
What our tester says: “To me, this shirt has a cotton-like material that feels more like a normal shirt. It’s very fitted, which is not super appealing for me but good for people who want a leaner look. It’s mid-weight and comfortable—you didn’t get the sense you’re wearing a training shirt.”
Best Affordable Workout Shirt For Men
Under Armour: Sweat-Wicking In Standard And Tall Sizing
Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Sizes: XS to 5X | Materials: 100% polyester | Wicking score: 2/5 | Weight: Light | Cut: Relaxed
What’s notable:
- No-frills basic for everyday workouts
- Soft, comforable fabric
- Affordable price
What could be better:
- Fabric is not as sweat-absorbent as others
- Reviewers report sizing inconsistencies
With an ultra-soft feel and a newly shaped hem that mimics your body’s silhouette, the Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve has a relaxed, easy-to-wear design. It’s available in standard and tall sizes—something that many brands don’t offer—so bigger guys don’t have to feel like they’re wearing a crop top. It’s also light weight and has an anti-odor treatment.
What our tester says: “This pick is very lightweight and the fabric felt premium, despite the affordable price. The loose cut is good for ‘dad bods’ and while it held a lot of sweat it wasn’t very wicking so the shirt can get damp during intense workouts.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we thoroughly review, test and recommend the best activewear as well as other fitness and fashion gear on the market. We’ve published detailed guides on everything from men’s running shorts to workout shoes, all with a discerning eye. We know there’s endless online options out there, so we approach our research critically, rating products on their quality, value and key features so you can make smart and informed buying decisions.
How We Choose The Best Workout Shirts For Men
To find the best workout shirts for men, we looked at a variety of options from both well-known and newer activewear brands. We evaluated shirts based on their customer reviews, materials, sweat-wicking capabilities, fit and other special features. Once we nailed down our list, we tested the workout shirts to see how well they performed, enlisting a dedicated fitness expert who wore all seven shirts for strength and conditioning training, intervals and cardio sessions, and recovery time.
What To Consider When Shopping For Workout Shirts
There’s an endless amount of workout shirt options for men on the market. Here’s some factors to consider when shopping for your specific needs:
- Comfort: Like most athleticwear, comfort is important, especially for something you’ll be constantly moving in like a workout shirt. Look for fabrics that are smooth to the touch with soft seams—or even better, seamless—that won’t scratch or chafe your skin as you bend, reach, stretch and sweat during your workout.
- Fit: How the shirt fits is another factor to consider when making your pick. It can be a matter of personal preference, like if you want to highlight your biceps and pecs with a more fitted shirt, or if you simply like the feeling of a more relaxed style to freely move in. For some workouts, like HIIT or running where you’ll be in motion more, a looser fit might feel less restrictive while for more stationary sessions like lifting weights, a tighter fit could function well.
- Moisture-Wicking: When you work out, you sweat. There’s nothing wrong with it, obviously; sweating is your body’s natural way to avoid overheating. A workout shirt should effectively wick perspiration away from your skin or you run the risk of getting uncomfortable—and cold—in a soggy shirt. Pay attention to fabric content: Typically synthetic fibers like a polyester blend, offer more sweat-wicking properties than natural fibers like cotton. When testing workout shirts, we gave an honest wicking score and some, like the Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt, simply performed better than others.
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