If you read my best running shorts article, you know SOAR is one of my favorite running apparel companies. Their founder, Tim Soar, treats designing running clothing with the same attention to detail as high-end runway apparel. It must be something with the patterned fabric, but the patterned option did not exemplify the quality of the solid colors. The material is stiff and doesn’t have the raised inside waffle design that won me over enough to crown it the best overall running shirt. Specs: If you’re looking for an affordable staple training or running t-shirt, look no further then these from MKR. Coming in endless colours such as green, purple, red, and blue, this 100% polyester training top is comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and reflective even in the darkest of conditions.

The New Balance tech heather running top provides increased resistance to odours such as sweat, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Also, you’ll benefit from the reflective detailing, increasing visibility when running at night, alongside their dry technology to keep you cool, comfortable, and focused on your run. If you’re familiar with the Patagonia R1 and its grid pattern, this is very similar, but on a smaller scale. Like Patagonia, Janji’s execution of this design is highly functional and super comfortable. As you shop, there are a few key things to focus on that will help you find your new favorite running shirtThe second way to ward off odor is through an antimicrobial treatment, which can be through chemicals or natural metals such as silver or gold. Seams Generally speaking, most running shirts will use a flat seam construction because the low profile is less irritating and less likely to cause chafing. If you struggle with chafing and it’s centered around the seam, I suggest taking a look at the type of seam. Cotton, for example, only offers a UPF of 5, whereas polyester and wool have a UPF of around 30. The American Cancer Society denotes, “A UPF of 30 to 49 as offering very good protection, while UPF 50+ is rated as excellent.” Manufacturers will often disclose how a shirt is intended to fit in the description. From tightest to loosest, here is a list of terms most companies will use: skin-tight, slim-fitting, athletic fit, and relaxed fit. As expected with pretty much all wool shirts, the Ibex Merino Tencel weighs in on the heavier side at 4.3 ounces — a bit heavy for me. Personally, for a wool running shirt, I find the sweet spot for shirts of this weight to be around 70 degrees.

I can confidently say that SOAR gear is manufactured at a higher quality than anything I’ve tested — and I’ve been testing running gear for 10 years. If performance is worth the money to you, and compliments from fellow runners brighten your day, give it a try — it might be the best running shirt money can buy. Specs: John Candy Home Alone vs Cool Runnings T-Shirt design pays homage to all of the best John Candy movies. Can you name them all? Soft, breathable, and odor-resistant, the Brighton Base Layer is ideal for cold runs when you need to layer and can also be worn on its own. Test Editor Amanda Furrer was surprised at how warm she felt one day when the weather app read “feels like 28.”This running t-shirt is no different. Utilising an atomic flash on the collar for a unique style and increased visibility, you’re sure to be looking great while remaining highly visible to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have been covering running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. When I’m not at a desk, I like to run, bike, and hike around Los Angeles, where I live. I wear technical performance shirts for all of those activities, and that has given me years of experience evaluating what works and what doesn’t. Fabrics to Look For I’ve opted for a 100% premium ringspun cotton tee with a tailored fit. The sort of tee to suit any situation, whether that be a 24-hour gaming marathon or a super serious job interview (well, maybe not every situation). Soft yet durable; these tees print great, fit great and most importantly look great! I want my designs to be as vibrant as the day you first wore them! If UV protection is important to you, don’t buy a heather-colored option. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is 50 for Solids and UPF 15 for Heathers — a significant downgrade.There is a caveat, and it’s a big one, so listen up. I got the opportunity to test both the ​ obsidian solid-color shirt (a personal favorite) and the geo stripe patterned shirt. They are two completely different shirts, despite sharing the Helio name. You also have to choose between sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve styles. The weather and your natural temperature tendencies while running are two things to consider when it comes to sleeve length. Break out sleeveless tops for hot runs and long-sleeve shirts for chilly runs. If you prefer less material, sleeveless is the one to go with. But if you like more coverage, choose a short-sleeve or long-sleeve running shirt. These styles not only offer protection from the sun, but also reduce chafing. Many running shirts are made with a blend of fabrics, enabling them to get the best features of each material. The most popular blends are polyester, polypropylene, or nylon blended with a stretchy fabric like spandex or Elastane. This gives the fabric just enough stretch to increase mobility. Weighing the lightest shirt tested: Lululemon’s Fast and Free; (photo/Cory Smith) Fit

Related: 8 Tips to stay safe while running during the day or at night. 3. Nike running t-shirt – men’s breathe running top Consider Your Ideal Fit and Style: Most running shirts have an athletic cut that’s more fitted than your average tee. So if you’re between sizes or just like a little more room, don’t be afraid to size up. Also, take note that women’s tops are shorter and tend to have a more tapered, narrow fit around the waist.

The Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top is fitted close to the skin but not muscle fit, so some air will get under the top to keep you even cooler. The fabric is also super bouncy and has a 4-way stretch construction for added freedom of movement. Tips and Gear for More Comfortable Miles: How to Prevent Nipple Chafing • All the Running Shirts We’re Loving Right Now • The Best Running Shorts for Men • These are the Best Men’s Running Shoes Other Features to Consider You can also find performance tops made with natural materials like Merino wool and even cotton. Merino wool, an exceptionally soft wool sourced from a specific type of sheep, offers remarkable performance capabilities: It breathes well, keeps you warm in cold conditions and vents heat when you get hot, and resists odors. Cotton is generally considered a poor choice for performance apparel—it soaks up sweat and gets heavy—but it does have its fans ( Runner’s World Deputy Editor Jeff Dengate, among them). It can work just fine in chillier weather or for those who prefer the soft feel of a natural fabric.