Athletic Wear T-Shirts: Which Brands Do Athletes Prefer?

When it comes to athletic t-shirts, there are a variety of brands to choose from, each offering unique features and benefits. From moisture-wicking technology to odour-resistant properties, these shirts are designed to keep you comfortable and confident during your workouts. While cotton t-shirts are comfortable and breathable, they absorb moisture and block airflow, making synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex more suitable for athletic wear. Brands like Nike, with their Dri-FIT technology, and Lululemon, known for its athleisure wear, offer stylish and functional athletic t-shirts. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, Nike's Dri-FIT and Russell Athletic's Cotton Performance T-Shirt are excellent choices. If you're an eco-conscious consumer, Nike's TechKnit Dri-FIT ADV Running Top, made from 100% recycled material, might be the perfect choice.

Top athletic shirt brands

When it comes to athletic wear, you want to look for clothing that is designed with performance and functionality in mind. The best athletic shirts will be made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which have moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable during your workouts. Some materials also have odour-resistant technology, which is a bonus!

Core 365

Core 365 offers a range of athletic wear, including t-shirts, that are designed to be durable and hold up to customisations such as team logos or player names and numbers. Their products are made with quality materials that are odour-resistant and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable and focused during your workouts.

Augusta Sportswear

Augusta Sportswear is a top brand for athletic t-shirts, offering a wide variety of sizes and colours to choose from. Their products are made with performance in mind, using materials that manage moisture and keep you cool and dry.

A4

A4 is known for its affordable and high-quality athletic wear, offering options for men, women, and children. Their N3142 athletic shirt is a favourite among customers, providing comfort and performance with its proprietary fabric that keeps the shirt lightweight and breathable.

Champion

Champion is a well-known brand in the athletic wear space, offering a range of t-shirts and other sportswear. Their products are designed to be durable and comfortable, making them a popular choice for individuals and sports teams alike.

Nike

Nike is a household name when it comes to athletic wear, offering a wide range of clothing and shoes for various sports. Their Dri-FIT technology is featured in many of their products, including t-shirts, and is designed to keep you dry and comfortable during your workouts.

Rhone

Rhone is a brand that impresses with its stylish and functional designs, such as the Reign Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt. Their products are designed with active individuals in mind, offering comfortable performance and a flattering fit with their body-mapped mesh fabric and four-way stretch technology.

There are many other great athletic shirt brands to choose from, including Lululemon, Under Armour, Gymshark, and more. When choosing your athletic wear, look for materials that are moisture-wicking and breathable, and don't be afraid to invest in quality pieces that will last you through your workouts!

Best materials for gym shirts

When it comes to choosing the best materials for gym shirts, several factors come into play, including breathability, sweat-wicking ability, comfort, and fit. Here are some of the best fabric options to consider:

Polyester

Polyester is a popular choice for gym shirts due to its durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking properties. It is lightweight and breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate through the fabric, keeping you dry during workouts. Polyester is also a great insulator, making it suitable for cold-weather workout clothes as well as tanks, tees, and shorts. However, one drawback of polyester is its tendency to foster bacteria and odour retention, so regular washing is necessary.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a thin, flexible type of plastic used in fabric form. It is almost entirely waterproof, making it ideal for base or outer layers in rainy or humid conditions. Like polyester, it is durable and wrinkle-resistant, and its moisture-wicking properties help keep you warm during outdoor workouts in cold weather.

Nylon

Nylon is a soft, stretchy fabric commonly found in sports bras, performance underwear, tank tops, T-shirts, and leggings. It is known for its excellent recovery properties, returning to its pre-stretched shape and size. Nylon effectively wicks sweat away from the skin, making it suitable for various workouts, including high-intensity sessions.

Spandex/Lycra

Spandex, also known by its brand name Lycra, is a highly flexible and stretchy fabric, perfect for workouts that require a large range of motion, such as yoga and weightlifting. It is typically found in skin-tight clothing like leggings, sports bras, and track shorts. While Spandex is not the best at moisture-wicking or breathability, it provides unrestricted and comfortable movement. To maintain its stretch, it is recommended to air-dry Spandex garments.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is a natural fabric that is surprisingly versatile for both cold and warm weather workouts. It effectively wicks sweat away from the body and allows warm air to escape, making it ideal for outdoor activities like skiing or jogging in winter. Merino wool is often blended with other fabrics, such as polyester, to enhance its softness and breathability. However, it tends to be more expensive than other options.

Bamboo

Bamboo fabric has emerged as an environmentally friendly option, offering a lightweight, natural fabric for activewear. It is moisture-wicking, odour-resistant, temperature-regulating, and soft. Bamboo clothing is hypoallergenic, reducing skin irritation after sweating. While bamboo fabric is more expensive, it is durable and provides a luxurious feel for gym shirts.

When choosing the best materials for gym shirts, it is essential to consider the type of workout, the climate, and your personal comfort. Some fabrics, like cotton, may feel comfortable initially but can become heavy and damp with sweat during intense workouts. Ultimately, the ideal gym shirt fabric should be breathable, moisture-wicking, and comfortable, allowing you to focus on your workout performance and achieve your fitness goals.

Best workout shirts for men

When it comes to the best workout shirts for men, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose a shirt made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or spandex, which offer superior moisture-wicking properties compared to natural fabrics like cotton. This will ensure that you stay dry and comfortable during your workouts, regardless of their intensity.

Some of the best options on the market include:

Athletegy Flex Tee

This shirt is hailed as the best overall workout shirt by Men's Health. It offers a flattering, physique-forming fit, impressive breathability, and exceptional mobility thanks to its raglan sleeve design. While it may be a little snug for certain body types, its versatility, durability, flexibility, and stretch make it a top-notch choice.

Vuori Current Tech T-Shirt

The Vuori Current Tech T-Shirt is your best bet if you're looking for a classic-looking shirt. It features a 4-way stretch knit that provides maximum comfort and a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry. It also offers UV protection, anti-odor technology, and a modern athletic fit, making it a great value for the price.

No Bull Men's Deltapeak® Micro Textured Tee

If breathability is your top priority, the No Bull Men's Deltapeak® Micro Textured Tee is the way to go. This shirt is a blend of polyester, tencel, and spandex, creating the perfect textural harmony for workouts. Its smart design drapes away from the body, keeping you comfortable, and it includes reflective accents and flat-lock seams.

Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet

For those who want to show off their guns, the Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet is a stylish and functional option. It features a classy diagonal stripe reminiscent of an iconic soccer kit, and its lightweight mesh fabric provides exceptional breathability. The poly-spandex blend feels great on the skin, and the top also boasts anti-microbial technology to keep you fresh during your workouts.

Lululemon License to Train Short Sleeve

When it comes to weightlifting, the Lululemon License to Train Short Sleeve shirt is a fantastic choice. It offers no-cling comfort, anti-odor technology, and extra room in the chest, making it ideal for weightlifters. The added lycra provides stretchiness and support, and the rounded hem gives it a casual look that can take you from the gym to the coffee shop.

Gymshark Vital Seamless T-Shirt

If you're in the market for an extremely lightweight shirt, look no further than the Gymshark Vital Seamless T-Shirt. This shirt is so lightweight that you might even forget you're wearing it! It also includes sweat-wicking technology and flat-lock seam lines, ensuring that you stay dry and sharp-looking during your workouts.

In addition to these top picks, there are several other notable mentions, including the Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt, Under Armour UA Tech™ Vent Short Sleeve, Nike TechKnit Dri-FIT ADV Short-Sleeve Running Top, Rhone Swift Short Sleeve 2.0, and VRST Men's Circuit Seamless Short Sleeve Top.

Best workout shirts for women

When choosing a workout shirt, you want a garment that is comfortable and moves with your body. You also want a shirt that keeps you dry by wicking sweat away from your skin. The best fabric for this is polyester, nylon, or wool. Elastane or spandex are also good choices as they are stretchy and allow for a full range of motion.

32 Degrees Women's Cool Fitted T-Shirt

This shirt is lightweight, stretchy, soft, breathable, and quick-drying. It's suitable for any activity and fits well, making it a great overall pick.

Hoka Glide Short Sleeve

This shirt is lightweight and dries quickly, making it a good choice for hot and humid conditions. It's also incredibly soft, so it doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance.

Under Armour Women's Tech V-Neck Short-Sleeve

This short-sleeve option is ultra-soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It has four-way stretch and is suitable for all-around training.

Saucony Stopwatch Singlet

This singlet offers the highest performance in the brand's range with best-in-class wicking and breathable fabric. It will keep you cool and comfortable during your most intense workouts.

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0

This shirt stays in place and doesn't bunch, making it a good choice for strenuous workouts. It has a slim, body-hugging fit, seamless design, and anti-stink technology.

Smartwool Active Ultralite Racerback Tank Top

This tank top is made with merino wool, which is naturally sweat-wicking and temperature-regulating. It's also lightweight and breathable, making it a great choice for warmer weather or high-sweat activities.

Nathan Rise Long Sleeve

This long-sleeve top is perfect for fall and winter runs. It's lightweight and stretchy, and the back mesh panel and quick-drying fabric will keep you dry and comfortable.

C9 Champion Women's Active Tank

This tank is a great option for easy runs, weightlifting, or yoga. It has a loose and flattering fit, and it wicks moisture to keep you dry.

Reebok Workout Ready Activchill T-Shirt

This shirt is made with 100% nylon single jersey, which is breathable, light, and durable. The crewneck design and curved hemline provide comfort and ease of movement, while the back vent ensures good airflow.

New Balance Impact Run Short Sleeve Shirt

This shirt is fast-drying and made with breathable mesh fabric. It's designed to fit your body just right, allowing for free and active movement. It's also made with recycled polyester, so it's a sustainable choice.

Nike Dri-FIT Legend Women's Training T-Shirt

This lightweight and sweat-wicking shirt has Dri-FIT technology and an anti-odor finish to keep you dry and comfortable. It has a standard fit, providing a relaxed, easy feel.

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 T-Shirt

This shirt has a seamless and figure-contouring design, making it comfortable and stylish. It also has a breathable mesh fabric and just enough stretch to move with your body.

Best workout shirts for runners

When choosing the best workout shirts for runners, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the shirt should be made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during your runs. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, elastane, and spandex are good options as they are sweat-wicking and quick-drying. For natural fibre options, merino wool is an excellent choice as it has moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, keeping you comfortable during your runs. It is also important to consider the fit of the shirt. Running shirts typically have an athletic cut that is more fitted than a regular tee, so sizing up may be preferable for a more comfortable fit. Additionally, women's running tops tend to be shorter and more tapered at the waist. The type of sleeve is also a consideration—sleeveless tops are ideal for hot runs, while long-sleeve shirts are better for chilly runs. Finally, it is worth noting that some running shirts have additional features such as sun protection, odour resistance, and reflective details for visibility during early morning or evening runs.

• Best Overall Running Shirt: Black Diamond Rhythm Tee. This shirt is made from a unique blend of nylon and merino wool, providing excellent temperature regulation and natural odour control. While it is ideal for dry environments, it may not be the best choice for very hot or humid conditions as the fabric tends to droop when saturated.
• Best Budget Option: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily. This shirt offers incredible versatility and comfort at a great price. It features a sleek and simple design, remaining cool even during hot days. While it may not have the same breathability as more expensive models, it is an excellent choice for daily use and a variety of activities.
• Best for All-Day Use: Arc'teryx Cormac Crew. This shirt has an incredible fit and is incredibly comfortable. It is made from 100% polyester, making it soft and durable. It also has a high UPF rating of 50+ for sun protection. However, it lacks rear reflectors for low-light visibility.
• Most Breathable Running Shirt: Ultimate Direction Nimbus Tee. This shirt uses Polartec Delta fabric, providing exceptional breathability and airflow. It is ideal for hot and dry conditions, but it may not be the best choice for humid climates as it has higher water absorption.
• Best Short-Sleeve Baselayer: Ibex Merino Tencel. This shirt is a great natural fabric option for layering. It is made from a blend of merino wool, TENCEL, and nylon, providing excellent thermal regulation and natural odour resistance. While it is a bit pricier, it is a perfect choice for shoulder-season runs and layering under insulating layers.
• Best for Runners: Tracksmith Harrier. This shirt is made from merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. It helps regulate body temperature, making it ideal for long-distance runs. However, merino wool loses its shape in the dryer, so air-drying is recommended.

Frequently asked questions