The Best Running Shirts of 2026

When the temps rise or you’re gearing up for race day, a lightweight tank or singlet can make all the difference. Designed for speed and made to perform, the Nike Dri-FIT ADV Aeroswift Singlet delivers on every front. It’s lightweight, breathable, and features bonded seams and precision perforations to keep you cool and comfortable through every mile.

The rnnr Men's All Out Singlet is all about feel-good performance. Race day ready and built to move with you, this singlet keeps things light, soft and breathable. Made from recycled and organic fabrics, it's like your favorite cozy tee—if your favorite tee could wick sweat and help you crush miles. With bold colors and a relaxed fit, it’s a go-to for runners who want comfort and style on the run.

Looking for a tank you can wear day or night? The adidas Own the Run Base Tank has you covered with reflective details for visibility after dark. Lightweight and breathable with a racerback cut, it’s built to keep you cool and moving comfortably, no matter when you hit the pavement.

When it comes to the best women’s running tanks, it’s all about breathability, comfort, and staying distraction-free. The Nike Women’s Dri-FIT ADV Aeroswift Singlet checks every box. It features ultra-light fabric, bonded seams for a smooth feel, and standout perforations that keep air flowing on even your toughest runs. It’s race-ready, sleek, and built to move with you.

The For the Run Women’s Harper Singlet blends style with performance. Lightweight and highly breathable, it features advanced FliteKnit fabric with laser-cut ventilation holes on the back, keeping you cool and dry while offering soft, stretchy comfort for your workouts.

If you’re looking for a cropped running tanks, the rabbit Women’s Go Time Singlet & Crop Top is for you! This sleek, race-ready top offers a perfect fit with a built-in bra for medium support. Designed with lightweight, fast-drying fabric and built-in antibacterial tech, this crop keeps you feeling fresh and cool, so you can focus on your run without any distractions.

When it comes to the best men’s running shirts, we look for lightweight comfort, breathability, and performance that holds up from warm-ups to long runs. The Nike Dri-FIT UV Miller Short Sleeve gets the job done—and then some. With ultra-light, sweat-wicking fabric and built in UVA protection, it’s made for runners who won’t let a little heat slow them down.

For runners who want comfort without compromising style, the SAYSKY Pace T-Shirt does both effortlessly. It’s soft on the inside, stretchy in all the right places, and cool enough to wear on or off the run. From tempo workouts to easy miles around the block, this tee has your back and makes you look good doing it.

Light as air and prtoective from the sun, the rabbit Men’s UPF Tee Short Sleeve is built for summer runs. With UPF 50 protection and breathable, quick drying fabric, it’s made to keep you cool and comfortable when the heat’s on and the miles are long.

When it comes to the best women’s running short sleeves, we look for that sweet spot in between comfort, performance, and versatility – something that feels good from the first mile to the last (and maybe even post-run brunch). The rabbit Women’s EZ Tee nails it with buttery soft fabric, sweat wicking tech, and a relaxed fit you’ll want to live in.

The adidas adizero Short Sleeve tee offers slim-fit performance that's highly breathable. Featuring an all-over perforated design for enhanced ventilation and reflective details for added visibility, this lightweight, streamlined tee is ready to run.

The Saucony Women’s Stopwatch Short Sleeve is the no-fuss, ready-for-anything run tee. It’s soft, breathable, and built to move with you. With moisture-wicking fabric and four-way stretch, it’s the kind of top you’ll reach for on workout days, easy runs, and everything in between.

The best running shirts are made from technical fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly, and breathe well. Look for materials like:

• Polyester & nylon: Lightweight, durable, and fast drying
• Spandex/elastane: Added stretch for a flexible feel
• Merino wool: Natural Temperature regulation and odor control

When choosing the right running shirt, it’s worth looking beyond style and color. These key features are designed to boost comfort, performance, on every run.

• UPF/UV Sun Protection Fabrics: Provide ultraviolet protection by blocking a significant percentage of the sun’s harmful UV rays
  
  
• Flatlock or Bonded Seams: Smooth, low-profile stitching techniques that lie flat against your skin, designed to reduce friction and help prevent chafing during movement
  
  
• Reflectivity: Reflective details for visibility and protection during low light or nighttime runs
  
  
• Raglan Sleeves: Extend in one piece to the collar, giving your arms more freedom to move
  
  
• Split Hems: Small openings at the sides of the shirt that add flexibility and prevent bunching while you run
  
  
• Odor-Resistant or Anti-Bacterial Fabric: Inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping clothing fresher for longer
  
  
• Mesh Panels: Improve airflow in heat zones

Running shirts typically have a slimmer, athletic fit designed to reduce drag and minimize chafing. Prefer a looser feel? Consider sizing up. Tanks and singlets offer more freedom of movement (and less fabric), making them ideal for hot days or high intensity workouts. Short sleeves are great all-rounders, while long sleeves offer coverage and warmth for cooler runs. Here’s a breakdown of various styles:

• Crew Neck: A classic style with full coverage, great for everyday training and layering in cooler temps.
  
  
• V-neck: Offers a slightly more open neckline for increased airflow and a less restrictive feel.
  
  
• Sleeveless/Tank Tops: Ideal for hot days or high-intensity workouts when you want to stay cool and unrestricted.
  
  
• Short Sleeves: A versatile pick that works well in most conditions, gives coverage without overheating.
  
  
• Long Sleeves: Best for chilly mornings or sun protection. Some have thumbholes for added coverage.
  
  
• Cropped Fit: A modern, minimalist option that’s lightweight and ideal for speedwork or warm weather.
  
  
• Relaxed Fit: Perfect for easy runs, casual training, or runners who like more room to move.

When choosing a running shirt, consider where and how often you run. Hot weather runs will feel better using tanks or singlets, while long sleeves are better suited for cooler temps. Fit is another cruical factor to consider; A fit that's snug but not tight helps prevent chafing. Many brands also offer women's and men's-specific fits for better comfort.

Singlets offer excellent breathability and freedom of movement, making them a great choice for races and hot climates. Traditional tees, however, offer more sun protection and versatility for cool and varied weather. Matching your shirt to your running environment and personal preferences will help you run comfortably through every mile.

How often you should replace running shirts depends on factors like wear, fading, and loss of fabric performance, though most shirts last around 6-12 months with heavy use. Common signs it's time to replace your running shirts include persistent odors, thinning fabric or reduced stretch. Rotating between multiple running shirts can help minimize wear and extend the overall lifespan of your gear.

Regular cotton tees absorb sweat and dry slowly, leading to increased chafing and discomfort. Running shirts with technical fabric are designed to wick moisture, dry quickly, and reduce irritation, which will signifcantly improve the quality and comfort of your run.