Running t-shirts will take you all the way from the first sun of spring through to the heat of midsummer. And that means we have a lot of choices when deciding on which t-shirt to buy. Loose or compression? Technical or cotton? Patterned or plain? Luckily, our team of testers can help you out.
Read on for their reviews of the best short-sleeved running t-shirts.
Running t-shirt buying guide
A running tee might seem like a simple purchase but, as with anything you’ll be wearing to clock up the miles, you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your money on something comfortable and durable that will help rather than hinder your performance.
A key thing you’ll want to look out for is the material: make sure you opt for something that wicks moisture well. Polyester and nylon are classic go-to materials for keeping you dry, but if you want a more sustainable fabric then Merino wool or bamboo are a great option. If you’re going to be running in the heat a lot then it might be worth opting for something with a bit more breathability, too: mesh paneling and ventilation holes are a good starting point.
If you’re going to head out road running in the early morning or evening, even if it’s mostly light in the summertime, you’ll want to consider your visibility. Some of the t-shirts listed below have reflective detailing, but if you want to take the extra step the here’s our guide to high-vis running kit.
Most importantly, you should have a think about your own preferences when you run before buying. Do you prefer a longer tee, for more coverage, or would you feel more comfortable in a looser crop? You might like more form-fitting, technical fabrics that offer a bit of compression, or you may prioritize a lightweight, soft material that you can barely feel.
If you’re a beginner runner and you’re not sure where to start, we’d recommend visiting your local running shop or sports store to try some things on. You can also check out our testers’ reviews below for more detailed advice on specific t-shirts.
The best women’s running t-shirts
2XU Aero Tee
2XU Aero Tee technical details
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Sweat-wicking with mesh back panel
Price: £30
What we loved about it
- Lightweight
- quick drying
- Reflective paneling for safe running year-round
What we didn’t
- Not the most exciting looking design
What our tester said
“This 2XU tee is well designed; the fabric fits perfectly and washes and dries well, the sleeves are a good length and the breathable mesh back panel performs well. I also like the subtle reflective logos that flash on the shoulder, sleeves and back for extra visibility. With a true-to-size fit and six gorgeous colors to choose from, this is a good investment for summer running.”
BAM Novea Training Top
BAM Novea Training Top technical details
Material: 59% Bamboo Viscose, 32% Acetate, 9% Elastane
Sizes: UK women’s 8-16
Special features: Made using responsibly sourced wood pulp
Price: £36
What we loved about it
- Gorgeous, eco-friendly material
- Lightweight and breathable
- Washes well and doesn’t smell
What we didn’t
- Might be a little short for runners who prefer more coverage
What our tester said
“BAM could make almost anything and I’d want it. It’s remarkable how soft and cozy a top can feel while still wicking sweat well and providing fantastic ventilation. This is made from technical fabric that’s 59% bamboo viscose blended with responsibly soured wood pulp. It’s so light and breathable, and I hardly notice sweaty patches or embarrassing smells that I’m plagued with post run. It washes well and is a really lovey fit.”
Brooks Sprint Free Short Sleeve 2.0
Brooks Sprint Free Short Sleeve 2.0 technical details
Material: 4-way stretch fabric made from 86% recycled materials
Sizes: XS-XXL
Special features: Odor-resistant finish
Price: £40
What we loved about it
- great fit
- super lightweight
What we didn’t
- Color choice not to everyone’s tastes
What our tester said
“For me, the combo of light tan, darker tan and cream is a peculiar choice, but I’d still give this top almost full marks. That’s because the fit and performance is incredible: I love the exactly-right shape and the length of the sleeves and trunk, and the color-blocking, while not to my taste, is flattering. The super light fabric is perfect for summer running and it’s also available in white, black and solid pink.”
Craft Pro Hypervent Short Sleeve Tee
Craft Pro Hypervent Short Sleeve Tee technical details
Material: 90% polyester 10% elastane
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Body mapped polyester mesh for ventilation
Price: £40
What we loved about it
- Lightweight, soft and comfortable
- Chafe-free
- Really breathable
What we didn’t
- Roomier fit might not be for everyone
What our tester said
“This fresh pink tee is lightweight, soft and comfy. The body mapped mesh panels mean that it stays breathable even in the most extreme heat or exertion and its sweat-wicking material and taped seams prevent chafing. I loved its roomier shape and reflective strips.”
Elevenate Primo Merino Tee
Elevenate Primp Merino Tee technical details
Material: 50% merino wool, 50% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
Price: €70
What we loved about it
- Versatile enough to use in different temperatures
- nice shape
- Comfortable on the skin
What we didn’t
What our tester said
“This Merino short sleeve is super quality and comes from a brand that is new to Women’s Running. It’s a lightweight tee that can stand alone or be layered on colder days. It’s nice and long, keeps its shape due to the mix of polyester and wool and feels comfy on the skin thanks to the flatlock seams. It’s available in three lovely, rich colours.”
Flanci T-Shirt
Flanci T-Shirt technical details
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: High-vis reflective detailing on the back
Price: £19.99
What we loved about it
- Excellent price
- Flattering shape with curved hem
- Reflective
What we didn’t
What our tester said
“What’s that? A classic sweat-wicking running tee that sits smugly under the £20 mark? Not bad, I hear you call! Well, it’s even better than that because this Flanci top also has a reflective three-star design on the back, which lights you up when you need it. The length and fit is also good and the curved back hem, for some of us, a welcome shape that provides extra coverage.”
HappyStride Stride and Hide T-Shirt
HappyStride Stride and Hide T-Shirt technical details
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: £1 from each t-shirt sold donated to charity
Price: £33.99
What we loved about it
- breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Great charity initiative
What we didn’t
- A design that won’t be to everyone’s tastes
What our tester said
“A great tee for spring and summer running: I loved the camouflage pattern which is a welcome change from the usual black, black, black. Made with 100% polyester, this unisex top is very breathable and moisture wicking and is soft on the skin. It’s suitable for training or big race days when you want to stand out from the crowd. Also, I love the mental health focus from HappyStride; for every t-shirt sold, £1 is donated to a mental health charity. In 2023, it’s CALM.”
Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee
Smarwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee technical details
Material: 87% Merino wool, 13% Nylon
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Nylon core for durability with high percentage Merino wool blend
Price: €74.95
What we loved about it
- Lovely soft Merino wool next to skin
- Sweat-wicking and odor resistant
- Recycled nylon for added durability
What we didn’t
- Pricey
- Tailored fit that might not work for every runner
What our tester said
“This is way too cool to be used as a baselayer. It’s very lightweight and actually fits my more petite frame, which makes it more flattering on me than oversized tops. The Merino wool makes this top soft and really adds to overall comfort, and even without spandex, you still get a tailored fit. It works for all types of running and hiking and the blend of Merino and recycled nylon provides moisture management, temperature control, odor resistance and durability.”
New Balance ImpactRun Tee
New Balance ImpactRun Tee technical details
Material: 95% recycled polyester, 5% polyester
Sizes: XXS-5XL
Special features: Quick-drying NB IceX technology
Price: £40
What we loved about it
- Breathable fabric with great ventilation
- Plenty of color options
What we didn’t
- A little expensive for a simple tee
What our tester said
“This is a well-designed tee: the sleeves are exactly the right length, the trunk hits mid-hip, slightly lower at the back, and the fabric is spot on for hotter, longer running. It’s super light, extremely breathable, and perfect for long runs – there’s even a London Marathon iteration if you want a commemorative tee for the occasion! The two mesh ventilation panels in the back are well positioned to keep you cool and also look flattering, and the technical polyester wicks moisture successfully. The only drawback I’d say is that New Balance offer cheaper running tops, so look out for this one when there’s a sale on.”
On Performance-T
On Performance-T technical details
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Ultra lightweight at just 70g
Price: £70
What we loved about it
- Flattering skim fit
- featherlight
- Fantastic sweat wicking
What we didn’t
What our tester said
“What a lightweight top that you barely feel when running! With a very basic design to minimize any chance of irritation or chafing, plus super thin fabric, this On top seems to float on you. If you want to invest in a summer top for a long time, hot races this is a guaranteed performance winner. The back panel has an even thinner mesh weave to allow sweat to move off the body quickly and there are three distinct color choices that appear to change regularly season by season. The only drawback is that price, which is top-heavy for a tee. Can’t fault the design though!”
Under Armor Rush Seamless Short Sleeve
Under Armor Rush Seamless Short Sleeve technical details
Material: 60% polyester, 38% nylon, 2% elastane
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Infrared technology that reflects your body’s energy
Price: £58
What we loved about it
- Four-way stretch that’s great for dynamic movement
- flattering fit
What we didn’t
- A little warm for summer running
- Close-fitting arms
What our tester said
“I fell in love with this top before I even tried it on because I loved the bright color. The soft knit fabric feels luxurious and kept me nice and warm, but there’s also mesh so you won’t overheat too much. It’s a four-way stretch job, which is ideal for me in a close-fitting run top. I really enjoyed running in this, and the only reason I’m docking marks is that I found the arms a little tight and the length a little short for flexibility work like yoga and Pilates, and it’s also a little warm for summer running.”
