The 21 Best Workout Shirts for Men to Stay Dry Through the Toughest Workouts

A good workout shirt made with quality fabric allows you breathability and flexibility. It also has sweat-wicking properties, and helps with preventing your clothes from having a permanent odor (even after you've washed them over and over again).

Ideally, your workout shirts should be lightweight as a heavier shirt is bound to make you sweat even more (unless that's what you prefer of course). Polyester is considered one of the best lightweight and sweat-wicking fabrics in that regard as it's fast drying. Additionally, polyester and other materials such as silk, cotton, and wool, are also great with allowing sweat to evaporate faster, which in turn helps with shirts retaining odor. You should also aim for your shirts to be on the looser end as shirts that stick to you as you workout are known to be annoying/cause discomfort.

• Material: Soft-sueded tri-blend
• Sizes: S - 2XL
• Colors: White, Black, Navy, Mars, Toffee, Azure Blue
• Pros: Breathable, comfortable, has great layering ability, has ersatile tri-blend material, easy to care for
• Cons: Runs large/small according to some users
• A promising review: "XL perfect fit for me. Fabric looks and feels fantastic. I love this charcoal grey color. I will try some other colors in the same style since the prices are very reasonable for the quality." - Patrick, Alo Yoga Reviewer

Made with a versatile tri-blend that is ultra soft, Alo Yoga's Triumph Crew Neck Tee stands out specifically due to its breathability and loose nature. While the shirt is a slim-fit that will highlight the guns appropriately, it's still loose enough in the sense that it doesn't cling to those problematic areas that create excess sweat and moisture. The brand also makes it a point to boast about it's layering ability. This is the type of shirt that you can throw a jacket over before heading into the gym, and nobody will know it's a workout shirt. The best of both worlds.

• Material: 60% Recycled polyester, 32% Nylon, 4% Lycra® elastane, 2% Polyester, 2% X-static® nylon
• Sizes: 0/XS - 4/XL
• Colors: Heathered Chambray, True Navy
• Pros: Fits mostly true to size, great technology, has an underarm gusset and locker hoop for hanging, easy to wash
• Cons: Shirt can run too long according to some users
• A promising review: "The shirt fits great and really enhances my below average body lol so it makes me look like I have well defined muscles. the fabric is soft and light...really feels amazing!!" - Lululemon Reviewer

Lululemon has long proven themselves to be an automatic when it comes to their workout apparel, and their reputation is longstanding. Their Drysense Short-Sleeve tee means no non-sense when it comes to excess sweating and unwanted odor as it a shirt designed specifically for training, and possesses Lululemon's anti-stink technology to prevent the shirt from clinging to your problem areas.

• Material: 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton
• Sizes: XS - XXL
• Colors: Black, Charcoal Heather, Navy Heather, Limestone Heather, OD Green Heather, and 2 more
• Pros: Can choose from either a short sleeve, muscle, or long sleeve style, has silver ion anti-odor treatment, easy to care for
• Cons: Runs small according to users
• A promising review: "Love the LS Durable shirt. Bought two. They are perfect for the early morning workout or for hanging out at home when its a little brisk. They are also my go too for walking the dog on chilly mornings. They can pretty much handle anything." - Brent, Ten Thousand Reviewer

Another workout brand that you can't go without mentioning? Ten Thousand. Their approach is no-frills one as well, and their Durable Shirt has proved over and over again to be in high demand. Ten Thousand specifically refers to this tee as being "a workhorse that's built for comfort and extreme durability," and the shirt has permanent silver ion anti-odor treatment to help block out the funk.

• Material: Recycled Polyester
• Sizes: S - 4XL Tall
• Colors: Midnight Fog, University Red, University Gold, Obsidian, Game Royal, and 12 others
• Pros: Breathable, versatile, affordable, has Nike's Dri-FIT material
• Cons: Doesn't last as long as other workout shirts according to some users
• A promising review: "Awesome shirt for training. Comfortable and fits perfectly." - Terry, Nike Reviewer

There's a plethora of reasons why any iteration of Nike's Dri-FIT should be in your workout wardrobe as the shirt is sweat-wicking and built with flexibility in mind. Additionally, the Legend version of this tee ups the ante a bit as Nike has crafted it to have a more relaxed fit than its previous versions. Whether you are keeping it light with cardio or going full force with weight training, the Dri-FIT is a must-own.

• Material: 100% recycled polyester
• Sizes: S - 2XL
• Colors: Black, White, Preloved Blue
• Pros: Durable, breathable, versatile, has adidas'AEROREADY material
• Cons: Could run big/small according to some users
• A promising review: "Great, lightweight top, seems very breathable, perfect for the gym/ runs" - amazon Reviewer

Staying within the adidas realm, their Own the Run Long Sleeve Tee also has that sweat-wicking AEROREADY material we just mentioned, and there are holes cut into the shirt's cuffs that you can slip your hands into if you wish. Whether you are running as your main workout or just simply as a warm-up, the Own the Run Tee is much needed.

• Material: 37% Q-NOVA® Recycled Nylon / 25% Q-NOVA® Nylon / 28%Polyester / 10% Spandex
• Sizes: S - XXL
• Colors: Charcoal Marl, Asphalt, True Navy
• Pros: Body mapping technology, breathable, long lasting, has body mapping technology
• Cons: Runs small according to some users
• A promising review: "If you have broad shoulders compared to the rest of your body, this shirt is great for you. The design of it follows my shoulders into my arms, in a way that doesn’t make the shelves poof out." - Alex, Mack Weldon Reviewer

Mack Weldon gets right down to the nitty gritty with their Stealth Crew Neck T-Shirt as it has strategically placed body mapping technology to ensure sweat is limited and dries quickly, targeted support for areas that are odor problematic, and is built with second-skin comfort to make it seem like the shirt is an extension of you.

• Material: 83% Recycled polyester, 17% polyester
• Sizes: XS - 2XL
• Key features: NB DRY technology 
• Price at time of publish: $34.99
• Colors: Black Heather, Gunmetal Heather
• Care: Machine wash cold
• Pros: Great fit, has adequate cooling properties, affordable
• Cons: Runs small/large according to some users
• A promising review: "Love the NB Heather Tee. Not too tight, not too loose. Wicks away moisture and feels great against your skin. I have some of the older versions andI prefer the fabric on the newer Tee. Easy to care for and they look great after many washings. Would like to have a long sleeve version as well. I prefer these over my more expensive running shirts" - Ron, New Balance Reviewer

New Balance's Tenacity Tee has all the right components for a solid workout shirt. The fit is in the middle—not too loose but not too snug, then there's the incorporation of the moisture-wicking NB DRY technology, and then you have the athletic design which highlights that gym body you've been working hard for. Seeing as though some prefer this shirt over their more expensive ones, we deem the Tenacity Tee to be worthy of your purchase.

• Material: 50% Repreve® polyester, 50% polyester 
• Sizes: S - 3XL
• Colors: Carbon Navy, Graphite, Light Mahogany, Soft Spruce, Warm Gold, and 2 others
• Pros: Sweat-wicking with stretch properties, made with 50% Repreve® polyester
• Cons: Runs shorts in torso area according to some users
• A promising review: "Light technical shirt, good fit, good construction, no odor issues." - L.L. Bean Reviewer

If taking your workout to the trails, L.L. Bean has just the right shirt for you. The Quick-Dry Trail Tee Short-Sleeve is designed with stitching that makes you comfy in the hottest of weather, antimicrobial fabric that helps with odor and drying, and reflective detailing in case you are working out at night and need people to see you for safety reason. Not a bad amount to spend either.

• Material: Organic Cotton
• Sizes: 0/XS - 4/XL
• Colors: Heather Grey, Aged Black, Aged Brown, Aged Aloe, Aged Purple Sage, and 5 more
• Pros: Breathable with an emphasis on sustainability, has Satisfy's MothTech material
• Cons: Runs on the pricier side
• A promising review: "It’s my third purchase from the brand and I’m beyond happy! The fit the material it’s on point. Well done!" - Satisfy Reviewer

What makes the MothTech Tee from Satisfy worth your coins? Well, the shirt has speciality MothTech holes that are body-mapped and strategically placed on different areas to allow ultimate ventilation. According to Satisfy, the holes are centered on the areas of the upper body that produce the most heat, and the cooling properties that are built in help balance the sweat your body is producing. Cool right? We think so at least.

• Material: Recycled lightweight polyester fabric
• Sizes: S - XXL 
• Colors: Misty Blue, Sage Green, Navy Blazer, Jet Black, Iron Heather
• Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, durable, made with recycled fabric, easy to care for
• Cons: Could fit snug in armpit area
• A promising review: "Excellent t. High end look to it and can beat it up in a workout. Great for traveling too." - Tim, Rhone Reviewer

You can't talk great workout brands without mentioning Rhone who's become one of the go-to resources for men's workout apparel over the last few years. Rhone is a no-frills brand, and their Essentials Tee cuts straight to the chase with moisture-wicking properties and built-in technology for flexibility.

• Material: 79% Polyester, 14% Tencel®, 7% Spandex
• Sizes: S - 3XL
• Colors: Black, Heather Grey, Charcoal, Dusty Rose, Iris, and 13 others
• Pros: Loose comfortable fit, breathable, affordable, has flatlock seams, easy to care for
• Cons: Runs too long according to users
• A promising review: "First time purchasing any type of apparel from here, and I must say, the quality of the tank top is amazing. It feels great. It’s comfortable again, a lot of compliments because of the style and design of the shirt." - Corey, NOBULL Reviewer

Let's throw in a couple of tanks because we know some of you like to show off the guns. NOBULL doesn't bull crap around when it comes to their products, and their standard tank does all the work of wicking sweat and swatting odor for you as it's designed to loosely fit the body, and has flatlock seams to reduce chafing. Just throw it in the wash and you're good to go.

• Material: 81% Recycled polyester, 14% lyocell, 5% elastane single jersey
• Sizes: S - 3XL
• Colors: Black, Coral Fusion
• Pros: Loose comfortable fit, breathable, affordable, has adidas' AEROREADY technology
• Cons: Doesn't last as long as other workout shirts
• A promising review: "It’s super comfortable during runs on hot summer days." - adidas Reviewer

No need to go into the monster of a legacy adidas has created in the athletic and workout space, but what we can go into is their Designed for Training Workout Tank which boasts AEROREADY moisture-wicking tech that will you have you staying dry throughout your workout. The recycled polyester/lyocell/elastane blend is sure to keep you comfortable as well.

• Material: 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
• Sizes: S - XXL
• Colors: Cloud Heather, Navy Heather, Heather Grey, Charcoal Heather, White, and 10 others
• Pros: Has comfortable Strato Tech Technology and 4-Way stretch, easy to care for
• Cons: Could run big/small according to some users
• A promising review: I have tried every brand and every tee out there. Finally hit a home run with this one. Super soft and comfortable with just enough stretch. Fit is perfect , it dries fast and doesn’t stink. Amazing t shirt. About to order more. Please make more colors soon. My new favorite tee"- Mike, Vuori Reviewer

Survey says that the Strato Tech Tee is a winner according to those who have purchased. The shirt possesses 4-way stretch to allow you mobility, and Vuori says that the Strato Tech built into this tee in their softest yet. The comfort is there, the mobility is there, and so is the anti-odor, so why not cop?

• Material: Recycled Polyester
• Sizes: S - 4XL Tall
• Colors: Obsidian, Black, Olive Aura, Night Maroon, Smoke Grey
• Pros: Has comfortable Strato Tech Technology, has Nike's Dri-FIT Technology, is easy to care for
• Cons: Could run snug according to some users
• A promising review: "Very comfy and stretchy material, doesn’t feel too heavy and just about right." - Nike Reviewer

Another Nike selection, but this time we're going the long sleeve route. Here's everything Nike is saying about their Element Running Top that makes it so special: the top possesses smooth coverage that allows you to either wear it by itself or layer it, the shirt easily adjusts at the neck and sleeves so you can stay comfortable, and it's sustainable as it's made mostly with recycled polyester. The properties of this shirt make it so that you can wear it both indoors and out. Sounds good to us.

• Material: 100% Cotton
• Sizes: XS - 3XL
• Colors: Terrace Blue, Washed Burgundy, White, Light Grey Marl, Navy, and 4 others
• Pros: Comfy, affordable, versatile
• Cons: Runs too loose according to some users, comfortable and easy to care for
• A promising review: N/A

You could also go the Gymshark Route as they have a large roster of workout shirts that you can rock with that are very much on the affordable side. Made with 100% cotton, the Crest T-Shirt is a fan favorite of the brand as it is lightweight, loose, and durable. The $22 price tag means you could get five for roughly $100 and alternate throughout the week as well. Just a suggestion.

• Material: 50% Cotton, 45% Polyester, 5% Elastane
• Sizes: XS - 3XL
• Key features: Cotton/polyester/elastane blend
• Colors: Black Print, White, Black, Light Grey Marl, Dark Green
• Care: Machine wash cold
• Pros: Comfy, affordable, versatile
• Cons: Runs too long according to some users
• A promising review: N/A

Another Gymshark suggestion but a tank option. If you've ever worn a cotton/polyester/elastane blend, then you know the comfort is no joke (in a good way of course), and while the Critical 2.0 is designed to be cut with a slim-ft that compliments your muscles, it's still loose enough to not be too clingy.

• Material: 100% Polyester
• Sizes: S - 5XL
• Colors: Marine OD Green / Black, Black / Pitch Gray, Pitch Gray Light Heather / Black, Steel Light Heather, White / Steel, and 7 others
• Pros: Lightweight, durable, has Under Armour's UA Tech™ fabric is easy to care for
• Cons: Runs small/large according to some users
• A promising review: "Hi there. This product is great. It fits perfectly and it definitely kept me dry. Would definitely buy more of" - Esteban, Under Armour Reviewer

Under Armour's Velocity Shirt checks all the boxes when it comes to everything you want in a workout shirt. It's lightweight, is built with speciality Under Armour tech that has cooling and drying properties for when you sweat, is strategically designed to be looser around the areas you sweat most, and best of all—it's inexpensive. Good quality at a low price.

• Material: 87% 16.5 Micron merino wool, 13% nylon
• Sizes: XS - 3XL
• Colors: Charcoal Heather, Falcon Heather, Forest Heather, Almond, Dune, and 13 others
• Pros: Full of technical features, regulates temperature
• Cons: On the pricier side
• A promising review: "I have used the T-shirt for layering and as a primary shirt. They are a bit thinner than other brands but I like them the best. No itch and can wear for multiple days in a row. I normally wear an XL but ordered a XXL for a looser fit." - Marshall, Huckberry Reviewer

Proof's 72-hour Merino T-Shirt is a technical tee to the fullest at it regulates your body temperature, has odor-resistant properties, and is moisture-wicking in adequate enough way to prevent excess sweat. The reviews say that this shirt is anti-itch as well, which is always a bonus because we know how annoying the combination of sweat and itching can be.

• Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
• Sizes: S - 4XL
• Colors: Black/White, Black/Red, Black, Black/Tan, Navy/Gold, and 11 others
• Pros: Fits well, comfortable, affordable, versatile, has a soft cotton/poly blend
• Cons: Runs large according to some users
• A promising review: "The shirt is loose where it should be and tighter around the arms which is exactly how I like it! I highly recommend!" - Mike, Gym Reapers Reviewer

Gymreapers' Basic Shirt might be "basic" as described by them, but there's nothing basic about it. This shirt is for the gym rats that go super hard as it has that soft cotton/poly blend we've previously raved about for comfort, non-constricting sleeves that you don't feel restricted, and stretch material that allows for mobility while working out without ripping your shirt.

• Material: Polyester
• Sizes: S - 2XL
• Colors: Black, Classic Blue, Deep Lake, Naval Blue, Pebble, Storm
• Pros: Sweat-wicking, UV Protection, durable, versatile, has Outdoor Research's AirVent fabric
• Cons: Runs out of stock a lot in some sizes
• A promising review: "Great fit and great product. Perfect for humid/hot weather." - Mike, Outdoor Research Reviewer

Survey says this Echo T-Shirt from Outdoor Research is another heavy hitter for the outdoors (which would make sense considering it's from Outdoor Research). If you need protection from the sun, the Echo has it. If you don't want your shirt with a permanent sweat stench, the Echo has some awesome sweat-wicking properties as well with it's ultralight AirVent fabric. You should be able to get a lot of wear out of this tee.

• Material: 95% Polyester, 5% elastane
• Sizes: S - 2XL
• Colors: Black, Burgundy, Dark Green, Dusty Pink, Golden Yellow, and 18 others
• Pros: Lots of colors, affordable, moisture-wicking, has a pull-on closure, is easy to care for
• Cons: Doesn't last as long as some other workout shirts
• A promising review: "I previously purchased a Russell shirt that was 95% poly and 5% spandex. I bought is so long ago that it is no longer available. It is the most comfortable workout/yard work shirt that I own and have been searching for something with a similar material. I finally found these from Amazon Essentials and am extremely happy with the product." M. Leone, Amazon Reviewer

For an under $20 shirt, Amazon's Essential Tee seems to work quite well according to those that have purchased. The t-shirt is UV protectant so it does a good job at shielding you from the sun, there aren't any complaints about sweat, and while the shirt does have a slightly tapered athletic fit, it's still roomy and non-clingy. While the shirt may not last as long as others, the $16 price means you can get multiple in one go, so it evens out in our opinion.