10 Best Workout Shirts for Gym Lovers
Every fitness enthusiast knows that with all the amazing workout gear that’s available today, there’s no point in throwing on an old pair of sweats and ratty t-shirt when getting ready to pump some iron as they did back in the day. Those days are long gone, and believe it or not, what you wear while you’re exercising can actually make or break your workout.
So whether you’re looking for a compression shirt that’ll move with you and keep you comfortable all day long or a lightweight, sweat-wicking tee that’ll take you straight from spin class to the smoothie shop, there’s something for everyone on our list of the 10 best workout shirts for gym lovers.
Best Buy
1. Nike Dri-FIT Legend
When it comes to athletic and workout apparel, Nike is a brand that you truly can’t go wrong with. So if you’re looking for a staple workout shirt to wear to the gym on the reg, then the Nike Dri-FIT Legend is a must-have item to add to your closet.
Thanks to its odor-resistant finish and lightweight fabric that helps wick moisture and sweat away, you’ll stay cool, comfortable, dry, and stink-free from the second you start your warmup to the second you finish your cool down. The Nike Dri-FIT Legend also features a relaxed fit, comes in a whopping 14 colors, and is available in sizes S-4XL in either a regular or tall fit.
2. Rhone Reign Tech Short Sleeve
If you’re looking for a workout shirt that’ll hug and move with your body – even in the toughest of training sessions – then the Rhone Reign Tech Short Sleeve shirt is right up your alley.
Featuring a seamless construction, anti-odor technology, and lightweight material, this workout shirt will keep you cool and dry throughout your gym sessions, and thanks to its body-hugging hit, you’ll also be able to show off the muscles you’ve been working on building. The Rhone Reign Tech Short Sleeve shirt also comes in 11 colors and sizes S-XXL, so you can easily find your perfect style and fit.
3. UNIQLO Dry-Ex Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Fact: Good quality workout shirts don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, as evidenced by the UNIQLO Dry-Ex Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt. This gym staple boasts anti-bacterial and odor-neutralizing properties, ergonomically placed mesh holes to aid in breathability, and dries in half the time cotton does, which means you’ll stay cool, dry, and comfortable no matter what setting you’re in.
The best part about this workout shirt is that it actually doubles as a shirt that’s suitable for wearing in ultra-casual social settings or running errands on the weekend, so you’ll get even more bang for your buck with this UNIQLO basic.
4. Lululemon Drysense Short Sleeve Shirt
Lululemon is one of the best brands when it comes to high-quality athletic gear for both women and men, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Lululemon Drysense Short Sleeve Shirt made this list.
Featuring a classic fit, sweat-wicking material, and added Lycra for stretch and comfort that’ll also help maintain its shape, this workout shirt is designed for all sorts of different training sessions, including cardio, HIIT, weightlifting, and more. And thanks to the shirt’s Silverescent™ technology, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria within the fabric, you’ll stay fresh with every workout you complete, even if you’re drenched with sweat by the end of your session.
5. Under Armour HeatGeat Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt
If you’re in the market for a workout shirt that has a few added benefits, like sun protection and compression, then the Under Armour HeatGeat Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt will most definitely fulfill all of your gym gear needs. This workout shirt can be worn as either a base layer or by itself, is comfortable for all-day wear, features four-way stretch construction so it moves with you, and also has anti-odor technology so you won’t scare people away from the snack bar after your session.
This shirt isn’t made only for the gym, though – it’s perfectly suitable for outdoor workouts, too, thanks to the SPF 30 technology that will protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
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6. adidas Freelift Sport Prime Heather Tee
Workout attire and athletic gear is all about personal preference, so if you’re someone who likes to be a little more comfortable and less restricted when you’re pumping iron at the gym, then the adidas Freelife Sport Prime Heather Tee will be the perfect addition to your collection of gym attire.
This shirt is made from 65% polyester and 35% viscose, boasts an athletic fit that’s wider at the shoulders and tapers at the waist and comes in an impressive 16 colors, so you’re guaranteed to find a color (or five) that fits into your wardrobe. And with over 340 five-star ratings on Amazon, buying this workout staple is an absolute no-brainer, and totally worth the money, according to reviewers from across the globe.
7. Ten Thousand Lightweight Shirt
When it comes to what you wear during your workout, most of the time, lighter means better. That’s why the Ten Thousand Lightweight Shirt is one of the top choices when it comes to workout shirts that’ll satisfy every gym rat, avid runner, or CrossFit enthusiast alike, thanks to the – you guessed it – featherweight and ultra-breathable fabric that’s guaranteed to get you through high-intensity workouts.
This workout must-have also features anti-chafe seams, a no-cling fit, and anti-odor technology, and comes in a variety of styles (shirt or tank), five colors (black, navy, bluestone, brick red, and light grey), and sizes XS-2XL.
Bonus: The company’s comprehensive explainer about the conception and construction of the shirt will make it easy to pick the right style for you.
8. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Patagonia is one of the most respected brands when it comes to outdoor apparel and gear, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that their athletic wear is worth investing in. Made from recycled polyester jersey, this workout shirt will keep you dry and comfortable all day long, thanks to the fabric’s miDori™ bioSoft technology, which speeds up moisture-wicking speeds and stays soft through countless uses and washes.
Patagonia recommends wearing this shirt for activities like running, watersports, hiking, and of course, fitness, so whether you’re hopping on a Peloton for a rhythm ride or doing a free-weight workout at your local gym, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt will be the perfect attire to wear while you crush your sweat session.
9. Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee
If you’re someone who loves to get their sweat on in the great outdoors, the Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee will be an excellent addition to your collection of athletic attire. Featuring UPF 30+ protection and a modern athletic fit, this breathable workout tee also wicks away moisture so you stay dry and cool, and the anti-chafe seams will guarantee that you stay comfortable and your skin isn’t irritated.
Bonus: This workout t-shirt can totally double as a shirt in a casual setting, which makes it ideal to wear to the beach, pool, on a boat, or even just taking an evening stroll around the neighborhood.
10. New Balance Impact Run Short Sleeve
While you may think of New Balance as a go-to brand for running shoes, you shouldn’t be sleeping on their athletic apparel, especially the New Balance Impact Run Short Sleeve shirt. Made for running and/or your daily workout, this top features technology that wicks away sweat, all-over pindot mesh so you stay cool throughout your session, and a lightweight, poly knit fabric.
This shirt also comes in a variety of colors, including ghost pepper (orange), helium (sky blue), and classic colors like black and white, and customers reviewed it as “lightweight,” “high-quality,” and “a great shirt for running.”
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Workout Shirts FAQs
The main difference between a workout shirt and a normal shirt is the fabric it’s made out of. While normal, everyday t-shirts are typically made from cotton or a cotton blend, a workout shirt is typically made from polyester or a polyester blend. Polyester is durable, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and doesn’t absorb moisture, making it the perfect material for workout gear.
When looking for a workout shirt, you should look for a shirt made of polyester or a polyester blend, as described above. Other features to look for include anti-odor technology, sweat-wicking technology, and SPF or UPF technology if you workout outside. When it comes to the fit of your shirt, it’s all about personal preference — if you want something tighter and hugs your body, opt for a fitted workout shirt with lots of stretches and/or compression; if you want something with a more traditional t-shirt fit, look for an athletic or relaxed fit.
You can definitely wear a workout shirt when not working out, especially if it resembles a casual t-shirt. You should definitely only wear them in ultra-casual settings, although, like to the beach or a pool day, taking your dog for a walk, running to your favorite hole-in-the-wall cafe to grab some coffee and a bagel, etc. Super-tight compression workout shirts are best worn at the gym or around your house, though, as they’ll look incredibly out of place even if you’re just wearing joggers to the corner store on Sunday morning.
