Running t-shirts will take you all the way from the first sun of spring through to the heat of midsummer. And that means you 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. 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 panelling 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 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 prioritise 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.

ASICS Road Seamless SS Top

ASICS Road Seamless SS Top technical details

Material: 65% recycled nylon, 35% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: ACTIBREEZE technology
RRP: £49

What our tester said

“I love the colour, fit and feel of this product. I’ve not come across a seamless running top other than those that cling to your body. This top is loose fitting, comfortable and sweat wicking. It also feels nice and soft, which is a bonus. While it definitely performs well, I think the price point is high at £49 for what is a relatively basic tee. Price aside, this is a great product and it feels lighter and more comfortable than other running tops thanks to its seamless construction.”

RAB Sonic Ultra Tee

RAB Sonic Ultra Tee technical details

Material: Dryflo Air single jersey
Sizes: 8-16
Special features: odour control treatment, reflective branding
RRP: £45

What our tester said

“Oh my god, the design of this is elite! The subtle colour blocking (light blue at the front, grey at the back) makes it look absolutely incredible on. Rab kit comes from a hiking heritage, which you can really see and feel here. It’s made for all-day comfort, and works fantastically as a light baselayer, as much as a top on its own. It’s beautifully light, so it’s going to be a godsend when the temperatures start picking up. I found it soft and light on longer runs, it did its sweat-wicking job, and it looks really gorgeous on.”

Flanci Super Lightweight Tech T-Shirt

Flanci T-Shirt technical details

Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex
Sizes: XS-4XL
RRP: £34.99

What our tester said

“I loved the colour of this top and the material is really soft, comfortable and lightweight. It feels really well made. I’ve worn it to the track for hard interval sessions and haven’t overheated in it. I’d not worn a v-neck running top before testing this and I must say I’m a convert. I’m doing the Reverse London Marathon this year and Flanci are doing some tops for the event; while I don’t strictly need another top, after trying this one I’m sorely tempted to get one.”

Gym+Coffee Relentless Tee

Gym+Coffee Relentless Tee technical details

Material: 90% recycled polyester 10% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XXL
RRP: £30

What our tester said

“This is a great all-rounder. It’s one of those classic tees that you’ll quickly find on regular rotation – a block colour, a flattering fit, and a light, wearable fabric. Mine is in a lovely dark green, created from a featherlight technical fabric and has a fitted shape. I’d say that the fit is a little closer than other running tees in this bracket, so bear that in mind, and perhaps size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit. That said, it’s super flattering when close-fitting, and it performs brilliantly. There was no riding up and it moved with me. It has a dipped hem at the back, which I love, and a discreet logo. All in all, this is part of a great range of running gear from a brand that deserves more airtime. Good pricing, sizing, and really good function to boot.”

ASICS Nagino Run Adjustable Short Sleeve Top

ASICS Nagino Run Short Sleeve Top technical details

Sizes: XS-2XL
RRP: £40

What our tester said

“This top is part of ASICS’ new adjustable fit range, which we are very much enjoying here at WR. On first glance, I thought this top would be way too loose for running but no, I was wrong. It’s now become the top that I’m disappointed to discover in the dirty-laundry basket because I want to wear it all the time. The fit is adjustable by an elastic drawstring on the waist and one on each sleeve, so you can customise it to you and your needs that day.

The fabric feels like cotton but actually contains 20% Lycoll (for softness and wicking) which is a lovely touch.”

Artilect Women’s Sprint Tee

Artilect Women’s Spring Tee technical details

Sizes: XS-XL
RRP: £70

What our tester said

“This top feels a bit different to the usual technical fabrics, because it’s made of environmentally-friendly merino. To be specific, it’s made from one of the world’s lightest weight merino fabrics. At first feel, it’s softer and slightly cosier than your average running top. But it’s also certainly a lot thinner than you’d expect from a merino top. The fabric means it feels super soft on, and also that it dries incredibly quickly.

I’ve worn it dozens of times now over the past month or so, and it’s not lost any shape, colour or performance no matter how many washes. I love the slightly warmer feel of merino on chillier mornings, and like wearing this layered under longer sleeve tops. And the pink colour I have is lovely too!”