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The 16 Best Moisture-Wicking Shirts for Cooler Workouts

Sweat should never bog down your training.

By Talene Appleton and Christian Gollayan
best moisture wicking shirts for men
Courtesy of Retailer

IF YOU'RE working out hard, you're bound to get sweaty. And that's a good thing—if you're sweating, your body is working. So whether you're hitting cardio with a long run or sprints on the treadmill, or trying out a new strength training plan, there is truly nothing worse than working out in a sopping wet t-shirt.

  • Strato Tech Tee

    Softest Moisture-Wicking Tee

    Vuori Clothing Strato Tech Tee

    $44 at Vuori
    Read more
  • Versatile Shirt

    Best Overall Moisture-Wicking Tee for Most Workouts

    Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt

    Read more
  • Twilight Tee

    Best Overall Moisture -Wicking Tee for Running

    Tracksmith Twilight Tee

    Read more
  • Helio Tech Tank

    Best Moisture-Wicking Tank for Hot Weather Runs

    Janji Helio Tech Tank

    Read more
  • Men's Dry Training

    Best Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve for Layering

    Men's Dry Training

    Read more

Not only can it weigh you down, but it also can get sticky and create chafing, making your workout miserable. That's why it's crucial to sport workout tops made from a fabric that will pull moisture away from your skin, quickly dry sweat and keep you cool despite how hard you're working.

To help you out, we rounded up 16 moisture-wicking t-shirts that will keep you dry and cool, no matter how much you sweat.

Best Workout Shirts for Men | Best Tank Tops for Men | Best Zip-up Hoodies for Men | Best T-Shirts for Men | Best Zip-up Hoodies for Men | Best Workout Clothes for Men

Softest Moisture-Wicking Tee

Vuori Clothing Strato Tech Tee

Strato Tech Tee
Softest Moisture-Wicking Tee

Vuori Clothing Strato Tech Tee

$44 at Vuori
Pros
  • Incredibly soft feel
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Available in a great range of colors
Cons
  • Over $50

Ditch your old tees and train in this ultra-lightweight piece made with Vuori's next-level soft fabric that wicks moisture to keep you dry.

Read more: Best Running Shorts

Best Overall Moisture-Wicking Tee for Most Workouts

Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt

Versatile Shirt
Best Overall Moisture-Wicking Tee for Most Workouts

Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt

Pros
  • Fights odors exceptionally well
  • Provides enough stretch for most workouts
  • Looks great
Cons
  • Expensive

This do-it-all shirt from Ted Thousand really does live up to its name. A proprietary "easy care fabric" has a a silver ion treatment that fights sweat and stink. Built-in stretch means it moves with you like a second skin during any workout.

Read more: Best Workout Shirts for Men

Best Overall Moisture -Wicking Tee for Running

Tracksmith Twilight Tee

Twilight Tee
Best Overall Moisture -Wicking Tee for Running

Tracksmith Twilight Tee

Pros
  • Fabric is lightweight and soft
  • Looks amazing
  • Washes well
Cons
  • Expensive

Tracksmith's high-style running shirts usually draw lots of attention for their Ivy League-designs (think: collegiate piping). For guys who want an understated-but-still-handsome top, opt for this Twilight Tee, which was named after casual track meets. Colors are more toned down, but still boast plenty of the brand's performance features: a soft and lightweight mesh that's both breezy and fitted, and of course a moisture-wicking fabric.

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Best Moisture-Wicking Tank for Hot Weather Runs

Janji Helio Tech Tank

On Sale
Helio Tech Tank
Best Moisture-Wicking Tank for Hot Weather Runs

Janji Helio Tech Tank

Now 30% Off
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Doesn't cling
  • Under $50
Cons
  • Wrinkles easily

Yes, tank tops are great for warm weather runs, but if you really want to beat the heat, then you need a sleeveless shirt that dries fast and doesn't cling to your back once you cross the 10k line. Janji's Helio Tank does both, and comes in plenty of styles and colors so you can look and feel cool during all your summer jogs.

Read more: Best Tank Tops for Men

Best Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve for Layering

Men's Dry Training

Men's Dry Training
Best Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve for Layering

Men's Dry Training

Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Great to wear for colder environments
  • Great price
Cons
  • Relaxed fit may not be preferred by some

Just because you need long sleeves doesn't mean you won't get sweaty. Add an extra layer with this fitted (but not tight compression) shirt made with Nike's Dri-Fit sweat-wicking material.

Best Moisture-Wicking V-Neck Tee

Men's Tech 2.0 V-Neck

On Sale
Men's Tech 2.0 V-Neck
Best Moisture-Wicking V-Neck Tee

Men's Tech 2.0 V-Neck

Now 24% Off
Pros
  • Great price
  • Available in a wide range of colors
  • Washes well
Cons
  • Wrinkles easily

This v-neck tee from Under Armour gives your sweat session a subtle style pop while keeping your sweat under control. Pick from a huge assortment of colors and make this your go-to basic top.

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Best Neutral Moisture-Wicking Tee

Patagonia Men's Capilene® Cool Lightweight Shirt

Men's Capilene® Cool Lightweight Shirt
Best Neutral Moisture-Wicking Tee

Patagonia Men's Capilene® Cool Lightweight Shirt

Pros
  • Under $50
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Patagonia's lightest-weight T-shirt
  • Fights odors exceptionally well
Cons
  • Only available in 4 colors

This tee is made from the brand's lightest-weight material ever and is 52-100% recycled polyester. It's designed using odor-controlling technology, too, meaning less washes. All around, it's a conscious choice for the eco-exerciser.

Read more: Best Athletic Shorts

Best Value Moisture-Wicking Tank

2 Pack Workout Tank Tops

2 Pack Workout Tank Tops
Best Value Moisture-Wicking Tank

2 Pack Workout Tank Tops

Pros
  • Great price
  • Washes well
  • Material feels high-end
Cons
  • Limited color combinations available

If you're looking for a great deal, these Babioboa moisture wicking tanks come in a 2-pack. They're made of quick-drying polyester and spandex for a lightweight and breathable feel.

Best Merino Moisture-Wicking Tee

Unbound Merino Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt

Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt
Best Merino Moisture-Wicking Tee

Unbound Merino Merino Wool Crew Neck T-Shirt

Pros
  • Fights odors exceptionally well
  • Material feels high-end
  • Great for layering
Cons
  • Expensive

Add some wool to your workout wardrobe with this simple moisture-wicking crewneck tee from Unbound Merino. The high-quality material is also antibacterial and odor resistant, so you won't gross out the rest of the gym after multiple wears.

Read more: Best T-Shirts for Men

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Most Stylish Moisture-Wicking Tee

Rhone Reign Short Sleeve

Reign Short Sleeve
Most Stylish Moisture-Wicking Tee

Rhone Reign Short Sleeve

Pros
  • Washes well
  • Looks great
  • Wrinkle-resistant
Cons
  • Expensive

Rhone's short sleeve training tee is made to take on any workout, with raglan sleeves and specialized stitching to allow you to move around without chafing. Moisture-wicking material and GoldFusion tech to stave off smelliness help when you get sweaty.

Best Seamless Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt

Metal Vent Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt
Best Seamless Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt

Pros
  • Seamless design minimizes chafing
  • Slim fit feels great while running or lifting
  • Feels brand new even after dozens of washes
  • Fights odors exceptionally well
Cons
  • Expensive

Take on runs without too much on top with this lightweight long sleeve made from Lululemon's moisture-wicking material. It's also infused with Silverescent™ to minimize odor-causing bacteria.

Read more: Best Zip-up Hoodies for Men

Best Moisture-Wicking Tee to Minimize Chafing

Helly-Hansen Moisture-Wicking Tech T-Shirt

Moisture-Wicking Tech T-Shirt
Best Moisture-Wicking Tee to Minimize Chafing

Helly-Hansen Moisture-Wicking Tech T-Shirt

Pros
  • Under $50
  • Flatlock seams minimize chafing
  • Quick drying
Cons
  • Limited colors available

This Helly-Hansen short sleeve tee is made from the brand's technical polyester fabric that is quick drying and moisture-wicking. It also has flatlock seams to minimize abrasion.

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Best Moisture-Wicking Hoodie for Cold Weather

Men's Wander Hoodie

Men's Wander Hoodie
Best Moisture-Wicking Hoodie for Cold Weather

Men's Wander Hoodie

Pros
  • Great for layering
  • Has a hood and thumbholes
  • Ultra lightweight
Cons
  • Over $50

This activewear hoodie from The North Face has FlashDry technology for sweat wicking, plus thumbholes in the cuffs for full hand coverage.

Read more: Best Workout Clothes for Men

Best Wind-Resistant Moisture-Wicking Tee

MARMOT Men's Windridge Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Men's Windridge Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Best Wind-Resistant Moisture-Wicking Tee

MARMOT Men's Windridge Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Now 21% Off
Pros
  • Lightweight yet wind-resistant
  • Dries quickly
  • Under $35
Cons
  • Available in a limited range of colors

This Marmot tee was designed specifically for windy conditions, and will help you stay dry thanks to its 93 percent polyester and 7 percent elastane fabric makeup.

Best Merino Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve

Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Colorblock Crew Long Sleeve Shirt

On Sale
Intraknit Merino 200 Colorblock Crew Long Sleeve Shirt
Best Merino Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve

Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Colorblock Crew Long Sleeve Shirt

Now 33% Off
Pros
  • Great for layering
  • Keeps you warm when you need it, and cool when you're warm
  • Dries quickly
Cons
  • Expensive

This fitted Smartwool long sleeve top is made with 3D-knitting for a near-custom fit, plus the brand's Intraknit Merino 200 fabric that offers ventilation and moisture-wicking capabilities, as well as body temperature regulation.

Read more: Best Hoodies for Men

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Best Slim-Fitting Moisture-Wicking Tee

Lululemon Fast and Free Short Sleeve Shirt

Fast and Free Short Sleeve Shirt
Best Slim-Fitting Moisture-Wicking Tee

Lululemon Fast and Free Short Sleeve Shirt

Pros
  • Slim fit feels and looks great
  • Feels brand new even after dozens of washes
  • High-quality material and construction
Cons
  • Expensive

This slim-fitting top from Lululemon features the brand's sweat-wicking, The brand's Breathe Light Mesh Fabric that is lightweight and made of recycled polyester.

How do Moisture-Wicking Shirts Work?

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Moisture-wicking fabrics are synthetic, designed to handle wetness better than traditional materials. There are tiny spaces for liquid to move through the material through "capillary action," according to REI Co-Op Journal. When you sweat wearing a moisture-wicking shirt, the liquid quickly moves to the outer layer of the garment, where it will dry quickly instead of saturating the fabric. Since these synthetics handle moisture so well, they're perfect for exercise clothes.

These fabrics include: polyester, Gore-Tex, nylon and spandex. Double checking the tags on your tops, or reading about the materials it's made of will help you pick proper shirts for your workouts. And thankfully, you can find moisture-wicking materials in tanks, short sleeve tees, long sleeve tees and hoodies.

How We Selected

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For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the top moisture-wicking shirts for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless men's moisture-wicking shirts through the wringer to evaluate their fit and how dry they kept us. We also considered top-reviewed men's moisture-wicking shirts that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

Headshot of Talene Appleton
Talene Appleton
Fitness and Commerce Editor

Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family. 

Headshot of Christian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce

As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia. 

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