<p>And finally, the workout itself will play the biggest part. Casual, sweat-wicking <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g60606951/best-t-shirt-men/” target=”_blank”>T-shirts</a> are less sophisticated than <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g27437310/best-polo-shirts/” target=”_blank”>the polos</a> you will need for <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g36197949/best-golf-clothing-brands/” target=”_blank”>golf.</a> You may want more of a singlet if you’re running for speed. A compression long-sleeve could help to enhance your gym workout. </p><p>Below, find the 12 best workout shirts to get your sweat on. Literally.</p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Vuori
Best Go-To Workout Shirt
Nike Dri-FIT Top
Dri-FIT is one of Nike’s most celebrated and long-lasting lines, and that’s saying something. For decades, the pieces produced under this banner, from tees and shorts to outerwear and socks, have been lauded by pro athletes and hobbyists alike. The silhouettes fit the body but allow for maximum movement. On shirts, the armholes are usually high and the chest slim. The fabric is incredibly cooling, quick-drying, and durable—all the qualities needed for intense activity.
Sizes
XS–4XL
Colors
11
Composition
60-62% Cotton, 38-40% Polyester
Best Workout Tank Top
Alo Conquer Muscle Tank
If you prefer a sleeveless option, Alo’s classic tanks are the way to go. The brand has a handful of core colors that stick around year-round, and then adds seasonal colors into rotation. The performance jersey fabric is soft and the arm holes are cut with depth, so they don’t get in the way with lifting and any other overhead movement.
Sizes
S–2XL
Colors
12
Composition
94% Polyester, 6% Elastane
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Best Long-Sleeve Compression Workout Shirt
Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shirt
Though tight to be sure, compression shirts are said to improve oxygen and blood circulation, and lessen the body’s recovery time after intense training. And the name to know when it comes to the style is Under Armour. The brand’s HeatGear line is especially great, consisting of pieces that are meant to feel like a second skin: they’re incredibly lightweight, stretchy, and feature an ergonomic design that reduces friction on the seams.
Sizes
XS–4XL
Colors
47
Composition
100% Polyester
Most Stylish Workout Shirt
Lululemon License to Train Short Sleeve
Lululemon is the brand that made athleisure cool and covetable, and it has kept that up over the years. The License to Train tee is a classic: it gets the job done without getting in the way. It’s one of the pricier options but it delivers on its drop shoulder fit, high-quality fabric, and gym longevity.
For the outdoor crowd, Arc’Teryx is the best of the best. This T-shirt is loose and airy, keeping you cool regardless of how much you sweat. It has sun protection built in, making it ideal for hiking, trail running, and other outdoorsy stuff.
Sizes
XS–2XL
Colors
6
Composition
100% Polyester
Best No-Brainer Workout Shirt
Rhone Origin Tee – Classic
Rhone’s Origin tee is no-fuss. It’s a well-made, well-fitted T-shirt made with premium performance cotton and every kind of workout in mind.
Sizes
S–2XL
Colors
8
Composition
Cotton, polyester, spandex
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Best Budget Workout Shirt
Quince Flowknit Breeze Performance Tee
Quince is the master of high-quality fashion at shockingly affordable prices. Like this shirt, which is made from a moisture-wicking and anti-odor material that is also sustainable. And under $20? Truly, no notes.
Sizes
S–2XL
Colors
4
Composition
78% Recycled polyester, 16% Polyester, 6% Spandex
Best Detailed Workout Shirt
Ten Thousand Interval Shirt
This shirt might appear simple at first glance, but the features set it apart from the rest. It has a permanent silver ion anti-odor treatment, anti-chafe seams, and sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. Plus, it’s passed testing for over 20,000 anti abrasion rubs and over 100 pounds of pressure per square inch.
Sizes
XS–2XL
Colors
15
Composition
84% Polyester, 16% Spandex
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Best Workshirt Shirt for Golf
Municipal Sportcross Golf Core Polo
If you, like Mark Wahlberg, want golf equipment with a real workout bend, here is our pick from Municipal. The brand comprises it from its TurboDry fabrication, which is one of the fastest drying fabric technologies that exists.
Sizes
S–3XL
Colors
5
Composition
100% Polyester
Best Workout Shirt for Runners
On Core Tank
If you’re a runner, this tank top is a stellar option. The minimalist, streamlined design is made for speed, and the lightweight fabric won’t hold you back. You might as well get a pair of the brand’s fabulous running shoes while you’re at it, too.
Sizes
XS–2XL
Colors
5
Composition
92% Recycled polyester, 8% Elastane
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Best Workout Shirt for Travel
Vuori Current Tech Tee
Vuori creates some incredibly comfortable shirts, the kinds of moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and UPF-infused tops that you’d want to wear every day, in and out of the gym. The Current tee, made with four-way stretch, is one of the best for wearing not just for a workout but for long travel days that involve a lot of lifting suitcases and moving about.
Sizes
2XS–3XL
Colors
5
Composition
95% Recycled polyester, 5% Elastane
How We Picked
We already told you that we know a lot about workout clothing, but sure, we can qualify ourselves for you. From marathon runners to competitive athletes to intense gym rats to the occasion long-walker, our Esquire staff has the workout spectrum covered. While we all may get our gains in different ways, there’s one thing we have in common: we like to be comfortable and stylish when we work out.
So when it comes to the picks on this list, all you need to know is that personal testing, review scouring, and our Esquire stamp of approval have gone into this curated selection.
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Why Trust Us?
We’re not going to tell you something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.