13 Best Cooling Shirts for Running

When was your last time buying a new cooling shirt for running? If you’re a runner, you probably have come across this dilemma of buying a new shirt that brings comfort while being good quality as well. You may prefer those known brands for running shirts as Nike or Under Armour, or go for a nice affordable t-shirt from any brand that does what it’s supposed to do while running.

After all, a cross-country running shirt should be comfortable, moisture-wicking, perfect-fit, and lightweight. That’s all, and anything else is a matter of preference. For this, we have done a lot of research to pick up the top 13 cooling shirts for running. These shirts should have most of the features you’re looking for, so we’re sure you’ll find something that interests you here. Let’s take a look at the list now.

Brooks Carbonite Long Sleeve

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So, let’s start with something unique and high-quality, the Brooks Carbonite Long Sleeve cooling shirt. This is a women’s shirt you can get, provided you have an open budget for running gear. This shirt is certainly expensive. However, you won’t regret having such a shirt in your wardrobe. The shirt is made of 100% polyester and breathable all the way. There are ventilation holes all over the shirt for the most breathability ever.
Further, it’s a very comfortable option considering the material and how it fits. The sizes run from x-small to xx-large, and it fits as expected. Moreover, it has thumbholes on the cuffs, so the sleeves won’t keep pulling up while you’re running. You can see one of the best YouTube video reviews by Believe in the Run on this shirt.

Nike Dri-FIT Rise 365 Men’s Running Tank

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Another option on the expensive side but this time from Nike. Nike Dri-FIT Rise 365 Men’s Running Tank is a nice running shirt for summer to get the most breathability possible. The shirt is relaxed and a bit on the loose side for those who prefer to feel the air hitting their body while running or working out. Only three sizes are available from this t-shirt, so it fits the same on most people.
On the other side, the garments are all polyester. As you might know, polyester is very moisture-wicking and is mostly the most practical material for sportswear. For more breathability this t-shirt has small ventilation holes in many areas to increase breathability.

KORSA Women’s Short Sleeve Workout Shirt

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The brand behind these KORSA t-shirts is Road Runners Sports which has been known for sports apparel since long ago. KORSA Women’s Short Sleeve Workout Shirt is one of the items of the KORSA line that would be very suitable as a cross-country running shirt. The t-shirt has reflective elements for running day or night. These reflective dots are also part of the design, so they don’t look odd at all.
The everLITE fabric used to design this shirt makes it a perfect option. This fabric is very cooling and very moisture-wicking. It has amazing evaporating features that won’t keep you soaked in sweat during your workout. By the way, this shirt can be used for running, cross-fit, and other types of exercise.

Coolibar Women’s Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt

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Best for sun protection. If sun protection is important for you, then you definitely need Coolibar Women’s Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt. The t-shirt is a combination of polyester and spandex, but the material was blended to guarantee you’re protected from harmful sun rays. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking for sure, so you can use the t-shirt for cross-country running even though it’s long-sleeved.
Further, the design stands out as well. The relaxed fit looks nice and flattering on most women. The thumbholes keep the t-shirt in its place while running, and the crew neck is just suitable for providing comfort. We want to interest you by urging you to browse all the available designs and colors. They look amazing!

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top

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Want less fabric on your body while running? Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top gives you what you need as it’s a racerback tank top, not a sleeved t-shirt. Generally, Lululemon’s sportswear is one of the favorites for many runners. They have a wide selection of women’s tops in different styles, but we believe many women will search for a very light and simple option to be used as a cross-country running shirt.
One of the things you’ll appreciate a lot about this shirt is the material. It holds up very well, and it dries out very quickly. However, it’s an expensive choice that won’t suit all budgets. Don’t forget to check all the available colors and also check those mobile phone armbands for running freely and listening to your favorite music at the same time.

Nike Womens Dri-Fit Knit Running Shirt

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One of the best ways to ensure a good quality product is to buy from well-known brands in the specific area you’re searching in. Nike Womens Dri-Fit Knit Running Shirt is our recommendation from Nike, which is far from being unknown. The shirt we picked is a tight-fit one, yet, it’s great for running thanks to the high-quality polyester material Nike usually uses.
Breathability, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and all these features are maintained in this t-shirt. Moreover, it’s available in feminine colors such as pink or sky blue t-shirts. We also love the fact that the t-shirt is reasonably priced compared to other Nike products.

Columbia Men’s Mist Trail Short Sleeve Shirt

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Columbia Men’s Mist Trail Short Sleeve Shirt has an advanced cooling technology that works instantly once you sweat in the shirt. Simply, a specific material in the t-shirt reacts with sweat to lower the temperature of the t-shirt. This technology will keep your body cool for hours, plus you’ll enjoy sun protection while wearing this shirt.
Being a Columbia t-shirt, you should never worry about longevity. Columbia products are always known for their high quality. Moreover, the fit is always right; this t-shirt particularly has comfort fit to look flattering without restricting your motion. Speaking of Columbia products, you might want to check some of their men’s fleece jackets or women’s fleece jackets.

Dickies Men’s Big and Tall Cooling T-Shirt

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Best sizes. Some people would go for cotton no matter what reason they need the t-shirt. Luckily, Dickies Men’s Big and Tall Cooling T-Shirt offers this option in a 50% cotton t-shirt, and the rest of the material is polyester. However, it’s still one of the best cooling shirts for running with the special Temp-IQ cooling technology.
Moreover, the t-shirt has a wide array of sizes but not the normally small and large sizes you can find in most other t-shirts. In fact, this t-shirt was designed with the athletic body in mind. The t-shirt is offered in tall, big, and tall and big options to fit perfectly on all bodies.

Merino.tech Merino Wool T-Shirt

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Best material. You might think that the best cross-country running shirts should be polyester to offer breathability and cooling features. Yet, Merino.tech Merino Wool T-Shirt comes to change your mind. This t-shirt is made of 100% merino wool which offers maximum breathability and moisture-wicking features. Moreover, the material will never produce any bad odor, even if you wear it every day.
Some people will choose this t-shirt as their main running t-shirt, but others will prefer to wear it as an undershirt. In both cases, it’s a nice-looking option coming in all your favorite colors. Also, there are two styles; a crew neck style and a polo shirt style.

32 DEGREEES Men’s Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt

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Best value for money. Do you want something very basic and comfortable without paying much money? Don’t think too much. Here is 32 DEGREEES Men’s Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt. This cooling shirt for running is made of polyester and spandex to offer some stretch while maintaining a regular fit on your body. The t-shirt is moisture-wicking as well, so goodbye to accumulated sweat and bad odors.
Further, the t-shirt is one of those few t-shirts with a tagless design. Although this might not be the most important thing ever, it’s worth mentioning as people prefer tagless shirts to wear directly over their bodies. They won’t cause any itchiness, and you can use them for cross-country running. Check out this YouTube video review to know more about the t-shirt.

Arctic Cool Men’s Crew Neck Shirt

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With the HydroFreeze technology, Arctic Cool Men’s Crew Neck Shirt will keep you cool to perform the best while running. The fabric is made using a special technology that wicks away any moisture and starts to cool down the t-shirt once you begin sweating. This way, you’ll never feel hot while wearing this t-shirt.
Further, the material is also UPF 50+ rated. Thus, you can count on this t-shirt on very hot and sunny days. As for the fit, it’s slightly tight. If you prefer relaxed t-shirts, you might need to size up. Yet, the material has a bit of stretch, so it’ll fit you in all cases, but it all depends on how you like your cooling shirt for running to look.

Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

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Best as an undershirt. Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is a lightweight, thin t-shirt for running in very hot weather conditions. Alternatively, you can wear it as an undershirt with a windbreaker, such as one of those Nike windbreakers for running if it’s a bit cold.
Further, the t-shirt offers protection against UV rays for the covered parts. Another feature to praise is the reflective logo. This will benefit you while running at night. The t-shirt is available in the widest range of colors, so you have a lot to browse here. Also, watch this YouTube video review for more info and features about the t-shirt.

BALEAF Women’s Long Sleeve Running Shirt

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Baleaf is so common among sportsmen and women. It’s no wonder it has the best cross-country running shirt for women on the list. BALEAF Women’s Long Sleeve Running Shirt is a typical running shirt with a cooling effect and moisture-wicking features. Its material is thin and lightweight but not see-thru like other thin materials. It’s just as comfy and nice to wear when running in open areas as cross-country.
Furthermore, the fabrics dry out very quickly. You don’t have to wait for days to wear the t-shirt again after washing it. Also, all the t-shirts come with some reflective elements, whether the logo or a reflective stripe at the back of the t-shirt. Best of all, breathability is at its best here in this t-shirt.

Our Verdict!

Cooling shirts for running are everywhere, but not all of them are the best. So, we have compiled a short list of the best options considering certain features of each shirt. Check out this list below.

• Best value for money: 32 DEGREEES Men’s Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt
• Best as an undershirt: Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
• Best material: Merino.tech Merino Wool T-Shirt
• Best for sun protection: Coolibar Women’s Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt
• Best sizes: Dickies Men’s Big and Tall Cooling T-Shirt

How To Choose The Best Cooling Shirts for Running?

Cooling shirts for running should be picked up with attention to some details. If you’re up to buying a new shirt, make sure to consider the following when buying.

Breathability

Needless to say, the best cross-country running shirt should be as much breathable as possible. The number of ventilation holes and the fabric itself determines breathability. So, try to choose a soft porous fabric for breathability. Most polyester shirts are breathable and quick-dry, yet some are made more breathable by increasing the ventilation holes.

Style and Fit

Running shirts come in different styles, such as long-sleeved ones, short-sleeved ones, tank tops, and many others. Although it’s a matter of preference, you need to pay some attention when choosing a proper style. Consider the weather conditions and what makes you more comfortable. Also, check whether the shirt you’re picking is tight-fit or relaxed-fit.

Other features

Some other features to consider are the thumbholes for long-sleeved shirts and reflective stripes. Although these features aren’t a must, they create a difference when it comes to running outside. Thumbholes offer extra coverage in addition to adding stability to the shirt. At the same time, reflective elements are great for running in low-light conditions.

What is cross-country running?

Cross-country running is simply running a marathon or something similar in an open area. Hence, you need to wear something very soft, breathable, and with a cooling effect to stay comfortable while running.

What types of fabrics are considered cooling fabrics?

The clothes made of polyester blends are usually cooling. Some brands use special cooling technologies to increase the cooling effect of the fabric.

Are loose-fit or tight-fit shirts better while running?

It depends on your own comfort. However, loose-fit shirts offer more breathability, especially if you’re looking for a cross-country running shirt to wear on hot days.