Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just a casual one, investing in the right running shirt is a must. We love to run once in a while and always look for a lightweight and breathable shirt. In addition to that, we also love to protect our skin from the UV. However, this is only possible if we have the right long-sleeve shirt for running. Thankfully, we’ve found some of the best options on the market. They provide extra coverage and warmth and wick sweat away to keep runners comfortable even on the hottest days. Our picks below are all amazing. You may be familiar with some of them, and the rest may surprise you with their features. So, without further ado, let’s learn more about these shirts!
Table of contents
- CADMUS Quick-Drying Long Sleeve Shirt
- New Balance Men’s Accelerate Half Zip
- G4Free Women’s UPF50+ Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- adidas Aeroready Designed 2 Move Feelready Tee
- C9 Champion Men’s Long Sleeve Tech Tee
- Hanes Women’s Sport Cool Dri Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Nike Dry Element 1/2 Zip Running Top
- BALEAF Men’s 1/4 Zip Pullover Running Shirt
- Born Tough Air Pro Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- CRZ YOGA Brushed Half-Zip Long Sleeve Crop Top
- MathCat Seamless Workout Shirt
- Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- BALEAF Sun Protection UPF 50+ Running Shirt
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Long-Sleeve Shirts for Running?
- Is a long sleeve good for running?
- What kind of shirt to wear running?
- Can I run in a normal T-shirt?
CADMUS Quick-Drying Long Sleeve Shirt
13
Kicking off this list is the CADMUS Quick-Drying Long Sleeve Shirt. With a long-back hem for that extra coverage and a versatile crew neck design, this shirt truly checks all the right boxes. We particularly loved the slim design. It had the right amount of width but didn’t feel too tight. But if you’re into something a bit tighter, you can just go one size smaller.
Of course, like many other high-quality running shirts, this one has a soft and breathable fabric. Its moisture-wicking capabilities are amazing, and the shirt is lightweight, too. Meanwhile, the addition of flatlock seams means there’ll be no chafing. Not a fan of white shirts? Relax, as this shirt is also available in many other colorways.
Pros
- Considering its price, this shirt is of good quality.
- The sleeves have the right length.
- It’s great for both indoor and outdoor workouts.
Cons
- It doesn’t have any special UV protection.
Buy on:
New Balance Men’s Accelerate Half Zip
12
The New Balance Men’s Accelerate Half Zip is a workhorse for those who live to run. Active individuals will certainly love this shirt as it’s made with 87% polyester and 13% spandex, making it lightweight and breathable. Despite that, the shirt is still durable enough to withstand the most intense workouts. It’s not surprising, though, considering New Balance makes it.
One of the main features of this shirt is its NB DRY fast-drying technology. When we wore this shirt, it wicked away the moisture and sweat from our bodies relatively quickly. Even though the weather was scorching hot, we were able to stay comfortable. We also liked the addition of the zip closure, which allowed us to adjust the ventilation to our liking. By the way, have you checked out our list of the best running gear for summer?
Pros
- The reflective accents are great for low-light conditions.
- It’s one of the most stylish options out there.
- Its durability is top-notch.
Cons
- It may not be warm enough for running in cold weather.
Buy on:
G4Free Women’s UPF50+ Long Sleeve UV Shirt
11
Ladies! If you haven’t heard of G4Free Women’s UPF50+ Long Sleeve UV Shirt, it’s time to check it out. This is an amazing hot weather long-sleeve running shirt. The UPF50+ fabric is designed to give your skin protection from harmful UV rays. In addition to that, it’s lightweight, breathable, and can wick moisture away from your skin quickly.
When we first wore this shirt, we were impressed by the curved hem. It made our legs appear slimmer and longer. In addition to that effect, the slim-fit design showed off our curves well. Another thing to note from this shirt is that it’s available in plenty of different shades. But for something timeless and chic, we recommend the Black mode.
Pros
- It’s machine washable and won’t lose its shape.
- This shirt is available in a thicker model.
- You can wear it for fishing, hiking, and gym, too.
Cons
- The fabric may not be thick enough for some people.
Buy on:
adidas Aeroready Designed 2 Move Feelready Tee
10
The adidas Aeroready Designed 2 Move Feelready Tee is a comfortable and versatile shirt that’s perfect for a variety of activities. Thanks to its stretchy and soft fabric, it’s great for running. We’ve used it before, and it wicked our sweat away amazingly, keeping us cool and dry. We’ve also worn it for grocery shopping, HIIT, and many other activities.
One of the things that we loved the most about this shirt was the fit. It wasn’t too tight or too loose for us. Also, it fell nicely at our waist. The sleeves were also the perfect length, and they didn’t ride up when we moved. Best of all, this shirt is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option. Learn more about this tee on the official product page.
Pros
- It’s available in many sizes and colors.
- This tee is perfect for most outdoor activities.
- It has a comfortable, straight silhouette.
Cons
- Some people think the fabric is too thin.
Buy on:
C9 Champion Men’s Long Sleeve Tech Tee
9
The C9 Champion Men’s Long Sleeved Tech Tee is a versatile and comfortable running tee that can be used for many other activities, including hiking and gyming. Made from a soft and breathable fabric, it can efficiently wick moisture away from the body. Testing this shirt allowed our bodies to dry quicker than many other shirts around the same price range.
In addition to that, the shirt also has UPF50+ protection, which helps to protect your precious skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Moreover, the semi-fitted design is both comfortable and flattering. And since it’s available in a wide array of colors and sizes, you’ll surely find the perfect one to match your style and body.
Pros
- The fabric is stretchy and quick-drying.
- It’s one of the running shirts on the market that offers great UV protection.
- It can be used for everyday activities, too.
Cons
- Its durability can be improved.
Buy on:
Hanes Women’s Sport Cool Dri Long Sleeve T-Shirt
8
Best Budget. For those on a budget, it’s hard to find something better than Hanes Women’s Sport Cool Dri Long Sleeve T-Shirt. What we loved the most about this shirt was its Cool Dri fabric. It offered us added UV protection thanks to its UPF 40+ rating. In addition to that, the fabric could dry quickly, allowing us to stay comfortable when we were running.
With this long-sleeved women’s running tee, you can say goodbye to chafing and irritation! That’s because it has flat seams. Also, it’s specifically designed with a feminine cut so you can show off your figure. Among all of the color options, we think the White variant is the best. However, if you want something more attention-grabbing, you can opt for the brighter ones.
Pros
- This shirt is machine washable.
- It has odor protection technology to keep you fresh.
- It’s among the most affordable options.
Cons
- It’s not the most durable choice.
Buy on:
Nike Dry Element 1/2 Zip Running Top
7
The Nike Dry Element 1/2 Zip Running Top is a staple for runners. Available for both men and women, this shirt is one of the most customizable options on the market. The half-zip design allows you to adjust how much ventilation you want to have. Plus, you can choose whether to use the thumbholes or not. The choice is yours!
On top of that, this top can be worn on its own or as a layering piece. We’ve worn it before, and it was extremely lightweight and soft. We loved how smooth the fabric was on our skin, and it had an amazing sweat-wicking performance that kept us dry and cool. Also, with fewer seams around the collar area, this shirt offered us a tight but comfortable fit. For more options from Nike, check out these Nike Dri Fit running shirts.
Pros
- This running shirt is made by one of the most reputable sports brands on the market.
- The fabric is lightweight and comfortable.
- With reflective elements, you can wear this shirt for jogging at night.
Cons
- It’s noticeably more expensive than many of its competitors.
Buy on:
BALEAF Men’s 1/4 Zip Pullover Running Shirt
6
Are you looking for an eye-catching long-sleeved tee for running? Look no further than BALEAF Men’s 1/4 Zip Pullover Running Shirt! This one is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly. It kept us cool and comfortable even though we had a really, really tough workout. Plus, the 1/4 zip allowed us to adjust our ventilation easily.
Another thing that we loved about this shirt was its back pocket. It was a nice addition, allowing you to keep your phone or other small stuff safe. Plus, the reflective details offer enhanced visibility for night runners. As a versatile choice, you can wear it for jogging, golf, and many other outdoor sports. Also, this shirt is featured on our list of the best running shirts for marathons, so give it a read.
Pros
- The low-friction fabric wicks moisture away effectively.
- The micro-fleece interior keeps you warm during the colder months.
- It’s available in a wide variety of sizes.
Cons
- It runs a little small.
Buy on:
Born Tough Air Pro Long Sleeve T-Shirt
5
Most Underrated. Known for its butter-smooth material, the Born Tough Air Pro Long-Sleeve T-Shirt is a must-have for male runners. Its high-quality Ajr Pro fabric is the show-stealer. This fabric is a mix of polyester and spandex, making it not only flexible but also tear-resistant. We’ve tried stretching this T-shirt, but it never tore or lost its shape.
Though durable, the fabric is thin, making it a highly breathable and lightweight option for running. During testing, we ran for half an hour wearing this T-shirt and were amazed by its sweat-wicking performance. It absorbed our sweat quickly, and we never felt uncomfortable. Also, the Military Green variant looks really cool.
Pros
- The durability of this T-shirt is among the best.
- It’s machine washable and easy to maintain.
- This is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Cons
- No bright color options.
Buy on:
CRZ YOGA Brushed Half-Zip Long Sleeve Crop Top
4
Most Comfortable. When it comes to comfort, the CRZ YOGA Brushed Half-Zip Long Sleeve Crop Top takes the cake. Smooth and soft like butter, this shirt has a brushed fabric that keeps you cozy no matter how long you want to run. The 91% polyamide and 9% elastane material has superb moisture-wicking properties and breathability. No wonder it receives tons of five-star reviews on its website!
“This running shirt is simply beautiful and comfortable. For its price, you truly get a lot.”
WOW Travel
What we loved the most, though, was the 1/2 zip closure. It not only adds a modern twist to the shirt but also allows you to cool yourself whenever you want. Also, the quality of the zipper was amazing, as it never got stuck during our test. Last but not least, this athletic shirt is available in dozens of stunning colors.
Pros
- The thumbholes help to keep the sleeves in place.
- The cropped length flatters your body shape beautifully.
- Its fabric is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
Cons
- Some people find the sleeves too long.
Buy on:
MathCat Seamless Workout Shirt
3
With a reasonable price and tons of cute colors to choose from, the MathCat Seamless Workout Shirt won’t disappoint. One of its highlights is its 90% nylon and 10% elastane material. Thanks to the nylon, this shirt is not only durable but also quick-drying. Meanwhile, the elastane provides better flexibility and stretchiness compared to many other shirts around a similar price range.
We also loved how the brand pays so much attention to the details. For instance, we were fans of the thumb holes, which helped us keep the sleeves in place even when running so hard. Also, it was so comfortable that we even used it for other sports like pilates and yoga. You can always rely on this running gear no matter what you’re into.
Pros
- There are so many colors and sizes to choose from.
- It’s a versatile option that can be used for many different activities.
- The material is lightweight and highly breathable.
Cons
- This shirt is a bit too small for some women.
Buy on:
Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
2
Best Value for Money. When it comes to Under Armour, you know it always delivers. This Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Long-Sleeve T-Shirt is made from the UA Tech fabric, which. We became fans of this material the moment we touched it, as it was exceptionally soft and had a natural feel. What’s more, it dried quickly, so we were never smelly. No wonder it’s named one of the best cooling shirts for running/
Designed to keep runners cool and comfy, this T-shirt is available in a streamlined fit that suits most body types well. As an inclusive choice, it’s also available in a wide variety of sizes (including extra big ones for larger guys) as well as striking colorways. With the biggest size being 3XL, the options are truly endless. Learn more about the shirt on its official website.
Pros
- It has amazing moisture-wicking properties.
- This T-shirt is lightweight and comfortable.
- Despite its quality, it’s still affordable.
Cons
- It might be a bit too small for some well-built men.
Buy on:
BALEAF Sun Protection UPF 50+ Running Shirt
1
Best Overall. Available for both men and women, the BALEAF Sun Protection UPF 50+ Running Shirt deserves the number one spot on this list. The silky soft polyester nylon fabric has amazing moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. This shirt was able to keep us cool and comfortable during our run even though we were sweating like crazy.
Built with comfort in mind, we also loved how this shirt is tag-free. No more scratching the back of your neck. Plus, the flat-lock seams promise chafe-free comfort. As the name suggests, the highlight of this shirt is its UPF 50+ fabric, which protects the skin from potentially dangerous UV rays. Whether you’re running, hiking, or grocery shopping, this shirt will always protect you.
Pros
- There are so many different colors to choose from.
- The four-way stretch fabric allows you to move your body without any restrictions.
- It’s machine washable, and it will never lose its shape.
Cons
- It’s a bit too long for some people.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
With an affordable price tag, moisture-wicking fabric, and unmatched comfort, the BALEAF Sun Protection UPF 50+ Running Shirt is our best overall pick. However, the rest are also worth considering, especially if you have something specific in mind. We’ve categorized some of them according to the following criteria, so take a look!
- Best Value for Money: Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Most Comfortable: CRZ YOGA Brushed Half-Zip Long Sleeve Crop Top
- Most Underrated: Born Tough Air Pro Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Best Budget: Hanes Women’s Sport Cool Dri Long Sleeve T-Shirt
How To Choose The Best Long-Sleeve Shirts for Running?
When choosing a running shirt, there are some important things to consider, which include:
Fabric
When it comes to fabric, you’ll want a shirt made from a lightweight and breathable material that can wick away sweat and keep you dry. Some of the most popular fabrics for running shirts are polyester and nylon.
Fit
In addition to that, you should think about the fit. Your running shirt should fit snugly but comfortably, allowing for a full range of motion. You don’t want to wear a shirt that’s too tight or too loose, as these can restrict your movements and cause chafing.
Sun protection
Long-sleeve shirts are great for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. However, you can choose a running shirt with a special UV protection feature for the best protection.
Is a long sleeve good for running?
Yes, it is. As long as it’s lightweight and breathable, it can be used for running. It offers more coverage for your skin and protects it from the sun, too.
What kind of shirt to wear running?
You’ll want to wear a lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking shirt for running.
Can I run in a normal T-shirt?
Technically, yes, you can. However, it may not be the most comfortable option. It may not be able to wick sweat away from your body or keep you cool and dry.
