Athletic wear has come a long way from heavy cotton and spandex. These shirts are designed to pull sweat from your body, keeping you cool and comfortable
As the intensity rises and the sweat starts to pour, there’s nothing worse than feeling weighed down by a drenched shirt during your training or workout sessions.
That’s where moisture-wicking shirts come into their own, offering a solution for athletes seeking maximum comfort to help them perform at their best.
Below, we’ve listed our picks for the best moisture wicking shirts on the market for both men and women. We’ve also listed some information and tips to look out for, so be sure to scroll all the way down.
Best moisture wicking t-shirts for men
2XU Aero
Best all-rounder
!["2XU]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-80-7a8c584.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"2XU")
Founded in Melbourne, Australia, 2XU is a specialist in performance clothing and has particular expertise in triathlon and running.
The brand’s Aero t-shirt is designed to keep you cool, which it says it does using double-knit technology in the main panel. 2XU says this involves an inner to wick sweat away from the skin and an outer that disperses the moisture across the surface.
The Aero shirt also features a mesh back panel, which is said to encourage air flow and breathability.
It also comes with raglan sleeves, meaning there are no seams around the shoulders. According to 2XU, this completely reduces the chances of chafing, which may help with gym work, running with a pack or other exercises that involve a lot of arm movement.
For running, there is reflective detailing across the back, chest, arms and sleeves, designed to provide 360-degree visibility.
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Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Long Sleeve
Best for trusted performance
!["Helly]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-81-2569a2d.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Helly")
The Lifa Stripe Long Sleeve is Helly Hansen’s original base layer, first introduced in the 1970s. It’s long been a favourite for many athletes venturing off the beaten track, with the 220 team having fond memories of using it extensively over the years.
It features their signature striped sleeves, which are said to be inspired by the uniforms of sailors.
While its long sleeves may not the best option for cooling you down in the summer months, its popularity amongst sailors, hikers and climbers mean it could be a good option if you want to avoid a sharp breeze.
It features technology the brand calls ‘Lifa’, a yarn which has been designed to move moisture away from the skin, keeping it dry and warm.
There are flatlocked seams designed to reduce the risk of the shirt from rubbing, which can be an important quality for a tighter baselayer.
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Montane Dart Lite
Best for sustainability
- Buy now from Montane (£35.00)
!["Montane]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/MicrosoftTeams-image-a2ffe69.png?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Montane")
We love that the Dart Lite is made from recycled polyester and, thankfully, it performs rather well too.
Fit is true to size, but there isn’t much slack around the midriff. The light material kept us plenty cool enough on warm runs and general comfort was also high, in part thanks to flatlock seams.
Moisture-wicking and drying speed is reasonable, but we have seen quicker elsewhere.
The Polygiene odour control is an added bonus, too.
Verdict: Great eco credentials and decent performance, but not quite class-topping.
Score: 83%
- For more sustainable wear, check out our lists of the best sustainable running shoes and best sustainable swimwear.
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Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro Trail
Best for running
- Buy now from Adidas (£55.00)
!["Adidas]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-82-d4968d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Adidas")
Another sustainable option, Adidas says the material used in this t-shirt is a 100% recycled polyester mesh consisting of 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, a material taken from beaches and coastal communities before reaching the ocean.
The shirt is designed to be a lightweight option for trail running, which Adidas says is super breathable to keep you cool.
There is also a lighter fabric on the back which Adidas claim is designed to encourage airflow, even while wearing a running bag or hydration pack.
It’s said to feature a slimmer fit and features reflective detailing across the chest and lower back to keep you seen in low light.
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Best moisture wicking t-shirts for women
Under Armour UA Seamless Stride Short Sleeve
Best all rounder
!["Under]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-83-50082f4.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Under")
This t-shirt from Under Armour aims to provide well-rounded comfort. It’s designed to use as little seams as possible to maximise comfort, with a feeling the brand describe as ‘nearly sew-free’.
The material is designed to wick sweat away from the body and dry quickly. Under Armour says it also features the brand’s anti-odour technology, which it claim prevents the growth of odour-causing microbes.
The fabric is also said to feature mesh ventilation, which is mapped to areas that are most effective for cooling you down while exercising.
It’s also made with a streamlined fit, which the brand says is neither skin-tight nor overly loose. It features reflective detailing and is available in black, white or purple.
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On Women’s Ultra-T
Best for running
!["On]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-86-4409f4d.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"On")
On Running’s premium t-shirt, the Ultra-T, features a fast-wicking technical fabric that’s designed to keep you dry and comfortable on long runs. The back is made of a breathable panel to encourage air flow.
It features taped and smoothed seams, which are said to reduce friction while running. There’s a back pocket, which offers some storage for energy gels, bars or other running essentials.
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Zone3 Women’s Activ Lite T-Shirt
Best for workouts
!["ZONE3]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-84-90cc43c.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"ZONE3")
The Active Lite shirt from Zone3 is said to use a combination of quick-drying and lightweight fabrics to keep you cool.
It’s a more affordable than other options on this list, but still maintains features found on more premium t-shirts, such as the flatlock stitching for comfort throughout your workouts.
If you haven’t joined the wireless headphone revolution just yet, there’s even a headphone loop, designed to keep the cord out of your way while training.
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Nike Dri-FIT ADV Aura Long Sleeve
Best long sleeve
- Buy now from Sports Shoes (£19.99)
!["Nike]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/34/2023/06/Untitled-3--2in-85-e9f7a47.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Nike")
Yes, a shirt Nike’s Dri-FIT range did indeed make the cut.
These unbelievably popular t-shirts are undoubtedly easy on the eye, with the swoosh emblazoned across the chest and the signature ‘Just do it’ catchphrase knitted into the hem.
Aside from the aesthetics Nike is so well-known for, the Dri-Fit ADV technology is said to wick moisture quickly and effectively.
It comes in a slim fit, with a breathable fabric fitted across the shoulders, sleeves and sides. There is reflective detailing for visibility and 4-way stretch fabric designed to help you move freely.
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How do moisture wicking shirts work?
Moisture wicking shirts are specifically designed to combat the discomfort caused by excess sweat. They’re typically made from advanced synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, engineered to quickly draw moisture away from your skin.
The sweat is pulled away from your body to the surface of the shirt, where it can evaporate more easily. This process is called ‘capillary action’, a process comparable to the way a tree’s roots draw in water.
This efficient moisture transfer helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you feeling dry, even during intense physical activities.
Why choose a moisture wicking shirt for your next workout?
Moisture-wicking shirts offer numerous benefits that make them an essential addition to your workout wardrobe. They keep you comfortable by preventing the accumulation of sweat, which can lead to chafing, skin irritation, and an overall unpleasant experience.
By wicking away moisture, these shirts also enhance your body’s natural cooling mechanism, allowing heat to dissipate more effectively and keeping you feeling fresh throughout your training sessions.
Also, because the sweat evaporates into the air, moisture wicking shirts dry far quicker than fabrics like cotton, ensuring you don’t remain soaked in sweat after your training session. This can also help keep body odour under control.