Best running tops 2024 to boost performance and improve comfort

The best running tops can improve comfort levels all year round; here are T3's top picks for both women and men

best running tops: pictured here, an athletic man running across a bridge wearing compression leggings, running shorts and a running t-shirt
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The best running tops are often made of highly-breathable and sweat-wicking material so you can enjoy exercising for longer without feeling uncomfortable. After all, wearing a soggy, drenched running shirt with massive wet patches under the armpits is a look few people can pull off. These performance garments can keep your upper body cool and sometimes even provide some compression so your muscles feel more oxygenated.

As well as improving comfort levels, running t-shirts and tank tops can also enhance visibility. Savvy runners can use running shirts and vests all year round, making them a good investment in health. During colder months, combining running tops with the best base layers can result in you feeling warm and looking cool. The below performance tops are not to be confused with the best winter running tops; we have a separate guide for those. We also have guides on the best running shorts, the best running socks, and the best running shoes. Or best trail running shoes if you prefer to run off the beaten track. 

Best running tops to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

athletic man wearing the Brooks Atmosphere Singlet

(Image credit: Brooks Running)

1. Brooks Atmosphere Singlet

Best running top overall

Specifications

Best for: Hot weather runs
Type: Singlet

Reasons to buy

+
Looks super stylish
+
Sweat-wicking and quick-drying material
+
Odour resistant

Reasons to avoid

-
Wouldn't recommend it for cold weather runs

The Brooks Atmosphere Singlet is one of the best-looking running vests we've seen in a while, especially the Indigo Rush/Honeydew colourway. It's part of Brooks' Run Within Collection, featuring gear that works on the run, at the gym, and anywhere else your sessions might take you.

We ran in the Atmosphere Singlet on some of the hottest days of the year, and even when we sweated buckets, the vest didn't get saturated with moisture, making the not-so-comfortable summer long runs more bearable. Long story short, the all-new technical DriLayer fabric has done its job perfectly.

As for comfort, the Brooks Atmosphere Singlet features minimal seaming at the back, allowing the fabric to flow "freely for natural movement", Brooks explains. Comfort is further enhanced thanks to the fabric's antimicrobial finish that keeps the top fresh between washes. A brilliant garment tailor-made for summer runs!

model wearing the Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirtT3 Best Buy Award badge

(Image credit: Adidas)

2. Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirt

Made from recycled ocean plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Appropriate ventilation
+
Reflective detail

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much going on in the aesthetics department

This running t-shirt from Adidas is created with yarn that features Parley Ocean Plastic which is made from recycled waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the ocean. So, by wearing this running top, you're effectively cleaning the ocean from plastic, Sort of.

Apart from being quasi-environmentally friendly, the Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirt is also good for keeping you cool, thanks to the ventilating mesh sleeve and back inserts that keep the air circulating around your skin as you run. The regular fit and the crewneck give this t-shirt a casual look whilst providing performance breathability. Perfect for those who don't want to look like a runner but still would like to enjoy the benefits of high-tech running gear.

best running top: New Balance Transform Perfect TankT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: New Balance)

3. New Balance Transform Perfect Tank

Best running top for women

Reasons to buy

+
Subtle branding
+
Elegant performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Might need a sports bra for running

The Transform Perfect Tank tries to bridge the gap between performance and elegance, offering a curved hem, racerback and peek-a-boo slit between the shoulders for both style and ventilation. The NB DRY sweat-wicking technology will keep you sweat-free, making you feel more comfortable running or working out.

The fitted silhouette was designed to feel snug at the chest and waist but allow a full range of motion without the excess fabric. The casual and comfortable crew neckline and the curved hem provide more coverage at the front and back, so you can feel more secure. A sports bra might be required if you are working out more vigorously.

To save on your purchase, make sure you check our New Balance discount codes

best running top: Under Armour Iso-Chill Perforated Short Sleeve Running TopT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Under Armour)

4. Under Armour Iso-Chill Perforated Short Sleeve Running Top

Keep your iso-chill in this cooling workout top

Specifications

Material: 100% polyester
Fit: Slim

Reasons to buy

+
Cool material feels cold on the skin
+
Reduced drag thanks to slim fit construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be too cold when it's not sweltering hot

UA's Iso Chill cooling technology allows athletes to "perform measurably longer, feel more comfortable, and experience less physical strain during hot and humid weather", according to Under Armour. As well as being cool to the touch, the Under Armour Iso-Chill Perforated Short Sleeve Running Top also provides laser perforated air holes, which provides additional breathability and ventilation.

Thanks to the slim fit construction, this workout t-shirt won't flap around the waist, creating less drag and making you look slightly more presentable. That said, it's tight around the upper arm, which might not be to everyone's liking, but it does make your guns look bigger, should this be an important factor when buying a new workout top.

best running tops: lululemon Fast and Free Short SleeveT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: lululemon)

5. lululemon Fast and Free Short Sleeve

Sweat-wicking, quick drying magic running t shirt

Specifications

Material: 91% Polyester, 9% Lycra elastane
Fit: Slim

Reasons to buy

+
Added zinc eliminates bad odours (to some degree)
+
Exciting colourways

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit is a bit loose for a slim fit running t-shirt

The lululemon Fast and Free Short Sleeve was designed from the ground up for runners and use a zinc-enhanced material that's sweat-wicking and also eliminates odour. This doesn't mean you should wear the top all day after your morning 15k, but at least it won't smell up the house after you hang it up to dry.

And since the No-Stink Zinc technology inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the fabric, you can wash the top less often, which is good for the environment (you'll use less water). The Fast and Free Short Sleeve features reflective details so you can be seen when running in suboptimal lighting conditions, a.k.a. early morning or late evening.

best running top: Sundried Dom 2.0T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Sundried)

6. Sundried Dom 2.0

The perfect summer running top

Reasons to buy

+
Made from recycled plastic
+
Lightweight
+
Great fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Inseam above chest might cause some rubbing on longer runs

The Sundried Dom 2.0 Running Vest is part of Sundried's Eco Core range, and it lives up to the promise of being environmentally friendly: Dom 2.0 is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, making it one of the most sustainable running tops on this list.

It might be made from plastic, but that doesn't mean the Sundried Dom 2.0 doesn't have performance features. The fabric is sweat-wicking and has a multi-way stretch for added comfort. The Sundried Dom 2.0 is also lightweight, and thanks to the large armholes, it is also comfortable to wear. There won't be any chafing around the armpits running in the Dom 2.0.

The fitted, long-line design makes it ideal to wear even when you aren't running. There are three colours to choose from: White, Blue and Black, the latter being more of a dark grey than black. The logo at the back of the vest is reflective, and so is the trim on the sides for added visibility. The inseam at the top of the chest and the back can take some time to get used to, but they are far from irritating.

best running tops: Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's VestT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Columbia)

7. Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest

Take on the trails in maximum comfort

Specifications

Material: 100% polyester
Reflective details: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Highly comfortable
+
Print on back looks great

Reasons to avoid

-
Baggy under the arms

Although the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest is advertised as a trail running top, it works equally as well on the road and can even be used for workouts too, thanks to the stretchy fabric and Montrail's signature Omni-Vent moisture management technology: even during strenuous workouts, you won't have to worry about sweat-patches under the arm, making you all self-conscious.

The vest is low-cut under the arms, further enhancing comfort and moisture management, although it is worth mentioning that the fabric is a bit loose just under the armpit. This is not an issue in itself – women come in all shapes and sizes, after all – but since the rest of the vest sits close to the skin, in order for this top to perfectly fit you, you'd need a slim waist and a larger bust size, which admittedly is not the most common body type in women.

That aside, exercising in the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest is a good experience, and the top is also nice to look at (we tested the pink variety). The intricate pattern on the back is particularly eye-catching, and the overall look of the top is very pleasing. Better still, the fabric received antibacterial treatment, so it will stay fresher for longer. We recommend the Columbia Montrail Trinity Trail II Women's Vest for all types of warm-weather activities and outdoor sports.

best running top: Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running TopT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Under Armour)

8. Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top

The coolest running top in town

Specifications

Material: 90% Polyester/10% Elastane
Reflective details: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Iso-chill temperature control technology
+
Close fitting
+
Little pocket for gels

If you are after a running top that will keep you cool for sure, go for the Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top. The titanium dioxide-infused, ribbon-shaped nylon fibres disperse and pull away heat at the same time. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring material and is used widely by the cosmetics industry. It can be found in sun creams, for example.

The Under Armour Qualifier ISO-CHILL Short Sleeve Running Top is fitted close to the skin but not muscle fit, so some air will get under the top to keep you even cooler. The fabric is also super bouncy and has a 4-way stretch construction for added freedom of movement.

Naturally, the fabric is also moisture-wicking and dries really fast – as you would expect from a decent running top. As an added bonus, there is a little pocket on the right-hand side for storing gels or other snacks, should you not have enough space in your running shorts. They are also reflective details to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

best running top: dhb Merino Short Sleeve Base Layer (M_150)T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: dhb)

9. dhb Merino Short Sleeve Base Layer (M_150)

Natural performance for trail runners and hikers

Reasons to buy

+
Merino wool
+
Odour resistant

Reasons to avoid

-
Slim fit merino top can get warm

Sometimes, you need a bit of extra warmth but don't feel like putting on a long-sleeved t-shirt or a jumper. The dhb Merino M_150 base layer is for those days. This lightweight superfine merino wool top has outstanding thermal regulation properties and is constructed from high-quality superfine grade (18.5 microns) merino wool for a soft, luxurious and itch-free feel and natural anti-odour properties.

Merino is naturally breathable; moisture quickly evaporates when the fibres can’t hold anymore, helping you maintain your temperature and avoid overheating on sprints, climbs and hard efforts. Perfect for trail runners and hikers alike.

best running top: Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick SingletT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Reebok)

10. Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick Singlet

For runners who are also keen on having nicely tanned arms

Reasons to buy

+
It's called a singlet

Reasons to avoid

-
Can only really be used on hot days of for treadmill runs

The Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick Singlet is really for the hottest days of the year or if you happen to be from Australia, for every day of the year. This running top is made of breathable, sweat-wicking fabric to help you stay cool and dry, a sensation further enhanced by the mesh panel at the back of the singlet.

In all honesty, I would buy this vest just because it's called a singlet, but then I'm a person who finds joy in the simple things in life and who is also easily pleased. The regular fit makes the Reebok Running Essentials Speedwick Singlet even more comfortable than it already is, and thanks to the aforementioned mesh panels, it really feels like you wearing nothing on the top of your body as you run. Should you prefer to feel that, it is a bonus, I think.

Better still, this singlet is made with recycled polyester to save resources and decrease emissions.

best running top: TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training TopT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: TCA)

11. TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training Top

Run and train in style

Reasons to buy

+
Reasonably priced
+
Sweat wicking fabric

The TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training Top is part of TCA's Underground Collection and apart from looking extra sleek, the TCA D.R.Y. technology helps wick sweat away, keeping your skin cool(er) when you run. As an added peace of mind, TCA offers a 365-day no-quibble return policy on all items, including the TCA Men's Dynamic Short Sleeve Training Top. If, for whatever reason, you are not happy with the garment, just send TCA a message, and they will provide a full return or exchange instructions. Easy.

How to choose the best running top for you

When choosing the best running top for you, there a few things you might want to consider before hitting the 'Order now' button.

Fit is an important factor and it can mean the difference between you feeling uneasy because your pot belly is accentuated or feeling comfortable and relaxed since nothing is on display that shouldn't be. For average-built joggers, the best option is to get a regular fit top that provides some coverage without being too tight and unflattering. For more athletic type bodies, a slim fit top might be a better option to still provide some insulation, especially at the beginning of your runs.

Fabric is also a concern: some elasticity can help your comfort levels, especially if you are in-between sizes. Most running tops are made of synthetic fabrics but as in the case of the dhb Merino Short Sleeve Base Layer, natural materials can also provide high-performance, too.

There is also design and how the running tops looks. We don't necessarily buy sporting apparel for aesthetics only but it can be the deciding factor between two similarly-specced pieces of garment. This is true both ways: if you are planning on blending in, the Nike Dri-FIT A.I.R. probably has a bit too much going on and you might want to opt in for something more plain-vanilla looking, like the Adidas 25/7 Rise Up N Run Parley T-shirt, which is still a great performance running top, albeit a bit boring to look at.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.