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Best Long Sleeve Running Shirts Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
When it comes to long sleeve running shirts, the material is a major factor. Most running shirts are made from 100% polyester or a polyester blend, to help keep you comfortable while you are running. The type of material typically comes down to preference and the type of environment you plan on running in.
Polyester is known for its moisture-wicking abilities, keeping you cool and dry no matter how hot and humid it may be outside. It is also a quick-drying material, so you don’t have to worry about the shirt getting soaked and having to cut your run short. This material is also lightweight, which makes those long runs that much more bearable.
The running shirts that are made from a polyester blend either contain cotton or some form of spandex. The shirts made with a combination of polyester and cotton are designed with comfort and maximum absorption and moisture wicking in mind. The cotton absorbs the moisture, while the polyester wicks it away, keeping you comfortable at all times. The shirts that are made with a combination of polyester and a spandex material were designed with moisture wicking and mobility in mind. These types of running shirts tend to be more of a compression shirt, which helps with overall mobility and circulation while you run.
UV Protection
As with the type of material running shirts are made from, whether the shirt offers UV protection or not has more to do with preference and where you plan on wearing this shirt. If you are a person who likes to run outside and live in an area with a warmer climate most of the time, then you will most likely want to purchase a shirt that offers some type of UV protection. On the contrary, if you only plan on wearing this running shirt while you are indoors on a treadmill, then UV protection wouldn’t necessarily be a selling point for you.
Style
When it comes to shopping for a running shirt, style is an important factor. Most of you probably think that style has more to do with how the shirt looks on you more than anything else. Feeling good on your appearance will give you a little boost in performance, although the style does have some part in how we look in the shirt, it also has to do with the way it fits and its overall function. Not all running shirts offer the same capabilities and not everyone is going to like the same style shirt. There are two main styles when it comes to running shirts; ones that are made more for comfort and moisture wicking capabilities and ones that are compression fit and help with mobility as well as keeping you dry and cool.
Running shirts that are contoured or compression fit is designed to help support your muscles as you run and help improve your mobility and circulation. This is a huge added health benefit that will not only help improve your overall health and function, but it will also help you run with proper form and increased stamina. Even though compression shirts offer an abundance of support, they are not for everybody. Some people may find them to be a bit constricting and uncomfortable, so they may opt for running shirts that are not contoured or compression fit.
Value
As with anything you invest in, the cost of the product is right up there on the priority checklist. Whether you have been running for years or are just starting out, comparing the cost of different running shirts is an important aspect because not all running shirts are created equal. When it comes to shopping for a running shirt, the more functions the shirt has, the more likely you will have to spend the extra money. Running shirts that are contoured or compression fit might run a bit more expensive than ones that aren’t. This is largely due to the fact that compression shirts are designed to help with overall mobility and help support muscles while you run.
Whatever shirt you decided best fits your specific needs, you need to make sure that it fits your budget as well. If you are just starting out with running and you are not completely sure on the type of shirt that you will need, it is best to purchase one of each at a time, until you can determine which one works best for you.
On the same note, you want to make sure that you get a good quality running shirt. There is nothing worse than spending money on something, just to have it fall apart after minimal use. Looking at the type of material and overall quality prior to purchasing is important. As the old saying goes, you get what you paid for!
10 Best Long Sleeve Running Shirts
1. Vapor Apparel UPF 50+
This Vapor Apparel Long Sleeve Performance shirt is the perfect choice for the avid runner. Not only does it keep you dry, but it prevents nasty odors from sweat and protects you from the sun’s harmful rays. Made from a high-performance microfiber, this lightweight shirt aims to please. It is also available in a whole array of colors, so why stick with just one?!
This long sleeve performance shirt offers 50+ UV protection, up to 99.92% of harmful UV rays, even after 25 washes. With this kind of protection, you can spend as many times as you want to enjoy your run without having to worry about those nasty UV rays.
Not only does this shirt effectively wick away moisture, but it uses a unique zinc technology that prevents nasty sweat odors from being absorbed into the shirt. This means your shirt will stay smelling fresh and new use after use.
In comparison to other running shirts on this list, this one is a bit on the expensive side. If you consider the level of UV-protection and the unique antimicrobial chemical, zinc, used to prevent odor build-up, this is a deal that you can’t pass up.
2. Under Armour Tech ¼ Zip
This Under Armour Men’s Tech ¼ Zip shirt was designed with comfort and effectiveness in mind. Made from polyester, this shirt wicks away sweat in no time flat, so you can remain comfortable at all times during your run. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches your other workout attire.
This performance shirt is made from 100% polyester. This fabric not only wicks away moisture effectively and efficiently, but it is also a quick-drying fabric, so you can run miles with confidence and never have to worry about being drenched in sweat.
This performance shirt also has a unique anti-odor design to it. This technology prevents and blocks that nasty odor of sweat, so it doesn’t get trapped in the fabric. This means that you won’t have to worry about your shirt smelling like you just got done running a marathon, even if you really did.
When compared to other running shirts on this list, this one is one of the more expensive ones. Given the fact that this is made of 100% polyester, which wicks away sweat, and the fact that this has a unique anti-odor design, plus a variety of colors to choose from, this performance shirt is worth every penny.
3. Baleaf Cool Dry
If you are looking for a running shirt that not only keeps you dry but helps improve your performance, then the Baleaf Men’s Long Sleeve Compression Shirt is the one for you. Not only is this shirt made from a fabric that wicks away sweat, but it also comfortably grips your muscles, which can help improve your overall performance. This shirt also comes in a variety of colors, so you can have a different one for every day of the week.
This compression shirt is made from a combination of polyester and elastane. The polyester is a fabric that wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and cool during your run. The elastane is a stretchy material that comfortably grips your muscles, which can actually help improve your overall performance when you run
This compression shirt was designed with an ergonomic fit. This means that this shirt works for you as you run and not against you. This special design helps improve your overall range of motion, which only helps improve your performance every time you put it on.
If you compare this shirt to other running shirts on this list, this one lands right in the middle. Given the overall quality of material and the fact that this shirt can actually help you improve your running and performance, you are getting an incredible shirt for an amazing price.
4. Russell Athletic Essential
The Russell Athletic long sleeve tee is the perfect choice if you are looking for a good quality athletic shirt on a budget. This shirt was designed with comfort in mind. Made from a cotton blend, this shirt is both comfortable and lightweight, which makes it perfect for running.
This athletic running shirt is made from a cotton blend. With 50% being cotton and 50% being polyester, this makes this shirt soft, comfortable, and lightweight, which means you can run for miles with the ultimate comfort.
Since this shirt is made from a cotton blend, it is machine washable. This makes this easy to clean and maintain, so there is no fussing with hand washing or having to line dry, which means less time wasted on cleaning this shirt.
If you are looking for a good quality running shirt, but aren’t looking to spend a ton of money, then this shirt is a great choice. In comparison to other running shirts on this list, this one is one of the less expensive ones. Considering the lightweight and comfortable cotton blend, you are getting a great deal.
5. Dri-Equip Moisture Wicking
The Dri-Equip Long Sleeve Athletic Shirt is a lightweight running shirt that not only wicks away moisture, but it is made from a breathable material as well, which means you can remain comfortable and confident during your entire run. This shirt also comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so there is something for everyone.
This athletic shirt is made from polyester, which is a breathable, light material that allows you to remain comfortable. It wicks away moisture quickly and effectively, so you can run with the utmost confidence and comfortability.
This athletic shirt also comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so there is something for everyone, no matter your size or preference. Their sizes run from XS all the way to 4XL, so you can rest assure that you will find the perfect size that fits just right.
In comparison to other running shirts on this list, this one falls into the average price range. Keep in mind that this athletic shirt is made from a breathable material that wicks away sweat. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so you know this shirt aims to please. If you ask me, this is money well spent!
6. Moisture Wicking Athletic
If you are looking for an athletic shirt that is contoured to fit your body and wicks away moisture, then the Ladies Long Sleeve Moisture-Wicking Athletic Shirt is the perfect choice for you. This athletic shirt was designed with comfort in mind. Made from polyester, this lightweight shirt keeps you dry and comfortable all while helping improve your overall range of motion. It also comes in a variety of colors and is back by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
This long sleeve athletic shirt is made from 100% polyester. Since polyester is a light, breathable material that wicks sweat away from your skin, you can be that you will stay cool, dry, and comfortable during those long, intense runs.
This athletic shirt was designed to help improve overall mobility while running. Its contoured fit gently snugs your body, giving you a better range of motion, which subsequently helps improve your overall mobility while running.
If you are looking for a great quality running shirt for an amazing price, then this athletic shirt is a perfect choice. When compared to other running shirts on this list, this one is the least expensive. Considering the overall quality of this shirt, the contoured fit, the variety of colors and sizes, and the fact that it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you really can’t go wrong with this choice.
7. Tesla Baselayer Cool Dry
This Tesla Men’s Long Sleeve Cool Dry Top is the perfect running accessory. Made from a polyester blend, this running shirt keeps you dry and cool, even during those long distance runs. This shirt not only wicks away moisture, but it dries fast and also protects you from the harmful rays of the sun. Coming in a variety of colors, this running shirt definitely aims to please.
This athletic shirt is made from a blend of 87% polyester and 13% spandex. This means that this shirt not only keeps you dry by wicking away moisture, but it also stretches and moves with your body as you run, allowing you to stay as comfortable as possible. This material also dries quickly and has a unique two-way circulation design that keeps consistent airflow, allowing you to remain cool at all times.
This Tesla Long Sleeve running shirt also offers UPF 50+ protection. It blocks over 99% of UV rays that can be harmful to your body. This means that you can go on those long runs that you enjoy without having to worry about those dangerous UV rays.
When compared to other running shirts on this list, this one is surprisingly less expensive. Between the quick drying fabric that wicks away sweat, the two-way circulation technology that keeps you cool, the UV-protection and the wide variety of colors, you are getting an amazing quality running shirt that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet.
8. Joe’s USA Moisture Wicking
This long sleeve ladies athletic shirt was designed with comfort and effectiveness in mind. Made from polyester, this shirt is not only breathable, but it wicks away sweat too, keeping you dry and comfortable during those long runs on humid days. This shirt is contoured, so it gently hugs your body without being too snug. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Weighing in at only 3.8 ounces, this lightweight athletic shirt is extremely comfortable and breathable. This material also wicks away sweat, so you can run for hours or miles with complete and total confidence. Staying dry and cool is a must, especially on those hot days.
This athletic shirt is contoured to fit your body with the utmost comfort in mind. This shirt won’t fit too snug and actually helps with improving your overall mobility while you are running, which is a major added bonus.
When compared to other running shirts on this list, this one is just a little bit more expensive. Given the overall quality of this athletic shirt, its contoured design, the fact that it comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and being backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I would say this is a shirt that is worth the money.
9. Defender Quick Dry
If you are looking for an athletic compression shirt that works as hard as you do, then the Defender Quick Dry Compression Shirt is the perfect choice for you. Whether you are running in the heat of the summer or in the frigid cold of winter, this shirt works double time to keep you comfortable. Made from a polyester blend, it wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and helps you retain heat when it is cold. It also helps protect you from UV rays and comes in a variety of colors.
This compression athletic shirt is made from a blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. This not only makes this a comfortable shirt that moves with your body, but it also keeps you dry by wicking away moisture. This allows you to run with complete confidence and comfort, no matter the temperature.
This athletic shirt was also designed with a compression fit. This design helps with overall muscle support while you run, giving you a better range of motion and mobility. It also helps improve your body’s circulation, which is a major health benefit.
If you are in the market for an incredible running shirt that won’t break the bank, then the Defender Compression Shirt is the one for you. In comparison to other running shirts on this list, this one is surprisingly less expensive. When you look at the quality of material this shirt is made with, the compression fit design that helps support muscles and improves circulation, the UV-protection, and the variety of colors to choose from, you are getting an incredibly amazing deal.
10. Neleus 3 Pack Dry Fit
These dry fit compression shirts by Neleus were designed with comfort and effectiveness in mind. Made from a polyester blend, these shirts are not only soft and comfortable but the wick away moisture as well, keeping you cool and dry. They are also compression fit, which helps with mobility and they come in a variety of colors as well.
These dry fit compression shirts are made from a blend of 85% polyester and 15% spandex. The polyester makes these shirts breathable and dry by wicking away sweat, while the spandex helps make the shirts stretch and move with your body. This makes these some pretty comfortable shirts.
If you are looking for a running shirt that helps with overall mobility without the nasty chafing. Then this ergonomic compression shirt is right up your alley. These shirts were designed to fit snug to help improve range of motion and mobility while you run. Their flat-lock seam design allows for the ultimate comfort without having to deal with painful chafing.
When compared to other running shirts on this list, this one is the most expensive. Keep in mind the overall quality of material, the compression fit that helps improve overall mobility and the fact that this is a 3 pack that comes in a variety of colors to choose from. If you ask me, I would say you are getting an amazing deal that won’t disappoint.
