13 of the best men’s running tops for 2023, tested by our editors

You’ve got to love Kalenji. For roughly the price of a pint of lager, you can pick up a decent running top that wicks moisture and fits well. Sure, the material feels a little less premium and the style is as basic as it comes. But if you’re the kind of runner who values function over fashion, this is the top for you. On the move, we found it surprisingly breathable, while the simple design means it works well with a bright pair of shoes or socks. A real bargain.

If you value safety over cutting-edge style, Proviz deserves a place in your running wardrobe. Specialising in running clobber that’s brighter than the midday sun, the brand is best known for its reflective running backpacks and jackets – but its T-shirts are worth a look, too. The Classic boasts a moisture-wicking fabric that draws away sweat from your body. The material also has a UPF rating of 30 to help protect you on sunny days. The drawback here is that the T-shirt is a little thicker and heavier than you might like – but perhaps that’s a price worth paying for improved visibility on the run.

A snug or, as New Balance put it, ‘athletic’ fit hangs well on the torso with minimal flappage but stretches with you as you move so it never feels restrictive. The 100% recycled polyester fabric is featherweight and gossamer-thin with a jacquard knit texture to promote airflow and good moisture management, too. If you’re planning to wear it in low light, note that the colour option of disappear-in-the-dark black is offset by iridescent reflective trims.

This Puma tee ticks all the important boxes. It’s moisture-wicking, fitted without being restrictive, understatedly stylish and reasonably priced. It feels great on the run, with our tester experiencing no rubbing or chafing, and is lightweight enough to use for sessions as well as easy runs. There’s a classic black colourway, which can be paired with pretty much anything, or a green one for those looking to make more of a statement. Whichever you opt for, you’ll be getting a great tee at a seriously competitive price.

Originally developed for the US Olympic marathon trials in the sweltering heat of Atlanta, Georgia, the Strata’s premium, silky-soft, feather-light breathable knit structure uses Swiss-engineered ‘coldblack’ fabric that reduces heat absorption and rapidly shifts moisture to prevent ‘cling’. It also offers factor 30+ UVA and UVB protection, plus an antimicrobial finish to combat the aromas that can linger after hot, sweaty runs.

‘Reduced to the max’ is how On high describes this impossibly lightweight tee, which it says is designed so it ‘feels like you’re wearing nothing’. The quick-drying, tear-proof front is engineered to protect, while the back is constructed from a super-breathable mesh that allows airflow and keeps you feeling fresh in the heat.

of the best gym bags for women shorts, many of which are visible from outer space, but we're fans of its more muted designs. And it doesn’t get much more classic than this black Clean Combat T-shirt, which you can pair with pretty much anything and feels absolutely great on the run. That’s thanks to its moisture-wicking, quick-drying material, which creates great breathability and airflow. It’s extremely lightweight, too, making it a good tee to reach for quicker sessions and perhaps even race day itself.

As a stylish, fitted and breathable long-sleeve, the Seamless Stride ticks all the important boxes. It’s super comfortable on the run and lightweight enough to use for quicker outings as well as long, slow efforts. We experienced no chafing while running in it – score one for the sew-free construction – and the soft knit fabric feels great on the skin. We’re particularly fond of the baby-blue colourway, though more muted colours are available for the sartorially understated.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, understated long-sleeve at a wallet-friendly price, Kalenji reliably delivers. The breathable number is perfect for autumn or spring, providing a little extra warmth without feeling heavy or suffocating. The blend of synthetic fibres and cotton feels soft on skin, though the top lacks the luxuriousness of some of its pricier peers and isn’t particularly stylish. Nonetheless, at £14.99, it’s a bite-your-hand-off bargain and further proof you don’t always need to break the bank to get quality running gear.

As with most items from Soar, the long sleeve top Tech-T feels refined and considered. It’s very lightweight compared to other long sleeves we tested, but did a surprisingly good job of offering a little more coverage and warmth on cooler runs. The cut offers a very precise fit – it moves well on the body and would make a great race day layer if you were running hard in the cold.

A brilliant base layer for scaling up winter protection, the Elite 3.0 is incredibly light, breathable and does a great job of managing moisture that can quickly turn cold. It dries rapidly, has anti-odour properties, thumb loops and well-placed reflective detailing. It’s also made from 100% recycled polyester.

A go-to for comfort in all kinds of conditions and all kinds of sessions, this feels super soft against the skin, keeps you cosy when it’s chilly and wicks sweat when you heat up. The stretch-knit fabric offers plenty of give to allow freedom of movement on the run and its antimicrobial properties keep cumulative aroma build up at bay. A good thing because you’ll find yourself wearing this one a lot.

Comfort is king with this long sleeve top from Lululemon. Striking a near perfect balance between thickness of material and running function, this top offers a feeling of snugness for those cooler runs that thankfully doesn’t translate into being too warm once you’re moving. This is down to the sweat wicking and cooling properties of the top and the feel of the fabric against the skin, all of which helps to regulate body temperature.