What’s the best running t-shirt?

For the purposes of writing recommendations like this one, we test tees while running (naturally) or in the gym doing stretching and strength work. So far this season, I have about 400km in the legs and two target trail events fast approaching: the Jura Swiss Trail and UTMB Verbier. So what’s the verdict? 

Odlo is working with a lot of innovative fabrics at the minute. Wools. Recycled polyesters. Blends. In 2022, we introduced Performance Wool powered by Nuyarn® in our base layer category, answering customer demand for high-performance, natural-fibre clothing. This spring, we made a very lightweight, 115-gram version designed specifically for running. 

While this is billed as a trail tee, it can do so much more. With the X-Alp Performance Wool 115 trail running t-shirt, you get one of the lightest-feeling merino t-shirts available. Really. It feels great on, dries quickly and is naturally temperature regulating owing to its unique construction of non-mulesed merino wool loomed around a very fine nylon core. 

You'll love it if:

• You already love merino.  

• Prefer natural fibres, and you’re not willing to give an inch on performance.  

• Love running in mixed temperatures (cool at the start, warm as the day goes on).  

• Are merino-curious, have been using merino in winter but never in summer, and have been wanting to run in a merino tee for a while. This is the one.  

• You’re looking for merino you can wear with a pack that’s more durable than most.  

Comes in three colours. I ran in green and grey, and both are great.  

Active 365, as the name suggests, is a running and training t-shirt made from 92 per cent recycled stretch polyester and conceived for daily wear any day of the year – whether that’s for a run at lunch, an evening session with the jump rope or just hanging out around town.  

I liked this one, as it’s made for high mileage; it’s a simple, straightforward, fast-drying shirt that’s also treated with a finish (ZeroScent) to limit odours, which means you can use it for a few consecutive days and cut down on washes (guilty) without it smelling too bad (acquitted).   

You’ll love it if:  

• you like the soft feel and performance of polyester.  

• you tend to opt for recycled materials. 

• you value gym work just as much as run days.  

Comes in four colours. I opted for the black melange.  

The running collection Odlo is perhaps best known for goes by the name Zeroweight. And as the name suggests, it’s for runners who want products that are featherweight and high performing. One of this season’s best options, especially if you’re a runner who sweats a lot and runs in hot weather often, has to be the Zeroweight Chill-Tec running tee.  

This is definitely a high-performance piece – made of Chill-Tec fabric, which actively lowers body temperature by up to one degree – that also has micro vents, which means better air flow. As a bonus, it comes in a very cool deep-green colour, so it looks as great as it feels. 

You’ll love it if:  

• you like style but aren’t willing to sacrifice performance.  

• you like a lot of air flow on warm runs.  

• you sweat a lot.  

This shirt has a great feel. Ideal for big efforts, but equally at home for everyday runs.