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Sweaty workouts feel so dang good—they're cathartic and are amazing for your mood, energy, and health (I'd know, I'm from Florida!). But it's not super fun to leave the gym feeling like a bucket of water was just dumped over you. That's where moisture-wicking shirts come in handy. Cotton Wrinkle Resistance Fabric
How they work: When people sweat, moisture-wicking clothing moves sweat from your body into the clothing, and there, it evaporates and helps you cool down, says Philadelphia-based fitness instructor Jadi Collado, CPT. (This is different from a non-moisture-wicking fabric, such as cotton.)
"Without these benefits, certain clothing will hold onto the sweat and cling to your body making you feel uncomfortable and potentially resulting in the opposite effect of making us feel hotter," she adds. Plus, as a result of less perspiration resting on your skin, you'll even experience less body odor and even acne-inducing bacteria that can form on the skin when it's in a damp environment.
Peep a few of the best moisture-wicking shirts here:
There are a few reasons why, TBH. Remember, "as our bodies warm up during exercise, sweat is released as a way to naturally cool our bodies down," says Collado. But, there are certain factors that can prevent how well sweat is released, such as fitness levels, genetics, and clothes—that's why moisture-wicking shirts help, she says.
It's especially helpful for those outdoor workouts, says Madeleine Conti, CPT, founder of Kettleclub and CEO of Continuum. "In workouts when I'm in the sun, like a kettlebell workout in the park or hiking up a mountain, I like to wear something that's going to both shield my skin from the sun, but also keep me cool and wick sweat when it's present," she adds.
When shopping for a moisture-wicking shirt, you'll want to look for ones with lightweight and breathable materials, like cotton, merino wool, bamboo textile, polyester, and nylon, say Conti and Virginia-based trainer Almoni Ellis, CPT.
To help you find your new sweat sesh staple, see below for some of the best cooling, drying, moisture-wicking shirts, tried and tested by Women's Health editors, trainers, and online reviews.
The stink that comes with sweat is totally normal, but if you prefer to do without it, this essential tee from Under Armour is a solid choice. It's made with anti-odor, sweat-wicking, and ultra-soft material.
Trainer review: "I absolutely love the Under Armour Locker T-shirt! It is stylish, affordable and keeps me cool and dry during sweaty workouts." —Almoni Ellis, CPT
Pre-shrunk and made with a silky soft pima cotton, Mott And Bow's t-shirt is available in 13 color options and come without a tag. No uncomfortable itching at the neck.
Editor review: "I often go straight from work to workouts, or vice versa, and this t-shirt is perfect is my go-to for not having to pack multiple outfits. I also reach for it on non-workout days just because it's so freaking comfy and soft." —Neha Tandon, senior e-commerce editor
Made with an ultra lightweight mesh and exterior seaming for extra durability, this shirt helps manage moisture in your most intense workout situations. It's pricey, but it's a great investment if you are an avid camper or hiker.
Trainer Review: "I have three or four Arc'teryx Taema crew neck shirts in my closet and they are my favorite thing to throw on for a run, outdoor workout, or hike. I love that it doesn't cling to my body—it's so soft and the breathability is unmatched." —Madeleine Conti, CPT
WH lifestyle director Lindsay Gellar loves this moisture-wicking shirt, especially for for running outdoors in the summer heat. With a UPF rating of 30, it'll help protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays and reviewers say it's super comfy.
Editor Review: "This is my go-to workout t-shirt because it's not only lightweight and comfy, but it also offers UPF sun protection. Plus, as a petite person with a shorter torso, the length is perfect for me whereas other shirts are too long." —Lindsay Geller, WH lifestyle director
Here's a long-sleeve shirt option that's designed to allow movement without any irritation or chafing. The quick-dry fabric features superior breathability and keeps you cool so you can finish off any high intensity workout without swimming in sweat.
Trainer Review: "The Baleaf Long Sleeve Quick-Dry Shirt is an amazing option to have when working out in different climates. This Baleaf Long Sleeve Shirt gives you the versatility to train in cold and milder conditions while absorbing sweat and keeping the body cool!" —Almoni Ellis, CPT
Hearst Food Group food producer Tina Martinez is a big fan of this Nike tank top for a variety of workouts such as running, weight training, and CrossFit. It's breathable, with small slits in the sides of the shirt, but still has coverage, with a longer back hem.
Editor Review: "It skims my body perfectly without feeling restrictive or tight and easily dries and moves with me during any tough workout." —Tina Martinez, Hearst Food Group food producer
This classic black tee, made from a fast-drying fabric, will transition seamlessly from your sweat life to your real life. It's pre-shrunk, so you won't have to worry about it changing size over the years. Plus, it's got over 20,000 Amazon ratings and an average of 4.3 stars.
Rave review: "One of my favorite shirts to exercise in! I am not comfortable with my upper arms and I love that these sleeves are just a little longer than your average short sleeve shirt. Highly recommend. Great buy!"
This shirt is our social editor's go-to for yoga. It's lightweight but not see-through, plus, the built-in X-STATIC tech prevents it from smelling bad. (BTW, it's also machine-washable!)
Editor Review: "It stays super snug without bunching during my down dogs and warrior twos, and is extremely flattering! Unlike many workout shirts available, which are often either glorified sports bras or shapeless sacks, this one strikes a perfect balance, providing both style and coverage." —Isabel McMahon, WH assistant social media editor
For the past three years, Women’s Health editors, including our editorial assistant Addison Aloian, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated moisture-wicking shirts. Our team consulted certified personal trainers Jadi Collado, Madeleine Conti, and Almoni Ellis, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best eight items for a wide range of needs and preferences.
Pooja Shah is a freelance writer and lawyer based in NYC. She's wanted to be a writer ever since growing up watching Rory Gilmore of Gilmore Girls pursue her passion for journalism. You'll find her forever sampling different NYC cafes, waking up at 6 am to go to Orange Theory, and binging BBC thriller dramas. Follow her on Instagram and visit her webpage here.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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