Whether you’re running or lifting, our pick of the best men’s short-sleeved gym tops in 2022 will withstand any workout…
When it comes to picking the right gym top, weight, breathability and construction are all things to consider – whatever the workout in question.
You may also want to consider sustainability, not just for your wallet but for the planet. Look for companies using recycled materials or other ways to lessen their environmental impact.
What makes a good men’s short-sleeved gym top?
Breathability – Does it use breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics (measured in MVTR: ‘moisture vapour transmission rate’) to vent heat and moisture away from the body?
Light weight – Is it light enough to help you stay cool, not hinder your workout or make you uncomfortable, without being flimsy?
Well-fitted – Does it give you room across the shoulders, the chest and stomach while exercising without feeling loose and baggy? Is it made of a stretchable fabric so as not to feel overly restrictive?
Seamless construction – A seam-free t-shirt will stop rubbing and soreness, particularly when exercising, and therefore increase comfort.
Sustainability – Is it made from recycled materials? What are the chemicals used in the manufacturing process? Does the company offer to repair or recycle damaged items?
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Men’s Fitness Best Buy
UA Rush Seamless GeoSport Short Sleeve
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £50 / underarmour.co.uk
Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Breathability: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Cutting-edge science meets next-level comfort with the latest tee in Under Armour’s long-standing Rush range.
There’s all the usual sweat-wicking, sports-focused technical detail you’d expect from a UA bit of kit (and one that’s going to set you back £50), but beyond the jargon this is simply a very comfortable training top.
It fits nicely on the shoulders and arms, without pulling tight around the stomach, and does a fine job of staying light and breathable no matter the intensity of the workout.
Put it to the test with this full-body dumbbell workout
Men’s Fitness Recommended
Gym+Coffee Surge Tee
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £29 / uk.gympluscoffee.com
Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Breathability: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Irish brand Gym+Coffee marries sustainability (the Surge Tee is made from recycled fabrics) with genuinely excellent products that come surprisingly cheap.
For less than £30, the Surge – just one in a long line of sports tees worth checking out – fits a dream and looks the part.
Made for running, but just as suited to gym work, this is an ultra-light, high-performance top that doesn’t cost the Earth.
SAYSKY Clean Pace T-Shirt
BUY IT NOW:
£45 / saysky.co.uk
Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Breathability: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
SAYSKY is a Danish brand primarily marketed at runners, but its technical tees are as at home in the gym as pounding the pavements.
There are loads to choose from, but the Clean Pace stands out for its clean design and ultra-soft feel.
Made from recycled polyester, it’s light without feeling flimsy and won’t overheat when the going gets tough.
Represent 247 T-Shirt
BUY IT NOW:
£60 / uk.representclo.com
Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Breathability: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
If you’re the proud owner of a recently grown set of guns, this is the tee for you.
But while the slim fit is exactly that, high-stretch material keeps the top from feeling overly restrictive.
It’s got a nice, soft finish to it, too, and though average breathability means you probably wouldn’t do too much cardio in it, weights work won’t be a problem.
MP Men’s Tempo Ultra Seamless T-Shirt
BUY IT NOW:
£30 / myprotein.com
Fit: 3/5
Comfort: 4/5
Breathability: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/4
Simple but effective, this is a low-cost does-the-job option.
The fit isn’t quite as good as pricier products in this list, but seamless construction increases the comfort, and ‘Coolmax yearns’ maximise airflow.
For us the main selling point, though, is how light this top is – perfect for sticky summer sessions.
Gym King Sport Ombre Grindle Tee
BUY IT NOW:
£25 / thegymking.com
Fit: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Breathability: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Low cost belies the high-quality feel of this impressive bit of kit from relatively new brand Gym King.
Arms, chest and shoulders are hugged just the right amount, but there’s also enough room to breathe.
It’s relatively lightweight, though true to name it’s best reserved for steady-state lifting rather than anything too intense.
Puma Formknit Seamless Training Tee
BUY IT NOW:
£25 / uk.puma.com
Fit: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Breathability: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
It feels like Puma’s upped its training wear game in recent years, and its sponsorship of new competition on the functional fitness block HYROX shows the brand’s commitment to this corner of the market.
The Formknit tee is a good example, being perfectly lightweight and breathable for any manner of exercise.
