Whether you’re training for a marathon or running to stay fit, the clothes you wear while running greatly affect your comfort. And if you’re a marathoner, a sweat-soaked cotton t-shirt can weigh you down and affect your time in the race. So how do you choose the best running shirt for you?

For running, your jersey should be light and breathable with the ability to absorb and dry perspiration quickly. Avoiding cotton can also help with chafing during long runs.

For both men and women, types of running shirts include:

Running Tank Tops

High-quality running tank tops are created without extra trim, bias, or unnecessary seams for an ultra-comfortable running experience. If you’re a serial runner and enjoy a few races each year, the running tank top may be your smart choice. It’s breathable, lightweight, and many contain built-in fasteners to hold your race number up on race day, eliminating the need for pins.

marathon shirts

Maybe it’s because we’re used to wearing them, but t-shirts offer incredible comfort. However, when it comes to running, make sure your shirt is designed with lightweight materials that are breathable and wick away moisture. Double bonus if the shirt does not have tags to prevent scratches on the neck.

Long sleeve running shirts

While it may seem crazy to wear a long-sleeved running shirt, on chilly mornings you probably need that extra layer. When you warm up, take off your long-sleeved running top and tie it around your waist. Or buy a long sleeve that rides up above your elbow and really stays put! Look for running shirts that are double-cuffed to ward off the cold, durable, and pill-free.

As with all running accessories, from running socks to running shorts, your choice of running shirts can make all the difference in your workout. Avoid cotton and look for shirts that contain absorbent fibers, like CoolMax, for the best benefits.

T-shirts worn during race training must offer:

• Lightweight fabric that is breathable to keep you dry.
• Styles to choose: tank tops (tank tops) with V-neck, short sleeves (scoop neck), long sleeves with scoop neck or mock neck
• Styles that are simple with no extra contrast panels and “color blocking” that just add more seams that could cause irritation.
• No harsh tags at the base of your neck.