Best Running Tops For Men 2023
A good running top can help to keep you feeling comfortable, warm and visible. Here's everything you need to know
A good long-sleeve running top is an essential piece of gear for the colder months and can also be useful when warming up and wearing multiple layers.
As well as being able to keep you warm and comfortable, a running top can also help to keep you visible in lower-light conditions. Running tops are versatile and can be used as part of layering up or on their own if the weather and season allows.
In this article, we’re going to bring you all of the key things to consider and bear in mind when selecting a running top, and also reveal five of the best options on the market at the moment.
So, with the introductions out of the way, let’s begin taking a closer look at running tops and some of the key considerations to think about when shopping for one.
Running Tops – Things To Consider
In this article, we’re going to be focusing specifically on long-sleeve running tops. If you’re looking for a T-shirt, be sure to check our our dedicated guide to the best running T-shirts for men.
Not all running tops are created equal, and there are a few things to bear in mind when selecting one. Here are some of the main considerations to think about.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
• Material – Most modern-day running tops are made from synthetic materials which have been designed to help keep you feeling comfortable while out on your run. Perhaps the most common main material is polyester, as it’s breathable and can efficiently wick moisture away from your body. Other materials such as cotton tend to soak up moisture and therefore can become heavy and uncomfortable in certain conditions. It’s worth taking a look at the product description on the site you’re shopping from to check the materials used.
• Warmth – A good running top will keep you cool when needed but also help you to stay warmer during the winter months. Again, the material used plays a big role in temperature regulation so it’s a good idea to check this when shopping for a top. Some running tops are designed specifically for use in the winter, while others are thinner and can be used with other layering options at different times of the year.
• Style And Fit – There are plenty of style options to choose from when it comes to running tops made by the top brands. Whether you’re looking for brighter block colours or something a bit more subtle, there is plenty of choice when it comes to the look and style. Most modern-day running tops also feature at least some reflective elements as part of their design, so that they can help to keep you visible in lower-light conditions.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
• Brand – Finally, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of a research into the brand behind the product. The running tops we’ve featured below are all made by reputable sportswear brands with track histories in the running world – but doing some of your own research is always worthwhile. This may include checking some customer reviews of the product you’re considering, and also reading the returns, refunds and exchanges policy on the site.
Best Running Tops For Men – Our Pick
So, now that we’ve covered some of the main considerations to think about when shopping for a running top, it’s time to reveal our pick of five of the best options on the market at the moment.
All of the running tops featured below are made by reputable sportswear brands with histories in the field of running. They are available to buy directly from the manufacturer on the official websites in most cases, and most offer fast delivery options to most countries, including the UK and USA.
1) Nike Dri-Fit Running Top
Where to buy: www.nike.com
(Photo: Nike)
The first option on our list is the straightforward and reliable Nike Dri-Fit Running Top. Nike are well-known for producing quality running gear and this top, which comes in a range of different colours, can be worn on its own or as an extra layer. There are thumb-holes in the sleeves to help keep you warmer when needed, and the adjustable zip top helps you to get a comfortable fit. It’s made from a blend of polyester and spandex, and uses Nike’s Dri-Fit technology to help move sweat away from your skin and keep you feeling comfortable. It also features reflective elements to help to keep you visible.
2) Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Half Zip 2.0
Where to buy: www.lululemon.com
(Photo: Lululemon)
Next up is Lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech Half Zip 2.0. Designed for both running and working out, this premium top has a seamless construction for maximum comfort. Made from nylon, polyester and elastane, this running top has a mesh construction for added breathability and comes in a range of attractive colours and styles. With a zipped closure for maximum comfort, it also uses Silverescent technology, which can inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the fabric.
3) Under Armour Qualifier Run 2.0 Half-Zip
Where to buy: www.underarmour.com
(Photo: Under Armour)
Under Armour Qualifier Run 2.0 Half-Zip running top is the next product on our list. Featuring a design that’s made to be water resistant, this running top features a four-way stretch construction to make for maximum ease of movement. It has built-in thumb-holes to help keep the sleeves in place and for added warmth, and has a zip up collar for optimal comfort. Available in a range of different colours to suit all styles, this running top, which is made from polyester and elastane, has been designed to wick sweat and dry quickly.
4) Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half-Zip
Where to buy: www.lululemon.com
(Photo: Lululemon)
Next up is another product from Lululemon – the Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half-Zip top. With similar features to the Metal Vent Tech Half Zip 2.0 shown above, this running top has been designed to keep the air flowing for maximum comfort during your run. It’s made from a four-way stretch material and has an integrated open-hole mesh ventilation system for maximum breathability. Like the other option featured above, this Lululemon running top also comes in a range of great-looking colours.
5) Gymshark Arrival 1/4 Zip Pullover
Where to buy: www.gymshark.com
(Photo: Gymshark)
The final option on our list is Gymshark’s Arrival 1/4 Zip Pullover. This running and training top is slim-fit and comes with a 1/4 zip collar. It’s made from polyester and is both lightweight and sweat wicking. It’s available in both black and olive colours, has a straight hem and set-in sleeves – and features a Gymshark logo on the chest. This is a great option if you’re looking for a running top that would also look great in the gym.
Anything Else To Consider?
Getting the right size is always a concern when shopping for clothing online. The best place to start is by checking the size guides provided by the brands you’re looking into so you can work out which one is likely to fit you.
As we mentioned above, it’s also a good idea to read the terms and conditions of the returns and exchanges policy provided on the site you’re shopping from, so that you’ll know where you stand if the size isn’t quite right or you’re not happy with the top for another reason.
While we hope this buying guide has been useful, it’s also never a bad idea to do some of your own research into the product you’re looking at by reading up on some customer reviews and checking the details on the official manufacturer website.
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
Wrapping Things Up – Our Final Thoughts
So, that brings us to the end of our buyer’s guide to the best running tops for men. We’ve walked you through some of the key things to bear in mind when selecting a running top, such as the material, colour fit and other features.
We’ve also revealed our pick of five of the best options on the market at the moment. We currently rate the Nike Dri-Fit Running Top as the top all-round option, but all of the running tops featured on this page are excellent choices made by reputable and trustworthy brands.
