These 8 Sweat-Wicking Workout Shirts Keep You Cool and Dry
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Working up a sweat feels great, but staying drenched in a sweaty shirt post-workout really doesn't. That's where moisture-wicking shirts designed to handle your sweat sessions come in. No pit stains or clammy skin here! These workout tops are made with breathable, workout-focused fabrics like nylon, cotton, or polyester that perform as well as they look, even when you're putting in some serious work in the gym.
Best Moisture-Wicking Shirts
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Best Overall: Smartwool Women's Active Mesh Short Sleeve
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Best Tank: lululemon Ebb to Street Tank
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Best Open-Back: Athleta Transcend Open Back Tee
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Best Cotton: Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
I've tested tons of moisture-wicking shirts over the years—from long-line sports bras to the best workout tanks , and I called in more than 30 options from my favorite brands and tested them for this story. I tested them during sweaty workouts, walking workouts , and even on errand days. After months of testing, I, along with a few other fitness experts, chose options that checked off all our boxes.
Many got ditched along the way, but these eight moisture-wicking tops made the final cut as the ones that received the highest marks across categories like breathability, water-wicking abilities, fit, sizing options, colors, and more.
Smartwool Active Mesh Short Sleeve
The Smartwool Active Mesh Short Sleeve was hands-down the best moisture-wicking shirt we tested over the past few months—and for good reason. It's super lightweight, breathable, has a relaxed fit, and is made with merino wool, which helps keep you cool no matter how intense your workout gets.
One of my favorite things about this shirt is how well it hides sweat. I wore it during a tough HIIT session, and there were zero visible sweat stains, no matter which color I had on (and yes, I tried all three). That's thanks to the merino wool, which is blended with Tencel Lyocell—a soft, breathable fabric made from wood pulp that helps regulate temperature and manage moisture like a pro.
We've put this shirt through the wringer—running, yoga, lifting, HIIT—and it always holds up. It never feels clingy, gives you room to move without any added bulk, and has reflective elements for better visibility during late-night runs.
Another big plus: the waist-length cut offers great coverage, so you don't have to worry about it riding up when you're bending, stretching, or running. It doesn't come with built-in support, so just pair it with your favorite sports bra and you're good to go.
Read More: Best Workout Tops
- Never feels clingy
- Lightweight and breathable
- Offers great coverage
- Doesn't have any built-in support
lululemon Ebb to Street Tank Top
The Lululemon Ebb to Street Tank is a reliable favorite among WH editors. It's super soft, seamless, sweat-wicking, and ultra stretchy thanks to a comfortable blend of elastane and nylon. Plus, it offers just the right amount of support and coverage for low-impact workouts like Pilates, yoga, and walking—which is huge for tank tops that usually lack structure.
This is one of my go-to tops for working out or running errands. It's incredibly comfortable thanks to its seamless racerback design—no pesky straps, seams, or tightness to get in the way during your sweat session. However, you should note that because there are no adjustable straps, you can't customize the fit of this tank.
The most convenient part: it has a built-in shelf bra, so you don't have to wear a separate bra underneath (unless you want to for more support!). And, we found that it actually does keep us feeling covered and protected during low-impact exercise, which we didn't find to be the case with other tanks that have built-in bras.
Another pro? The longer length of this top (it hits at the hip) keeps us feeling locked in and covered during workouts where we don't want a ton of stomach showing.
While it does a great job at keeping us dry during sweaty workouts, we found that, in terms of support, it's not the best choice for high-intensity training. It didn't do a great job of holding the girls in place during high-impact moves, and we would have liked more padding and compression. But based on our testing, it's difficult to find a tank with that level of support. That's why we recommend pairing this with our favorite high-impact sports bra , the Under Armour Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra .
Read More: Best Moisture-Wicking Leggings
- Removable cups
- Sweat- and moisture-wicking
- Seamless design makes it super comfortable
- Keeps us feeling protected and held-in during light workouts
- Not a ton of support for higher impact workouts
- No adjustable straps, so not super customizable
Beyond Yoga Featherweight On The Down Low Tee
When I first felt this tee, I knew I had to have it. And that's saying a lot coming from someone who's basically tried every workout shirt and brand out there. It's ridiculously soft—thin enough to feel like a second skin, but still offers enough coverage so nothing's see-through (because no one wants that surprise at the gym).
The fabric is a blend heavy on the polyester (hello, softness) with just the right touch of spandex for that stretchy, flexible feel. It's super lightweight and moisture-wicking, so even after a sweaty lower-body session, I didn't feel completely drenched.
I also love the curved hem on this tee. It gives a flattering shape and, bonus, it's a little longer, so you get full coverage without constantly tugging it down. Another perk? It comes in tons of color options.
To be fair, this tee feels more like an everyday shirt you'd wear with jeans than a hardcore workout top like the Smartwool one. But if you're looking for something lightweight and comfy you can wear to the gym and then straight to brunch, this is a great option.
- Super soft fabric
- Flattering shape
- Comes in tons of colors
- Feels more like an everyday shirt than a workout tee
Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
ICYDK, cotton is one of the quickest-drying fabrics, which makes this shirt one of the best for wicking away moisture. It's also super lightweight and breathable, so it doesn't feel heavy like some tees can. I sometimes get wary about working out in high-neck tees like this one because I don't want to feel constricted at the gym, but trust me when I tell you this is the perfect shirt to throw on with leggings if you want a bit more coverage during your workout.
And if you want to get dressy, this tee pretty much always fits the bill, whether you're pairing it with jeans or trousers. It hits right at the hip, so it works with low- and high-rise pants, too. Another plus? It has a small slit at the side to make it feel more open and airy. It does run a bit big, so I recommend opting for a size down.
- Open and airy
- Comes in 8 colors
- Works with low- and high-rise pants
- Runs large
Athleta Transcend Open Back Tee
I love a cropped workout tee that shows just the right amount of skin, and this one nails it with an open-back design and a high neckline. You get solid coverage in the front and a fun peek of skin in the back, so it's the best of both worlds. And the technical details are just as impressive. It's made from what the brand calls VitaFree fabric, which is mostly elastane. That gives it a super stretchy, barely-there feel that moves with you and holds its shape, almost like a second skin.
The fabric blend is 75 percent nylon and 25 percent elastane, so it's great for wicking away sweat during high-intensity workouts. If you're training outdoors, the fabric also has UPF 40 built in, offering solid sun protection for the areas it covers (but definitely still wear SPF!).
I personally like a more fitted feel in my workout tops to feel supported, so I sized down in this one (usually a medium, but I went with a small and loved the fit). It still fits comfortably over a sports bra, which is key since it doesn't have a built-in shelf. If you prefer a looser fit, just stick with your usual size. I do wish it came in more colors than just black, though.
- Super moisture-wicking
- UPF 40 protection
- Super lightweight but still moves with you
- Must size down for a snugger, more compressive fit
Real Essentials V Neck T-Shirt
This shirt keeps you cool and dry thanks to its moisture-wicking Dryfit fabric made from polyester and spandex. It's built for movement, with stretch, bound edges, and interlock seams that help prevent chafing.
While it may look like a regular T-shirt, this technical T is all about performance and breathability. I always grab it before a tough weight session or when I'm layering over a high-impact bra for a long run.
I don't think it's the most stylish shirt on this list, but it is definitely one of the more functional pieces I own, which is why I reach for it so often. It delivers great performance compared to more expensive options, especially at this price point.
- Designed to keep you cool and dry
- Super lightweight
- Very functional
- Not the most stylish option on this list
Nike AeroSwift Dri-FIT ADV Cropped Running Tank Top
When it comes to running tops, we're all about pieces that wick away sweat, don't cling, and feel barely there. This tank from Nike checks every box. "This tank is so light and airy during runs," says fitness and commerce editor Nicolette Accardi. "The side cutouts and cropped fit give great airflow, especially on those brutally hot days when sweat is inevitable."
We also love that there's zero arm or shoulder restriction. It's loose and breathable enough to fit over a high-impact sports bra, which is a huge plus. Personally, I prefer loose tops when I run because they let me move freely—and this one definitely delivers on that.
That said, if you're not into cropped styles, this might not be your thing. The side slits also catch the breeze and show a bit more skin, so it's ideal for anyone who doesn't mind a little extra ventilation.
- Great airflow
- Loose enough to fit over a sports bra
- Zero arm or shoulder restriction
- Not the best option if you want a longer length shirt
Athleta Momentum Seamless Top
If you're after a long-sleeve workout top that feels like your favorite butter-soft tee but fits and performs like activewear, this one from Athleta is it. It's made from a super soft nylon with the perfect amount of stretch.
The fit is body skimming yet not remotely restrictive, so while it's formfitting I wouldn't characterize it as feeling tight. The fabric is sweat-wicking and breathable, so it's perfect for anything from a power walk to a strength-training session.
It hits right at the hips for full coverage with an ingenious gripper at the bottom hem that keeps it in place for a sleek silhouette. The top stays in place whether your in downward dog or doing box jumps.
The sleeves aren't too tight, so this top will also be a go-to if you're layering during the colder months, with thumbholes adding a nice functional touch. If you're a fan of low-maintenance activewear that still looks good post-gym, this one's a no-brainer.
- Lightweight seamless fabric
- Grippers on inner hem to prevent riding up
- Thumbholes to keep sleeve in place
- Not ideal for those looking for a baggy fit
What to Consider
What are the best sweat-wicking fabrics?
The fabric of your moisture-wicking top can either help or hinder sweat management, so you want to make sure your investing in materials with sweat-wicking technology that can hold up through multiple washes.
Our top picks for sweat-wicking fabrics are:
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Nylon:Nylon is touted for its durability, and it's often used in workout tops because it has high elasticity and is super moisture-wicking.
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Cotton:Cotton is essential in moisture-wicking tops because it's breathable and soft against the skin, helping to absorb initial moisture while allowing airflow to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.
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Spandex:This is a lightweight, stretchy fabric that is added to workout tops to get that elastic, stretchy feel.
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Polyester:Polyester is great in moisture-wicking tops because it pulls sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable during workouts.
How should you care for sweat-wicking fabrics?
Most technical fabrics have specific washing and drying instructions, and if you want to maximize your workout wardrobe's function and durability, it's a good idea to follow those instructions to the letter. Pay special attention to the temperature of the water the instructions call for, whether or not the items can be placed in the dryer and at what temp they can be dried, or whether line drying is advised.
WH fitness and reviews editor Natascha Grief, NASM-CPT opts for line drying and avoids the dryer altogether when possible for any kind of technical fabric; when that's not an option, she always sets the dryer at the lowest temperature possible.
How We Chose
For the past year, I along with Women's Health fitness and reviews editor Natascha Grief, NASM-CPT as well as other WH editors continually test workout tops during their own workouts and day-to-day life. Our team also consulted certified personal trainers to test and try workout tank tops from our favorite brands. We evaluated each one on its comfort, price, moisture-wicking abilities, stretch, fit, materials, color options, and essential add-ons.
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