Best Men’s Long Sleeve Running Shirts for Winter

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Winter isn’t all icy winds and driving snow: it usually provides invigorating days for bluebirds to offset the oppressive days. As a result, we tested a diverse collection of men’s long-sleeved running shirts, optimized to perform in conditions ranging from humid and warm New England shoulder seasons to frigid mid-winter mountain adventures in the high peaks. from Colorado. All work well when worn alone, as well as when paired with a technical tee underneath or a jacket on top to get the right level of insulation.

At a glance

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(Photo: Courtesy of Tracksmith)

Best all-rounder

Tracksmith Downeaster Hoodie

$190 at Tracksmith

Currently unavailable: restocking planned for January 2025

Sizing: XS-XL

Advantages and disadvantages
⊕ Breathable wool/polypropylene blend
⊕ Superior insulation without the bulk
⊗ No pockets

The double-knit fabric of this beautiful piece blends 60% merino wool and 40% soft polypropylene, giving excellent moisture wicking, a soft feel against the skin and hard-wearing durability. Unlike many running tops that attach a soft hood as an afterthought, the Tracksmith model offers a well-designed scuba-style hood that keeps out the cold when pulled up and stays in place when worn. The cuffs and waist are neatly hemmed, with subtle touches like a fabric hanger loop on the back and a tasteful little logo on the waist. This mid-weight top alone provided enough insulation for running well below freezing, and its slim fit allowed it to be layered under a shell or lightweight jacket in colder conditions.

(Photo: Courtesy of Saucony)

Ideal for long runs

Saucony Triumph 1/2-Zip

$85 at REI $85 at Running Warehouse

Sizing: S-3XL

Advantages and disadvantages
⊕ Deep zipper for versatile ventilation
⊕ Excellent moisture wicking
⊗ Just a small pocket

This lightweight piece was a favorite among testers for extended runs. The soft interior jacquard knit effectively wicks away sweat, even on humid days of late winter and early spring. The deep zipper allowed us to easily release excess body heat and pull it up easily without a snag. Worn up or down, the collar didn’t bounce and a fabric guard at the top of the zipper added a welcome measure of comfort. The single waist pocket only holds a key and credit card, but its contoured fit makes it a good choice to wear as a base layer.

(Photo: Courtesy of REI Cooperative)

Ideal for cold, dry conditions

REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Crew Sweater

$80 at REI

Sizing: S-3XL (some sizes also available in tall lengths)

Advantages and disadvantages
⊕ Cozy fabric
⊕ Integrated hand covers
⊗ Soft fit

This top’s soft recycled polyester and spandex fleece interior provides solid insulation against freezing temperatures, even when worn alone. Paired with a shell jacket or lightweight vest, the REI top kept testers warm into the single digits. The low-profile crew neck makes it a good choice for layering, with a generous fit that fits comfortably over base layers but may be too baggy for some runners’ tastes. Testers liked the cuffs, with thumbholes and thick fold-over hand guards built into the sleeves that kept hands well protected even without gloves. A reflective logo on the chest and small panels on the sleeves ensure safety in low light conditions.

(Photo: Courtesy of Artilect)

Ideal for cold and wet conditions

Artilect Systems Boulder 125

$120 at REI $120 at Artilect

Sizing: XS-XXL

Advantages and disadvantages
⊕ Impressive warmth-to-weight ratio
⊕ Breathable, quick-drying and odor resistant
⊗ Close-fitting cut that borders on tights

This thin, long-sleeve merino shirt repelled a freezing mist that rolled across a Colorado lake during a 45-minute workout, keeping our tester warm and dry. Nuyarn fabric combines merino wool and nylon in an innovative, durable weave that wicks away moisture while providing a pleasantly soft, stretchy feel. The cut is decidedly fitted and focused on performance; we loved the comfortable flatlock seams and the cozy feel against the skin. This garment can be machine washed (use cold water) without further care. But you won’t need to wash it often: One tester said he wore it every day for a week without washing and it never got dirty.

(Photo: Courtesy of Bent)

Ideal for high-output efforts

Le Bent Ultralight Long Sleeve T-Shirt

$60 at Bent

Sizing: S-XL

Advantages and disadvantages
⊕ Lightweight and breathable
⊕ Softness of natural fibers and resistance to odors
⊗ Loose fit, a little flexible when running

The lightweight blend of merino wool (37%), nylon (10%) and rayon from bamboo (53%) is soft to the touch and, when worn over a technical tee, provides effective insulation for running at temperatures slightly above freezing. up to the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. It’s also a solid choice to wear alone in warm weather, with an SPF rating of 20 and enough breathability to pick up the pace without fear of overheating. Its long, loose fit makes it a favorite for warming up on mild days or heading to the gym to work on strength or flexibility. Plus, testers found their relaxed fit and streamlined design made them stylishly comfortable almost anywhere when worn casually.

How to Choose Men’s Long Sleeve Running Shirts

Most runners have a go-to top for winter running. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end: If your favorite piece has become too worn, pilled, or smelly (it happens to the best of us) to last another season, take stock of its best qualities before abandoning it . When replacing a warmth-focused fleece, don’t expect a lightweight top, no matter how highly rated, to feel exactly like your old sleepwear, but you should be able to find one that matches or improves its performance. Be open to new fabrics and styles.

Also consider your thermal regulation tendencies. Some runners hate stopping in the middle of a workout to add or remove a layer, so tops with deep zippers, arm vents, or other mechanisms to reduce heat on the fly are appreciated features on a men’s long sleeve running shirt. If you don’t mind tying a shirt around your waist, a few lightweight or mid-weight tops might work better in combination than just one heavy top.

How we test

Mark Eller led the testing team for this review. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he enjoys running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities that keep him away from the treadmills when the snow falls. He coordinated the shipment of dozens of winter running gear to other testers in New England, the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains, who wore this men’s long-sleeve running shirts. reviewed in various cold conditions for several months before making their choice and writing. their comments.

Meet our testers

Senior reviewer Mark Eller trains all winter on the roads and trails near his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. He is a three-time veteran of the Boston Marathon, a Nordic hack skier, and a competitive runner in water racing rowing events.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Michael Rorick has run and raced in New England since his days on the middle school track team in Connecticut. He has participated in numerous editions of Boston, New York and other major marathons.

Brian Metzler is the editor-in-chief of RUN and the founding editor of Trail runner. A former Division I track athlete, he now runs primarily on mountain trails in Boulder and Leadville, Colorado.

Scott Douglas has run more than 130,000 miles since he started as a teenager. He has held editorial leadership positions at current publications and is the author or co-author of several well-known running books, including Advanced marathon, Meb for mortals, And Running is my therapy. Scott runs every day unless injured and always runs outside, despite or because of his life in North Yarmouth, Maine.

Jonathan Beverly is no stranger to winter weather. He started running in high school on the coast of Maine, trained for marathons for years in New York, and can now be seen chasing windmills in the dunes of western Nebraska, accompanied of his two dogs. He is the senior undercarriage editor for Out.