AMR Gears Up Long Sleeve Running Shirts: the next edition of Another Mother Runner Gears Up. We have #motherrunners put key running gear to the test, then deliver the results so you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.
By Allison Pattillo
As much as runners have their preferences–shorts versus capris, tanks versus short sleeves, no-show socks versus crew socks–a love of long sleeve running shirts is rather universal. Unless of course you live someplace hot, but even then, they are handy for protection from the sun. Shorter days and cooler temperatures in the northern hemisphere have many of us digging through our shirt drawer to find our favorite long sleeves. And, thankfully, there are plenty of sweet new styles as well.
Often for these reviews, we narrow down what is featured by not sharing anything that scores less than a 3.5 with our testers. Well, for this test, everything we tried was a winner, meaning you have lots of options!
What’s your favorite long sleeve running shirt, or which one of these are you going to try? Let us know in the comments below.
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Our tester appreciated the soft feel of the fabric, as well as the mesh underarm panels, which upped the breathability factor. “The bright color stands out, and wearing it actually made me look forward to going for a run! And, of course, I love the thumb holes, a necessity for autumn and winter runs.”
Size Range: XS to XXL
Fit: Snug, but not too tight, according to our tester who likes a trim fit. Size up if you are between sizes.
Price: $70
Tester Rating: 5
Review: “This shirt is completely cozy, both for a chilly jaunt and for curling up on the couch afterwards.” The wool blend fabric is soft and warm, and the sleeves and thumb holes are blissfully long, enough even for our long-armed tester. The turtleneck is tall enough, so you don’t need a gaiter when it gets really chilly. Definitely designed for colder climates, this shirt will be a staple for runs, skiing, and snowshoeing. Oh, it’s also reversible!
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Runs small, size up.
Price: $120
Tester Rating: 5
Review: One of our tester’s favorite aspects of this shirt is that it is light yet provides warmth. The slightly cropped styling also made it more breathable. “I realize we should purchase running gear for performance over fashion, but this shirt does both! It was light and airy to run in and looked great at my daughter’s soccer game.”
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: True to size.
Price: $68
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Our tester found this to be a really functional, flattering top. The seams along the bust were surprisingly flattering—I wouldn’t have suspected that from simply holding it up. A generous zipped pocket in the back for gloves, phone, credit card, etc. The buttery soft, medium weight fabric is ideal for fall running, with thumb holes for glove-optional mornings, and sleeves that comfortably accommodate long arms.
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: True to size.
Price: $75
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Our tester thought this shirt was cute and comfortable, with the bonus of coming in rainbow of hue options, plus it has thumbholes. It works as a stand-alone piece or as a base layer when the temps get colder. Our tester did wish the size guide offered more than just chest measurements to determine what size to order. That said, she was also impressed by the size range and shared, “To be honest, I’ve always admired other’s Lululemon apparel, but was afraid to even go into their store for fear that nothing would fit me.”
Size Range: 0 to 20
Fit: True to size.
Price: $78
Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Hoodie
Tester Rating: 5
Review: This hoodie gives good butt coverage without feeling like you’re swimming in it. The material is also lightweight, but warm enough for a crisp, autumn run, and it looks good with jeans! Gathered material around the next keeps out cold air, plus the hood is fitted, so you can actually wear it as a hood. It has a zippered pocket that works well for a credit card or key. It’s large enough for a phone, but it isn’t reinforced, so our tester’s phone bounced around (but she didn’t want to take any points off her rating!).
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Slightly small. Our tester is between a medium and large, and she found the large to be fitted enough to “give me shape and loose enough to hide the bumps.”
Price: $85
Tester Rating: 5
Review: This was our tester’s first new Oiselle shirt since the one she has–and still uses–from 2014, meaning, she thinks it’s a good investment! She loved the soft, lightweight fabric, and the styling felt sophisticated and polished, not something you often say about a running shirt. “This is great for an extra layer on chillier summer days, great for transition days, and easy to tie around your waist, or not too heavy to keep on if you want the sun protection. It’s also very stretchy, so the thumb holes actually work for longer limbed people.”
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Runs true to size.
Price: $72
Patagonia Long-Sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Graphic Shirt
Tester Rating: 5
Review: “I am a massive fan of wool running tops, so I’ve tried a lot of them, and this is by far the softest one I’ve ever encountered. I was incredulous–then delighted! I also adore how lightweight it is. For gals in colder climates (read: Midwest and New England), this tee is a perfect base layer for winter running. For this PNW gal, it’s the ideal weight on its own for fall running or under a vest for rainy winter runs.”
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Runs true to size.
Price: $79 (you can the shirt without graphics for $69)
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: The brushed fabric of this shirt is deliciously soft, that it is also made from 90% recycled polyester is complete bonus! With a ¼ zip you can dump heat as you go, my cool weather preference, knowing you’ll still be cozy in the heavier weight fabric. While the price is a bit higher than some, this shirt has the durability and timeless style to be your cool weather running partner for years.
Size Range: XXS to XL
Fit: true to size
Price: $80
Tester Rating: 5
Review: “This shirt is 50% recycled materials, which is a good trend worthy of support, especially since, in this case, the texture and wicking power is the same as non-recycled fabric. Plus, there are thumb holes. Who doesn’t love a thumb hole?” Worth noting, it’s also abrasion resistant.
Size Range: XS to XXL
Fit: Mostly true to size, although a smidge larger than expected (as our tester said, “There’s room to add a light layer when it gets colder.”)
Price: $55
Title Nine Phoenix Pleat Back Long Sleeve
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Technically speaking, this isn’t a running shirt, thus why it didn’t get a perfect score. But given that it’s super cute (hello back pleat detailing and burnout aesthetic!), incredibly soft, wicking, and can be you your run/workout/yoga/latte shirt, it’s rather incredible.
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Relaxed fit, size down if you are between sizes.
Price: $69
Tracksmith Twilight Long Sleeve
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Who knew a running shirt could be revelatory, but for this tester it was! “I have only worn race shirts for years and didn’t realize what aa difference a nice shirt could make in terms of comfort.” Indeed. Even more so when it’s silky soft, whisper weight–perfect for shoulder seasons–has a just right length and sleeves that can be pushed up when you start to get warm (key for our tester), and…. has thumb holes!
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: True to size.
Price: $64
Under Armour Streaker Phantom Run Long Sleeve
Tester Rating: 5 (+)
Review: Our tester waxed poetic when asked what she liked about this shirt. Starting with the generous-yet-flattering cut, she also liked the lightweight and soft fabric. The mesh inserts along the sides, at the bottom, and at the top of the back kept her from overheating, which is something that usually happens, even when temps are chilly. Plus, of course, thumbholes. “I’ve never worn Under Armour running gear, and I’m impressed.”
Size Range: XS to XL
Fit: Relaxed with nice stretch.
Price: $65
Check out all of the AMR Gears Up columns here!
Did we miss your favorite long sleeve running shirt?
Let us know in the comments below!
Not to be missed – that Oiselle top has a WATCH WINDOW. I recently ordered another l/s from Oiselle because I am so smitten with the one I have today (which I wear primarily for sun protection, so the window encourages me to keep my hands covered).
Any chance we could get a review of gear under $35? I cannot fathom paying this kind of money for something that will end up stinking after a season.
Interesting review of the lululemon swiftly. I’ve had several over the years, and would never describe the fit as TTS. In fact, sizing up one or even two sizes is kind of generally known to be necessary with this top given that it is VERY fitted/slim.
Oiselle’s Wazzie wool and Tracksmith’s Brighton Base layer and Harrier long sleeve. All are great wool tops – worth the investment for how long they last!