Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Well+Good
The 13 Best Long-Sleeve Running Tops for Cool-Weather Runs, According to Actual Runners
By Maura Jenkins,
3 days ago
As the temps start to dip and the crisp autumn air moves in, it’s time to swap out your summer running gear for something that offers a bit more coverage. While we love a good tank, long-sleeve running tops are the perfect in-between piece for cooler days when it’s not quite cold enough for a jacket, nor hot enough to wing it in a sports bra. Plus, they’re great for layering, making them great for the even chillier winter running days ahead.
Whether you're hitting the trails or sticking to your regular route, the right long-sleeve running top will help regulate your core temperature, wick away sweat, and even elevate your workout wardrobe (always a plus!). Ready to find your next favorite? Check out these runner-approved picks for the best long-sleeve running tops that will keep you comfortable all season long.
Jess Hartnett, PT, DPT, OCS, Jess Hartnett is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Specialist based in New York City.
What to look for in a long-sleeve running top
With a marathon and multiple ultramarathons under her belt, Jess Hartnett, DPT, OCS, is well-versed in what it takes to feel comfortable on a run, especially as we look to fall. For fabric composition, Hartnett recommends looking for "technical fabrics or merino wool that will wick sweat and dry quickly, because the feeling of a cold, wet shirt brushing against me while I run is, frankly, gross.” To avoid any chaffing, she also recommended tighter-fitting running tops to actively prevent any irritation between a moving body and clothing that can rub. As for extra features to keep an eye out for, Hartnett suggested opting for a top with thumb holes to keep wrists warm as “this is one of the most sensitive temperature-regulating parts of the body.”
Below, find my and Hartnett's picks for staying completely comfortable, no matter where your next run takes you.
Shop 13 of the best long-sleeve running tops
Best overall: Oiselle Flyout Long Sleeve — $82.00
Sizes: 2-26
Colors: 4
As a relatively new user of a Garmin running watch, I’ve become slightly infatuated with using it to monitor staying within Zone Two on longer jogs, mileage covered, and overall pace improvement. Unfortunately, wearing a long-sleeved top can make it difficult to quickly glance at my watch face without having to roll up the sleeves which can feel a bit restrictive. The genius addition of a Watch Window on this Oiselle top is what made me fall in love with it— but that’s not where the bells and whistles stop. A high-low hem provides a contoured fit, and the brand’s signature HoverFit technology keeps the shirt hovered above the body to most effectively manage the movement and evaporation of sweat. Plus, the vibrant colorways stray beyond typical all-black running apparel.
Best runner-up: The North Face Women’s Summit Series Altimetro LT Crew — $110.00
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2
Specifically designed to meet the weight requirements of cold-weather mandatory race kits, this crew is the perfect cold-weather running top. FlashDry-Pro materials on the back panel of this top actively pull moisture away from the body to keep runners dry and comfortable for the duration of their workouts, while a double-knit DotKnit fabric on the body of the shirt further aids in moisture management. TNF and the Yves Klein Archive are currently partnering on a collaboration to highlight the historic artist’s iconic shade of blue married together with premium performance gear that stands out boldly as functional art, and this long sleeve is included in the kit.
Materials: FlashDry-Pro™ materials on the back panel, 90% recycled polyetser
Pros:
Moisture wicking
Extremely technical to be breathable and dry
Made from 90% recycled polyester
Thumb holes
Cons:
Pricey
Limited color offerings
Sponsored by Nobull
Best on a budget: Nobull Women's Blended Merino Wool Long Sleeve Tee — $58.00
Sizes: XS—XXL
Colors: 6
I want this running top in every single color; yes, because all of the color options are extremely attractive, but more so because I loved everything about how it fit and lay on my body while running. The hemline hit around my hips so I didn’t have any midriff skin exposed, and it left minimal overlapping between my leggings and top, which cut back on uncomfortable bulkiness. At $58, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to competing tops that use Merino wool, which I favor because of its ability to hold heat while releasing odor and moisture.
Definitely on the lighter side for cold-weather runs
Best for all seasons: Gorewear Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee — $81.00
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 3
I’ve worn this shirt during hot spring trail runs in Marin County for sun protection and on chilly pre-work jogs at home in Colorado, and have been equally impressed with its ability to serve different purposes in different climates. Weighing a mere three ounces, this tee gives a “barely there” feel that isn’t overly heavy during warmer months, or overly bulky during cooler times of the year. Thanks to laser-cut ventilation ports and quick-drying material, this shirt keeps the heat in while preventing any bone-chilling moisture from creeping up on you.
Materials: 56% recycled polyester, 44% polyester
Pros:
Lightweight
Ventilated
Vesatile
Cons:
No plus-size options
Limited color offerings
Best zip up: Hoka ½ Zip — $88.00
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 2
Sometimes I don’t want to fully commit to wearing a long sleeve, and that’s where this ultra-light quarter zip comes in. Tossed over a running bra, this pullover traps in heat quickly and comfortably. I toss an energy gel or two in the chest pocket for extra fuel and tie it around my waist if I ever warm up past needing the extra layer. Thumb holes keep the arms in place while a hemline that hits right at the hips keeps the bottom of this extra layer from gathering too much.
Materials: Terry knit flat-faced fleece
Pros:
Thumb holes
Chest pocket
Compact
Cons:
Only 2 color offerings
Expensive
Best compression: 2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve — $70.00
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 1
Specializing in compression apparel, 2XU’s snug-fitting long sleeve kept me feeling supported and secure each time I reached for it during cooler runs. The compression technology minimizes muscle movement and boosts blood flow to lower the risk of athlete injury, and this specific top was constructed with PWX Thermal fabric; a material that creates small air pockets to trap body heat for workouts when extra warmth is top of mind.
Materials: PWX 70D Thermal (75% nylon, 25% lycra)
Pros:
Injury-preventative
Quick-drying
Lightweight
Extremely compressive
Cons:
Only one color
Pricey
Best unisex: Bandit Micromesh Long Sleeve Performance Tee — $78.00
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 3
Runners know that Bandit is a certified cool runner apparel brand. The New York City-based brand blends fashion-forward designs with highly functional tech specs that elevate sprints, jogs, and everything in between—and I’m SO here for it. This loose-fitting long sleeve is made from Bandit’s MicroMesh; a naturally quick-drying fabric that has a slick, silky smooth feel. It’s definitely more oversized, so if you prefer some room to move over a form-fitted option, this is the perfect cool-weather top for you.
Materials: “MicroMesh™
Pros:
Breathable, loose fit
Comfortable and good for layering
Doesn’t hold onto odor
Cons:
Unisex offering makes it not made specifically to fit a female body
Sells out quickly
Best fitted top: Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer — $90.00
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: 7
Tracksmith emotes a preppy, yet traditional, energy that makes me excited to get dressed in pieces from the brand. Not only does its New England roots enter an element of style into Tracksmith’s designs, but it also means that the brand is well-versed in cold weather jaunts. The Brighton Base Layer made it so I didn’t blink twice on a recent 50-degree morning run while visiting family in Pennsylvania; chilly mornings in Northeastern PA can feel extra cold from moisture in the air, too. The Merino mesh used in this top creates a soft, moisture-wicking blend that regulates temperature and is “virtually impervious to odor” … yes, please! While it was designed specifically as a training base layer to be worn underneath other cold-weather clothing, the flattering fit and impressive warmth make the Brighton fit to be worn all by itself.
Most eco-friendly: Janji Run All Day Long Sleeve — $68.00
Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: 8
Even when soaked with sweat—which won’t stick around for long thanks to this top’s ultra-fast drying, moisture-wicking fabric—this top will always resist clinging to the body. A raglan sleeve design and minimal neckline were intentionally engineered into this top to prevent chafing for comfort even during high-output training sessions. On sunny days, UPF 25 fabric protects skin from prolonged UV exposure, while a fresh odor control treatment keeps the stink out.
Materials: 100% recycled polyester with HeiQ® Fresh treatment
Pros:
Plenty of color options
Cling-free
Best for shoulder seasons, like fall
UPF 25 protection
Cons:
Loose fit can chafe on certain body types
No thumb holes
Best oversized top: Satisfy CloudMerino™ Long Tee — $330.00
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 2
Although it’s the most expensive shirt I tested, the price tag is justified due to the innovative product developments found in its CloudMerino materials. The fabric that makes up this running top has Japanese origins and is made from the thinnest wool in the world, which provides advanced thermoregulation, moisture management, and odor resistance. And I have to say—I was blown away by this running shirt. Weighing in at 136 grams, it felt non-existent, yet insulated, during test runs. Something to note is that this top does fit looser than any of the other options I tried as it is specifically made for men, but the design leans more unisex than masculine.
Materials: CloudMerino™
Pros:
Thermoregulating
Super soft and comfortable
Naturally odor-resistant
Extremely lightweight
Cons:
Expensive
Most versatile: On Core Long-T — $70.00
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 5
This versatile tee is perfect for everyday wear, especially cool-weather runs when long sleeves are a must. Although a higher price tag makes this top feel like an investment item, the palette of timeless colorway offerings allows you to create a capsule running apparel wardrobe that you can go back to season after season. Wear it on its own, or layer underneath heavier mid-layers without having to worry about constriction; this top always lies flat with or without a layer on top of it.
Materials: 92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane
Pros:
Versatile
Made from 92% recycled materials
Comfortable and lightweight
Cons:
No thumb holes
Best for style: Planet Nusa LS3 Powder — $83.00
Sizes: XXS—XXL
Colors: 2
I can’t get enough of the Danish-based, female-founded, community running brand Planet Nusa. Most of their designs can be easily recognized by the adorable planet logo which takes this top far beyond running. I’ve worn the LS3 Powder to outdoor concerts, while running errands, to Friday happy hours, and of course, on long runs. Design details like a flattering front seam down the middle of the top and a semi-cropped length bring a chic element to cold-weather jogs. While it’s meant to be fitted, I’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes to avoid being stuck with a shirt that’s too small.
Materials: 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane
Pros:
Fun patterns
Female-founded brand
Fashionable design
Cons:
Runs small
DTC only—limited places to shop
Best cropped top: Lululemon Swiftly Tech Cropped Long Sleeve Layer — $78.00
Sizes: 0-20
Colors: 4
“I prefer a shorter or cropped length in the torso of my running tops because I don’t love overlapping layers at my hips and butt,” says Hartnett; she specifically recommended this cropped option from Lululemon, but also noted that the Swiftly line has been a longtime favorite of hers because it “comes in a bajillion fits and lengths depending on what you’re looking for: cropped, race length, full length, loose or tight fit, and more.”
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
Comments / 0