11 best men's moisture-wicking shirts, according to stylists

CNN

08-04-2025

Having a moisture-wicking shirt in your wardrobe can make everything from commuting to the office during the warm spring and summer months to hour-long gym sessions more comfortable, especially if you sweat a lot. 'Moisture-wicking shirts help keep you dry and comfortable by pulling sweat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly,' Michael Jay, a style consultant at Tweeds, said. 'This feature reduces chafing, prevents overheating and minimizes odor buildup, making these shirts ideal for workouts, outdoor adventures or even long work days.' Since many moisture-wicking shirts also have quick-drying capabilities, Jay said they're also great for travel.
To learn more about shopping for men's moisture-wicking shirts, we tapped three stylists for their insights and top picks.
Nike Dri-Fit Legend T-Shirt
Jay and stylist Dejeuné Harris both recommend this T-shirt from Nike. 'A staple in athletic wear, this shirt uses Nike's proprietary Dri-Fit technology to keep you dry and comfortable during workouts,' Jay said. 'The lightweight feel and durability make it a great go-to for active men.' The shirt comes in several colors, including neutrals to work with different wardrobes. It's also designed to have a more relaxed fit than previous iterations.
01.Algo AlgoFlex Kris Performance Microstripe Henley
Stitch Fix stylist Melissa Wright recommended this quick-drying microstripe henley that's made from a polyester and spandex mix. In addition to boasting anti-odor properties, the shirt has built-in SPF 40 to protect you from harmful UV rays.
Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Jay recommended this moisture-wicking shirt from Under Armour, which he said is ideal for the gym and outdoor workouts. 'Its loose fit ensures airflow, while anti-odor technology keeps it fresh longer,' he said. The shirt, which is designed with a relaxed fit, comes in regular and tall lengths and in sizes XS to 5XL. Harris also recommended this shirt, noting it's 'perfect for someone who sweats heavily.'
Travis Mathew Featherweight Magnolia Polo
'For those who want to retire their go-to Hawaiian shirt, look no further!' Wright said. Describing this polo as a chic option, Wright noted it's "tailored for easy movement and made to keep you cool and dry.' The stretchy polo is designed from a mix of polyester, cotton and elastane.
Rhone Classic Commuter Shirt
Jay described the Rhone Classic Commuter Shirt as being a blend of performance and professionalism. 'Perfect for the office, it features wrinkle resistance, stretch and sweat-wicking properties to keep you looking sharp all day,' he said. The shirt comes in three fits — classic, slim and athletic — and features a hidden button collar.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Harris recommended this shirt from Patagonia, which is quick-drying and has odor control, making it a great option for any guy who loves to spend time outdoors.
Vuori Strato Tech Tee
One of Harris' picks, the Vuori Strato Tech Tee is made from a moisture-wicking polyester and elastane blend. It features four-way stretch and has a modern athletic fit. Available in sizes XXS to 3XL, the shirt also comes in several colors, including some limited-edition ones.
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Shirt
Designed for running and training, the Lululemon Metal Vent Tech T-shirt comes in three neutral colors and six sizes. 'This high-performance tee is seamless to reduce chafing and features anti-stink technology, making it perfect for both workouts and casual wear,' Jay said.
Tasc Performance Carrollton Fitness Long-Sleeve Shirt
'With Stitch Fix identifying Wisteria as 2025's color of the year, this option is a stylish choice for men who like a pop of color and prefer additional UV protection,' Wright said. This wrinkle-resistant long-sleeve top has anti-odor and temperature-regulating properties to minimize sweaty smells and keep you from overheating.
Wool & Prince Merino Wool Polo
Jay recommended this merino wool polo from Wool & Prince, which he said is perfect for a number of occasions because of its odor-resistant and temperature-regulating properties. The shirt comes in seven colors, including an on-trend blue, and is pill-resistant so you can get more wear out of it.
Rhone Reign Short-Sleeve Shirt
Harris recommended this short-sleeve shirt from Rhone that has anti-odor technology, UPF 50+ and chafe-free seams. Available in two fits — slim and classic — the shirt comes in over 15 colors to suit every style. 'When searching for moisture-wicking shirts, fabrication is the key to unlocking the comfort that you need,' Wright said. 'Some fabrics are naturally wicking, pulling sweat away from the skin due to their fiber content or manufacturing technique, while others are enhanced through the latest chemistry to increase their functionality.' She recommended looking for shirts made from technical materials, like polyester and nylon blends. She also suggested opting for a natural material like merino wool if you want a shirt with anti-odor properties as well. Jay agreed, noting that merino wool's anti-odor properties and its ability to keep you dry and regulate your body temperature make it one of the best natural alternatives to synthetic materials. 'Bamboo-based fabrics are also a good alternative, offering softness and breathability while being more eco-friendly than traditional synthetics,' he said.
According to Jay, you should also consider the shirt's fit, its breathability, the level of stretch and the occasion. As he noted, certain moisture-wicking shirts boast UV protection or antimicrobial properties, which make them better suited for certain activities. If you're looking for a moisture-wicking shirt that's ideal for the outdoors, Wright suggested opting for shirts that fall under the 'Full Swing' trend, meaning they're equal parts functional and polished. 'Performance polos, lightweight quarter-zips, and tailored pants and shorts inspired by the rising popularity of golf are perfect for hiking, pickleball or a quick walk with your dog,' she said. 'Plus, we're expecting men to embrace more color this season with vibrant shades of blue and green replacing last year's neutral tones. Thoughtful details like thumbholes, zip-up pockets and venting eyelets bring movement and functionality to stylish pieces you'll be excited to wear.'
The following FAQs have been answered by style consultant Michael Jay.
What material is best for wicking sweat away?
What material is best for wicking sweat away?
According to Jay, polyester and nylon are some of the best moisture-wicking materials because of their hydrophobic properties. 'Merino wool is another top contender, especially for odor resistance and temperature regulation,' he said.
Do moisture-wicking shirts show sweat?
Do moisture-wicking shirts show sweat?
'While moisture-wicking shirts pull sweat away from the skin, they don't necessarily prevent visible sweat marks,' Jay said, adding that shirts in darker colors and with patterns can help to mask sweat. He also noted that there are brands that utilize 'no sweat' technology to help conceal sweat marks.
What is the difference between moisture-wicking and Dri-Fit?
What is the difference between moisture-wicking and Dri-Fit?
According to Jay, any fabric designed to wick sweat off the skin can be referred to as moisture-wicking. 'Dri-Fit is Nike's proprietary moisture-wicking technology, which uses a blend of polyester microfibers engineered for quick drying and breathability,' he said, adding that other brands 'offer similar or even superior moisture-wicking fabrics.'
For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights on the best men's moisture-wicking shirts to buy this season.
Dejeuné Harris, fashion stylist and founder of Your Style Is Forever
Michael Jay, style consultant at Tweeds
Melissa Wright, stylist at Stitch Fix
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis interviewed stylists who shared their tips on shopping for moisture-wicking shirts, along with their recommendations.