Winter isnt just icy gales and driving snow—it typically offers some invigorating bluebird days to offset the oppressive ones. Accordingly, we tested a varied collection of mens long-sleeve running shirts, optimized to perform in conditions ranging from New Englands wet, warm-ish shoulder season to frigid mid-winter mountain adventures in Colorados high peaks. All of them worked well when worn on their own, as well as when paired with a technical T-shirt underneath or a jacket on top to achieve the right level of insulation.

　　At a Glance Best All-around: Tracksmith Downeaster Hoodie ($190) Best for Long Runs: Saucony Triumph 1/2-Zip ($85) Best for Cold and Dry Conditions: REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Crew Pullover ($80) Best for Cold and Wet Conditions: Artilecht Systems Boulder 125 ($120) Best for High-output Efforts: Le Bent Ultralight Long-sleeve Tee ($60) Best Mens Running Jackets How to Choose Long-Sleeve Running Shirts How We Test Meet Our Testers If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

　　Best All-around Tracksmith Downeaster Hoodie $190 at Tracksmith

　　Currently Unavailable: Expected restock in January 2025

　　Sizing: XS-XL

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Breathable wool/polypropylene blend

　　⊕ Superior insulation without bulk

　　⊗ No pockets

　　The double-knit fabric throughout this handsome piece blends 60 percent Merino wool with 40 percent soft polypropylene, resulting in excellent wicking, soft against-skin feel, and hard-wearing durability. Unlike the many running tops that tack on a floppy hood as an afterthought, the Tracksmith model offers a well-designed scuba-style hood that protects from cold when pulled up and stays in place when worn down. The arm cuffs and waist are neatly hemmed, with subtle touches like a fabric hang loop on the back and a tastefully small logo patch on the waist. This medium-weight top provided enough insulation on its own for running well below the freezing mark, and the tailored fit allowed for layering under a shell or light jacket in colder conditions.

　　Best for Long Runs Saucony Triumph 1/2-Zip $85 at REI $85 at Running Warehouse

　　Sizing: S-3XL

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Deep zipper for versatile venting

　　⊕ Excellent wicking

　　⊗ Just one small pocket

　　This lightweight piece was a tester favorite for extended runs. The soft interior jacquard knit effectively wicked sweat, even on damp late winter/early spring days. The deep zipper allowed us to dump excess body heat easily, and pulled back up with snag-free ease. Worn up or down, the collar didnt 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 a credit card, but the streamlined fit made it a good choice for wearing as a base layer.

　　Best for Cold and Dry Conditions REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Crew Pullover $80 at REI

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

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Cozy fabric

　　⊕ Built-in hand covers

　　⊗ Floppy fit

　　This tops soft, grid-back recycled polyester and spandex fleece interior provides solid insulation for freezing-point weather, even when worn alone. Paired with a shell jacket or a lightweight vest, the REI top kept testers warm well into the single digits. The unobtrusive crewneck makes it a good choice for layering, with a generous cut that comfortably accommodates base layers but may be too roomy for some runners tastes. Testers appreciated the wrist cuffs, with thumb holes and thick fold-over hand covers built into the sleeves that kept hands nicely protected even without gloves. A reflective chest logo and small panels on the sleeves provided safety in low-light conditions.

　　Best for Cold and Wet Conditions Artilect Systems Boulder 125 $120 at REI $120 at Artilect

　　Sizing: XS-XXL

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Impressive warmth-to-weight ratio

　　⊕ Breathable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant

　　⊗ Close fit that borders on clingy

　　This thin, long-sleeve merino shirt fended off a freezing mist that rolled across a Colorado lake during a 45-minute workout, keeping our tester warm and dry. The Nuyarn fabric combines merino wool and nylon in an innovative, durable weave that wicks moisture while providing an enjoyably soft and stretchy feel. The fit is decidedly snug and performance-oriented; we appreciated the comfortable flat seams and cozy against-skin feel. This garment can be tossed into a machine wash (use cold water) without other special care. But you won’t need to wash it often: One tester reported he wore it on runs every day for a week without washing and it never got skanky.

　　Best for High-Output Efforts Le Bent Ultralight Long-Sleeve Tee $60 at Le Bent

　　Sizing: S-XL

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Lightweight and breathable

　　⊕ Natural fiber softness and odor resistance

　　⊗ Loose fit somewhat floppy when running

　　The lightweight blend of Merino wool (37%), Nylon (10%), and bamboo Rayon (53%) felt smoothly soft and, when worn over a technical T-shirt, provided effective insulation for running in temperatures from slightly above freezing up to the high 40s and low 50s Fahrenheit. Its also a solid choice for wearing alone in warmer temps, with an SPF rating of 20 and enough breathability to push the pace without fear of overheating. Its cut long and loose, making it a favorite for warming up on mild days or hitting the gym for strength or flexibility work. Plus, testers found the relaxed fit and clean design made them feel stylishly comfortable just about everywhere when worn casually.

　　How To Choose Mens Long-Sleeve Running Shirts Most runners have a go-to top for winter running. Sadly, all good things come to an end—if your favorite piece has become too threadbare, pilled, or stinky (it happens to the best of us) to endure for another season, take stock of its best qualities before ditching it. When replacing a warmth-oriented fleece, do not expect a lightweight top, no matter how highly rated it might be, to feel exactly like your old standby, but you should be able to find one that matches, or improves upon its performance. Be open to new fabrics and styles.

　　Also, consider your tendencies when it comes to heat regulation. Some runners hate pausing in the middle of workouts to add or remove a layer, so tops with deep zippers, arm vents, or other mechanisms for reducing heat on the fly are valued features on a mens long-sleeve running shirt. If you dont mind stopping to tie a shirt around your waist, however, a couple of lightweight or midweight tops might work better in combination than a single heavyweight top.

　　How We Test Mark Eller led the test crew for this review. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he pursues running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities that keep him away from treadmills when the snow flies. He coordinated getting dozens of winter running items to additional testers in New England, the high plains, and the Rocky Mountains who wore the mens long-sleeve running shirts in this review in a variety of cold conditions for many months before making their picks and writing their comments.

　　Meet Our Testers Lead reviewer Mark Eller trains through the winter on the roads and trails near his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. He’s a three-time Boston Marathon veteran, a hack Nordic skier, and a competitive racer in on-water racer rowing events.

　　Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Michael Rorick has run and raced in New England since his middle school track team days in Connecticut. He’s completed many 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 walk-on Division I track athlete, he mostly runs on mountainous trails nowadays in Boulder and Leadville, Colorado.

　　Scott Douglas has run more than 130,000 miles since starting as a teen. He has held senior editorial positions at running publications and is the author or co-author of several well-known running books, including Advanced Marathoning, Meb for Mortals, and Running is My Therapy. Scott runs every day unless injured, and always runs outside, either despite of or because of living in North Yarmouth, Maine.

　　Jonathan Beverly is no stranger to winter weather. He began running in high school on the Maine coast, trained for marathons for years in New York, and now can be found chasing windmills in the western Nebraska Sandhills, accompanied by his two dogs. He is the senior running gear editor for Outside.