Trail Running Shirts & Tops

Running T-shirts or Trail T-shirts, your ideal partner for your next runs!

It is often said that running is the sport that requires the least equipment, but that is not true. The trail shoes are far from being the only equipment you will need for your trail sessions or running. An element that is almost as important is the choice of running shirts & tops. The material used and the length of the sleeves are crucial factors to consider when choosing the most suitable trail t-shirt for your practice and body type. Here are some tips to clarify certain points about running shirts and trail t-shirts, so you can find the running top that suits you best.

Cotton, Polyester or Polyamide Running T-shirts: What’s the Difference?

It can be quite confusing to navigate the materials used to make trail t-shirts or running shirts & tops. There are many materials, and it is not easy to remember the advantages and disadvantages of each. Cotton, polyester, polyamide, understanding the differences between these fabrics and their impact on your running can be challenging. Here’s a brief overview of some characteristics of certain fibres found in the composition of running tops.

Cotton Running T-shirt (Plant Fibre)

Cotton is a plant fibre used everywhere in textiles: t-shirts, sheets, duvets, trousers, etc. Sourced from the cotton plant, this fibre provides warmth due to its insulating properties, but its main drawback is that the cotton t-shirt absorbs moisture. It is not ideal for performance in trail or running but is perfectly suited for everyday use, like the Salomon Blend Logo Running T-shirt.

Polyester Running T-shirt (Synthetic Fibre)

Polyester is a synthetic fibre, meaning it does not come from a plant but is chemically transformed from hydrocarbons in most cases. Polyester is the most widely used synthetic fibre in the world, accounting for 70% of synthetic fibres used in textiles globally. In addition to being wrinkle-resistant, polyester is incredibly elastic, allowing for great freedom of movement. Its most interesting feature is undoubtedly its ability to wick moisture and dry quickly, a crucial quality for a running shirt & top. However, one downside is that trail t-shirts made from polyester can be more prone to staining.

Polyamide Running T-shirt (Synthetic Fibre)

Like polyester, polyamide is a synthetic fibre. Its main quality is its high resistance to abrasion. This material remains breathable and dries very quickly. However, one drawback is that polyamide does not handle heat well. The advantage of such a material for a polyamide running t-shirt is that it remains effective throughout your effort.

Elastane Running T-shirt (Synthetic Fibre)

This material, as its name suggests, is particularly elastic. A running top will never be 100% elastane, but the presence of this component allows for greater freedom of movement thanks to a more elastic running t-shirt. If it gets deformed during your effort, it will regain its original shape after washing.

Why Adopt the Running T-shirt?

Often made from synthetic fibres, the running top will be an essential ally in your quest for performance. Unlike cotton, running shirts & tops made from synthentic materials react differently to moisture. This difference will have a significant impact on your performance. While a cotton t-shirt absorbs moisture, a technical fibre t-shirt wicks it away. The ability of a trail t-shirt to wick moisture will greatly influence your performance: the more moisture is evacuated, the better your performance will be.

Advantage of the Synthetic Fibre Running T-shirt: It Doesn’t Get Heavy from Moisture

Cotton being an absorbent material, the fibre will retain moisture and become heavy. The running shirt made from synthetic fibre, on the other hand, wicks moisture away, it does not absorb it. You will therefore feel lighter throughout your effort.

The Running T-shirt Doesn’t Restrict Your Freedom of Movement Because It Doesn’t Absorb Moisture

When it gets wet, the cotton t-shirt becomes heavy and clings, which limits your freedom of movement. In contrast, the running t-shirt made from synthetic fibre remains almost dry and will not cling to your skin, so your movements will not be hindered by your running shirt & top.

Moisture Won’t Cool You Down During Effort

Cotton absorbs moisture; the problem is not just the weight of the t-shirt and the reduction of your freedom of movement. This moisture also cools your body at a time when it should maintain a certain warmth. The running t-shirt has a major advantage: as it does not absorb moisture, it does not get wet and therefore will not cool you down during your effort.

Your Body Will Breathe Better During Effort

One last difference between natural cotton fibres and synthetic fibres is breathability. Running tops made from synthetic fibres are simply lighter and more breathable. They will boost your performance by ensuring comfort and technicality throughout your effort.

How to Choose Your Trail T-shirt or Running T-shirt

As we have seen here, the running t-shirt is more suited for sports practice than classic cotton t-shirts. But among all the trail tops available, how do you choose the one that best meets your needs? This choice can be complicated, so here are some tips to find your ideal trail t-shirt. First, you need to determine your preference and needs regarding sleeve length. If you want to keep your body warm, you should obviously go for a long-sleeved model made from warm material like the Odlo Warm Long Sleeve Crew Neck. Conversely, if you want to avoid heat and get rid of moisture, opt for a short-sleeved model like the Salomon S-Lab Sense T. Your needs will simply depend on the season or the weather forecast for your next trail session. If comfort is your priority, choose a trail t-shirt with elastane: the elasticity of the material guarantees comfort under all conditions. You will have total freedom of movement throughout your trail session. The t-shirt will remain much more breathable than a classic cotton t-shirt. If you want a lightweight running shirt & top, look for running tops made from polyester and polyamide. Their composition makes them ultra-light, they will feel like a second skin and you won’t feel their weight at any moment during your effort. A model like the Salomon Minim Evac could suit you. If your priority is breathability, the material to choose for your trail top will be polyester. Synthetic fibres are designed to wick moisture away, so you will never be bothered by heat. These running shirts & tops do not absorb sweat at all, so they will never become damp during effort. Models like the Salewa Puez Melange Dry for Women or the Compressport Training T-shirt for men and the Salomon Explore Graphic should be perfect for you.

The Running T-shirt, an Indispensable Accessory

You will likely need to invest in several running shirts & tops. Indeed, one will not be enough as you will definitely need a t-shirt to face the summer heat and another to combat the winter cold. The t-shirt you wear will need to meet different needs whether you are heading out for a trail adventure in the heat of the Cathar Country or for a trail improvement course at altitude. You can obviously find a selection of running shirts & tops and trail tops on the Hardloop.co.uk website.

Our top brands

Patagonia Ortovox Rab La Sortiva Lowa Altra Millet Moon Boot Helly Hansen Barbour Fjällräven Columbia Scarpa Vaude Mammut Julbo New Balance Hanwag Birkenstock Petzl

Running Shirts & Tops