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I Can't Stop Buying Black Long-Sleeve T-shirts
A series where we hear about the things people simply can't stop buying. Read more here
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
A black T-shirt is an obvious classic, but what few people realize is that a black long-sleeve T-shirt is an equally important staple, which is why I own more than a dozen of them. Here's what I've learned after touching, trying on, and buying many of them over the past two years: The ideal black long-sleeve T-shirt is 100 percent cotton (blends often irritate my sensitive skin), though there are a few exceptions below that have proven themselves to be just as good. It should have a structured neckline and close-fitting crewneck — borderline mock-neck — that doesn't stretch out into bacon neck, even after many washings and much wear. I prefer a finished hemline at the waist, so it rests just below my belt.
Typically, if I wear the T-shirt by itself, I size up, as this type of silhouette looks better when it's more relaxed. A raw-edged sleeve makes the oversize look even more laid back. If I layer with a denim jacket or sweatshirt, my usual size will do. And when I wear the shirt fitted, it needs to have ribbed cuffs.
Below, you'll find all my favorites, plus a few more that I have my eye on.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
I have these in the sand and navy as well as black. This is a beefy-feeling long-sleeve shirt with a boxy silhouette. It's not fussy about how you wash it, and the ribbed wrists ensure a snug fit, without the sagging I often find in other shirts.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Standard Issue's tee is one of the few on the list that, when I pick it up, I notice the heft and how soft the cotton is. It's designed in America from 100 percent ringspun cotton (known for being smooth and durable) and is a substantial ten ounces (compared to Hanes' Beefy-T, which is six ounces). I appreciate that this doesn't require any babying; I run it through the washer and dryer without worrying about it shrinking.
$40 at Standard Issue
Buy
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Abercrombie & Fitch's cropped long-sleeve tee looks and feels like a '90s vintage tee. I sized up to a medium, so it hits just above my waist without being overly cropped. Its boxy cut offers a relaxed fit both in the body and sleeves. Plus, the ribbed neckline adds a touch of structure that holds up well even after washing.
$40 at Abercrombie and Fitch
Buy
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
This long-sleeve is the most technologically advanced option on this list, made entirely from recycled grid Polartec. It's infused with peppermint oil, which you can't smell or feel, but it's there, ostensibly, for antibacterial protection and helps the fabric dry quickly. I got a small but should have sized up to a medium. Since it's more of an athletic cut on me, I'll wear this when I'm running or hiking.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
I like Buck Mason's Toughknit short-sleeve T-shirt so much I had to get the long-sleeve version. Out of all the shirts on this list, this is the one I wear the most. It's noticeably heavier than many of the other long-sleeve tees on this list, and the weight helps it drape well. Even though I've worn and washed it about ten times, it still looks as good as new: The wide-ribbed reinforced neckline always sits just right around my neck.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Alex Mill's slub cotton tee is supple and lightweight, and has a reinforced neckline for added durability. I find that this fits slimmer, and I like to wear it with a khaki-colored suit. The neckline sits high, and instead of the ribbed or self-fabric neckband that's used on many of the other T-shirts here, its binding makes it look a bit less casual. I've washed and air-dried this a couple of times, and it gets softer each time.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
A few years ago, Reigning Champ reintroduced the slub rib cotton tees from their sister brand, Wing+Horns, which is sadly defunct. I've scooped up two more of these in navy and grey just in case they decide to pull the plug on these again.
$85 at Reigning Champ
Buy
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
I'm a fan of artist Matt McCormick's clothing line. The weight of the shirt feels like a lightweight sweatshirt, and the fit is more on the relaxed side, which is why I wear this with a lightweight T-shirt underneath. I wash it cold and hang it to dry to avoid shrinkage.
$66 at One of These Days
Buy
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
I bought this first in navy, using a discount code, and the quality was so good I had to buy it in black for full price. It's been garment dyed for a rich color, and it has a slubby texture. The cut feels boxy but not overly huge. The neckline sits high just like the one from Alex Mill so I can dress this up with a blazer or go for something more easygoing by wearing it under a chore coat. I'm considering going for the trifecta and getting one in white.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
For less than $25, Quince's long-sleeve T-shirt is a fantastic deal. The fabric is 50 percent cotton and 50 percent modal, which feels slightly stretchier compared to the other shirts on the list. This long-sleeve T-shirt also has a wide neckline compared to the other shirts and is one I'll wear more casually to lounge around the house.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Made with cotton that's been grown organically, without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, Finisterre's tee is probably the most ecofriendly one on the list. It has a certain level of stiffness, so it doesn't drape like other tees on the first wear, and reminds me somewhat of a selvedge pair of denim. It has a high neckline and hidden seams at the wrist for a more casual look. I've washed it once so far, and letting it air dry preserves the stiffness of the T-shirt.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Everlane's long-sleeve shirt is one of the sleekest options on the list. The raglan seams are sewn to look almost invisible and allow the shirt to sit smoothly around the shoulders, and the ribbed wrists are tight but not enough to get stuck midway down your forearms. The bottom hem hits right at the waist.
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Photo: Leon Hedgepeth
Billy Reid gave this 100 percent cotton tee a luxurious-feeling sueded finish. It's the softest tee on this list. I love that the fit is boxy in the body but slim around the wrists and neckline creating a trim silhouette, especially if you want to tuck it into a pair of jeans or relaxed trousers. I take special care of this one by not washing it too frequently, as I hope to have it in rotation for a long time.
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The Best Running Shirts And Tank Tops For Women
Summer running is both a joy and a challenge. The good news is you don't have to bundle up and freeze until you work up a sweat—you can head out and be comfortable in your lightest, thinnest gear. The bad news is that, once you warm up, even the skimpiest clothes can feel clingy and oppressive. This is the season when we need running shirts that slip on effortlessly when we're still half-asleep in the morning and float on our skin when we're cramming in a tempo workout on a sticky afternoon. We searched for, and found, the best women's running tops—t-shirts and tanks—that can handle the challenges of summer while making us look good and feel cool.
At a GlanceAll gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. 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.
(Photo: Courtesy Oiselle) Best All-Around Performance Oiselle Flyout Trail Tank $54 at Oiselle
Sizes: 2–24/26
Pros and Cons⊕ Very lightweight⊕ Cooling⊕ Quick-drying⊗ Light fabric feels somewhat fragile
If you can only buy one new running top this summer, make it this one. This polyester/tencel/spandex top was an instant hit with all four testers. New Mexico-based tester Abigail Wise calls it "the Goldilocks of running tanks." Multiple testers praised the tank's fit. "It's not too tight, not too loose," said one. The stretchy, perforated fabric doesn't hold onto sweat and doesn't cling to the skin, making it feel nearly weightless on the run. And with wide shoulder straps, this tank is perfectly comfortable under a hydration pack. The shoulder and back coverage also make it suitable for wearing with any type of sports bra, not just racerback styles.
(Photo: Courtesy Stio) Best Running/Casual Crossover Tank Stio Crester Tank $36-43 at Stio
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons⊕ Ample coverage⊕ Multipurpose verasatility⊕ Durable⊗ Runs large
The Crester tank has wide shoulder straps, a high neckline, and a fully covered back, which means that you can wear a regular bra with it for non-running scenarios. Ultra-trail runner Anna Grace Tiede Hottinger says, "I was able to wear it to work with some nice pants —and then immediately hit the trails. A huge win."
With its straight cut, this was among the baggiest of all the tops we tested, but we appreciated that extra room on days when we didn't feel like showing off our midsections, or just wanted a more airy feel while on the run. Abigail ran in it multiple days in a row, and swears the polyester-spandex fabric never got stinky. The Stio Crester is for anyone who wants a durable, breathable, simple, and versatile tank that can stand up to sweat.
(Photo: Courtesy Rabbit) Most Stylish+High Performance Tank Rabbit EZ Tank Perf $48 at Running Warehouse $48 at Rabbit
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons⊕ Flattering style⊕ Lightweight⊕ Quick-drying⊗ Straps too thin to wear under a hydration vest
This was the tank we reached for when we wanted to follow the maxim of "look good, feel good, run good." Thin shoulder straps, a scoop neckline, and slightly flared bottom all lead to a tailored, flattering fit. The perforated poly-spandex blend is exceptionally soft and stretchy, feels light on your skin, and dries quickly. Lead tester Svati Narula found this out after a particularly sticky June run in Pittsburgh, where she was surprisingly comfortable and dry enough to sit in an air conditioned coffee shop immediately after sweating buckets in the sun. If you like classic racerback tanks that show a lot of skin around your chest, back, and shoulders, this is the coolest and softest version you'll find.
(Photo: Courtesy Tracksmith) Best All-Around Tee Tracksmith Session Tee $80 at Tracksmith
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons⊕ Versatile⊕ Soft and Stretchy⊕ Sturdy⊗ Runs slightly large
Svati used this as an all-day tee, taking it from morning hikes to her desk to evening runs. Abigail occasionally slept in it, which makes sense given its super-soft fabric and slightly baggy fit. Made of 84 percent polyester and 16 percent spandex, the tee is exceptionally stretchy. It's also finished with an odor-repelling treatment that seems to work—Svati wore it for multiple runs between washes. "You can just tell how well made it is," avid runner Ellen Silva said of the sturdy knit fabric, adding, "It's going to last forever." The Session Tee comes in a variety of colors and can be worked into your workout wardrobe year-round.
(Photo: Courtesy Nathan) Most Comfortable Tee Nathan Sprinter Short Sleeve Shirt $25 at Nathan $64 at Amazon
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons⊕ Extremely breathable⊕ Good skin coverage⊕ Comfortable tailoring⊗ One tester found it "a bit plain"
What this semi-fitted tee lacks in style it makes up for in absolute comfort, even on the hottest days. Anna Grace says the polyester-elastane mesh fabric was super breathable on her most humid runs, while Abigail and Ellen both liked the small v-shaped cutout on the back of the shirt, which helps it lay flat over curvy hips. All appreciated the thin reflective stripe on the back, too, for safety on pre-sunrise runs. Don't let the high neckline scare you—we barely felt it (or the rest of the shirt) while wearing it.
How To Choose a Running TopWhen it comes to summer running clothes, look for breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.
MaterialsSweat-wicking and quick-drying materials are essential. These are usually made of polyester or wool blends and have a wide variety of proprietary names and textures. Polyester weaves tend to be the most breathable and highly durable, while wool resists odors and has a natural feel next-to-skin. Try on as many options as you can to find the ones that are both soft against your skin and feel cool and airy.
FitThe fabric should not restrict your arm movement or be so tight as to interfere with your breathing at all. When trying on garments, do some dynamic stretching such as lunges, arm swings, and arm circles to experience your body's whole range of motion in the apparel.
Tanks vs TeesT-shirts provide more coverage and therefore more sun protection, and they can also deliver more of a cooling effect, depending on the fabric and fit. Tank tops are typically less restricting and more breathable, because of their lack of sleeves. That doesn't mean all tank tops have freedom of movement. Some are tighter than others, providing a more secure fit, while others are looser and airier. In addition to fit, consider how much skin exposure and coverage you're comfortable with, and how the tank interacts with your bra and running vest, if you'll be wearing one. And consider all the settings where you'll want to wear the top, both athletic and casual.
How We TestWe tested as many different shorts, tanks, tees, and other kinds of summer apparel (like sun shirts and crop tops) as we could get our hands on between June and October 2023, with an eye toward products that would be new to consumers in 2024. Our four testers ranged in age from 20 to 40, each with more than a decade of running experience and at least one ultramarathon under their belt. We evaluated products by comfort first, followed by style, utility (ability to carry phones and keys or multitask as casual wear was a big plus), and durability.
Meet Our Lead TestersSvati Kirsten Narula is a writer and Outside contributing editor based in Santa Fe, NM. Svati ran her first cross country race 19 years ago and has been a dedicated distance runner ever since. To test this summer's gear, she logged miles on dirt paths, singletrack trails, paved roads, and even a few sidewalks—mostly in New Mexico, with some additional test runs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.
One of Svati Narula's go-to routes for testing running gear:
(Gaia GPS is owned by Outside Inc.)
Ellen Silva is a Clinical Dietitian in Santa Fe, NM who has been running since 2009. She is an "any distance, any surface" type of runner and enjoys bringing down her road 5k time as much as training for mountain 100-milers and pacing friends in ultras. Her dog Finn accompanies her on short easy runs. They love living and training in the high desert, but this summer she enjoyed getting to test gear while in Hawaii, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, and New Hampshire.
Anna Grace Tiede Hottinger is a public policy professional and dog mom in northern MN. She has been running for just about her entire life, primarily as a method of fun and spending time outside. She tested her apparel on many runs, both short and long, while training for a 100-miler. Much of the apparel saw many hours in the woods, and experienced extreme heat, chilly rain and endured lots of mud!
Abigail Wise is an editor based in northern New Mexico. She's retired from training for ultras but still logs a lot of miles between exercising her four dogs and getting her toddler some fresh air. Most of this gear was tested on pre-dawn tempo runs before work and longer weekend runs in the high-desert mountain sun.
'Fitted In The Right Spots': This 'wonderfully Flattering' T-shirt Is Down To Just $17
Most fashionistas will tell you that their wardrobe relies on a collection of tees that look good no matter what. The trick is finding that perfect tee for you. Once you discover one with the ultimate fit, it's an unwritten rule that you need to scoop it up in multiple colors — whether you gravitate toward classic (think white and gray) or bold (brights, tie-dyes, animal prints). The Miholl Women's Short-Sleeve V-neck Casual T-shirt fits the bill and then some, according to its 27,000-plus five-star fans on Amazon. And it's on sale for just $17 this Memorial Day weekend.
Amazon
At $17, this wardrobe staple is a summer steal you don't want to miss out on.
$17 at Amazon Why is this a great deal? 💰At just $17 (down from $22) in most colors and sizes, this highly-rated fan-favorite tee is a total steal. In fact, we think you'll want to get several shades to add to your easy-breezy summer closet! If you're stocking up on your warmer-weather wardrobe, now's the time to buy.
Why do I need this? 🤔We know you're wondering — why is this tee so popular? For starters, it has a slouchy fit and is made from breathable, opaque fabric (yes, even the white ones). It comes in over 40 colors, ranging from bright and colorful to simple and versatile, plus a bunch of prints too. Bonus: It has a stylish pocket, and rolled-up sleeves for an effortlessly cool look.
What's your color? Choose from over 40 shades and patterns. (Amazon)
What reviewers say 💬Shoppers can't stop praising the fit and material of this casual classic tee; they appreciate how elegantly it falls on their frame, rather than clinging to the midsection or other problem areas.
Pros 👍"Love this top. This is better than I expected!" a reviewer shared. "Fit is nice quality. This is not one of those junky tees that cling in all the wrong places. This is a great quality tee that fits perfectly and looks polished and put together."
"I have been looking for the perfect white T-shirt, and I've finally found it," another gleeful shopper declared. "I've worn and washed this shirt more than five times and it hasn't lost its shape yet! ... It has stayed really white. Normally my whites tend to change color or become see-through after several washes, but this shirt hasn't. Absolutely would recommend!"
"It's hard to find a T-shirt that covers the problem areas on my arms, so these are the perfect solution," another added. "Lightweight, but not see-through and great for warmer weather."
One wearer put it best: "Super comfortable, soft and genuinely fits well with anything. It's a flattering top. I tend to enjoy getting them a size up since I like loose-fitting tops but even with trying to do so with this one? The fit was wonderfully flattering by being fitted in the right spots and loose in others."
Cons 👎This shirt does tend to run a little large, according to some reviewers: "I wear a large in most tops, due to having a large chest. For this one though, I ordered a medium based on the reviews," noted a helpful Amazon customer. "This tee fits loose and flowy, which is what I wanted, as I don't want it to hug my chest. ... Had I followed the size chart, I would have bought a large, but large would've been way too big for me in this situation."
"Color was a little more purple than expected. Shirt was also a bit big," agreed a final fan. "If between two sizes, order down! Great material and comfortable shirt!
Amazon
Catch it on sale in all your favorite colors including sky blue, lavender and even tie-dye.
$17 at AmazonIf you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
Here's everything you need to know about Memorial Day sales, plus all the best deals on the internet — kept fresh by our team of shopping editors. See all of our Memorial Day sales coverage across Yahoo and Engadget here.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Looking for more great Amazon style and beauty deals? Check these out: Beauty and wellness$12$20
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