When cold weather arrives, it’s time to put away our tank tops and shorts and break out the gloves, hats, tights, and winter running shirts. Well for some of us, running around Colorado even in the snow I see a lot of shirtless, tiny short runners…and good for them. But for me bring on the great long sleeve running shirts and my winter running tights!
Many runners head indoors for the winter months, but you don’t have to relegate yourself to the treadmill for the cold, snowy, and darker days ahead. With the right clothing, winter and cold weather running can be downright enjoyable. Seriously!!
Once you know what gear you need and how to put outfits together, you’ll be ready to head out all winter long, whether it’s on an oddball warm and sunny day or the windiest and coldest day of the season.
If you’re wondering how to get outside more this winter and to tackle the changing temperatures and conditions, keep reading to learn more about layering and review my top 10 favorite long sleeve running shirts from Fall chill to cold winter mornings..
10 Best Long Sleeve Running Shirts
To make things easier and less confusing, these are listed in order from those that might be base layers, to those that you’ll want as a mid or outer layer. I’ve also highlighted their best features, sizing, prices, and more.
Thanks to my chilly runs, I’m confident you’ll be able to find at least a few options that will fit your winter running needs. I don’t believe the best cold weather gear has to cost a lot, but have found that some of the higher end pieces last me MANY winters and thus I’m willing to invest in a few great things.
Since I’m not a model, I’m showing you a better photo from the brand!
#1 Best Single Layer: Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer
This long sleeve running top is a combination of wool, nylon, and polyester. The wool is a Merino wool blend and what makes Merino wool so great is it provides good insulation, is moisture-wicking, lightweight, odor-resistant, and helps naturally regulate your body temperature.
This top is designed to be worn under a mid-layer and/or a jacket. The fabric has a more open knit around your torso, but a tighter knit in the arms to keep your extremities warmer.
I’ll say I wear this top solo for Fall and Spring days as well, it’s just a good go to piece.
- $88
- Sizes: XS-L
- 6 color options
- Seamless to prevent chafing
- Tracksmith also has a men’s version
#2 Best T-Shirt Feel: Rabbit EZ Tee Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
The Rabbit EZ Tee long-sleeve shirt is made from classic moisture-wicking fabric that’s a combination of polyester and spandex. I have tried some other models like the Outrun which is thicker for cooler runs, so it was fun to slip this on recently and find it super thin and light weight.
Rabbit has super loyal fans, so if you’ve never tried their gear I definitely recommend it.
It felt great against the skin and ran true to size.
This shirt is also incredibly soft. Not going for a run today? It’s great to wear to lounge or run errands too!
- $55
- Sizes: XS-XL
- 4 Colors
- Men’s version
#3 Best Extra Feature: Lululemon It’s Rulu Run Long Sleeve
Designed for running, this top is made of Rulu fabric so it’s soft, warm, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchy. The shirt has thumbholes and Cuffins (built in mittens in the cuffs), a zippered pocket for your id or credit card and key, and underarm gussets to help improve mobility and minimize the risk of chafing.
The pocket is NOT big enough for a phone, I’ve found very few shirts where the pocket is good for that. Instead I look to my tights with a phone pocket or jacket.
This top is treated with zinc to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. You can also pull the sleeves over your hands to create that mitten like feeling for when it feels colder at the start of your run.
I liked this one because it is a bit thicker than others, so if I don’t feel like layer I can do this alone.
- $98
- Sizes: 0-20
- 12 colors/patterns
- Slim fit/hip length
#4 Best Thicker Wool Long Sleeve Running Shirt: CEP Merino Long Sleeve
That’s right your favorite compression sock brand does other gear! David has been loving life in his winter CEP pants, but I digress.
I got this shirt at the start of this winter running season and it’s already had a chance to hit the roads. As noted with the Tracksmith base layer wool is just one of our best options for long sleeve running shirts to keep us both warm and yet not over heating.
This shirt is thicker than the other, so I like it as the temps drop a bit more when I don’t feel like layer OR when I’m running in 10degrees and need a good base under my jacket. Also has thumbholes and is anti-odor!
It is NOT a compression fit. It’s loose just like my other long sleeve running shirts, so I went with a small similar to other brands.
- $109
- XS-XL
- 3 Colors
- Also available in men’s
#5 Best Neck Coverage: Athleta Flurry Seamless Turtleneck
The Flurry Blizzard Turtleneck is another great and warm base layer for cold weather running. It’s made from recycled nylon and is sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
The slouchy turtleneck provides a little extra coverage without being restrictive. The seamless top is fitted and is a bit longer to hit at the low hip making it easy to tuck in to pants. This one is thicker than some of the base layers, so you could wear it alone and be warm enough many days or slide a base under it as well.
- $89
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Now only in black
- Thumbholes (which I just make in to watch holes)
#6 Best Half Zip: Lululemon Ventscape Half-Zip Long Sleeve
When it’s time to start layering the half-zips are an easy win.
The Thermoregulating Ventscape fabric is designed with ribbed textures and ventilation to provide both warmth and breathability (how is that for some fancy words to say keeps you warm and not wet). The polyester and lycra elastane is sweat-wicking and quick-drying and the cut of the shirt skims the body and hits at the hip.
Like the Rulu Run Long Sleeve, this top has thumbholes and cuffins (the pullover to warm hands), as well as a zippered pocket on the side and reflective details for added visibility in lowlight conditions. It is also treated with the No-Stink Zinc to prevent odors.
I’m always back and forth on sizing with my Lulu tops. This one is a bit more form fitted and looks totally fine in my normal size, but I would have preferred it just a little looser while running to prevent riding up or too tight with layers under it.
- $89
- Sizes: 0-14
- 4 colors
- Thumbholes and Cuffins
- Men’s version
#7 Best Reflective Layer: Brooks Run Visible Thermal Hoodie
This top is made for those cold and dark winter days. The pullover is made of polyester and spandex Drilayer fabric for breathability and moisture-wicking, and also has fleece for a little extra insulation. It has a looser fit than the Lulu shirts allowing you to pair it with your favorite base layer.
One of the few options here with a hood. I love me a good hoodie, but this one isn’t going to stay put while running.
The hoodie is mainly white, but boasts 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Stretch reflectivity patches to make you stand out to drivers. The top also has a pocket for small items and everyone’s favorite thumbholes.
This is definitely a runner favorite this season, I’ve seen it everywhere! (Also available in a short sleeve or lightweight jacket)
- $120
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- White with black and yellow accents
- The men’s version has some subtle differences on the sleeves
#8 Best Cold Weather Shirt: Craft Adv SubZ Running Sweater
This sweater is perfect for your cold weather run or when you’re on the go running errands before and after the gym. As a Swedish brand, this jacket is designed to handle the coldest of temps. I’m sure there’s nothing like the wind chill in Scandinavia!
I’m so sad that I think this is being discontinued, but that also means it’s 50% off. So go check it out while still available.
The front of the sweater is their wind protective Ventair that’s lightly padded, while the back and sleeves are made from polyester and elastane jersey.This combination has been such a lifesaver in Colorado. You think about warmth, but often forget that blocking the wind makes a massive difference.
The sweater has a slim fit, so you may want to size up for more room to layer. The neck comes up pretty high, but is roomy and unzips to keep you cool.
The sleeves are long and have thumbholes to keep them in place. There is also some reflective detailing for increased visibility. There are also two front pockets.
- $130
- Sizes: XS-XL
- 3 colors
- Men’s version
#9 Best Men’s Long Sleeve Run Shirt: Mountain Hardware AirMesh Hoodie
Last, but most certainly not least, is the Mountain Hardware AirMesh Hoodie. The brushed polyester is made with an active mesh that helps wick away any moisture and dry quickly while ensuring you’re kept nice and toasty without overheating.
The slouchy but high neck provides extra coverage without restriction. The hood is unassuming, but comes over your head far enough to stay put. The sleeves also boast low-profile thumbholes.
- $85
- Sizes: XS-XL
- 4 colors
#10 Best Long Base Layer: Artilect Boulder 125 Crew Base Layer Top
This top by Artilect is made with Nuyarn merino fabric, so it has all those merino wool benefits like being moisture-wicking and quick-drying, while also being warm and soft. I actually wear this brand a TON in the summer…yes wool is great in the summer.
You’ll notice this top is longer, which is actually amazing in the winter to provide extra coverage on the bum and keep things warm. But worth noting if you don’t like that.
The top has flatlock seams and armpit gussets to prevent chafing and has thumbholes in the sleeves. The top is longer so it can be tucked in easily so you have no gaps to let in the cold air.
- $110
- Sizes: XS-XL
- 3 colors
- Very long top
- Hang-dry loop
- Men’s version
Hopefully these long sleeve running shirts gave you some ideas of where to start looking and what matters most!
Layering Shirts for Winter Running Success
When preparing for winter running, layering is a key component.
Think: jacket, midlayer and base layer. I’ve already done a post on great running jackets, so head there if you need some good recommendations for other cold-weather running gear.
Plus, you can checkout my full guide on what to wear running at every temperature.
But, back to layering. Layering allows you to not only stay warm and dry, but also adapt to changing weather conditions or your own body temperature increases as you’re exercising.
One thing to keep in mind is that running will warm you up. While you may start out a bit cold, you should dress for temperatures 10-20 degrees warmer than it actually is outside.
Being overdressed is about as uncomfortable as being underdressed!
So when it comes to getting dressed for that outdoor winter run think layers! Your jacket is there to be a windbreaker and water resistant option protect against rain and snow as the outer layer. It’s also the layer that on days when it gets a bit warmer or the sun is shining brightly, you can easily tie it around your waist.
But what about the rest of the layers I mentioned? This is where the right winter running shirts can save the day.
Base Layer
The base layer is the one worn next to your skin. It should be moisture-wicking and on the thinner side. You want it to pull sweat and moisture away from the body to keep you warm and dry.
Shirts made of merino wool, polyester, nylon and lycra are great options. You’ll want to avoid cotton shirts as they tend to soak up moisture and dry slowly.
Depending on the weather, this base layer may be short sleeve, but if it’s particularly cold, go for a long sleeve option.
I almost always go long sleeves here and I tuck it in to my winter running tights!! This is going to prevent any gaps of skin and just trap more heat.
Mid-Layer
The mid-layer is only necessary when we start to get in to the really cold temps or if you choose to use something like a pullover as your top layer instead of a jacket.
This layer can be made of a variety of fabrics like synthetic materials like fleece. It’s the layer that if you end up removing your jacket, you’ll still be warm and protected.
The final layer would be your outer layer! I covered that more in-depth in best running jackets. And if you need waterproof options, checkout the best rain running jackets.
And of course you can’t forget your winter running socks like smartwool and winter running shoes, which may lean more towards gore-tex to prevent wet feet or even traction devices like YakTrax. But today we’re here to discuss shirts!
Now that you understand the purpose of each layer, check out my top 10 winter running shirt recommendations broken out by base layer and mid-layer to ensure you have the best winter running gear in your closet.
Not sure what you need for winter running gear layers?? I’ve got you covered with my guide on what to wear running at every temperature >>
A few other winter running guides!
- Must Have Cold Weather Running Gear
- How to run in the snow and ice
- Benefits of running in the cold
- Best Running Gloves
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