10 Best Shirts If You Sweat a Lot
Nothing ruins a perfectly good day like sweat. The discomfort caused by sweat-soaked fabric and the appearance of sweat marks are both uncomfortable and embarrassing, making it difficult to focus on anything besides your sweat.
Finding a shirt that’s both sweat proof and stylish may seem like an insurmountable task – but not to worry. There are plenty of shirts on the market that will boost your confidence while combatting sweat.
Here are the 10 best shirts for sweating that are guaranteed to help keep you dry, comfortable and sweat mark-free:
- Thompson Tee: Best Undershirt to Prevent Pitting Out
- Icebreaker: Best Casual T-Shirt for Sweaty Guys
- Patagonia Capilene: Best for Outdoor Exercise
- Prana: Best Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
- Lawrence Hunt: Best Dress Shirt
- Thompson Tee Premium Anti Odor: Best for Odor Control
- Peter Millar: Best Polo
- Mack Weldon: Best Comfort
- Free Fly: Best Long Sleeve
- Mott & Bow: Best for Women
- Tips for buying shirts if you sweat profusely
Thompson Tee: Best Undershirt to Prevent Pitting Out
Anyone who deals with excessive sweat likely has a closet that’s primarily made up of white, grey and black, as those are the colors that best conceal sweat stains. But, with the right undershirt, you won’t have to restrict your closet to the basics.
A sweat proof undershirt is a staple in any sweaty person’s wardrobe. Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirt for both men and women is an ideal option for those who struggle with excessive sweating in the underarm region. Patented with state-of-the-art Hydro-Shield® technology, these undershirts 100% prevent sweat from reaching your outer layers.
Underarm pads may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, the underarm pads featured in Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirts are seamlessly sewn into the design – no fidgeting or adjusting required. Though they’re best worn as an undershirt, they can be worn as a standalone, everyday shirt.
Read more: How and When to Wear a Thompson Tee: Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion
Style: Men and women
Price: Starting from $32.99
Fabric: 100% premium cotton; 95% premium bamboo rayon, 5% spandex
Design: Available in 7 colors, two fits, different necklines and a long sleeve version for men.
Value for money: Thompson Tee accepts returns or exchanges on all opened or used shirts up to 30 days from purchase, so you can try before you buy. The fabric and Hydro-Shield® technology don’t wear out, so you can wear it and wash it without compromising the quality.
Review rating by consumers: 5
Icebreaker: Best Casual T-Shirt for Sweaty Guys
Icebreaker’s Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee is the perfect everyday t-shirt for men. Made of 100% Merino wool, it helps regulate body temperature in all weather conditions while resisting odor. It’s neither snug nor loose, and it’s ultra-soft and lightweight. This is an ideal option for everyday wear, travel wear or even active wear.
Because it’s made of 100% Merino wool, it’s one of the more expensive options on the list. But, if you’re willing to pay a little extra and carefully follow washing and drying instructions, you’ll be rewarded with long-lasting comfort. This may not be the best option for taller guys, as it’s a bit short in length.
Style: Men only (but there’s a women’s Merino Blend Central Classic T-Shirt with similar features)
Price: $56
Fabric: 100% merino wool
Design: Available in three colors. Has offset shoulder seams and a casual, everyday fit.
Value for money: Merino wool tends to be a pricier fabric – but you get what you pay for. Merino is stretchy, comfortable, breathable and naturally odor resistant. If not washed on cold and hung out to dry, its quality may dwindle quickly.
Review rating by consumers: 4.7
Patagonia Capilene®: Best for Sweaty Hikes
Patagonia’s Capilene® Cool Lightweight Shirts for both men and women are ideal for hiking, running and outdoor exercise. With motion-friendly side vents that allow for increased airflow and enhanced movement, this shirt is made to keep you cool and comfortable no matter what challenges you take on. It’s soft and wonderfully constructed, so it’s well worth its price.
Because these shirts are made to be worn during physical activity, they may not be suitable for everyday wear. They run a bit small, so be sure to check the sizing guide before you make a purchase.
If this t-shirt isn’t your style, check out the rest of Patagonia’s Capilene® line – there are plenty of t-shirts, long sleeves and tank tops to choose from that are made of sweat-friendly fabric.
Style: Men and women
Price: $49
Fabric: 100% polyester (52% recycled material)
Design: Available in four colors. Slim fit, runs slightly small.
Value for money: Though they’re on the pricier side, they’re great quality and they’ll keep you cool while you’re hiking, exercising or running errands. They’re quite durable and made to last.
Review rating by consumers: 4.6
Prana: Best Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
Any sweaty guy knows how difficult it is to find a button-down shirt that keeps you cool. Prana's Lost Sol Short Sleeve Shirt is about as good as it gets for men who deal with excessive sweating. It’s a must-have for casual outings, business casual days at the office or light outdoor activities.
These shirts are expensive – but, if you’re willing to invest, this is a fantastic wardrobe staple that will keep you cool without sacrificing style. However, the fabric on this shirt is quite thin. So, although it’s guaranteed to keep you cool and can handle everyday sweat, your sweat may peek through the layers in situations where you’re sweating excessively.
Style: Men only
Price: Starting at $75
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
Design: Available in four colors (and three patterns) and slim or standard fit. Double chest patch pockets with flaps and button closures. Mesh-lined venting at the back yoke.
Value for money: While this shirt certainly works for sweaty guys, it’s quite expensive. It would be a comparable price to buying both a sweat proof undershirt and a standard button-down shirt to pair together. With limited options for colors and patterns, this option may not be everyone’s first choice.
Review rating by consumers: 4.5
Lawrence Hunt: Best Dress Shirt
Dress shirts that don’t show sweat are few and far between – but the Lawrence Hunt No Sweat Dress Shirts for men and women are tailored specifically for those who sweat excessively (or those who need a little confidence boost to beat the nervous sweats during important meetings and presentations). Made with performance fabric in the underarm area, these shirts are ideal for those who sweat primarily in the underarm region. They’re well made and comfortable, and they’ll give you the peace of mind you need to tackle processional situations with confidence.
Because the sweat-wicking technology is only featured in the underarms, this isn’t the best option if you sweat all over. For taller people, these shirts may be a bit difficult to tuck in.
Style: Men and women
Price: Starting at $88
Fabric: 100% cotton body with performance fabric in the underarm
Design: Button-down long sleeves with collared necklines and cuffed wrists. Available in slim and classic fit.
Value for money: Though the prices on these shirts may look a little scary, they compete with a majority of high-quality, professional button-down shirts on the market. They’re a sweat proof undershirt and dress shirt in one, so it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to buy one or two trusty dress shirts to add to your collection.
Review rating by consumers: 4.8
Thompson Tee Premium Anti Odor: Best Undershirt for Odor Control
With sweat often comes odor. Thompson Tee’s Premium Anti Odor Undershirts stop odor at its source with Odor Shield™ technology – a hydrogen peroxide-based solution that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria. Made with a Supima cotton and MicroModal blend, it’s ultra-soft, breathable and comfortable. They look like an everyday t-shirt, so they’re stylish and comfortable enough to be worn as an undershirt or a standalone tee.
Though these shirts aren’t made for excessive sweating, they encourage airflow to the skin and can act as a barrier between sweat and your outer layers.
Style: Men only
Price: $19.99
Fabric: 50% Supima cotton, 50% MicroModal blend
Design: Available in white. Option of a crew neck or v-neck style.
Value for money: The Odor Shield™ technology featured in these shirts stays put for at least 70 wash cycles, making this one of the best options on the list for value.
Review rating by consumers: 4.8
Peter Millar: Best Polo
Peter Millar’s Solid Performance Jersey Polo is a fantastic choice for those looking for a high-quality polo that’s perfect for all-day wear. Meant to be worn on the golf course, these polos are designed to draw moisture away from the skin, kill odor-causing bacteria and encourage airflow to and away from the skin. And, with UPF 50+, it will protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Because of the price, these polos aren’t everyone’s first choice – but, if you’re ready to invest, this shirt will keep you sweat-free from sunrise to sunset. To keep these shirts fresh for as long as possible and preserve the integrity of the fabric, it’s important to follow the care instructions closely.
Style: Men only
Price: $98
Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Design: Available in 13 colors. Polo style, classic fit.
Value for money: Because of the price tag, this option may only be suitable if you’re planning on wearing it for outdoor sports like golf. The quality is fantastic, though, so your money will be well-spent should you choose to purchase it.
Review rating by consumers: 4.8
Mack Weldon: Best Comfort
The Pima Crew Neck T-Shirt from Mack Weldon is 100% Pima cotton – so, in other words, this t-shirt is about as soft as it gets. It can be paired with casual wear, activewear or loungewear to upgrade everyday comfort and keep you cool. Pima cotton is naturally lightweight and breathable, and it tends to mask sweat marks quite well should sweat begin to seep outward. And, the quality and feel of Pima are unmatched.
The sizing tends to run a bit small, so it’s best to size up – especially because cotton products tend to shrink in the wash over time.
Style: Men only
Price: $38
Fabric: 100% Pima cotton
Design: Available in 12 colors. Crew neck, slim fit.
Value for money: This shirt is affordable, high-quality and ultra-comfortable. It is well worth its price, although it is not suited for heavy sweating.
Review rating by consumers: 4.2
Free Fly: Best Long Sleeve
Free Fly’s Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II shirts for men and women are unbelievably comfortable. Made with viscose from bamboo, it has natural antimicrobial and sweat wicking properties that are well-suited for an active lifestyle. It’s quite versatile, and it can be worn as a base layer in chilly weather or as a casual shirt during the spring. To top it all off, it offers serious sun protection with UPF 50+ – so you can count on it offering extra coverage on days when the UV is high.
The sleeves and body on this shirt may run a bit short on taller folks, but it generally fits true to size.
Style: Men and women
Price: $64
Fabric: 48% viscose from bamboo, 49% polyester, 3% spandex
Design: color, fit, neckline, long sleeve, etc.
Value for money: Bamboo fabrics tend to be a bit pricier than cotton alternatives, but their comfort and functionality make this purchase worthwhile. Because it’s naturally antimicrobial and sweat wicking, this shirt is appropriate for a wide variety of occasions – whether you’re on an outdoor walk or lounging at home.
Review rating by consumers: 4.9
Mott & Bow: Best for Women
Mott & Bow’s Fitted Crew Marcy Tee is as good as it gets for a casual, everyday women’s tee. This lightweight, ultra-soft shirt can be dressed up or down, and it can be worn anytime, anywhere. Made with 40 cotton fibers per square inch as opposed to the average 30, sheerness is eliminated and you won’t be able to see undergarments through it. It’s also tagless, so there’s no uncomfortable itching despite the tighter fit. And, because it’s made with a blend of Pima and Modal fabrics, it’s breathable and helps keep you cool.
While this shirt is breathable and lightweight, it isn’t made for excessive sweating. The tighter fit may become uncomfortable if you’re dealing with sweat, as the fabric sits close to the skin.
Style: Women only
Price: $40
Fabric: 50% Pima cotton, 50% Modal
Design: Available in 13 colors. Crew neck, tight fit, capped shoulders.
Value for money: $40 is pretty standard for a high-quality t-shirt, so this is a fantastic option for everyday wear and a wardrobe essential for women on the go. Although it won’t stop sweat, it’s enough to keep casual sweating at bay (or at least keep it concealed).
Tips for Buying Shirts If You Sweat Profusely
If you’re an excessive sweater on the hunt for a new shirt, there are several things to consider before you make a purchase. Here are some tips and tricks for buying shirts that will combat sweat and keep you cool, dry and comfortable:
- Material matters. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester blends, merino wool, bamboo, micromodal or Supima cotton. These materials draw moisture away from the skin and encourage airflow, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Avoid heavy fabrics. Steer clear of thick, heavy materials like denim, corduroy, flannel, suede or wool. While these are great options for staying warm, they’re not ideal for those prone to heavy sweating.
- Consider antimicrobial properties. Sometimes, sweat comes alongside odor. Some shirts are treated with antimicrobial finishes, which helps prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Some fabrics, like bamboo and cotton, are naturally antimicrobial.
- Pay attention to sizing guides. Choosing a shirt that is too tight may restrict airflow and leave you more prone to sweating. Every brand has a slightly different sizing guide, so be sure to check your measurements and choose the right size to avoid a sweaty fashion disaster.
- Consider an undershirt. As convenient as it would be to wear shirts that are good for sweating 24/7, it’s not always possible. For dress shirts, winter wear or important occasions, consider adding an extra layer of protection with a sweat proof undershirt.
- Test products before you buy. Although the labels “sweat proof” or “moisture wicking” are green flags, there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to buying a shirt. Whenever possible, try on products before you buy them to ensure that they’re comfortable, perform well and suit your unique needs.
- Read reviews. The best way to find out whether or not a shirt will suit your needs is to read customer reviews. Customer feedback provides valuable insights into how well a shirt performs in real-life scenarios.
Thompson Tees: The Best Shirts for Sweating
For those who deal with excessive sweating, finding a shirt that is functional and stylish feels like an impossible task.
For guaranteed comfort and all-day sweat protection, Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirts for men and women are your best bet. Wear it alone or pair it with your favorite shirt to boost confidence, stay dry and avoid embarrassing sweat marks.
Don’t let sweat keep you from living your best life. Try Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirts today!