The best long-sleeved running tops

We have a lot of choices when deciding on a running top. Long-sleeved or short-sleeved? Loose or compression? Technical or cotton? But once you’ve made some of those choices, we can help you out – our testers have tried out every type of top imaginable to let you know which are the best of the best.

Read on for their reviews of the best long-sleeved running tops. If it’s short you’re after, you can find them here!

LOOMI Beta Tec Merino Baselayer

£70
Tester: Tina

What a spot-on baselayer. It keeps me warm without the itch you sometimes get from wool products. It fits so well – such a big thing when you are smaller than the average woman – and I loved the close fit on the sleeves which kept the cold out. The quality of the yarn is superior; it’s a very thin Merino blend that doesn’t make me feel sweaty and feels luxurious against the skin. I love wearing this top on my early morning dog runs on the trails and – unbelievably – there is no underarm whiff even after a couple of outings with no washing in-between. This means I can reduce the number of times I wash it, which is good for longevity of both the top and the planet. I’ve been wearing it non-stop!

Available in sizes XS-L

ICEBREAKER Merino 200

£75
Tester: Esther

Merino is a wool but it behaves like a performance fabric, keeping you cool in the heat, warm in the cold, and wicking sweat away. The merino I’ve tested before tends to be scratchy against my skin but this is different. It’s really soft, with no irritation at all, the seams are flat and the fit is spot on. You need a baselayer to be snug, and this is true to size; it doesn’t feel restrictive and the arms and body offer good length and coverage. It stays put, allows me to move and never gets too hot or cold.

Available in sizes XS-XL

SUNDRIED Grand Tournalin Training Top

£30
Tester: Esther

This close-fitting baselayer gets, I kid you not, five stars for the thumb holes. Why? Cos the fabric around the wrists is soft, warm and super stretchy. The thumb holes on most of my tops are made of fabric that just won’t stretch easily over a sports watch but that’s not the case here. It’s a long top – almost bum-covering – and it’s very close fitting, so works well under looser tops and jackets, but also on its own. The fabric is ridonkulously soft and stretchy, I properly love it. It wicked well, washed well, and the colour is peachy. Top marks, Sundried.

Available in sizes XS-XXL

KYMIRA IR50 Long Sleeve Top

£85
Tester: Geri

I’ve never worn a baselayer like this one before. I’m from Mauritius and, during the colder months in the UK, baselayers are a major part of what I wear. This top differs because it’s part of Kymira’s infrared range with key benefits such as increased blood circulation and blood fl ow, and injury prevention too. It’s the top to wear when you need a boost to your energy, or to help on your hard training runs. The fabric is breathable and comfortable with a lovely design but – word of warning – it only comes in black. If you’re prone to injuries or are just training heavily at the moment, this could be the baselayer for you.

Available in sizes XS-XL

SAYSKY Classic Pace Longsleeve

£55
Tester: Tina

An edgy, close-fitting long-sleeved run top that isn’t too thick or warm, and features the distinctive SAYSKY logo mid chest. The colour and design is just that little bit different in a warm, metallic tone, so you’ll definitely stand out. It’s soft against your skin and excellent for wicking away sweat (you’ll also be amazed at how quickly it dries when you’ve washed it), so a great top to stash in your backpack in case temperatures drop. It’s as light as a long-sleeved top can get and it reaches just to the top of your glutes at the back so you can wear it with shorts, too. The material is super thin – you can almost see through it, but not quite – yet it does a great job of keeping out the wind. It fitted really well, too.

Available in sizes XS-L

MONTANE Blade Long Sleeve Top

£36
Tester: Laura

This long-sleeved top is super light (it weighs just 105g), making it perfect for changeable weather, or as a first layer when facing winter weather. It’s designed to be a close fit but doesn’t feel clingy or restricting and is a flattering cut. It sits just as well on its own as under a top layer, and comes in two colours: grey and this eye-catching paprika.

Available in sizes 8-16

ZAAZEE Lola Longsleeve

£42
Tester: Tina

Such a welcome burst of colour from this long-sleeved baselayer. It has an athletic fit and has been just right for frosty winter runs. I’ve found its high-quality fabric keeps me just the right temperature in spring too. With the Zaazee brand, you’re guaranteed high performance: the super-soft sustainable Italian fabric feels great against the skin and washes beautifully, retaining its shape. And the fit is athletic without being skintight so you feel you can run free. It’s a solid performer for longer runs, too, with no rubbing under the arms.

Available in sizes XS-M