{"id":1246,"date":"2024-12-11T08:56:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T13:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/?p=1246"},"modified":"2026-03-24T13:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T17:07:36","slug":"12-best-long-sleeve-shirts-for-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/12-best-long-sleeve-shirts-for-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Best Long Sleeve Shirts for Athletes (+ How to Customize Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Why Long Sleeve Shirts Are Essential for Athletes<\/h2>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re training in cool weather, protecting your skin on outdoor runs, or layering up for early-morning practices, a quality long sleeve shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in any athlete&#8217;s wardrobe. The right one keeps you comfortable, wicks away sweat, and moves with you through every rep, sprint, and stretch.<\/p>\n<p>But with so many brands and styles on the market, finding the best long sleeve shirts for athletes can feel overwhelming. We&#8217;ve rounded up 12 top picks across a range of price points and performance levels, plus a guide to customizing them for your team, club, or event.<\/p>\n<h2>12 Best Long Sleeve Shirts for Athletes<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Gildan Performance Long Sleeve Tee (G424)<\/h3>\n<p>A budget-friendly powerhouse, the Gildan Performance long sleeve uses AquaFX moisture-wicking technology to keep athletes dry. The 100% polyester jersey knit is lightweight and breathable, making it a great base layer for training. It&#8217;s also one of the most affordable options for team orders.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Nike Dri-FIT Long Sleeve Tee<\/h3>\n<p>Nike&#8217;s Dri-FIT fabric is a benchmark in athletic wear. These long sleeves offer a slightly tapered fit, excellent moisture management, and the brand recognition that athletes love. Ideal for both training and casual team wear.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Under Armour Tech 2.0 Long Sleeve<\/h3>\n<p>Under Armour&#8217;s Tech 2.0 line delivers ultra-soft fabric with quick-dry properties. The anti-odor technology is a standout feature for athletes who train hard. The loose fit provides full range of motion without feeling baggy.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Bella+Canvas 3501 Long Sleeve Jersey Tee<\/h3>\n<p>For athletes who want a more fashion-forward fit, the Bella+Canvas 3501 offers a modern silhouette in soft Airlume combed cotton. It&#8217;s not a performance fabric, but it&#8217;s perfect for team spirit wear, warmups, and post-game comfort.<\/p>\n<h3>5. A4 Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Crew<\/h3>\n<p>Purpose-built for hot-weather training, the A4 Cooling line uses a special moisture-wicking polyester that actively cools as you sweat. It offers UPF 44+ sun protection, making it ideal for outdoor athletes, runners, and field sport players.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Sport-Tek Long Sleeve PosiCharge Competitor Tee (ST350LS)<\/h3>\n<p>Sport-Tek&#8217;s PosiCharge technology locks in color so logos and prints stay vibrant wash after wash. The lightweight, breathable mesh fabric dries quickly and resists snags. A top choice for teams that want durability without a premium price tag.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Adidas Climalite Long Sleeve Tee<\/h3>\n<p>Adidas Climalite fabric draws sweat away from the skin to the outer surface where it evaporates. The athletic cut and flatlock seams reduce chafing during extended training sessions. A solid mid-range option from a trusted performance brand.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Next Level 3601 Cotton Long Sleeve Crew<\/h3>\n<p>Next Level is known for buttery-soft fabrics, and the 3601 is no exception. The combed cotton\/poly blend holds up well to printing and provides a comfortable everyday option for athletes off the field. Great for team merchandise and fan gear.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Augusta Sportswear Attain Long Sleeve Wicking Tee<\/h3>\n<p>Augusta Sportswear specializes in team athletic wear, and their Attain line delivers excellent performance at a competitive price. The wicking knit fabric keeps athletes cool, while the self-fabric collar adds a clean, professional look for game day.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Champion Long Sleeve Tee (CC8C)<\/h3>\n<p>Champion&#8217;s heritage in athletic wear shows in this classic long sleeve. The cotton jersey is heavyweight and durable, perfect for cooler-weather training and layering. The iconic &#8220;C&#8221; logo patch adds a touch of streetwear credibility.<\/p>\n<h3>11. Hanes Cool DRI Long Sleeve Performance Tee<\/h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t sleep on Hanes for athletic wear. The Cool DRI line offers 50+ UPF protection and effective moisture wicking at one of the lowest price points on this list. It&#8217;s an excellent option for large team orders where budget matters.<\/p>\n<h3>12. Badger Sport B-Core Long Sleeve Tee<\/h3>\n<p>Badger Sport is a go-to for youth and adult athletic programs. The B-Core fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and available in a huge range of colors. The athletic cut works well for both men and women, and it holds custom prints beautifully.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Look for in an Athletic Long Sleeve Shirt<\/h2>\n<p>Not every long sleeve shirt is created equal. Here&#8217;s what to prioritize when choosing shirts for your team or personal training:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Moisture-wicking fabric:<\/strong> Polyester and poly-blend fabrics pull sweat away from your skin. Look for terms like &#8220;Dri-FIT,&#8221; &#8220;PosiCharge,&#8221; &#8220;Cool DRI,&#8221; or &#8220;AquaFX.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Breathability:<\/strong> Mesh panels or lightweight knits help regulate body temperature during intense activity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fit:<\/strong> Athletic cuts offer a closer fit for layering, while loose fits provide more airflow. Consider what your sport demands.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sun protection:<\/strong> If you train outdoors, look for shirts with a UPF rating of 30 or higher.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Print compatibility:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re customizing with a logo or design, choose fabrics that hold screen printing or heat transfers well. Polyester performance fabrics work best with sublimation printing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Customize Athletic Long Sleeves for Your Team<\/h2>\n<p>Custom long sleeve shirts are a game-changer for sports teams, running clubs, fitness studios, and athletic events. They build team identity, look professional, and give athletes gear they&#8217;re proud to wear. Here&#8217;s how to get started:<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Choose Your Shirt<\/h3>\n<p>Browse the full selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/t-shirts\/long-sleeve-shirts\">long sleeve shirts at ooShirts<\/a> to find the right style, fabric, and price point for your group. With prices starting at just $4.19 per shirt, outfitting your entire team is affordable.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Upload or Create Your Design<\/h3>\n<p>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/designapp\">ooShirts free online design tool<\/a> to upload your team logo, add text, choose fonts, and arrange your artwork. You can also upload a finished design file if you already have one.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Customize Placement and Colors<\/h3>\n<p>Position your design on the front, back, or sleeves. The design tool lets you preview exactly how your shirts will look before you order, so there are no surprises.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Order and Receive<\/h3>\n<p>Select your sizes, review your order, and check out. ooShirts handles the printing and ships directly to you, so your team can focus on what matters most: performing at their best.<\/p>\n<h2>Popular Ways Teams Customize Long Sleeves<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Practice jerseys:<\/strong> Matching long sleeves for outdoor training sessions keep the team looking unified and professional.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Warmup gear:<\/strong> Custom long sleeves worn during warmups and on the sideline build team spirit and look great for parents and fans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Race day shirts:<\/strong> Running clubs and marathon teams often order custom long sleeves for race day, complete with runner names on the back.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tournament merchandise:<\/strong> Sell branded long sleeves at tournaments and sporting events as a fundraiser.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coaching staff:<\/strong> Give coaches and support staff their own custom long sleeves to distinguish them from players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>The best long sleeve shirt for athletes depends on your sport, climate, and budget. Performance polyester options from brands like Sport-Tek, A4, and Gildan offer excellent moisture wicking at affordable prices, while premium brands like Nike and Under Armour deliver top-tier comfort and fit. For casual team wear, cotton-blend options from Bella+Canvas and Next Level provide a soft, stylish feel.<\/p>\n<p>No matter which shirt you choose, customizing it with your team&#8217;s logo and colors turns everyday athletic wear into something special. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/designapp\">Start designing your custom long sleeve shirts today<\/a> at ooShirts, where prices start at just $4.19 per shirt and every order is backed by our satisfaction guarantee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the top Nike long sleeve shirt for athletes in 2024. Find the perfect fit for your workout routine on our blog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1247,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"bgseo_title":"12 Best Long Sleeve Shirts for Athletes (Custom Printing Available)","bgseo_description":"Looking for long sleeve athletic shirts? Browse top picks for workouts and teams, plus learn how to customize them with your designs at ooShirts starting at \\.19\/shirt.","bgseo_robots_index":"","bgseo_robots_follow":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[20],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1246"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1246"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1483,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1246\/revisions\/1483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ooshirts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}