Yes this does come with a higher price tag, but it's worth it. While many brands opt for flat seams to reduce chafing, this top is free of seams altogether around the torso and smooth under the arms. Engineered mesh in high sweat areas combined with a scooped neckline and racerback made for a cool and comfortable ride and its hip length so it doesn’t ride up. Form fitting all the way down but doesn’t cling, and it’s extremely flattering – the simple styling means you could just as easily wear it with denim shorts to a café as on a long, technical run.

About as close as you’ll get to a tank but in T-shirt form, which is perfect if you like that extra coverage over the back and shoulders. The sleeves and back are breathable mesh and the back also has slits to allow more air flow. The iso-chill fabric (designed to draw heat away from your body) actually feels cool to the touch as you slide it on and it’s beautifully soft. The flattering fit is close without being too close.

No chance of getting hot in this tank – its narrow racerback provides maximum ventilation and it’s lightweight to the point of being slightly sheer (you can see your sports bra through the fabric but not a problem for us given that much of a sports bra is revealed wearing any tank). Form fitting at the top but hangs loosely around the stomach area. Super soft, it gets an eco tick for being made of 88 per cent recycled polyester and we love its slashes of colour.

When you’re after running kit that’s built for adventure and hard wearing, reputable outdoor brands known for technical gear are a good place to look. Berghaus is one such brand and this tee won’t let you down. It has sun protection of 30+ and it’s made from fabric approved under the bluesign system (meaning its production has been vetted for worker safety, chemical management and environmental protection).

Form fitting without being clingy, it’s comfortable, stretchy and flattering, it kept us cool in hot temperatures and the odour-resistant fabric still doesn’t smell after several runs/washes. Also available in a tank or long sleeve version, it’s built to last and has a lifetime guarantee – if it develops a genuine fault or defect, Berghaus will replace it.

A high neckline and wide back make this a great option for those who like a little more coverage from their tank. Soft, lightweight and supremely comfortable, it dried quickly and didn’t stick on a hot, humid run. The fabric is slightly sheer and drapes nicely from the chest downwards with a longer hem at the back.

From another trusted outdoor brand, this durable long-sleeve top is ideal for long, exposed runs – it offers premium sun protection at 50+, while being lightweight and breathable to keep you cool. It wicked sweat away quickly and effectively. A relaxed fit without a cling in sight but it’s nicely cut and moves well with your body. Also available as a tee and tank.

A stylish running tee from this Danish brand – we like the bright pop of colour and slightly retro styling from the chevrons and coloured panels. Loose fitting and silky soft, its lightweight beecool fabric did what it promised and kept us dry and comfortable throughout a hot run, helped by the mesh panels under the arms.

Designed by a great outdoor brand for the rigours of trail running but suits any kind of summer run. A stylish tank with everything you need – soft, lightweight fabric, breathability, moisture management, freedom of movement and no bulky seam under the arms. The racerback and scooped neck will keep you cool, and the fit is fairly close without being figure-hugging with a nice long length to stop it riding up.

Made from a lightweight, wicking fabric, this butter soft top has a long and flattering cut, with ventilation panels down the side of the body and arms. It has flat seams and moves well with your body while running. A subtle animal print sheen adds a nice style quirk. Much of the Sundried range is made from recycled plastics and coffee grounds.

When Salomon says that this is a super lightweight tee, it really means it. Its fabric is the thinnest of the T-shirts we tested, with a barely there feel, and it’s highly breathable. Sweat was wicked away in an instant and the fit is close without clinging. It moved nicely on a run and the seams are flat and fine.