How to Choose the Best Running Shirt for Your Needs

Why the Right Running Shirt Matters More Than You Think

Running may seem simple — just lace up and go, right? But experienced runners know that gear can make or break your run, especially when it comes to your shirt. A poor-fitting or poorly designed shirt can cause chafing, overheating, distractions, and gear management issues.

Whether you’re running 2 miles or training for a half marathon, your shirt plays a massive role in performance and comfort. In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the best running shirt for your needs — and why more runners are turning to shirts with integrated storage for a truly hands-free experience.

 

 

Common Shirt Problems Runners Face

Before you know what to look for, you need to know what to avoid. Based on surveys and product reviews, these are the top complaints runners have about typical running shirts:

  • Bounce or sag when carrying items

  • Overheating in warm weather

  • Poor moisture-wicking

  • Chafing from seams or collars

  • No secure place to store a phone or key

The solution? Prioritize fit, function, and features when choosing your next shirt.

 

 

5 Key Features Every Great Running Shirt Should Have

  1. Fit & Cut
     A proper running shirt should fit close to the body without restricting movement. Look for:

    • Athletic or tapered cuts

    • Slight stretch for flexibility

    • Drop hems or longer backs to prevent ride-up

  2. Moisture-Wicking Fabric
     Avoid cotton at all costs. Synthetic blends or tech fabrics are essential for:

    • Drawing sweat away from the skin

    • Preventing cold chills after intense runs

    • Reducing the risk of chafing

  3. Flatlock Seams & Tagless Design
     Seam placement matters. Flatlock seams minimize skin irritation, and tagless collars eliminate neck itch.

  4. Secure Storage Options
     You don’t always want to carry a belt or pack. Integrated, bounce-free pockets let you carry:

    • Phones

    • Keys

    • Credit cards

    • Fuel or small snacks

  5. All-Weather Versatility
     A great shirt performs in hot and cool temps, and holds up under rain, sweat, and repeated washes.

 

 

The Rise of Shirts with Built-In Storage

More and more runners are ditching arm bands, waist belts, and vests in favor of running shirts that do the job of all three. Shirts with integrated pockets offer a huge advantage:

  • Weight distribution is natural and balanced

  • Hands stay free

  • No extra gear to strap on or adjust

  • Cleaner look with no bounce or bulk

 

 

How the Pock-IT Shirt Solves All These Needs

The Pock-IT Signature Tee 2.0 was developed to meet the real demands of everyday runners — by someone who lived the problem. Founder Jack Miller, a former soccer athlete, created the original concept as a teenager in Scotland after getting frustrated with armbands bouncing during long runs.

Years later, during college in North Carolina, he revived the idea — sewing a crude pocket into a shirt and pitching it at a campus Shark Tank competition. After facing multiple rejections from manufacturers, Jack innovated a patented design using elastane cuffs and waterproof liners to keep phones and essentials snug, dry, and bounce-free.

After logging over 1,000 miles of testing and refining, the Pock-IT Signature Tee was born — a shirt that delivers:

✅ Anti-bounce phone storage
 ✅ Waterproof internal pocket lining
 ✅ Moisture-wicking performance fabric
 ✅ Tailored athletic fit for comfort and style
 ✅ Zero distractions while you run, hike, or train

 

 

What Runners Are Saying

“I never knew I needed a shirt with pockets until I used this. Now I won’t run without it.” – Lauren F., Recreational Runner

“I bought this for storage, but the fit and feel surprised me. Easily the best shirt I’ve trained in.” – Nathan, Marathoner

“This shirt nailed the details. It doesn’t just ‘have a pocket’ — it’s designed for runners, by a runner.” – Keisha R., Running Club Captain

 

 

Comparison: Pock-IT vs. Other Shirts

Feature

Basic Running Shirt

Tech Tee

Pock-IT Signature Tee

Moisture-wicking

✅

✅

✅

Built-in phone pocket

❌

❌

✅

Pocket is waterproof

❌

❌

✅

Zero-bounce storage

❌

❌

✅

Stylish for daily wear

❌

✅

✅

 

 

What Type of Runner Are You? (And What You Should Look For)

The Minimalist

  • You want one shirt that does it all.

  • Look for: Storage, comfort, clean design.

The Competitor

  • You care about performance and gear efficiency.

  • Look for: Lightweight fabric, anti-chafe seams, no-bounce pocket.

The Casual Jogger

  • You want to stay consistent and comfortable.

  • Look for: Versatility, easy care, and all-weather readiness.

The Hybrid Athlete

  • You lift, hike, and run.

  • Look for: Durability, breathable material, and cross-functionality.

Pock-IT fits every profile.

 

 

Expert Gear Tip: Layer Smart, Shop Smart

If you live in a variable climate, use your shirt as a base layer. The Pock-IT Signature Tee works under vests, jackets, and hoodies — making it ideal for shoulder seasons or early morning runs.

Bonus: You don’t have to pull out your phone to check mileage — you can hear it buzz, and it’s easily accessible mid-run without breaking stride.

 

 

FAQs

Q: Can the Pock-IT shirt replace my running belt or armband?
 A: Yes — it’s designed specifically to eliminate the need for additional accessories.

Q: Will my phone get wet if it rains?
 A: No. The built-in pocket is lined with a waterproof barrier that protects your phone from sweat or rain.

Q: Is it unisex?
 A: Yes. Our sizing and cut accommodate men and women. We also have size charts and fit guides for optimal selection.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best running shirt shouldn’t be complicated — but it should be intentional. When you find one that fits well, wicks sweat, resists weather, and stores your essentials without bounce, you don’t just run better — you feel better.

The Pock-IT Signature Tee 2.0 isn’t just “a shirt with a pocket.” It’s a thoughtfully engineered, runner-approved solution for real-world movement.

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