The SUDU SRT 01 running tee is ready for any run, says reviewer Kieran Alger.
A brand-new running brand just launched with a range of technical apparel and running shoes designed for everyday running. Among the new SUDU line-up is the SUDU SRT 01 T-Shirt: one of the best running tops that you can use for training and racing. Expert gear tester Kieran Alger hits the road to put it through its paces.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Versatile and comfy, with a loose fit for excellent airflow. Its technical mesh panels and fast-drying fabric make it ideal for various weather conditions, though its bold design won’t be for some.- Airy, roomy fit
- Breathable back panelling
- Mainly flat seams
- Print pattern is quite bold
- Some may prefer a closer fit
How we test the best running tops
MF tester Kieran Alger put the SUDU SRT 01 through a range of running-related workouts, including a 30-mile ultrarun. He assessed the top for comfort, fit, and sweat-wicking capabilities. He also put the durability and general wear to the test with multiple wash cycles.
Design and features of the SUDU SRT 01
The SUDU SRT 01 Run Short Sleeve T-Shirt (buy now) is a light to mid-weight technical running tee with a regular round neck and a baggier, roomier fit. But the hero here is the combination of different mesh panels. On the front, there’s a perforated but slightly thicker front panel, while on the back there’s an even thinner, lighter and more perforated panel to help dissipate heat and manage moisture.
The technical fabric offers good four-way stretch, along with small side slits for unrestricted movement and a modern dropped hem. Most of the seams are flat – collar, sleeves and hem – with just the side seams that are not. That’s great for boosting comfort and cutting chafe risk.
The SUDU SRT 01 Running T-Shirt comes in six different colors, each with a bold print pattern across the chest.
How the SUDU SRT 01 T-Shirt performs
In testing I put the SUDU SRT SS 01 Running T-Shirt (and the SUDU SRS 01 Run Shorts) to the ultimate test, running for 30 miles in changeable spring weather that switched from hot and sticky to cloudy and light rain. I also did some shorter runs and one bodyweight strength and mobility session.
The first thing you notice is how roomy and light this tee feels. It’s on the baggier side, and if you like your running t-shirt close fitting, this might hang a little loose. But I ran in my regular medium and, personally, I enjoyed that extra airflow from the looser fit.
Overall, it’s warm enough to train in slightly lower temperatures – think spring days – but also light enough to be a race option when things heat up.
There’s good length, too. It hangs nice and low, covering a waist-worn running belt. So while it’s built for running, it happily doubles as a gym-drill friendly workout tee without any danger of it riding up, say doing chin ups.
On my six-hour, 30-mile run, I found the fabric combo managed the changeable weather well. I’m yet to find a running tee that doesn’t hold at least some moisture from sweat or light rain, but the SUDU SRT 01 did a good job of shifting the worst of it. Perhaps more importantly, it also dries fast when you stop to refuel or after you finish the run.
So far it’s survived half a dozen wash cycles without losing shape or any worrying signs of wear.
Should you buy this top?
This is an excellent running tee that’s lightweight enough for hotter conditions but structured enough for milder weather. There’s good airiness thanks to the loose fit and thin technical mess. That means overall comfort is solid and there’s plenty of do-it-all versatility.
The pattern isn’t particularly subtle – this isn’t one of those tees that fits the post-run cafe bill as well as some other brands. But for racing and training, it ticks most of the right boxes.
Materials | 100 recycled polyester |
Features | Sweat-wicking; Reflective details; Side split for freedom of movement |
Colors | Six colors available |
Sizes | XS – 3XL |