MF’s editor Isaac Williams tests out Gymshark’s Apex T-shirt: a solid all-rounder that’s just as suited to long runs as it is general gym work.
Smart marketing is one reason behind Gymshark’s extraordinary growth, but you don’t become a billion-dollar sportswear business if the kit isn’t up to scratch. Affordability, aesthetic designs and decent quality underpin every item of clothing, and the Apex T-shirt – part of the wider Apex range is no exception, and one of our picks for the best workout clothes.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Coupling lightweight material with an impressive level of wicking, this top won’t weigh you down, no matter how sweaty you get. However, it’s not ideal for those who prefer thicker workout tops.- Versatile top for a range of activities
- Impressive sweat-wicking
- Sleeves have a habit of riding up the arms
- Some may prefer a thicker fabric
How we tested the best workout tops
Our team of reviewers are experienced testers of all manner of fitness kit. While testing out this backpack, MF’s editor Isaac Williams assessed the top in terms of comfort, fit, and sweat-wicking capabilities. He also paid close attention to any high-tech features on offer, such as the inclusion of infrared technology. The testing process involved wearing the top through a range of varied workouts, from longer runs and gym classes to lifting sessions at the gym, to see how the top performed.
Gymshark’s Apex T-shirt features and performance
I’ve had this top for four weeks now, mainly wearing it for 5k runs around the park and strength training in the gym. One of the highest compliments I can pay it, is that it’s gone largely unnoticed.
The Apex T-shirt couples lightweight material with an impressive level of wicking. Both of which contribute to a top that doesn’t weigh you down, no matter how sweaty you get.
On a more technical level, the fabric is infused with ESNCE™️ anti-odor technology. It’s often difficult to gauge the effectiveness of this sort of thing. Much like other brands, with tops that claim to reflect energy back to your working muscles, the benefits are never going to be particularly obvious. I don’t think I smelled bad after my workouts, so maybe that’s endorsement enough.
Gymshark’s Apex T-shirt limitations
If there’s one gripe, it’s that the aforementioned lightweight design can be both good and bad. It’s undoubtedly good for more aerobic efforts, for which you want a top you can barely feel. But for gym work, I found the thin sleeves had a tendency to ride up during upper-body movements, particularly any overhead movements like pull-ups, lat pull-downs and shoulder exercises. It’s a minor problem, but if you’re someone who prefers a thicker gym top this probably won’t be for you.
| Materials: | 91% Polyester, 9% IONIC+® |
| Sizes: | XS-3XL |
| Features: | ESNCE™️ anti-odor technology; side splits at hem for freedom of movement; lightweight; high-stretch material |
| Colors: | 5 available |
