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…

For more gym tops, check out our list of the best gym shirts and workout tees

Gymshark Apex T-shirt

£38 (not available in the US), gymshark.com

Pros

  • Versatile top for a range of activities
  • Impressive sweat-wicking

Cons

  • Sleeves have a habit of riding up the arms
  • Some may prefer a thicker fabric

Comfort: 4/5
Fit: 4/5
Sweat-wicking: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

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.

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-odour 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 smelt bad after my workouts, so maybe that’s endorsement enough.

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.