When temperatures rise, your desire to move doesn't stop there. Running, hiking, training outdoors or indoors... even in the heat, we all want to keep up the pace. But in summer, the wrong equipment can turn your workout into torture. And it all starts with choosing the right T-shirt. At G-Heat, we know all about it: having the right gear is the key to performing well without overheating. We explain why and how to choose the summer T-shirt that will really make a difference.
Heat and exercise: what your body goes through during summer sports
Why do we overheat more quickly in summer?
When you exercise in hot weather, your body is fighting on two fronts: it's managing the effort you're putting it through and trying to combat the heat outside. As a result, your internal temperature rises faster, your heart races, and you tire more quickly. How can you avoid this? You need to help your body cool down naturally, and that starts with choosing the right technical T-shirt.
The effects of excessive sweating on performance
Sweating is healthy: it's your body's way of regulating itself. But with the wrong T-shirt, sweat gets trapped. The fibers stick, your skin heats up, irritation sets in... and your performance takes a hit. The right T-shirt doesn't trap moisture: it wicks it away quickly, keeping you dry and allowing you to stay focused on your effort, not your discomfort.
Essential criteria for choosing a technical summer T-shirt
What type of T-shirt should you choose for your needs?
Not all athletes, nor all sports, react the same way to heat. Here is a handy guide to help you choose the right T-shirt:
- Sweat-wicking T-shirts: perfect for intense activities such as running, HIIT, or CrossFit. They wick away sweat efficiently and prevent you from feeling exhausted after just 10 minutes.
- Breathable T-shirts: very useful for moderate exercise or for those who want comfort and lightness.
- Cooling/thermoregulatory T-shirts: like those from G-Heat, they use your perspiration to generate a cooling effect. Ultra-useful when the heat really starts to slow you down.
- Lightweight, quick-drying T-shirts: minimalist but effective, ideal for athletes who don't sweat much or do low-impact activities.
👉 The right T-shirt is the one that suits your intensity level, how you feel about the heat, and your sport. In summer, you need to adapt your equipment, not your ambition.
Materials to know: cotton, polyester, technical fabrics...
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to heat. Here's what you need to remember:
- Cotton: soft, yes. Effective, no. It retains sweat, dries slowly, and becomes heavy. Avoid it for exercise.
- Polyester: the star of technical T-shirts. Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying. Perfect for summer.
- Technical fibers (polyamide, elastane, etc.): higher-end, they combine elasticity, comfort, and intelligent moisture management. Some fibers are also UV-resistant or odor-resistant.
👉 For summer, opt for technical synthetic fabrics. They keep your body dry, reduce friction, and prolong your comfort.
Which T-shirt for which summer sport?
Fitness T-shirt: move without sticking
Sweat flows quickly indoors. A good fitness T-shirt should be close-fitting, stretchy, and ultra-breathable. It should accompany you in all your movements without sticking or irritating. And if it's anti-odor, that's a big bonus.
Trekking/hiking T-shirt: regulate temperature, withstand your backpack
When hiking or in the mountains, you want support, a comfortable fit, a slightly longer back (to cover your kidneys), and above all, good resistance to friction. A well-designed trekking T-shirt is breathable, dries quickly, and adapts to changing weather conditions.
Running/outdoor T-shirt: ultra-lightweight and quick-drying
When running in the sun, there's no room for compromise: you need an ultra-lightweight, breathable T-shirt that dries quickly and doesn't trap heat. Flat seams, raglan sleeves, and a loose collar: every detail counts when you want to go far without overheating.
The G-Heat technical T-shirt: designed for those who don't let the heat stop them
Cooling technology: how does it work?
Our cooling T-shirts use a textile technology that harnesses the natural evaporation of your sweat to produce a cooling effect. The result? Effortless thermal comfort without ice water or gadgets. You sweat, your T-shirt reacts. Simple and effective.
Breathability, comfort, support: our feedback from the field
Designed for real effort, not shop windows, our T-shirts are lightweight, breathable, stretchy, with seams designed to prevent chafing. They follow your every move, stay in place even when you sweat, and help you stay focused on your performance, not your outfit.
An even more effective alternative: the cooling sports vest
Want to go further? Our cooling sports vest is the perfect solution when a T-shirt isn't enough. It covers a larger area, maximizes the cooling effect, and works on the same principle of natural evaporation.
Designed for athletes, pros, or those who train for long periods in the sun, it can be worn directly on the skin or over a thin T-shirt, remains lightweight even when wet, and allows you to maintain comfort and intensity for longer.
