I'm a sucker for clothing described as "cool." No, I'm not talking about "cool" as in "trendy" — I'm talking about temperature.
Earlier this summer I tried (and loved) a bestselling freezer dress from Columbia Sportswear. Last year, I felt like I won the lingerie lottery when I found an amazing wireless cooling bra at Soma Intimates. Most recently, I came across a "cool" workout shirt on Amazon. Did I need a new workout shirt? No — but here's why I ordered it anyway.
Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance V-Neck Tee
It has over 3,500 verified reviews
I'm also a sucker for anything with thousands of reviews. I don't know if it's because I'm a Gemini, but I'm not an early adopter. I like the products I buy to be tried, tested and true. So the Hanes Sport Cool DRI Performance V-Neck Tee caught my eye when I realized it has over 3,500 verified Amazon reviews. It's also fourth on Amazon's list of Bestsellers in Women's Athletic Shirts and Tees. Of course, the 4.1-star average rating was also impressive — though not quite as impressive as the price.
I paid less than $7!
The last time I found a quality shirt for less than $7, I was either at a garage sale or considering buying an odd size or strange color at a clearance rack. When I felt the lightweight yet durable jersey material of this Hanes tee, I realized I'd gotten a great deal. Plus, it's made with chafe-reducing flat seams and is perfectly tailored — features I wouldn't expect to see for this price.
These shirts come in 12 colors, though I decided to keep it simple and go with black. It's not normally a color I wear during the heat of summer, but this shirt promised to be different than normal ones.
It keeps me cool and dry
This shirt is part of the Hanes Sport Cool DRI collection, which features clothing made of 100% "performance" polyester that is designed to wick away moisture. While this shirt doesn't feel cool to the touch, it doesn't seem to absorb the sun (or my sweat) the way a normal cotton T-shirt would. In fact, I've been able to wear mine out in the midday heat here in Northern Portugal where the sun can be quite strong. That's why I also appreciate that the material is UPF 50+ and is designed to block the sun's harmful rays.
I also wear these shirts around the house. I'm currently staying in Porto's historic center, which dates back to the 11th century. My ancient apartment is beautiful, but it's also damp. Fortunately, this shirt keeps me cool even when the high humidity causes my cereal boxes to go soft. The fabric is so moisture-wicking that I could spill something on it and not even realize what I'd done before it dries!
If the shirt fits, get it
Did I really need to buy another workout shirt? No. But I was taught that if the shoe, or the shirt, fits (and feels right) then you get it and don't regret it — especially if it's a steal.
From the roomy neckline to the wide sleeves that let me flex and admire my biceps without ripping anything, I love how this shirt fits. Of course, most importantly, I love how it feels. Does it keep me cool and dry? Yes. Does it make me work out longer, faster and harder? No comment.
For more stories like this, check out:
- This breathable and lightweight 'freezer dress' helps me beat the heat
- Work hard, feel confident in these 11 plus-size activewear pieces
- 9 exercise dress that you can wear for workouts, errands and more
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This article was originally published on August 24, 2020.