Real Essentials5 Pack: Men’s Short Sleeve Dry Fit Active Crew Neck T Shirt - Athletic Running Gym Workout Tee Tops

These shirts are just what I was looking for. Nice stretch, allowing for easy removal when at the gym after working out and sweating. The sizing is a little bit off like they were made for a smaller Asian fit as the large is actually smaller than some of the DSG shirts that I own that are mediums. And the collar are standard T-shirt type collars unlike the ones that are on under Armour or the DSG shirts that I have but for the price, you really can’t beat them. I decided to buy another set of 5 after receiving these. Because there as close to the approximation of some shirts that I bought years ago and feel and quality and softness. I’d say this is a super value for the money if you’re looking for some workout shirts. Posted show the essential shirt first, then a side-by-side of an essential shirt and a under Armour shirt that I’ve purchased, and then the last picture shows the essential shirt on top of the under Armour shirt, and as you can see the width on the under Armour shirt extends well past the edges of the essential shirt showing the discrepancies in the sizing. Shown in the additional pics 2” in width. There have reported the stitching being loose or fraying I have not experienced that at all.

Great fit. The stichwork is very good, straight and even seams and no unraveling after several washes. The material is comfortable and not heavy. No shrinking and vivarnt color.

I purchased the 5 Pack Men’s Active Quick Dri Dry Fit Crew Neck T Shirts about a month ago for my husband, who enjoys gardening, light home workouts, and casual summer outings with our kids and cat. I wanted affordable, moisture-wicking shirts to keep him cool during sweaty tasks in our backyard or while playing with our 10- and 11-year-old relatives on the trampoline. After he’s worn each shirt 3-4 times, here’s my detailed take on their performance, including pros, cons, and tips for other buyers.How I Used ItI chose a Large size (his usual) in a 5-pack with mixed colors (black, navy, gray, blue, maroon), expecting a standard athletic fit for his 6’0”, 190-pound frame. The shirts are 88% polyester/12% spandex, designed for quick-dry and 4-way stretch. He’s worn them for gardening (2-hour sessions digging and mowing), bodyweight workouts (push-ups, squats), and casual walks with the kids in 75-85°F weather. I’ve washed each shirt 3 times (cold cycle, air-dried) to test durability, color retention, and shape. They arrived well-packaged in a single zip-lock bag.ProsEffective Moisture-Wicking: The quick-dry fabric excels at keeping sweat at bay. During a sweaty gardening session, the shirt dried fast and didn’t cling, unlike his old cotton tees, aligning with reviews praising sweat absorption.Breathable and Lightweight: At about 7.5 oz per shirt, they’re light and airy, perfect for summer heat. He stayed cool during workouts, and the fabric feels soft, not scratchy, even after hours of wear, as noted by users.Great Value: For $34-$40, getting five high-quality athletic shirts is a steal compared to Under Armour ($25 per shirt). The variety of colors adds versatility for workouts or casual wear with his BALENNZ shorts.Flexible Fit: The 4-way stretch and non-restrictive cut allow full range of motion, whether he’s reaching for garden tools or doing burpees. The crew neck is classic and doesn’t chafe, per customer feedback.Durable So Far: After 3 washes, the stitching is intact, colors haven’t faded, and there’s no pilling or shrinking. The printed tag (no physical tag) prevents irritation, a nice touch for sensitive skin.ConsRuns Small: The Large fits snugly, more like a Medium in Under Armour or Nike, as many reviews warned. It’s fine for his athletic build but tight in the chest and arms. Sizing up to XL would’ve been better for a looser fit.Wide Neck Collar: The crew neck is looser than expected, drooping slightly on his 17-inch neck, which looks a bit sloppy for casual wear. Some users noted inconsistent collar sizes across the pack.Thin Material: The fabric is lightweight but thinner than premium brands, feeling almost tissue-like, as one reviewer compared to Under Armour. It’s not see-through but may tear with rough use (e.g., snagging on branches).Loose Threads: One shirt (gray) had a long loose thread on the sleeve, which I trimmed. It hasn’t unraveled, but it suggests spotty quality control, as mentioned in some feedback.ComparisonsCompared to the SPXTREME 5-Pack Dry-Fit Tees (Walmart), these shirts have a softer feel and better color variety, but SPXTREME’s sizing is more consistent. The Real Essentials 5-Pack (similar price) is nearly identical in fabric but includes a mesh version, which might be cooler for intense workouts. Against his Under Armour HeatGear shirt, these are thinner and less durable but half the price, making them a budget-friendly alternative for casual fitness. The boys’ athletic T-shirts I bought earlier fit better for kids but share the same quick-dry benefits. For a premium option, Gymshark’s muscle-fit tees offer thicker material but cost $20+ each.Tips for BuyersSize Up: Order one size larger than usual (e.g., XL for a Large wearer) for a comfortable, non-tight fit, especially if you prefer a relaxed style for workouts or errands. Check the size chart, as Large fits like a snug Medium.Inspect Threads: Check for loose threads upon arrival and trim carefully to prevent unraveling. Most shirts in my pack were fine, but one needed minor cleanup.Wash Smart: Wash cold and air-dry to maintain stretch, color, and shape. Avoid dryers, as some users noted slight shrinking with heat.Choose Dark Colors: Darker shades (black, navy) hide the thinness better than lighter ones (gray), which can look slightly sheer when stretched.Who Should Buy This?This 5-pack is ideal for men seeking affordable, lightweight athletic shirts for summer workouts, running, gardening, or casual wear. It’s great for budget-conscious buyers or those with active lifestyles, but size up if you prefer a looser fit or have a broader build. For heavy-duty use or premium durability, consider Under Armour or Gymshark.Overall, these shirts have been a solid addition to my husband’s active wardrobe, keeping him cool and comfy during backyard tasks and playtime with the kids. The value is hard to beat, though sizing up and checking for threads would improve the experience. I might grab another pack in XL! If you’ve tried these or have tips for athletic wear, share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

After multiple reviews recommended ordering a size up that's what I initially did but it was a mistake. Size large didn't fit terrible but was too loose. I ordered my normal size (medium) and they fit great. I'm 6' 180 lbs

This are the perfect under shirt. You can wear them all day long at work and not worry about them getting soaking wet with sweat or anything. Quick drying, comfortable and good looking enough to wear just as a T-shirt.

I've got a few other microfiber shirts that I wear working outside during the super hot and muggy summers here in North Carolina.All my other quick dry shirts feel almost like satin sheets, very smooth and even a little bit slick.I don't know if this is just in my head or what, but these shirts feel soft on the outside but on the inside they don't.Maybe I'm expecting that satin like feel, but these feel clingy and a little bit rough.. I'm not talking burlap type rough, but they just don't feel comfortable especially when it's already hot and miserable.I'm 5'11 and about 180lbs, I got the large - I usually wear a medium - and they still fit fairly snug, that is probably due to the spandex.They do dry out quick, but the clinginess and minorly rough feel I can't deal with. Guess I need to look for just 100% polyester shirts.

These shirts are of the material expected and the colors are true to those depicted. They are lightweight and work well for hot summer days. There has been no shrinkage. The cut and comfort and are expected. I would purchase these again for the price.

The shirts are nice and wicks away sweat and washes out nicely. The one issue I had with the product was that the under the arm stitching came undone which will happen.