Best & Worst Tactical Shirts

If you love spending all your time in the open doing manly stuff, you need a tactical shirt that will survive all the abuse that you heap on it. A tactical shirt can help to boost your performance whether you’re out fishing, hunting, hiking or executing a mission. And, despite whatever hell you put it through, a good quality tactical shirt will keep you protected and comfortable at all times. Whatever the occasion, a good tactical shirt is sure to become your go-to choice.

I have scoured the market for the best tactical shirts and after hours of research and comparing several products, I have reviewed some of the best tactical shirts on the market in my article. Read on to know more so that you can choose the tactical shirt that works best for you.

Best Overall Product

Magcomsen Tactical Military Slim Fit Camo Shirt

The first tactical shirt on my review is the Magcomsen Tactical Military Slim Fit Camo Shirt, which is an excellent, lightweight and durable tactical shirt offering superior moisture-wicking properties and is ultra-comfortable. Made of a combination of cotton and polyester, the shirt is designed to keep you comfortable at all times. The sleeves feature zippered pockets, arm pockets and patches for increased functionality and convenient storage.

What’s Included

• Made of polyester and cotton
• Zipper closure
• Sleeves have zipper pockets, arm pockets and patches
• Hook and loop adjusted cuffs
• Abrasion-resistant forearms

What Do I Think?

While there may be many options for tactical shirts available out there, I think that the Magcomsen Tactical Military Slim Fit Camo Shirt is the best. Designed to be form-fitting, the shirt does not restrict your movement and allows you to perform all functions freely. The best part about the shirt is its moisture-wicking properties that keep you dry, cool and comfortable in very warm weather. The polyester in the shirt ensures that it remains wrinkle-free even after a wash and the high-quality fabric will not shrink on washing. The only issue with the shirt is its sizing and it may be a bit tight. So, I recommend that you buy a larger size than what you normally wear.

Common Questions

• Is the shirt warm?

While the shirt may not be made to keep you warm, it may keep you as warm as a full-sleeved T-shirt would.

• What should I measure to determine the right size of the shirt?

You should take your chest measurement to determine the right size of the shirt.

• Is the shirt fire resistant?

No, the shirt is not fire-resistant. However, it is ripstop, breathable, abrasion-resistant and lightweight.

• Will the shirt protect me from thorns?

The sleeves are made of ripstop material and are reinforced in places, but the body of the shirt is made of cotton. So, while your arms may be protected, the midsection of the shirt can be torn if you crawl through heavy underbrush.

• Do you need to wear an undershirt with the Magcomsen Tactical Military Shirt?

No, there is no need to wear an undershirt with this tactical shirt.

What I Like

• The combat shirt is breathable and lightweight and offers a superior range of motion.
• Very comfortable.
• High quality and durable.
• Worth the price.

What I Don’t Like

• Different types of material throughout the shirt, which may be a bit odd.
• The elbow pad cutouts seem to be a little off-centered.

The Magcomsen Tactical Military Shirt has made it to the top of my tactical shirts list and for good reason. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable and comfortable tactical shirt, then you would be quite happy with this shirt. So overall, the Magcomsen Tactical Military Shirt is good overall, value for money buy.

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Best Buy

Condor Outdoor Combat Shirt

If you spend most of your time outdoors, then I think that the Condor Combat Shirt is a great tactical shirt to keep you protected from the sun and also keeps you cool when you’re out on a hot sunny day. The combat shirt fits comfortably and is always ready to take on what you throw at it.

The Raglan cut sleeves of the shirt offers an enhanced range of movement. The shirt features anti-microbial and anti-static moisture-wicking material, collar with mesh lining, underarm panel with mesh, shoulder patch panels, hook and loop adjusted cuffs and forearms that are abrasion resistant, all help to enhance your performance.   

What’s Included

• Raglan sleeves
• Collar with mesh lining
• Underarm panel with mesh
• 2 bicep pockets
• YKK zippers
• Shoulder patch panels (4” x 5”)
• Elbow pad pockets
• Hook and loop adjusted cuffs
• Anti-microbial and anti-static mesh

What Do I Think?

I have checked out various tactical shirts and I found that the Condor Combat Shirt is a better buy than the others in the category. Some of the reasons why I think the Condor Combat Shirt is a great choice is that it is not a regular combat shirt. The zip-down collar and the mesh fabric in the armpit area makes the shirt very breathable and keeps you cool and comfortable even in the hottest temperatures. The shirt is made of sturdy material that is quite durable. However, the only thing that I found was a problem was the sizing. Since it follows Asian sizing, they tend to be smaller and also, the shirt hugs tightly to the torso and has a tighter fit. So, it may be a good idea to get a size larger than what you wear normally.

Common Questions

• Where is the Condor Combat Shirt made?

The combat shirts are made by Condor in China.

• Is the shirt suitable for hot weather or for colder temperatures? Does it block the wind?

No, the shirt is made of thin moisture-wicking material and is ideal for hot rather than cold weather. It is not a windbreaker.

• What are the washing and drying requirements for the shirt?

You can follow the instructions mentioned on the tag. The shirt must be washed inside out. It can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dry low. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach and wash dark colors separately.

• Is the shirt made of Kevlar material?

No, the shirt is not made of Kevlar, it is made of regular thread. However, it is well made and is of very good quality and is also very durable.

• Are the sleeves of the shirt soft like cotton or are they constricting like synthetics? 

The sleeves of the shirt are not made of cotton fabric and so they are not soft. However, they have lots of room and are not constrictive. The raglan cut sleeves are extremely comfortable and offer a full range of movement and if you want to roll up the sleeves, you can easily do it.

• What size would you recommend for a person of 5’5” and a bulky build?

It is a good idea to check Condor’s outdoor sizing chart before you buy the shirt. And, while placing an order, there are two points to keep in mind. Firstly, the shirts follow Asian sizing and so, they tend to be smaller. Secondly, the shirt hugs the torso tightly, so it has a tighter fit. So, it is recommended to get a size larger than you normally wear.

What I Like

• Good material quality and fit.
• Breathable material that keeps you cool on warm days.
• Reasonably priced.
• Very comfortable.

What I Don’t Like

• Sleeves are larger and wider than expected.
• Fit is smaller.

Made for the outdoors, the Condor Combat Shirt has moisture-wicking features that keep you cool and comfortable even on hot days. The quality, durability and reasonable pricing of the tactical shirt make it the best buy on my review.

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Best Features

5.11 Tactical Rapid Assault Long Sleeve Shirt

I think that the Rapid Assault Shirt is very cool and a perfect addition to your closet. The premium-quality tactical shirt has been designed very thoughtfully along with military and law enforcement personnel to offer top quality, efficient functionality, excellent fit and enhanced durability. The shirt is made of very lightweight fabric, which is a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex that is durable and long-lasting. It offers superior wicking properties that reduce perspiration and also dries very quickly.

The Rapid Assault Shirt is loaded with cool features such as side mesh panels that improve the airflow and keeps you cool, flatlock seams that reduces chafing and maximizes comfort, saddle shoulder construction that offers an excellent range of movement, tough polyester and cotton ripstop sleeves with reinforced elbows and two shoulder pockets for storage.

What’s Included

• Made of a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex
• Side mesh panels
• Flatlock seams
• Saddle shoulder construction
• Polyester/cotton ripstop sleeves
• Articulated, reinforced elbows
• 2 shoulder pockets
• Woven collar with half zip entry

What Do I Think?

Here are some reasons why I think that the Rapid Assault Shirt is better than others. The tactical shirt offers more ventilation when you wear combat gear, keeping you very cool. The light and stretchy fabric make the shirt very comfortable to wear, while the shoulders and sleeves are made of tough, durable fabric that keeps you protected from thorns, shrubs, hot brass, etc. The shirt is equipped with large-sized pockets that allow you to store your mags and other smaller stuff. The shirt offers great maneuverability, is rugged, while looking very stylish.

Common Questions

• Do you need to wear a shirt under the tactical shirt?

The idea of the tactical shirt is to provide ventilation when you’re wearing combat gear. So, if you wear a shirt under the tactical shirt, then it defeats the purpose.

• Is the sizing of the tactical shirt the same as a regular T-shirt?

The tactical shirt is tighter than most T-shirts and so I would recommend getting a larger size.

• Is the Rapid Assault Shirt AR 670-1 compliant?

No, the shirt is not an army issue and so it is not AR 670-1 compliant.

• Can you wear the tactical shirt in cold weather?

The shirt will not keep you warm.

What I Like

• High-quality, strong material.
• Sleeves are roomy and offer good movement.
• The shirt dries very quickly if it gets wet.
• Comfortable.

What I Don’t Like

• Quite expensive.
• Sizing is very large.

The Rapid Assault Shirt has loads of features that make it functional and regardless of whether you’re taking part in outdoor sports, adventures or wear it with your uniform, the tactical shirt is very versatile and offers excellent durability and utility, making it a fantastic buy.

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Fan Favorite

Tru-Spec Men’s Tru 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt

Whether you are training as a marine, hiking or on a shooting range, the Tru-Spec Tru 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt is sure to meet all your tactical needs. The tactical shirt is very comfortable, making it an excellent addition to your tactical gear. Made of a blend of cotton and nylon, the shirt is soft and breathable.

The stretchy fabric with the zip allows you to adjust it to your comfort and also allows fast and extreme movements and does not restrict you from doing all your activities. The Tru-Spec Tru 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt is durable and rugged that will enable it to stand the test of time and it will outlast harsh conditions.

What’s Included

• Made of 50% nylon and 50% cotton
• 1/4 zip front mandarin collar
• Reinforced elbows
• Shoulder pockets
• Adjustable hook & loop cuff
• Pencil stall

What Do I Think?

The sturdy, durable, yet comfortable Tru-Spec Tru 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt is a fan favorite because it has been recommended by many of my buddies. The shirt can withstand prolonged wear without fading or any wear and tear. The shirt offers an excellent range of motion and the stretchy fabric ensures a great fit.

Common Questions

• Is the Tru-Spec Combat Shirt comfortable to wear in summer?

Yes, the shirt is very comfortable to wear any time of the year. The fabric of the shirt is thin, stretchy and quite sturdy. The sleeves can be pushed up or rolled up. The material of the shirt is very soft and comfortable.

• Does the shirt have a tight torso and loose sleeves?

The shirt has a form-fitting shape; however, it is not very tight and it has loose sleeves.

• Where is the product made?

The Tru-Spec Combat Shirt is manufactured in Honduras.

• What are the sleeves of the shirt made of?

The sleeves are made of ripstop fabric.

What I Like

• The torso area of the shirt wicks moisture away very easily and breathes well.
• Lightweight, yet durable.
• Extremely comfortable.

What I Don’t Like

• The shirt can only be dry cleaned.
• The length of the shirt is a bit short.

The Tru-Spec Combat Shirt is extremely comfy, yet offers the protection and durability of a combat jacket. The tactical shirt is great to wear under your vest or body armor and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry, cool and comfortable at all times, making the shirt a firm favorite.

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Stay away from Product!

Tomitany DXdesign Tactical 1/4 Zip Combat T-Shirt/Set

The Tomitany DXdesign Combat T-Shirt has received some of the worst reviews. The sizes are way off and generally much smaller than expected and sometimes even 5 sizes smaller. The material of the shirt is very cheap looking and flimsy. The product quality is very poor, the stitching is very thin and comes undone easily and the pockets rip easily. Since the product is made in China, it is not returnable. Overall, the Tomitany DXdesign Combat T-Shirt is a product to stay away from. So, here I come to the end of my best tactical shirts review. I hope that my review will help you make the choice of the best tactical shirt for any type of activity that you undertake and withstand whatever hell you put it through. Do leave your comment about what your favorite tactical shirt is.