I’ve been testing the women’s Artilect Sprint Tee over the past few weeks in pretty much every type of British spring weather imaginable — pouring rain, hailstones, strong sunshine and unexpectedly warm days. Over around 15 runs ranging from short 20-minute outings to 3+ hour trail runs, it’s quickly become one of the tops I reach for most often.
First impressions and fit
I tested the tee in the Rose colourway in a women’s size large. I’m usually around a size 14 in running tops and found this true to size with a comfortable amount of room. Artilect describes the fit as a “tech fit”, but I’d say it feels fairly standard rather than especially fitted or compressive.
What stood out immediately was just how lightweight the fabric feels. Some technical tops can feel heavy or clingy straight away, but this one felt airy from the start and barely noticeable while running.
The Sprint Tee combines merino wool with nylon, so it doesn’t feel quite as soft as a fully synthetic running tee. There is a slight scratchiness to the fabric — which is fairly typical with wool blends — but I stopped noticing that once out on the run.
Performance on the run
This is where the Sprint Tee really impressed me.
I’ve worn it for easy runs, track sessions and long trail outings, both on its own and layered, and it has handled all conditions extremely well. Breathability is excellent, and the fabric dries impressively quickly whether from sweat or rain.
Even after heavy downpours, it never felt waterlogged. The only time it became slightly clingy was after removing and re-fitting a race vest during a long run, but even then it dried out rapidly afterwards.
One of the biggest strengths of merino is temperature regulation, and I definitely noticed that here. On hotter days it felt cooler than many synthetic tops, while in wet and windy conditions it never left me feeling cold and clammy.
For longer runs especially, the comfort was outstanding. I experienced no chafing, rubbing or irritation at all, even with a hydration vest.
Odour resistance
This is where merino really earns its reputation.
I deliberately wore the Sprint Tee multiple times before washing it, and unlike many synthetic running tops, it didn’t hold onto odour. Even after back-to-back runs it still felt fresh enough to wear again.
That makes it a great option for travel, multi-day adventures or ultra events where quick drying and repeat wear really matter.
Durability and care
Lightweight merino can sometimes feel delicate, but the Sprint Tee has actually felt surprisingly robust during testing.
I’ve washed it multiple times already (and I confess I haven’t put it on a wool setting on my machine as recommended on the care label because all my sports kit gets washed together) and haven’t noticed any shrinkage or loss of shape. There is a small amount of bobbling appearing, but it’s fairly minor so far.
Otherwise, care has been straightforward. It washes easily and dries quickly, making it a practical option despite being merino. But honestly, it can withstand multiple runs before washing.
Design and styling
The styling is simple and understated, which I really like. The Rose colour looks great, and the subtle branding makes it feel versatile enough to wear casually for walks as well as runs.
The reflective detailing is a useful addition for early morning or evening runs, although it’s not especially noticeable visually.
Value for money
There’s no getting around the fact that this is an expensive running tee, retailing at £70.
However, after testing it extensively, I can understand why. The performance is excellent, particularly for long-distance running and mixed weather conditions. The combination of breathability, fast drying and odour resistance genuinely sets it apart from many standard synthetic tops.
Despite the high price, I’m already considering buying another one — which probably says more than anything else in this review.
Final verdict
The Artilect Sprint Tee has become one of my standout testing pieces this spring. It performs exceptionally well across a huge range of conditions, dries incredibly quickly and remains comfortable even on long runs and in poor weather.
It’s perhaps most valuable for runners who spend long periods outdoors — especially trail runners, ultra runners and anyone training through unpredictable weather conditions.
The slight bobbling and premium price tag stop it from gaining a perfect 10/10 score, but overall this is a seriously impressive technical running tee.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and breathable
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Dries very quickly
- Outstanding odour resistance
- Comfortable over long distances
- No chafing issues
Cons
- High price point
- Slightly scratchy feel initially
- Some minor bobbling after washing
Score: 9/10
ARTILECT’s Sprint Tee is made from Nuyarn 115 GSM, one of the world’s lightest weight technical merino fabrics available.
Sustainable and light on the planet, the Sprint is heavy on technical features and is the ultimate must-have tee for your summer running, racing or training.
When the weather heats up the Sprint tee won’t sweat it. Super soft fine knit Nuyarn merino gives higher loft, dries 5 x faster than normal merino, is super breathable and all while giving long-term durability, mile after mile.
Men’s and women’s available.
RRP: £70.00
