Lululemon DrySense vs. License to Train: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon DrySense line is engineered for ultimate softness and breathability in high-sweat situations, while the License to Train collection prioritizes toughness and abrasion resistance for intense, high-friction workouts. DrySense feels like an incredibly soft, technical tee perfect for running and cardio, whereas License to Train is built like light armor, designed to withstand barbells, weights, and repeated wear and tear.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon training shirt for your workouts.

Lululemon DrySense Training Shirt

The DrySense is Lululemon's core training shirt, built around comfort and performance for sweaty workouts. It uses a soft, lightweight fabric designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly, making it a go-to for cardio, HIIT, and everyday gym sessions where breathability is key.

• What it is: A soft, moisture-wicking training T-shirt with anti-odor technology.
• Key features: Quick-drying fabric prevents clinging, Silverescent™ technology, powered by X-STATIC®, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, underarm gusset provides greater mobility.
• Price: $78
• Materials/Construction: Lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric (Recycled Polyester, Lyocell, Elastane) that has a soft, cotton-like feel.
• Sizing/Fit: A classic, body-skimming fit that isn't too tight or too loose. It's designed to sit just below the waistband for moderate coverage without being overly long.
• Pros: Superior softness and comfort for all-day wear, lightweight feel is great for hot workouts, excellent anti-odor properties keep it smelling fresh for longer, versatile aesthetic works for both gym and casual use.
• Cons: The softer fabric is less resistant to abrasion from barbells or rough surfaces, the fit is more classic and less relaxed than some prefer for lifting.

This shirt is for the person who prioritizes softness and breathability for runs, HIIT class, yoga, or general fitness sessions and wants a top that can double as a comfortable weekend tee.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-tops/Drysense-Training-Short-Sleeve

Lululemon License to Train Shirt

The License to Train (LTT) shirt is Lululemon’s answer to intense, demanding workouts that punish apparel. Engineered with an abrasion-resistant fabric, it’s designed to handle friction from weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness without pilling, snagging, or wearing down.

• What it is: A highly durable, technical training shirt built for toughness and repeated stress.
• Key features: Abrasion-resistant fabric stands up to barbells and equipment, sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, also features Silverescent™ anti-odor technology.
• Price: $88
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes a tougher, more structured blend of Nylon, Recycled Polyester, Lycra® elastane, and X-STATIC® Nylon for durability and stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: A relaxed fit that provides more room in the chest and waist. It offers a feeling of freedom and movement, ideal for dynamic exercises and lifting.
• Pros: Extremely durable and snag-resistant, relaxed fit great for mobility and a muscular build, maintains performance through the most intense sessions, anti-odor technology is a huge plus.
• Cons: Fabric can feel less soft and more "technical" than the DrySense, higher price point, the relaxed fit might feel too boxy for some who prefer a classic, trimmer look.

This shirt is the ideal training partner for weightlifters, CrossFit athletes, and anyone whose workouts involve barbells, floor work, or demanding movements that would destroy a less durable top.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-tops/License-To-Train-Relaxed-Ss-Shirt

DrySense vs. License to Train Comparison

Feel & Fabric

The most immediate difference is how these two shirts feel to the touch. The DrySense shirt feels exceptionally soft and comfortable, almost like a high-end Pima cotton tee but with all the technical performance benefits. Its main focus is on a lightweight, barely-there feel that keeps you cool and comfortable.

In contrast, the License to Train shirt has a tougher, more substantial texture. While still comfortable and sweat-wicking, its primary attribute is durability. The fabric is specifically engineered to resist abrasion, so it feels more structured and less silky than the DrySense. Think of DrySense as your go-to for comfort, and LTT as your go-to for battle.

Fit & Comfort

The fit of each shirt is tailored to its intended purpose. DrySense features a classic fit that skims the body without being tight or restrictive. It lays nicely and is flattering for a wide range of body types, moving easily between a workout and a coffee run. It’s designed for overall comfort in any situation.

License to Train offers a relaxed fit, meaning it's looser through the chest, shoulders, and waist. This is intentional, allowing for a full range of motion during complex lifts like snatches, cleans, or overhead presses without the fabric pulling or restricting movement. This roomier cut also prevents the shirt from clinging when you get sweaty, though some may find it less streamlined than the DrySense.

Performance & Durability

Both shirts are high-performers, but they excel in different arenas. The DrySense collection shines during high-sweat, cardio-focused training. Its superior moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities make it ideal for running, spinning, and HIIT classes. While durable enough for daily wear, its softer fabric is vulnerable to snagging on things like a barbell’s knurling or a weight vest.

This is where License to Train takes over. It was specifically built to handle that kind of abuse. The abrasion-resistant fabric won't pull or pill when rubbed against rough equipment, making it the clear winner for heavy weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness. Its durability ensures it will last far longer through workouts that are tough on clothes.

Price & Value

The DrySense shirt is priced at $78, while the License to Train shirt comes in at $88. While both are premium training tops, the $10 difference comes down to fabric technology. The extra cost for the License to Train is for its highly durable, abrasion-resistant material.

If your workouts primarily consist of running and general gym exercises, the DrySense offers phenomenal value with its blend of comfort, anti-odor tech, and style. However, if you are regularly replacing T-shirts due to damage from lifting, the License to Train's higher initial cost is a better long-term value because it is built to last.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shirts are excellent, but they serve different workout styles and preferences.

Choose the DrySense shirt if:

• You prioritize a super-soft, comfortable feel over rugged durability.
• Your workouts are mostly cardio, running, spin classes, or general fitness.
• You want a versatile shirt that looks and feels great both in and out of the gym.
• You can't stand when a sweaty shirt becomes heavy or clings to your skin.

Choose the License to Train shirt if:

• Your workouts include CrossFit, weightlifting, or functional fitness with barbells and other abrasive equipment.
• Durability and longevity are your top concerns, you need a shirt that won't snag or pill.
• You prefer a more relaxed, roomier fit that gives you maximum freedom of movement.
• You're willing to pay a slight premium for a specialized, tougher garment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between DrySense and License to Train?

The main difference is fabric: DrySense uses a soft, lightweight material focused on comfort and breathability for sweaty cardio workouts, while License to Train uses a tougher, abrasion-resistant fabric designed for durability in high-friction training like weightlifting.

Which shirt is better for running?

The DrySense shirt is better for running. Its lightweight, quick-drying, and anti-cling properties are ideal for handling sweat during high-output cardio.

Which shirt is better for CrossFit or weightlifting?

The License to Train shirt is significantly better for CrossFit and weightlifting. Its abrasion-resistant fabric is designed to hold up against barbells, weight vests, and floor work without snagging or pilling.

Are both shirts anti-odor?

Yes, both lines incorporate Lululemon's Silverescent™ technology, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, helping them stay fresher for longer.

How do they fit?

DrySense has a classic, body-skimming fit that isn't too tight or too loose. License to Train has a relaxed fit with more room in the chest and waist to enhance mobility for lifting.

Are they true to size?

Yes, both shirts generally run true to size. Choose your standard T-shirt size, but expect the DrySense to fit closer to the body and the License to Train to feel roomier.

Is the License to Train shirt worth the extra money?

If you regularly engage in activities that damage your shirts (like Olympic lifts where a barbell rubs against your chest), the extra $10 is absolutely worth it for the enhanced durability and product lifespan.

Can you wear the License to Train shirt for casual wear?

Yes, you can, although its technical look and relaxed fit might make it feel more like traditional athletic wear compared to the DrySense, whose classic fit and soft fabric helps it blend in seamlessly as a casual T-shirt.