A Buyer’s Guide for Men’s Workout Clothes

If you’re aiming for peak performance, high-quality workout clothes are a must. Gym clothes are built to maximize performance and comfort to help you stay cool, comfortable, and in the zone.

With such a wide range of sports, brands, and items available, it can be hard to tell which workout clothes are best for your needs. While there’s no one correct answer, we’ve built this guide to help you understand the most important factors to consider. By narrowing it down, you’ll be able to zero in on the ideal set of workout gear.

Choose Sweat-Wicking Materials

Breathability is arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing workout clothes. When you work out, your body produces sweat, which cools you down as it evaporates. Heavy, non-breathable materials prevent sweat from evaporating, causing you to become uncomfortable very quickly. By contrast, sweat-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your body and let it dry quickly, which helps you stay cool and dry as you move.

What are the best materials for workout clothes?

Finding workout gear made from suitable materials is crucial because the fabric determines an item’s ability to wick moisture. You can stay comfortable and dry while exercising with clothes made from the right materials.

Here’s a rundown of some common fabrics you’ll see in gym clothes:

Synthetic Materials: A wide range of synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are popular for workout clothes, and for good reason. They’re designed to be lightweight, breathable, and flexible, so they’ll help keep you cool without slowing you down.

Cotton: 100% cotton clothing is soft, comfortable, and easy to care for. However, it doesn’t wick sweat well and tends to become heavy when wet.

Cotton Blends: Keep an eye out for cotton blends. They can offer the softness and comfort of cotton and the breathability of synthetics like polyester.

Mesh: Mesh is a fabric with holes or perforations. It can be made of nearly any fiber. Few garments are made entirely of mesh, but many high-quality brands add strategically-placed mesh patches to increase ventilation.

Match Your Clothing to Your Workout

While most men’s athletic clothes share a few traits, they also have several specialized features unique to the sport they’re made for. Those features might be beneficial for one type of workout, but detrimental for another. Here are some features to look for based on your workout routine:

Running: Runners need lightweight, comfortable, and breathable clothing. Look for loose-fitting clothing with mesh panels for lots of ventilation and running shoes that cushion your feet from impacts and return energy. For cold-weather runs, consider adding insulating base layers and light jackets.

Weightlifting: Weightlifters need light gym clothes that give them a full range of movement and training shoes with lots of cushioning and stability. Short-sleeved workout shirts and tanks are a good pick. Avoid loose-fitting clothes, which can get caught on weights or workout machines.

HIIT: Interval training gear is similar to running gear, but offers even more mobility. Make sure to get well-ventilated clothing and high-traction shoes that reduce impacts.

Yoga and Pilates: Yoga is all about flexibility, so get stretchy clothes that won’t get caught on anything. Look for form-fitting yoga clothing like athletic leggings, base layers, and compression shirts. There’s no need to bring workout shoes, as most studios don’t allow them.

Should workout clothes be loose or tight?

The fit of workout clothes can impact your performance during a workout. Some exercises benefit from tight-fitting clothes, while others benefit from a looser fit. It’s also important to consider your personal preference: If you normally wear loose-fitting clothes, a tight compression shirt may feel uncomfortable, even if it doesn’t restrict your movement. Discomfort can make it difficult to focus on your workout, so wearing workout clothes that feel good is important.

For low-impact activities such as yoga or Pilates, many athletes prefer form-fitting clothes that allow for ease of movement and prevent excess fabric from getting in the way.

On the other hand, looser clothes can also be more comfortable for high-intensity workouts like HIIT because they offer ventilation. Just make sure to avoid baggy clothes, which can snag.

What You Need in a Base Layer

A base layer is a type of skintight workout clothing. While they’re designed to be worn under other clothing like pants and jerseys, base layers can also work well as workout gear by themselves. They protect your skin and wick sweat, which can help regulate your body temperature.

What you need from a base layer depends on the type of exercise you plan to do and the temperature. Thin, flexible base layers are great for warm weather and low-impact workouts like yoga. On the other hand, thicker base layers provide much-needed insulation for outdoor activities in the Winter. 

Base layers should provide a balance of insulation and breathability, so it’s best to get them in stretchy, moisture-wicking materials like polyester and nylon. They should fit snugly without restricting your movements.

Tops & Shirts to Keep You Dry

A good workout shirt should help you stay dry and comfortable without restricting movement. For a comfortable workout, wear shirts with moisture-wicking technology and mesh panels for breathability. 

Otherwise, the best shirt depends on your workout routine and the conditions. Tank tops provide breathability and mobility, making them great for hot weather or arm-heavy workouts like weightlifting. On the other hand, long-sleeved base layers can provide extra insulation and support and can keep you comfortable in cold weather.

Gym Bottoms: Shorts vs. Sweatpants vs. Leggings

There’s a wide range of men’s workout pants, each with benefits and drawbacks. As with tops, the best ones depend on the type of workouts you prefer and the conditions. Here are some of the most common varieties:

Gym Shorts: Athletic shorts are a popular choice for gym bottoms as they allow for ease of movement and ventilation, which can be particularly beneficial during high-intensity workouts. However, they also give less coverage, so they may not be the best fit for outdoor activities like trail running, where you’ll need protection for your legs.

Leggings: Leggings provide a great balance of coverage and flexibility, making them a good pick in all but the hottest weather conditions. They also easily layer under other clothing and work well as base layers.

Sweatpants: Sweatpants are well-insulated and loose-fitting, making them great for low-intensity exercise, warm-ups, and cool-downs. However, they may be too warm and bulky for high-intensity or warm-weather workouts.

What’s the best type of men’s underwear for working out?

When you work out, sweat can collect in your underwear and cause discomfort and chafing. That’s why it’s important to always work out in breathable underwear. In addition, your workout underwear should stay comfortably in place as you move. It should never creep or bunch up.

Performance boxer briefs are designed to provide support and prevent chafing during exercise. They fit snugly, and many have ventilation features like mesh panels to help you stay dry. Avoid 100% cotton underwear when working out, as it can retain moisture.

What to Look For in Workout Shoes

Now that you have your workout clothes set, don’t forget about your feet. A good pair of workout shoes is essential unless you only do barefoot exercises like yoga or martial arts. Look for shoes that provide good support and stability. They should also be comfortable, fit well, and have features appropriate for your workout type. For example, weightlifters need shoes that provide stability and cushion their feet against heavy pressure. On the other hand, runners should get lightweight shoes that distribute impact and return energy with each stride.

Here are some key features to look for when selecting workout shoes:

Traction: Slips are one of the most common causes of injuries during workouts, so it’s important to make sure your workout shoes have enough traction to keep you stable. Traction is even more important for agility-based exercises like HIIT.

Proper Fit: Gym shoes should be snug but not tight, with a solid “locked in” feeling. They should have enough room so you can wiggle your toes, but not so much that they slide around as you move.

Arch Support: Arch support helps distribute weight across your feet, which is important to help prevent injury. This is particularly important for weightlifters.

Cushioning: Make sure to get shoes with enough cushioning to absorb the shocks from your preferred form of exercise. This is particularly important if you do vigorous workouts with lots of jumping or sharp movements.

Breathability: When sweat collects in your workout shoes, it can lead to discomfort and blisters. Make sure to get breathable workout shoes to help keep your feet dry.

Flexibility: Your workout shoes should be flexible enough to perform your workout movements. This is less important for stationary workouts like strength training, but more important for high-movement workouts like running or interval training.

Durability: Make sure to get workout shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Low-quality workout shoes can wear out quickly and lose their performance benefits. The reduced support and traction of worn-out shoes can even result in injury.

Men’s Gym Accessories

The right gym accessories can make strenuous workouts seem to fly by. Here are a few of the best ones to bring.

Water Bottle: The more convenient it is to stay hydrated, the more likely you are to do it. With a water bottle on hand, hydrating between sets is easier.

Athletic Bag: An athletic bag can make it much easier to get started by keeping all your gym essentials in one place. A gym bag is also a great way to keep used workout gear separate from your daily essentials.

Towel: With a small towel, you can wipe away sweat and stay comfortable mid-workout.

Headband: When sweat drips down your face, it can sting your eyes and break your focus. A headband absorbs that sweat to keep your face dry.

Wristbands: Not only do wristbands give your wrists some added support, but they can also prevent sweat from dripping onto your hands and reducing your grip.

Workout Gloves: There are several types of workout gloves available, from high-grip weightlifting gloves to supportive boxing gloves.

What should I avoid wearing to the gym?

Generally, it’s best to avoid wearing any non-athletic clothing or gear to the gym. However, there are some specific things it’s best to leave at home.

Baggy Clothing: Baggy clothing can get in your way or snag on protruding objects, making it a safety hazard. It can also make it difficult for your trainer to see your form, increasing the risk of injury.

Jewelry: Wearing jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings can be dangerous during a workout, especially if it dangles. It’s also easy to damage or lose jewelry while you exercise.

Sandals or Flip-Flops: Sandals and flip-flops don’t provide enough support for most workouts. They can also be a tripping hazard. Keeping a pair in your gym bag for the showers can be helpful, but don’t exercise in them.

Street Clothes: Street clothes are designed for style and everyday comfort, not performance. They rarely breathe well enough for heavy workouts, and won’t give you a full range of motion. Because they weren’t designed for vigorous movements, working out in street clothes can wear them out quickly.

Cologne: Working out can magnify any scent you wear, which can be overpowering and distracting to other gym-goers. Avoid wearing any scents to the gym beyond deodorant.

Shopping Tips

Once you know what you want, it’s time to get it. Here are a few practical tips to help you get the right workout gear for your needs with minimal hassle.

Invest in Quality. Good-quality athletic gear might cost more, but it’s worth it. Not only will it give you better performance, but it’ll also last longer. High-quality clothing can cost less in the long run because you won’t have to replace it as often.

Make Sure it Fits. Once you know what you want, make sure it’ll fit. Check out sizing guides online, and if possible, head to a store and try it on yourself to make sure it feels right. Take a few minutes to go through the typical motions of your workout routine to ensure the piece you're getting fits how you want it to.

How many sets of men’s gym clothes do I need?

It depends on how often you work out, how many different workouts you do, and how often you do the laundry. Make sure you have at least one set of workout clothes for each day of the week you exercise. It can also help to have a spare set in case one wears out.

Having a wide range of workout clothes for different weather conditions is also a good idea. Shorts and tank tops might be great for a Summer run, but you’ll want base layers or sweats when Winter rolls around. If you do more than one type of exercise, try to get workout clothes that work for each.