A journey starts with a single step. But for the best workouts, that single step often means just putting on the right clothes. Getting in the right headspace to exercise often means suiting up appropriately. Contrary to popular belief, having dedicated workout clothes is key to staying cool — or warm, depending on the weather! — throughout your chosen activity.
Workout clothes are often made with moisture-wicking material that actively absorbs sweat from your skin, which keeps you cool when it’s hot and hot when it’s cool. This way, you’ll stay comfortable as you push yourself to break that personal record. Plus, workout clothes often come in vivid colors or bold patterns that can make a workout, well, a little bit more fun.
With all this in mind, we’ve selected 20 pieces of workout clothes from top brands like Rhone, lululemon, Nike, Under Armour, and more. We’ve even broken down our selection of the best workout clothing for men into subcategories, from shorts and leggings to shirts and winter gear. Take a look below!
The Best Workout Shorts for Men
1. Rhone 5″ Lined Swift Short
For those runners looking for a short — but not too short — running short, you should check out Rhone’s Swift Shorts. A five-inch inseam makes for a breezy fit that’s bolstered by perforated vents on either side. The lined interior adds a bit of extra comfort and security so you can take your run in stride.
2. lululemon 6″ Lined Surge Short
If you like your shorts slightly longer, these Surge Shorts from lululemon are six inches long to give you a bit more coverage. The included compression liner extends slightly longer to give a striking layered look. Plus, they’re made with lululemon’s No-Stink Zinc tech that actively works to stop odor-causing bacteria from growing, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting too gnarly.
3. DEVEREUX Oasis Active Short
With a 7.5 inch inseam, these vivid shorts from DEVEREUX are comfortable to workout in and add a fun pattern that will be sure to draw some attention in the gym or on the street. Quick-drying and full of stretch, they’ll move with you instead of fighting you. And the included media pocket provides safe storage for your smartphone.
4. FourLaps 7″ Inch Bolt Short
These seven-inch shorts from FourLaps are accented with a color block pattern to create a pair of shorts that really pop. As a hybrid between training and running shorts, they’re capable of handling any kind of activity, while the included liner and ventilation holes along the leg help your legs breathe easily.
5. Ten Thousand Session Short
If you’re an active fitness freak, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Ten Thousand, as the brand has amassed quite the following in recent years. The crown jewel of their offerings is the Session Short. Inherently minimalist, the shorts are ultralight and just feel great. There are also options to extend the inseam and include a liner if you choose to do so.
The Best Workout Tights and Sweats for Men
6. Rhone Distance Run Tight
With an included media pocket, these light running tights from Rhone will be your best friend during cold runs. They boast a full-length construction, an included media pocket and reflective touches. They’re just as good to hang around the house in as they are to wear while working out outside.
7. Nike 3/4 Training Tights
If you don’t want a full-length tight, these three-quarter-length training tights from Nike should be your first and only stop. Comfortable, flattering and capable of handling the toughest of conditions, they’re one of our favorite tights to use in training or actual outdoor situations.
8. adidas Tiro 19 Training Pants
If you want an exercise pant that’s got a little more weight to it than a pair of tights, but aren’t sweat pants, the Tiro training pants from adidas are a great option. Similar in weight to a track pant, they’re crafted from a highly breathable material and even have ankle zips for you to pull over a pair of shoes if necessary.
9. Athletic Propulsion Labs Perfect Jogger Sweatpants
Tapered for style and a snug fit, these Japanese terry joggers from Atheltic Propulsion Labs (APL) are indeed the closest thing we have to a perfect set of joggers. Four pockets will help you hold onto essentials during exercise or transitioning from the gym to home.
10. Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece Jogger Sweatpants
If you’re a person that’s not going to let freezing cold temperatures stop you from hitting a new personal record, these fleece jogger-style sweatpants from Nike will be your best bet at staying warm. Made from a lightweight fleece that will keep you warm without overheating, they’ve got long side zip pocket for all your valuables and an elastic cuff that will hug your ankles nicely.
The Best Workout Shirts and Tanks for Men
11. Outdoor Voices CloudKnit T-Shirt
We don’t know how they do it, but all of the CloudKnit products that Outdoor Voices make are some of the most comfortable pieces we’ve tried. That’s certainly the case with their CloudKnit T-Shirt, as it’ll be just as cozy in the middle of a bench press as it is doing some six-ounce curls with your favorite beer on the couch.
12. Under Armour UA Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt
Under Armour has long been known for how excellent their workout gear is and the UA Tech shirt is at the core of that. The brand’s original has been given an upgrade to keep you comfortable during your workout. Loose, light and fast-drying, it won’t slow you down when you’re trying to speed up.
13. lululemon Sleeveless Metal Vent Tech 2.0 Tank
With a unified, seamless construction, this lululemon sleeveless tank is made from the brand’s anti-stink Silverescent tech which actively helps to stop the tank from smelling bad. Flattering on anyone, it’s great for brutally warm days.
14. Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet Tank
Crafted from high-grade performance mesh, Tracksmith’s Vand Cortlandt Singlet tank harkens back to vintage-style track and field teams. Built from a super lightweight material that’s breathable and comfortable, it’ll have you feeling like you’re a professional athlete, regardless of your skill.
15. On Running Performance-T
On Running’s Performance-T has been Swiss-engineered to provide professional-grade performance. High-grade fabrics (including a tear-proof, water-resistant front and moisture-controlling mesh in the back) allow for a smart of balance of refreshing breathability and strong durability. Built for the long-haul, it’ll last through years of training.
The Best Winter Workout Gear for Men
16. HOKA ONE ONE Performance Long Sleeve Shirt
With color-block elements and a subtle logo that provide a fun visual look, HOKA ONE ONE’s performance long sleeve tee actively works to keep you warm, while wicking away sweat from your body to keep you from overheating. And if the weather is turning sour, you’ll be glad you have the extra fabric to keep your warm and the wind off your arms.
17. lululemon Down For It All Exercise Vest
Running in cold weather and need a quick layer that won’t weigh you down? An ultralightweight vest like this one from lululemon provides a good amount of warmth to your core. The stretchy fabric panels will help you move freely, while the water-repellent and wind-resistant material provide extra support against the elements.
18. Under Armour Armour Fleece Hoodie
A great layer for those brutally cold days, this fleece hoodie from Under Armour provides considerable warmth. A slightly loose cut provides comfort, while the brand’s property Armour Fleece manages to remain light while wicking moisture awhile. All of this keeps you warm without ever overheating.
19. On Running Weather Jacket
On Running’s aptly named Weather Jacket won’t weigh you down on days when the weather shifts rapidly. Totally waterproof, it’ll shield you from the rain and even has a drawstring in the back of the hood to ensure it really stays in place. The pockets provide zip protection for your essentials and allow the jacket to fold into itself for easy storage when necessary.
20. Tracksmith NDO Jacket
Crafted from a blend of nylon, polyester, merino wool, elastane and polyurethane, Tracksmith’s NDO Jacket is the ultimate cold-weather companion. The stretch shell and bonded merino wool liner allow for freedom of movement that will keep you incredibly warm while actively regulating your body temperature. The shell helps to cut down on the wind and provides water-resistance. Oh, and the Tracksmith branding on the back isn’t just for show, it’s reflective for nighttime running.
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