Watch above how activewear and gym clothes have developed over 150 years
If you’re going to hit the gym, then you need to make sure you have a dedicated selection of gym clothes to help maximise your workouts. Just about every man and his dog head to their chosen place of iron-clad worship to lift an array of heavy objects in the name of aesthetics. And probably health and strength too. But admit it…it’s mainly aesthetics.
This brings us nicely to this carefully curated list of the world’s coolest gym clothing brands. Because, not only do you want to look a million dollars when in the gym, but you need your clothing to help you perform at your very best, whether it be in terms of durability for the sheer number of squats you perform, or breathability to keep you cool during intense HIIT workouts.
Unlike many other sports, gym workouts cannot be enhanced by some special ultra-tight pants or grippy socks. Instead, the focus is on technical fabrics, moisture-wicking, breathability and weight which allows individuals to push themselves to the limits. Think gym clothing that complements your best workouts rather than restricting them!
In this story…
Gym Wear Rules
Given the practical nature of gym apparel over other forms of menswear, there are not too many rules to abide by. The most important factors are fit, colour and style that need to be addressed.
Gym & Workout Clothing Fit
When training in the gym, whether it be lifting weights, cardio, yoga or heavy HIIT classes, it’s important to ensure that your outfit fits perfectly. And by perfect we mean clothes that give your arms, legs, waist and mid-section a full range of motion to take on any exercise.
That’s not to say you need to be rocking the loosest fitting t-shirt or shorts in your wardrobe. Many brands, especially the ones we’ve listed here, now come in a slimmer cut to provide a cleaner aesthetic without sacrificing performance. Elastane and polyester blends help a lot with this so keep an eye on these types of garments which often come in joggers, shirts and compression gear.
Gym Clothing Colour
This is where the style aspect comes into play a bit more for gym-goers. When pairing men’s gym clothes it’s important to pay attention to the colour combination of your top and bottom. What you never want to have is a full matching outfit that will make you look like a member of The Wiggles. Instead, break up the colours with a bright top and muted bottoms or vice versa.
Gym Clothing Style
If you’re big on cardio and HIIT then the style of gym clothing men should be going for is the quick-drying, moisture-wicking stuff. Think thin layers for both tops and shorts, and lots of air pockets for air and moisture to escape. If you’re a lifter then singlets and anything that can highlight your muscle groups is the look you want. Training in the cold? Arm yourself with jogger pants and a hoodie until you’ve warmed up. It’s as simple as that.
Ready to look damn good as you lift your personal best? These are the best gym clothes for men to rock right now.
Short for time? Here are our top picks.
| Brand | Why? |
|---|---|
| Echt / Gymshark | Best For Gym Junkies |
| Iffley Road / On Running | Best For Running |
| Alo Yoga | Best For Yoga |
| Lululemon / Vuori | Best For HIIT / F45 |
| Gymshark / Lululemon | Best For Training |
| Rhone | Best For Everday Activewear |
| Allbirds / Everlane | Best For Sustainability |
| Ten Thousand / Everlane | Best For The Minimalist |
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1/39Gymshark
This UK-based sportswear brand has seen stratospheric growth since its founding in 2012.
Started by a teenager and some of his school friends, Gymshark is now the clothing brand of choice for myriad social media and fitness influencers. But don't for one second think that means the products are all about show and style with no substance; on the contrary, Gymshark clothing, naturally, now has a reputation to uphold and uphold it does.
Gymshark has all the major clothing categories you could want from a gym apparel brand - shorts, tops, singlets, hoodies - and all are crafted with various high-quality fabrics and fits depending on their intended use. Best of all, Gymshark clothing is incredibly well priced.
Started by a teenager and some of his school friends, Gymshark is now the clothing brand of choice for myriad social media and fitness influencers. But don't for one second think that means the products are all about show and style with no substance; on the contrary, Gymshark clothing, naturally, now has a reputation to uphold and uphold it does.
Gymshark has all the major clothing categories you could want from a gym apparel brand - shorts, tops, singlets, hoodies - and all are crafted with various high-quality fabrics and fits depending on their intended use. Best of all, Gymshark clothing is incredibly well priced.
2/39Allbirds
New Zealand-American company, Allbirds, is dedicated to creating eco-friendly footwear and apparel made from sustainable resources. Founded in 2016, this eco-friendly company is renowned for their extremely comfortable and stylish shoes that are made with only renewable and recycled materials.
Allbirds has recently branched out into activewear and now stocks lightweight, breathable gym shorts and tops with a hint of stretch. Made with sustainable materials, Allbirds’ activewear is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. Available in a few colour options, these shorts and tops are perfect for running, training, or any kind of sport.
Allbirds has recently branched out into activewear and now stocks lightweight, breathable gym shorts and tops with a hint of stretch. Made with sustainable materials, Allbirds’ activewear is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. Available in a few colour options, these shorts and tops are perfect for running, training, or any kind of sport.
3/39Reigning Champ
Canadian brand Reigning Champ certainly sits towards the more luxurious end of men’s gym clothing. All pieces are designed and made at the Canadian factory, and the brand even goes so far as to develop its own products. The results are insanely high-quality materials, impeccable fits and timeless designs that sure as hell stand out from the crowd.
Much of Reigning Champ’s clothing is targeted at the athletic industry, but because of their more common ‘non-active’ look, can easily be worn as everyday pieces.
Much of Reigning Champ’s clothing is targeted at the athletic industry, but because of their more common ‘non-active’ look, can easily be worn as everyday pieces.
4/39Echt
Echt clothing is "engineered for the modern-day athlete", and is the brainchild of Jeremy Lay.
Whilst this Australian company intends for its clothing to be used in the gym, thanks to its athletic credentials, such as tops that are incredibly lightweight and quick-drying, Echt clothing can also be worn every day, with shorts, for example, made from fleece material that is perfect for both warm-ups and lazy Sundays.
Whilst this Australian company intends for its clothing to be used in the gym, thanks to its athletic credentials, such as tops that are incredibly lightweight and quick-drying, Echt clothing can also be worn every day, with shorts, for example, made from fleece material that is perfect for both warm-ups and lazy Sundays.
5/39Ryderwear
Calling all gym junkies and bodybuilders: Ryderwear is a good looking, no thrills brand that will never let you down. From the gym to the cafe this brand is unpretentious, stylish and a quality option for those that lift.
6/39Rhone
Rhone is committed to those who are committed to bettering themselves. The premium brand makes clothing that prioritises fit, form and function, and pieces that allow the wearer to perform at their very best.
Rhone clothing is made specifically for men from a range of high-quality materials that will not only stand the test of time but will effectively wick sweat away from your body and remain odour-free for at least a couple of wears.
Similarly, their simplistic designs not only lend themselves to use in the gym, but if you fancy, you can use them as everyday pieces too, dressing them up under a suit jacket, or down at the weekend with a pair of jeans or chinos.
Rhone clothing is made specifically for men from a range of high-quality materials that will not only stand the test of time but will effectively wick sweat away from your body and remain odour-free for at least a couple of wears.
Similarly, their simplistic designs not only lend themselves to use in the gym, but if you fancy, you can use them as everyday pieces too, dressing them up under a suit jacket, or down at the weekend with a pair of jeans or chinos.
7/39Boohoo Man
British Instagram favourite Boohoo Man combines on-trend styles with affordable price points to deliver a huge range of clothing to cover every aspect of a man's wardrobe. The brand's activewear range is equally vast and comprises hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, vests, compression wear and much, much more.
8/39Leorêver
American sportswear label Leorêver positions itself at the more premium end of activewear. All pieces are designed and made at the company's showroom in Huntingdon Beach, California, and all are designed to be used not only for exercising but for travel, business meetings and plenty of others besides.
The brand uses innovative fabrics such as Micro Modal, made from the cellulose of Beech trees, which allows clothing to be breathable, comfortable and durable. You may need to pay a little bit extra for the Leorêver name, but they will be completely versatile and last you a lifetime.
The brand uses innovative fabrics such as Micro Modal, made from the cellulose of Beech trees, which allows clothing to be breathable, comfortable and durable. You may need to pay a little bit extra for the Leorêver name, but they will be completely versatile and last you a lifetime.
9/39Ten Thousand
American sportswear manufacturer Ten Thousand produces its complete range of tops, shorts and accessories on the basis of extensive research and development. The result is a comprehensive range of minimalist, yet stylish gym wear that offers great fits and features, with many pieces developed for specific purposes.
Think separate tops for running and for HIIT classes, for example. Incredibly well-priced and offering great value for money, you need to check out Ten Thousand.
Think separate tops for running and for HIIT classes, for example. Incredibly well-priced and offering great value for money, you need to check out Ten Thousand.
10/39Everlane
Everlane prides itself on exclusively partnering with ethical factories and using only the finest materials for their products; they call it “Radical Transparency”. Therefore, you get quality clothes that will last for years to come, with an added bonus of feeling good about supporting a company that strongly advocates for fair wages and working conditions.
Uniform Sport, Everlane’s Activewear Line, is “made for any - and every - sport” with all items made from 4-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and movement. Plus, with moisture-wicking and quick-drying technology, you won’t have to worry about how you look (or smell!) post-gym session.
Uniform Sport, Everlane’s Activewear Line, is “made for any - and every - sport” with all items made from 4-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and movement. Plus, with moisture-wicking and quick-drying technology, you won’t have to worry about how you look (or smell!) post-gym session.
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Free shipping to United States, Free shipping on orders over AU$150.
11/39Myprotein
British sports nutrition and clothing brand Myprotein was founded in 2004 and has since become a global brand, delivering protein powders, supplements and other accessories to fitness fanatics the world over.
The company also has an extensive range of clothing, comprising tops, shorts, sweat pants, hoodies, jackets and more, with both workout days and rest days catered for. Prices are affordable and quality is up there with the very best.
The company also has an extensive range of clothing, comprising tops, shorts, sweat pants, hoodies, jackets and more, with both workout days and rest days catered for. Prices are affordable and quality is up there with the very best.
12/39On Running
Swiss brand On Running initially set out to transform the way we run forever when it was founded in 2010, with some innovative shoes that make it feel as though you’re quite literally running on clouds. Since then, On has been embraced by millions of runners worldwide, all of whom now remain loyal to the brand for the higher levels of performance the company’s shoes allow them achieve.
It’s not all about shoes though, as On Running also has a comprehensive selection of gym clothing, which likes the shoes, is designed to get the very best out of you. Much of the clothing is remarkably lightweight and highly breathable, so you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all (cue Ned Flanders thoughts).
It’s not all about shoes though, as On Running also has a comprehensive selection of gym clothing, which likes the shoes, is designed to get the very best out of you. Much of the clothing is remarkably lightweight and highly breathable, so you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all (cue Ned Flanders thoughts).
13/39Lululemon
Originally designed for Yoga, Lululemon are a perfect option for gym wear as they are highly flexible, allowing movement in any direction. Unlike most gym clothing they look great, even when they're drenched in sweat. Lululemon also has a selection of more casual clothing that will help you look stylish when transiting to and from the gym.
14/39Barbell Apparel
Named after the piece of gym equipment favoured by most gym bros, Barbell was founded on the belief that "clothing should be better." But, rather than just produce clothing intended for the gym, Barbell also has pieces that complement your gains out of it. Thinks jeans, chinos and even dress shirts in athletic fits (the result of years of research) that provide comfort and stretch where you need it.
Gym wear is still on the menu, however, with shorts, t-shirts and singlets all being available in breathable fabrics.
Gym wear is still on the menu, however, with shorts, t-shirts and singlets all being available in breathable fabrics.
15/39Quince
You may not have heard of Quince before, and that's because it was only founded a few years ago. But it's definitely a brand you should include on your radar as it produces some exceptionally fine clothing for prices you probably won't believe.
Understanding that activewear is all the rage right now, Quince has got in on the action to offer guys a collection of performance tops, bottoms and sweaters that are made from sustainable and recycled materials, are lightweight, will dry quickly and effectively move moisture and sweat away from your body. And once you see the price, you'll be stocking up in no time.
Understanding that activewear is all the rage right now, Quince has got in on the action to offer guys a collection of performance tops, bottoms and sweaters that are made from sustainable and recycled materials, are lightweight, will dry quickly and effectively move moisture and sweat away from your body. And once you see the price, you'll be stocking up in no time.
16/39Outdoor Voices
You won’t find outlandish branding or patterns in the Outdoor Voices collections. Instead, the American company offers more traditionally-styled gym clothing with universally flattering fits. Outdoor Voices develops some of its own fabrics, such as Sweatee, a performance cotton that takes sweat from your body and moves it to the fabric’s surface where it quickly dries.
This lends Outdoor Voices clothing to being worn away from the gym too, and if you’re somehow stuck for inspiration of what top and bottom to pair, OV Kits is on hand to help out, and can even save you some money in the process.
This lends Outdoor Voices clothing to being worn away from the gym too, and if you’re somehow stuck for inspiration of what top and bottom to pair, OV Kits is on hand to help out, and can even save you some money in the process.
17/39Vuori
Californian brand Vuori takes gym clothing and gives it a decidedly laid-back, hippie vibe. Definitely a brand for anyone who practices yoga, Vuori can also easily be used in the gym when you really want to get your sweat on. Clothing is made from sustainably sourced materials and produced in ethical means, and designs are simple enough that they can be worn even on your off-days.
18/39BOXRAW
BOXRAW was founded a few short years ago in 2017. Whilst they might not have been around for as long as some of the other brands we've featured, their unique ethos and boxing specific gear make them stand out from the crowd. They were built on the belief that boxing isn't merely a sport or practice, instead, they see it as a lifestyle.
Their ultimate aim is to be the reason why someone gets into boxing, by providing them with the equipment and clothing that need to thrive. Whether you spend your time in the ring or simply just jogging and shadow boxing in the bathroom, BOXRAW's gear will help you get the edge you need.
Their ultimate aim is to be the reason why someone gets into boxing, by providing them with the equipment and clothing that need to thrive. Whether you spend your time in the ring or simply just jogging and shadow boxing in the bathroom, BOXRAW's gear will help you get the edge you need.
19/39Fourlaps
Unashamedly premium in its approach to activewear, Fourlaps takes traditional pieces and gives them an upgrade using advanced fabrics that help to regulate your body temperature, top-quality craftsmanship that will last for years and minimalist designs that look just as good away from the gym as they do in it, this American brand could well be your new favourite.
20/39Alo Yoga
It may have yoga in its brand name, and that is certainly the discipline best suited to the clothing on offer, but because of that, Alo Yoga's collections are made from performance fabrics and offer plenty of stretch. This means they're perfectly suited to the gym floor, allowing you to squat, lift, run and row to your heart's content. The brand's clothing looks great too, serving up minimalist design, and all pieces can be had in a multitude of colours.
21/39Elite Eleven
Melbourne-based Elite Eleven targets itself at the real muscleheads in the gym, however, the brand’s clothing is designed to be just as suitable for lifestyle applications as they are in the gym. Expect singlets and t-shirts in tight fits – although still with enough stretch to allow for free movement – alongside shorts and joggers that you'll happily be seen wearing around town.
22/39Olivers Apparel
Olivers Apparel makes subtle, premium workout clothing for men, along with a collection of everyday wear (although the two can almost be worn for either situation). With a focus on taking the menswear essentials and using higher quality materials to produce them – including those that offer enough stretch for full movement when curling some iron – Olivers Apparel is a brand for active guys who take their style seriously, whether it be pounding the pavement running or benching 140 at the gym.
23/39Under Armour
Under Armour was one of the first companies to introduce moisture-wicking fabrics to the world, beating out the likes of Nike, Reebok and Adidas. The American sportswear giant, founded in 1996, saw immediate success for its designs and today is the official sponsor of several major sports teams around the world.
Being a more traditional activewear brand, Under Armour’s clothing is constantly evolving, with new fabric technologies being introduced to help you perform at your very best, from tops and shorts to shoes, Under Armour has something for all gym users.
Being a more traditional activewear brand, Under Armour’s clothing is constantly evolving, with new fabric technologies being introduced to help you perform at your very best, from tops and shorts to shoes, Under Armour has something for all gym users.
24/39Iffley Road
Named after the running track where British runner Roger Bannister completed a sub-4-minute mile, Iffley Road offers men a premium collection of athletic gear that can be worn not just for running, but for gym workouts too.
Being British, Iffley Road also knows all about inclement weather, so you'll find numerous pieces that help regulate body temperature and keep you dry when running outside.
Being British, Iffley Road also knows all about inclement weather, so you'll find numerous pieces that help regulate body temperature and keep you dry when running outside.
25/39Reebok
Founded in Bolton, England but now under the ownership of Adidas and operating as an American company, Reebok has become one of the biggest names in sports. The company is the main sponsor of the UFC and CrossFit, and has several sponsorship deals with sports teams and athletes around the world.
Reebok continues to innovate today, and puts a strong focus on making sure every single piece of clothing or pair of shoes it makes lives up to its heritage and reputation for quality. Forget the draw of some of the bigger sports brands out there, Reebok is one that is hard to beat.
Reebok continues to innovate today, and puts a strong focus on making sure every single piece of clothing or pair of shoes it makes lives up to its heritage and reputation for quality. Forget the draw of some of the bigger sports brands out there, Reebok is one that is hard to beat.
26/39Ministry of Supply
Born in the labs of MIT, Ministry of Supply is your no fuss everyday activewear brand. Their garments are all tested to maximise durability. Their range is simple but it will get you through you toughest workouts and longest runs.
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All domestic orders receive free shipping, free returns, and free exchanges.
27/39GymPro Apparel
British sportswear label GymPro Apparel was founded by two former firefighters, who realised that our health was determined by more than just our fitness level. Wanting to give consumers premium clothing without the price tag, GymPro Apparel was born. The company also offers fitness events and retreats to assist people with their mental health, as well as their physical.
You'll find gilets, shorts, hoodies, joggers and more, all made from lightweight performance fabrics.
You'll find gilets, shorts, hoodies, joggers and more, all made from lightweight performance fabrics.
28/39Nike
Nike is a name synonymous with high performance, elite athletes and cutting edge technology. Their gym gear is no different and employs the brands newest technology to allow the wearer to move freely whilst having every bead of sweat wicked from their skin. There is a reason why Nike is so successful and if you haven't already, test out their clothing as it definitely stands up to their reputation.
29/39Adidas
Adidas is the clothing of choice for teams and athletes all over the globe including top tier football teams on both sides of the pond. Adidas' access to the best athletes on the planet has allowed them to create clothing that performs to the highest standards. Their gym gear is typically German and is clean and efficient is all aspects.
30/39Armani
Some workout warriors only want to wear the most desirable brands. It's a fact that Armani knows all too well, and so has developed its own EA7 line of sportswear. But it's not a case of all style, no substance, as the Italian company's range includes "technical" fabrics, along with windproof and water-resistant jackets.
31/39Asics
While Asics is an athletic brand more closely associated with running, the Japanese label can equally call the gym home. Asics has a dedicated range of training clothing, which includes t-shirts, long sleeves, shorts, socks and compression tights. Shoes in this dedicated range have been designed to offer cushioning and lateral support, features you won’t find in running shoes, for example.
Clothing is slightly different too, with gym wear not necessarily needing to be ultra-lightweight, but instead, made from premium and durable materials that will survive several trips to the squat rack.
Clothing is slightly different too, with gym wear not necessarily needing to be ultra-lightweight, but instead, made from premium and durable materials that will survive several trips to the squat rack.
32/39Icebreaker
Icebreaker was founded in 1994 as a clothing brand for those seeking outdoor adventure, and its primary material of choice was – and still is – merino wool. Forming long-lasting partnerships with some of the best growers in the business, Icebreaker has been able to manipulate the material to work across multiple disciplines.
And while it started life as an outdoor adventure brand, Icebreaker now has a comprehensive range of training gear. From tank tops to long sleeves, training jackets to tights and a number of accessories in between, Icebreaker uses merino throughout, for its breathability and sweat-wicking properties.
And while it started life as an outdoor adventure brand, Icebreaker now has a comprehensive range of training gear. From tank tops to long sleeves, training jackets to tights and a number of accessories in between, Icebreaker uses merino throughout, for its breathability and sweat-wicking properties.
33/39Macron
Founded in Italy in 1971, Macron is the European leader in sportwear. They've been known to provide the likes of UEFA referees, the Italian and Scottish national rugby teams as well as many other national and professional clubs with kits demonstrating their ability to make high quality, durable and high tech sportswear. Their consumer products are no different and their product base is immense. No matter what you’re looking for, Macron will no doubt have a product to suit.
34/39MPG Sport
MPG – or Mondetta Performance Gear – is a sportswear brand committed to using sustainable materials wherever possible, in fact, 80% of the brand's latest collection is sustainable certified. Moreover, many of the fabrics the company uses are more advanced than others you'll find elsewhere, meaning guys can benefit from lightweight, stretchy and moisture-wicking clothing, without the price tag.
35/39New Balance
New Balance is one of the older gym brands out there, having been founded in 1906. It
hasn’t always been associated with athletics, as it initially started life producing arch supports for people who wanted to improve the fit of their current shoes. This eventually segued into New Balance making its own shoes and then becoming associated with sports.
New Balance makes all its products in the USA and the UK and offers its shoes in a more varied range of sizes and widths compared to some rivals. Clothing too benefits from innovative technologies designed to help you eek out the very last drop of effort you can muster.
hasn’t always been associated with athletics, as it initially started life producing arch supports for people who wanted to improve the fit of their current shoes. This eventually segued into New Balance making its own shoes and then becoming associated with sports.
New Balance makes all its products in the USA and the UK and offers its shoes in a more varied range of sizes and widths compared to some rivals. Clothing too benefits from innovative technologies designed to help you eek out the very last drop of effort you can muster.
36/39The Gym King
Another athleisure wear brand founded in the UK, Gym King has very quickly cemented itself as one of the must-have sportswear brands. Part of its success is due to its clothing being suitable not only for the gym, but for casual settings too, making it incredibly versatile.
Certainly a brand for the guy who likes to look at himself in the mirror throughout the day, you'll find gym wear, tracksuits, shorts, shirts and more.
Certainly a brand for the guy who likes to look at himself in the mirror throughout the day, you'll find gym wear, tracksuits, shorts, shirts and more.
37/39WOLACO
WOLACO – Way Of Life Athletic Company – was founded by Terry White after he realised he couldn't find a pair of shorts that allowed him to workout quickly and stress-free. He designed and developed a pair that included sweat proof pockets that doubled up as a compression layer. More compression wear has been added since then, along with a complete range of other gym apparel, which includes pants, joggers, singlets, t-shirts and hoodies.
38/39Better Bodies
Better Bodies has been around since the eighties and has been supplying clothing to gym-junkies ever since. The website certainly implies the tops and bottoms are for the more adonis-like bodies out there, but a range of fits including oversized, cater for any wannabe weightlifter.
39/39RVCA
American lifestyle brand, RVCA is transcending the boundaries of traditional action sports apparel with its design-driven approach. All of RVCA’s sports apparel is made to last with high-performing fabrics that’ll take your workouts to the next level.
With everything from shorts and tops to pants, hoodies, and compression gear, RVCA has you sorted when it comes to gym clothing.
With everything from shorts and tops to pants, hoodies, and compression gear, RVCA has you sorted when it comes to gym clothing.
