Men’s Gym Clothes
Whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a jog, there’s no better motivation than knowing your gear is top-notch. The swoosh has you covered, with specialised men’s gym clothes that make the grade.
Throwback sportswear like full-look tracksuits take confidence to wear, but can look great when paired with blazers and smart overcoats.
Tops
When you need a workout top that will move with your body through every rep, this performance tee from Nike is a good place to start. It features breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and an anti-odor finish to keep you fresh through a long session at the gym or a nighttime run in the city.
When it comes to men’s sportswear, the brand with the most famous name in the business has to be Under Armour. Founded by Kevin Plank, sports wear for men who designed the first moisture-wicking compression shirt for University of Maryland football players in his grandmother’s basement, the brand is now one of the most widely recognized workout apparel brands around. With a range of styles endorsed by everyone from Tom Brady to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the men’s collection at UA has everything you need to take your training to the next level.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary look for your workout gear, outdoor athletic brand Outdoor Voices is another great option. With a focus on lightweight fabrics like recycled polyester and merino wool, it’s a good choice for guys who prefer to wear their workout clothes away from the gym, too. The brand’s Thorpe merino half-zip top is a versatile layer that can be worn from winter into spring and is incredibly breathable.
Bottoms
Whether you’re warming up for an intense training session or taking it easy on your day off, men’s sportswear pants slot easily into your workout. Easy-to-wear fabrics in soft cotton, fleece and smooth woven constructions back you up with comfort, while loose-fitting cuts allow you to move freely. Choose from ankle-length trousers and seven-eighths length styles for a versatile look that works in all your exercise regimes.
If you want to bolster your wardrobe with activewear that looks as good as it feels, look no further than the joggers in this range. Californian brand Vuori does gym clothes with a laidback West Coast sensibility, creating stylish men’s joggers that look just as at home on the beach as they do in the weight room. UK-based Gymshark is another name to watch, having recently sold a 21 per cent stake in the business for an estimated PS1 billion to America’s General Atlantic. The Bromsgrove-born company started out with founder Ben Francis delivering pizza by night and sewing and hand-packing orders for his new fitness gear in the spare room of his house in the day.
The brand has gone from strength to strength, with a range of men’s joggers and shorts that’s worn by celebrities like Zayn Malik, Lewis Hamilton and Brooklyn Beckham. Also sports wear for men on the roster is Reebok, the trendy younger cousin of adidas who creates men’s gym wear designed with certain activities in mind, from chasing a new deadlift PR to hitting up your favourite Les Mills class.
Jackets
Many men use the terms “sport jacket,” “suit coat” and “blazer” interchangeably, but there are distinct differences among these classic tailored garments. Understanding those differences can help you find the right jacket for your needs.
Sports jackets are made in a wide range of fabrics and styles. Some sport coats are very lightweight, while others can be quite thick. They are generally less formal than blazers, and they usually have fewer features that set them apart from suit jackets and tuxedos. They may have more patch pockets, for example, or be single-breasted instead of double-breasted.
Most of today’s sport jackets are based on an older style of jacket that was designed for equestrian pursuits. These coats, known as hacking jackets, were cut a bit longer and had slanting pockets so that supplies could be easily reached from the saddle while riding. They are widely considered to be the first modern sports coat.
While hacking jackets are no longer as common, you can still purchase a few from reputable manufacturers. These days, they are made in various fabric types and are ideal for men who like to hike, ride bikes or play other outdoor activities.
If you are looking for a lightweight sport jacket, look for one that is made in wool or another natural fiber. This type of jacket tends to be more expensive than a cotton-blend sport coat, but it will keep you warmer in colder weather.
Other lightweight jackets can be found in materials such as linen and seersucker. Both are lightweight and comfortable, but they can be prone to wrinkling. A linen jacket is best for spring and summer, while a seersucker jacket works well in cooler weather.
While most sport jackets can be worn with jeans, it’s best to wear them with dark-wash denim unless you are going for a more casual look. You can also pair them with khakis or corduroy trousers. Make sure that the trouser’s fabric doesn’t compete with or match the sports jacket’s material, and that it is a similar weight. Shoes are important with both sport jackets and blazers, but they should match the level of formality of the pants. Gray flannels call for a blucher or monk strap shoe, while chinos work well with loafers and derbies.
