No matter the time of year, having a complete workout wardrobe is a must for keeping you comfortable and prepared for your training. As an exercise enthusiast, I always have different outfits and shoes ready for my workouts, whether they be lifting, running, tennis, or another fun activity. If you're looking to fill out your closet, know that there are many clothing brands for men that are considered to be the best.
With so many brands to choose from, understanding factors like price and quality is essential. Keep reading to learn about all the best workout clothing brands for men and which ones to consider when making your next workout clothes purchase.
Best overall
Tracksmith
- Heritage-inspired performance gear
- Premium, runner-focused fabrics
- Sharp, elevated aesthetic
- Expensive for casual athletes
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $138-$168 |
| Best use case | Long-distance running |
Tracksmith is a vintage-inspired performance brand that celebrates running culture. The products are equal parts stylish and functional, with nods to Ivy League athletic nostalgia. From tanks and tees to windbreakers and short shorts, the Boston-based brand has become a favorite among novice and professional runners alike.
Best for the fashion-forward guys
Alo Yoga
- Stylish, modern fits
- Stretchy and soft fabrics
- Great for light training
- Not built for intensity
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $108-$148 |
| Best use case | Yoga and studio workouts |
Alo Yoga has built a steady following among yoga and fitness devotees alike. The brand's sleek and technical tanks and shorts are meant for maximum mobility for headstand inversions, deep hip openers, and other challenging yoga postures. The not-so-flashy yoga gear remains functional first and minimalist in style and color for a clean-cut, less-is-more modern aesthetic.
Best for the varied styles
Puma
- Affordable workout basics
- Wide range of styles
- Big brand reliability
- Inconsistent fit and quality
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $50-$80 |
| Best use case | General training on a budget |
Puma covers just about every style: Classic, sporty, cool, and casual, with a consistent solid fit and function across the board. Aside from its huge lifestyle sector of streetwear and kicks, the brand also offers accessories and apparel for basketball players, soccer players, gym rats, and motorsport athletes (think flashy colors and bold logos).
Best for tailored, athletic fit
Lululemon
- Premium, soft fabrics
- Tailored athletic fit
- Versatile gym-to-street wear
- Higher price point
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $128-$158 |
| Best use case | Functional fitness and casual wear |
Once you go Lulu, it’ll be hard to wear anything else. Although pricey at times, the fabric and fit make the brand's leggings worth the investment. The Canadian brand was started with yoga in mind, but it now offers gear for training, running, golf, casual attire, and athleisure.
Best for strenth Training
Ten Thousand
- Built for tough workouts
- No-frills, durable design
- Focused on performance
- Limited color variety
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $118-$136 |
| Best use case | Strength and conditioning |
The only way to become better is to work with the best. That means not only in fitness but in life and business as well. That is why Ten Thousand spends countless hours creating and collaborating with the best athletes in the world, from world-class Olympians to pro-level CrossFitters and record-holding endurance athletes, all to make sure their products hold up to the world's toughest conditions. If it works for them, it will work for you.
Best value
Fabletics Men
- Great value bundles
- Trend-forward design
- Frequent new drops
- VIP membership model
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $34-$74 (with membership) |
| Best use case | Everyday gym sessions |
Fabletics launched its first menswear collection in partnership with Kevin Hart. The brand’s approach to men’s activewear is to be affordable and approachable without sacrificing fit and style — and without putting too much thought into it. You can purchase items at regular retail prices or join their flexible VIP program, where members are offered new styles and special deals every month.
If you’re not ready to make a purchase, you can easily skip the month, and a credit will be added to your account to use at any time, as it never expires. Fabletics Men takes the stress out of shopping while also keeping your gym drawer updated.
Best for big brand reliability
Nike
- Trusted performance tech
- Tons of options
- Wide size availability
- Common, less distinctive style
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $65-$110 |
| Best use case | Versatile training and sports |
In the decades since its founding in 1964, Nike has gone on to become the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. Christened with the brand’s iconic swoosh, each product is as sleek as it is practical, marrying functionality with a fashion-forward aesthetic. This is perhaps why Nike has always been such a hit with athletes and streetwear enthusiasts alike and has garnered such a solid reputation among myriad customers.
While the company is best known for its shoes (particularly the Air Jordan and Air Max models), it also boasts a wide range of other products geared toward nearly every sport imaginable.
Best for runners on a budget
Adidas
- Budget-friendly performance gear
- Good for runners
- Reliable quality basics
- Less tailored fit
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $60-$100 |
| Best use case | Cardio and running workouts |
Of course, no roundup of fantastic men’s workout clothes would be complete without Adidas, the sort of hip older brother to Nike’s all-American vibe. While the two brands are pretty similar (shhh, don’t tell the diehards), we think Adidas has a somewhat broader focus than Nike’s specific “anyone can be an athlete” one.
What this means is that Adidas dabbles in pretty much everything from tracksuits to the best running shoes to accessories and has slightly more crossover appeal between the gym and the outside world. Plus, celebrities love an Adidas moment, and the brand has certainly benefited from a heavy dose of influencer clout over the years.
Best for comfort and versatility
Rhone
- Luxe feel and look
- Anti-odor technology
- Great everyday versatility
- Premium pricing
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $136-$160 |
| Best use case | Training to travel |
Rhone has made a name for itself with a line of streamlined workout gear designed for optimized mobility and performance. What this means is that each article of clothing is infused with all the tech you’ll need to get some serious work done in your next spin class, including antimicrobial, four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking properties.
While the duds may not be anything fancy to look at, their simplicity is emblematic of their purpose: to help you achieve your fitness goals without fuss. You can’t go wrong with any of the goods, but we're especially big fans of the Pursuit short and Reign T-shirt.
Best for layering workout clothing
Under Armour
- Sweat-wicking technology
- Great for layering
- Durable, rugged build
- Styles sometimes feel outdated
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $60-$90 |
| Best use case | Intense workouts and layering |
While Under Armour has traditionally favored substance over style, the brand has recently upped its fashion game in keeping with the rising athleisure trend. The extensive line of athletic gear here is probably most appropriate for those looking to do some serious training at the gym as opposed to those who want to look fly at a post-workout brunch.
Notably, many of the items are built with recovery in mind, especially those outfitted with the brand’s proprietary UA Tech, which not only actively cools but also helps fight pesky odors and moisture.
Best for gym workouts
Gymshark
- Body-hugging aesthetic
- Great for lifting
- Affordable activewear
- Not ideal for running
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $50-$80 |
| Best use case | Lifting and bodybuilding |
One of the more affordable options on the list, Gymshark is a popular athletic brand featuring tops and bottoms. Advertised as being “built for graft, not for glamour,” the workout line is relatively bare-bones and is constructed mostly with cotton fabric.
While this may not be a great fit for those in search of uber-intense athletic garb that’ll wick moisture or absorb odor, it could be a real winner for those gym rats who want something that’ll transition seamlessly between different spaces, especially as many of the items feature interesting graphics and bright colors.
Best for style-focused gym-goers
Vuori
- Incredible soft fabrics
- Stylish casual designs
- Great loungewear crossover
- Less technical for training
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $114-$144 |
| Best use case | Athleisure and light workouts |
California-based Vuori does athletic wear with a West Coast sensibility, creating clothes that are technically sound but still totally chill, bro. What this means is that the collection of joggers, shorts, and shirts is probably best suited to those guys who want fantastic workout gear but don’t necessarily need it to look like workout gear.
In the place of sheeny polyester or breathable mesh, fellas will find bright colors, fun patterns, and an overall relaxed aesthetic that’s at home on the beach and the weight room.
Best for retro-inspired gear
Outdoor Voices
- Fun color options
- Retro-meets-modern design
- All-day wear comfort
- Not performance-focused
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $98-$128 |
| Best use case | Low-impact movement and daily wear |
If athleisure is your MO, Outdoor Voices might just be the athletic brand for you. Though the collection here is certainly not as expansive as the others in this roundup, its specific focus on contemporary silhouettes could work for guys who want to stay on-trend. We're especially intrigued by the new EcoMesh T-Shirt, which combines mesh with 100% recyclable polyester for a top that’s as breathable as it is eco-friendly.
Other standouts include the Sunday Short and RecTrek Jogger. Plus, you can take advantage of the OV kit deal, in which you can pair one bottom with one top for less than $100
Best for high-intensity training
Nobull
- Hardcore training durability
- Minimalist, tough aesthetic
- Excellent CrossFit gear
- Not ideal for running
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $118-$138 |
| Best use case | CrossFit and high-intensity training |
As the name suggests, Nobull is a brand that skips the frills in favor of no-fuss workout gear that’s functional, durable, and affordable. While you won’t find playful graphic tees or sleek joggers in this collection, you will discover plenty of essential items built to last through both workouts and passing trends.
It’s a straightforward approach to athletic apparel that could work wonders for guys in search of optimized basics, from T-shirts and compression tights to zip-up sweaters, performance hoodies, and lightweight shorts, you'll find everything yo need.
Best for premium basics
Olivers Apparel
- Premium minimalist basics
- Elevated everyday performance
- High-quality construction
- Limited product variety
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $148-$168 |
| Best use case | Minimalist fitness and travel |
Are you someone who finds most athletic brands to be a little, well … intense? Then Olivers Apparel might be for you! The Los Angeles-based company sells a bevy of workout essentials that are as accessible as they are effective.
From the All Over Short (built with quick-drying four-way stretch) to the Bradbury Jogger (made from lightweight, water-repellent fabric), the items here are designed with subtlety and optimization in mind. It also doesn’t hurt that they look as good outside the gym as they do in it.
Best for classic workout gear
Modest Vintage Player
- Unique vintage style
- Great for lifestyle wear
- Comfortable as loungewear
- Not true performance gear
| Specification: | |
| Price range | $120-$180 |
| Best use case | Retro style and lifestyle wear |
While the company may have been born under the guise of mastering the craftsmanship of leatherwork, MVP has slowly begun to expand its lineup of products covering everything from all types of sports gear (golf, tennis, combat sports, all ball sports), custom leather workout accessories, to their minimalistic design of luxurious French Terry sweats. No matter what they do, their aesthetics look like they came out of a vintage sports catalog from the 1960s, and we absolutely relish that.
Frequently Asked Questions
The thing with men's workout clothing is that it's available in plenty of different places these days. Gone are the days of needing to go to an old-school sporting goods store (although that's always an option!) — we're talking about easy and effective online shopping experiences that make getting men's gym clothes as easy as a few clicks.
Brands like Olivers, Fourlaps, and Outdoor Voices offer a sleek, smooth shopping experience online, while you'll always find more traditional workout clothing brands in stores. For our money's worth, you can't beat the experience of buying your new favorite workout clothing online as you scroll. Some workout brands also offer laid-back athleisure gear for the stylish man, too. Of course, you can find men's gym clothes at dedicated retailers like Nike and Adidas, but brands like Tracksmith offer a stylish and more curated alternative. Each is worth your time in its own way.
The best workout clothes have to check a few crucial boxes. They need to be performance-minded, ready to wick away moisture (in the case of base layers and training shorts), and equally ready to warm you up or cool you down when needed. The best workout clothing brands, then, do more than one thing well. After all, if you've invested in the best athletic sneakers for multiple purposes, why not look for the same in your workout gear?
A brand like Tracksmith is fit for training but more geared toward intensive running (to name but one example), so if you want a brand that can handle multiple training situations, versatility in men's gym clothes is crucial. (And don't forget socks from a brand like Bombas, too). The best workout clothes are ready to be worn at a moment's notice. They can also stand up to repeated wear. Lastly, they should be affordable and yet high quality, be it men's workout shorts or a moisture-wicking T-shirt from your shopping list. Men's
For years, men had very few options when it came to workout shirts, so they just threw on an old (and sometimes smelly) cotton T-shirt and called it good. But that's not the case anymore. Now, workout shirts come in a variety of materials and styles designed to help you stay comfortable during your workout.
And as it turns out, while a classic cotton T-shirt may be just the thing for a casual night out, it's not the best workout gear. That's because cotton doesn't wick away moisture; it absorbs it. So, as sweat starts to build up on your shirt during your workout, it will make you feel hotter because the moisture is blocking airflow.
A better choice for a workout shirt is one made of polyester or a polyester blend, especially one that says it is a moisture-wicking material. These shirts will keep you cooler and help you get through even the toughest workout.
Men's gym clothes are best bought from sources you know and trust or from where you've researched (like our picks above). Brands that bridge the gap between training and off-duty moments, like Olivers, are a great bet for the guy who needs a one-stop-shop. And brands like Fourlaps, which covers everything from athleisure sweats to training tees, should check plenty of boxes, too.
Your favorite gear and sneaker brands, like Adidas, are as reliable as it gets as far as workout clothing brands are concerned. The great news in all of this is that so many of the best picks for men's workout clothing can be found online, either on your phone or desktop, without missing a beat. If it's the intensive and uncompromising gear you seek, Gymshark and Under Armour deserve your consideration, too (just scroll up and click through to shop online). For training sessions that never miss a day, you need workout gear that operates in the same manner.
Whether you are looking for the latest and greatest workout brand on the market today or want something a little less flashy and a lot more subtle, this list has everything you need to upgrade your wardrobe with the best workout brands.
Choosing the right workout clothes for your athletic activity can boost performance and comfort. For strength training, opt for breathable, stretchy fabrics like moisture-wicking tank tops or fitted T-shirts paired with shorts or joggers that allow free movement.
Runners should prioritize lightweight, sweat-wicking gear, like running shorts and compression tops, with proper socks to prevent blisters. For yoga or Pilates, your default could be flexible, close-fitting attire, such as compression leggings or
Outdoor sports require weather-appropriate gear. An NIH study states "UV textiles generally provide photoprotection by using synthetic, tightly woven polyester and/or nanofibers." Dressing smarter allows you to train harder.
When it comes down to fitness wear, there are so many different brands to choose from. This can create an issue when it comes to making your next purchase, as you likely feel overwhelmed and don't know what is actually worth buying. To determine the top brands, we considered factors like honest reviews, quality, pricing, what occasions the clothing best suits, and consistency with production. Overall, a few really stood out and are likely brands you want to add to your
As a personal trainer, I have tried many brands myself over the years. I also consistently go to the gym five to six days per week, so I am seeing what brands are most often being worn by others, proving their worth beyond the reviews you see online. I was lucky enough to get to try some of the newest pieces released by Rhone, Nobull, and Tracksmith as well, so I have been able to share my firsthand experience with you.
No matter your style and preferred level of comfort, one of these many brands is bound to be a fit for you!
