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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. Putting on the best workout clothes for men is just as important as the workout itself. 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 through barbell workouts and vein-popping lifts under the squat rack.
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 21 pieces of workout clothes featuring the best gym shorts, most comfortable joggers, moisture-wicking workout shirts 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 and get your workout on below.
Workout Shorts
1. Rhone 6″ 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 six-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. Plus, this navy color will help you match with just about any top.
2. lululemon Surge Lined Short 6″
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, these shorts are 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.
Buy: lululemon lululemon Surge Lined Short $68.00
3. Nike Flex Stride 5″ 2-In-1 Running Shorts
You can’t talk about the best workout shorts without mentioning Nike. These 2-in-1 Running Shorts are made with a new woven fabric for total breathability when getting active. The shorts have a supportive liner to keep your lower parts secure when you need them to be most.
Colors here range from blacks to pastels and the shorts are even made with 50% sustainable materials. Plus, they look damn good when on.
Buy: Nike Flex Stride 5 $55.00
4. 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.
Buy: DEVEREUX Oasis Active Short $54.00
5. 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.
6. 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.
Buy: Ten Thousand Session Short Starting at $64.00
Workout Pants
7. lululemon License to Train Tight 21″
These light running tights from lululemon will be your best friend during any and all of your runs. They sit directly above the ankle and have sweat-wicking qualities and allow your legs to breathe day in and day out.
To make these the stretchiest tights you’ve ever thrown on, lululemon added their Lyrca fiber for an added stretch that will have you doing splits even if you don’t know how. Wear them solo on a run around the track or throw them under a pair of shorts if it’s a little chilly outside.
Buy: lululemon License to Train Tight $98.00
8. Nike Pro Dri-FIT 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.
Plus, they come in tall sizes and range from small to 4XL — and every pair is made with sustainable materials.
Buy: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Tights $32.00
9. adidas Tiro Track Pants
If you want an exercise pant that’s got a little more weight to them than a pair of tights, but aren’t necessarily sweats, the Tiro Track Pants from adidas are a great option.
Similar in weight to track pants, they’re crafted from a highly breathable material and even have ankle zips for you to pull over a pair of shoes if necessary. Each pair is sweat-wicking in case you get extra sweaty during your workout and keep a straight silhouette to keep you looking as good as you feel in them.
Buy: adidas Tiro Track Pants $45.00
10. Vuori Limitless Compression Tight
Tapered for style and a snug fit, Vuori’s Limitless Compression Tights are an ideal workout pant open for multi-seasonal purposes. We love this gorgeous, low-key camo colorway and the many details that happen throughout the pants, including an elastic waistband, back stash pocket, reflective logo and quick-drying materials.
Each pair of pants is made with zipped bottoms to help you let loose mid or post-workout for added airflow. Throw these on under a pair of shorts or wear solo and rock the camo throughout.
Buy: Vuori Limitless Compression Tight $84.00
11. Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants
If you’re a person that’s not going to let freezing cold temperatures stop you from hitting a new personal record, these micro-brushed French terry jogger-style sweatpants from Mack Weldon will be your best bet at staying warm.
The Ace Sweatpants have been a well-loved SPY must-have for years now. So much so, that they’ve been named the best sweatpants two times running in the 2021 Man, SPY’s end-of-year product awards. But what makes them so great?
These pants are built to be better than any pair of joggers you’ve ever owned. They’ve got a stealthy zip pocket to keep all small essentials when working out and even have back-ribbed ankle cuffs to keep the cold out. Not only are these great sweatpants to work out in, but they are ideal for lounging around the house. There are multiple colors to choose from, too.
Buy: Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants $78.00
Workout Shirts
12. Outdoor Voices All Day Shortsleeve Shirt
We don’t know how they do it, but all of the CloudKnit products that Outdoor Voices make ((which is the material used in this shirt) 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.
Buy: Outdoor Voices All Day Shortsleeve Shirt $58.00
13. Under Armour UA Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt
Under Armour has long been known for how excellent its 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.
Buy: Under Armour UA Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt $25.00
14. 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.
Buy: lululemon Sleeveless Metal Vent Tech 2.0 Tank $68.00
15. 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 — or lack thereof.
Buy: Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet Tank $65.00
16. 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.
Buy: On Running Performance-T $79.99
Workout Winter Gear
17. lululemon Drysense Training Long Sleeve Shirt
With gorgeous heathered overtake and a soft-to-the-touch sweat-wicking fabric, lululemon’s Training Long Sleeve Shirt actively works to keep you warm while never sticking to your body. This shirt is built with a classic fit that allows for ample room around your torso in addition to its super stretchy Lyrca fiber.
Made from 100% recycled polyester, this shirt also helps better our Earth while bettering your body. Maybe even the best part of all? This shirt has anti-stink qualities that will help you never smell. Ever.
Buy: lululemon Drysense Training Long Sleeve Shirt $78.00
18. 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.
Buy: lululemon Down For It All Exercise Vest $148.00
19. 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.
Buy: Under Armour Armour Fleece Hoodie $38.99 (orig. $55.00) 29% OFF
20. 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.
Buy: On Running Weather Jacket $239.99
21. 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 exterior 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.
Buy: Tracksmith NDO Jacket $308.00
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