Top Men Workout Clothes Tested by Experts: 2024 Edition

Finding workout clothes that are both functional and stylish used to be really tough. But now, the best men’s workout gear helps you hit your performance goals (KPIs) while looking good. Gone are the days of wearing old sweatpants and baggy T-shirts to the gym. When you look good, you feel good and perform even better.

Today, there are many options for men’s workout clothes from popular athleisure brands to boutique athletic wear. The key is focusing on performance and quality. The best gym clothes for men are made from breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy fabrics to keep you comfortable during any workout. They should also be versatile enough for any type of training, from heavy lifting to yoga.

Great workout gear can make you feel more motivated and excited about your workouts, whether you’re a gym veteran or just starting out. Over the past three years, our team of style editors and fitness experts tested over 40 pieces to find the top 16 workout clothes for men. These include compression pants, workout shirts, and gym shorts, designed to help you crush those reps.

Best Workout t-Shirt

Rhone Reign Tech Short Sleeve

Pros

• Soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking
• Chafe-free seams
• Can accommodate full range of motion

Cons

• Expensive for stocking up

Finding the right training shirt should make it feel like a second skin. Check out Rhone’s short sleeve tee, an amazing workout shirt that’s won many awards from our Fitness Awards. Some of our Men’s Health team members say it’s the most comfortable shirt they’ve ever worn to the gym. According to our Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., ‘this breathable top moves with you when you reach overhead for pull-ups and chin-ups thanks to its seamless construction.’ When the gym gets too hot, its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric has always helped me stay cool.

The Reign tee fits comfortably and securely, with gym-friendly features like moisture-wicking, anti-chafing fabric. It’s even infused with gold to resist odor. If you’re wearing it outside, it offers UPF50+ sun protection.

What do the experts think? Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, founder of In Time Fitness, owns several Rhone gym tees. He told Men’s Health, ‘They are comfortable and stretchy, allowing zero restriction.’

Best workout tank top

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt

Pros

• Seamless, chafe-less build
• Mesh construction for breathability
• Added elastane improves stretch and shape retention

Cons

• Expensive for stocking up

After Lululemon updated its best-selling, editor-tested workout shirt, you shouldn’t feel restricted while working out. This tank is super light and comfy, giving you plenty of arm room for exercises like kettlebell swings and power cleans.

Our tests showed that the new Metal Vent Tech singlet is designed to allow a full range of motion for curls and sprints. It’s now seamless, so it won’t chafe, and it feels less clingy on sweaty skin.

I’ve noticed this tank has more stretch than ever before after using it for several workouts. In short, it’s just as breathable as the original, but now it’s even more comfortable and durable for long-term wear.

What do customers think? One reviewer on lululemon.com said, ‘The smaller sleeve holes keep your nipples from showing when you run hard. The fabric dries quickly and feels super soft. Thanks to the anti-stink technology, I can wear it twice before needing to wash it.’

Best workout shorts

Ten Thousand Interval Short

Pros

• Four-way stretch for max range of motion
• Sweat wicking and quick drying
• Lightweight and versatile for different workouts
• Great for beefy, muscular thighs

Cons

• Need to use drawstring to tighten the waistband

As a guy with big thighs, finding shorts that fit well and don’t tear by July is tough. But these shorts changed that for me. They don’t pinch or chafe around my thighs and are super functional. I wear them on weekends, for workouts, and even while commuting. Considering how often I wear them, they’re a great deal.

The Interval shorts come in three lengths, with or without lining, and the fabric offers great movement and wicks sweat quickly. The poly-spandex blend lets you move easily, making these shorts perfect for tough workouts.

What do the experts say? Endurance athlete and five-time Ironman Eric Hinman says, ‘The Interval Short is the most functional training short available. I use them for everything—intense lifting, long runs, high-intensity conditioning, and even sauna and ice bath recovery. If you train hard and live an active life, you need these shorts in your rotation.’

Best workout joggers

Vuori Clothing Sunday Performance Jogger

Pros

• Soft, moisture-wicking knit fabric
• Four-way stretch

Cons

• Not lightweight

These comfy, stylish, mid-weight knit joggers are perfect for active people always on the go. Made from moisture-wicking materials, they keep your legs cool and dry, even when you’re running. They have a four-way stretch, so they’re great for sprints and squats. The fabric is super comfortable and breathable, making you want to lounge in them, and it stays fresh longer. These joggers have a tapered design that fits well, wide at the seat and thighs but slim from the knees down, so they move easily.

What do customers think? One reviewer on vuori.com said, ‘These are my favorites for the gym and going out in something stylish but comfy. I love the vertical zip pocket for my key fob while working out. They’re so soft and worth every cent.’

Also Read: Top Protein Powders 2024: Find Your Perfect Fit

Best Workout Hoodie

On Running Hoodie

Pros

• Flexible and motion-friendly
• Functional pockets
• Breathable and versatile

Cons

• Expensive

On has revamped the classic raglan sleeve hoodie with their clever Swiss engineering. This hoodie is a must-have for your workout wardrobe, offering a great fit, functionality, and soft stretch. The darted elbows let your arms move freely without pulling on the sleeves. The lace guard keeps your hoodie drawstrings in place like a tiny tie clip. It also has a sturdy zipper and a mesh kangaroo pouch that opens from the top.

Made from a blend of recycled polyester, Tencel, and elastane, it’s super breathable and flexible, keeping you cool and dry during any movement. This hoodie’s performance, practical design, and comfortable fit make it perfect for both warm-ups and cool-downs.

What do customers think? One reviewer on vuori.com said, ‘These are my favorites for the gym and going out in something stylish but comfy. The vertical zip pocket for my key fob is great. They’re so soft, and I love working out in them.’

Best long-sleeve workout shirt

Reigning Champ Deltapeak™ 90 LS Training Shirt

With a great fit, lightweight (nearly weightless) fabric, and breezy feel, our tester found this workout shirt perfect for everyday use and workouts. She bought it for bright morning runs and summer outdoor exercises. The fabric is incredibly sturdy, with no tears or runs. During testing, we found its quality superior to ringspun shirts, which often shrank and developed holes. The cool-to-the-touch fabric kept our tester cool, dry, and protected from the sun. We also love how soft it is, how quickly it dries, and how it doesn’t stick to the body when sweating. Even during vigorous activities, the lightweight fabric keeps you cool and dry.

What Are The Opinions of Purchasers?

“Excellent item for exercising and layering over the winter. Although slim, the fit is quite cozy. Extremely breathable and light,” remarks a customer of altitude-sports.com.

Best Workout Socks

Swiftwick Flite XT Zero Tab

Pros

• Compression throughout the arch with strong grip
• Breathable, wicks moisture, and dries quickly
• Targeted support and protection at the ankle and heel

Cons

• A bit thin

Most Swiftwick sports socks are great for training and running, but we especially love the Flite XT Zero Tab for its cushioning, breathability, and compression. These socks keep their shape over time and last a long time. They’re also more versatile than typical running socks and can be used for other sports like golf.

During testing, we found that the unique GripDry Fiber prevented blisters, no matter our training level. What really sets these socks apart is their ability to provide great feel and grip for deadlifting without sneakers. Plus, the elastic wrapping at the heel and ankle offers extra protection and support where you need it most.

What Are The Opinions of Purchasers?

“These socks held their shape well through many training miles thanks to their textured bottom. Tons of toe room as well. These were perfect for me because I often have metatarsal pain,” writes a customer on Amazon.com.

Best Workout Underwear

Polo Ralph Lauren 4D Flex Cotton Modal Boxer Brief 3-Pack

Pros

• Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
• Breathable mesh panels at the sides
• Four-way stretch and mobility-friendly
• Supportive pouch

Cons

• Can warm in the dryer

We love these Polo Ralph Lauren mesh boxer briefs because they work well for various workouts like kickboxing, weightlifting, and calisthenics. The cotton-modal blend keeps moisture away, so you stay cool and dry without feeling sweaty. During testing, we found that the side mesh panels let them breathe, offering great athletic comfort even during intense workouts. Their smooth cotton feel is like a second skin, and the gusset and pouch provide good support without feeling bulky or irritating. Plus, they stay put under your workout pants or shorts without bunching up.

What do customers say? One reviewer on Nordstrom.com said, ‘They’re really versatile and keep me cool by wicking away sweat. The supportive pouch keeps everything in place, and the waistband is comfy and doesn’t roll or dig in.’

Best workout Compression Pants

Gymshark Element Baselayer Leggings

Pros

• Wweat-wicking and quick-drying
• Fit stays put and feels breathable

Cons

• Not for everyone

This brand is popular online, but their gear also performs well in the gym. These leggings make a great base layer for crushing your strength training sessions. They wick away sweat and dry quickly. Plus, they’re breathable, so they won’t cling to your skin even when you sweat a lot. They’re super comfy despite their snug fit: the flatlock seams highlight your muscles without being too tight, and they stay put no matter how you move, so you don’t have to adjust them constantly. Most importantly, they’re designed to help your muscles recover after workouts.

Best workout jacket

Nobull 4-Way Stretch Woven Jacket

Pros

• Four-way stretch for full range of motion
• Mesh side panels for breathability
• For running or training

Cons

• Won’t keep you warm

This running jacket is perfect for chilly days when you want to take your cardio or workout outside. It’s light and super stretchy, so even when fully zipped up, you can move easily. We love the regular fit that lets you breathe and move freely. Plus, the mesh side panels keep you cool and dry, so you feel fresh. They also have thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place, adding comfort and reducing the need to adjust. And they’re reflective for better visibility in low light.

Best workout pants

VRST Mixed Media Training Pant

Pros

• Soft, lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable
• Four-way stretch for cardio or weightlifting
• Versatile for lounging and everyday wear too

Cons

• The fit is little roomier than other similar pants

In 2019, Dick’s Sporting Goods launched its own menswear line called VRST, and it’s been impressive. Take these pants, for example—they feature SILVADUR™ antibacterial treatment, sweat-wicking technology, and a four-way stretch fabric. Our testers wore them during workouts and lounging at home. We found the back pockets secure for running and convenient. The soft woven material makes them great for sports, and the zippered leg openings make them easy to put on and take off.

These training pants are lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and have a great four-way stretch, making them perfect for weightlifting and intense workouts.

What do customers say? A vrst.com customer raves, ‘These pants are plush with five zippers and breathable… The elastic waistband is so nice, I didn’t need to use the drawstring. They’re squat-friendly, so no worries about ripping them while lifting heavy. These workout pants won’t let you down.’