We’ve picked the best workout clothes for men that help you stay cool and comfortable while giving you extra support and complete flexibility of movement.
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned gym-goer, the best workout clothes for men will help you get the most from your sessions. Cotton tees, baggy shorts and old trainers just won’t cut it when you start ramping up your HIIT workouts or weights programme. You need dedicated performance-focused training gear that will move with you and keep you cool and comfortable.
Clothes not made with performance in mind will be distracting at best, but will more likely be restrictive, unsupportive and uncomfortable. Trainers won’t support quick lateral movements, tees will get wet, heavy and start to chafe and shorts won’t wick sweat away and will restrict your range of movement. That’s where the best workout clothes for men come in.
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Best workout clothes at a glance
The Vuori Strato Tech Tee (buy) is a great workout tee that’s versatile, lightweight and fits well.
The Under Armour Vanish Woven Shorts (buy) are light and breathable – the comfiest I’ve tested!
The inov8 Bare-XF (buy) epitomises minimal design meets outstanding performance. It’s a solid choice for both barefoot shoe enthusiasts and those transitioning from more traditional trainers.
With a supportive fit and four-way stretch fabric, the Under Armour Meridian Joggers (buy) are comfy and supportive joggers for gym workouts and everyday.
The Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short (buy) are absolutely the Rolls Royce of running shorts. They’re not only supremely comfortable, but also offer an excellent fit and more features than you’ll know what to do with.
The Nike Vaporfly 4 (buy) has it all. With punchy and energetic rebound and a nice injection of cushioning for impact absorption.
The 2XU Core Compression Long Sleeve (buy) ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, support, and reducing muscle fatigue. Plus, it’s super breathable too!
Once on, the Skins Series 5 (buy) feel super flexible, breathable and offer brilliant targeted compression for sore muscles.
The Step One Boxer Brief Sport (buy) is the most comfortable, cafe-free, and supportive sports underwear I’ve tested.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack is a suitcase-style travel bag that has just about every feature imaginable – from side-access padded laptop compartment to lockable zips and stowable straps.
Best men’s workout clothes tested for 2026
Best gym shirt
1. Vuori Strato Tech Tee
Men’s Fitness verdict
A great workout tee that’s versatile, lightweight and fits well. Ideal for travel, as it doubles as daytime wear and workout gear.- Incredibly soft and light
- Excellent fit
- Good flex for free movement
- Holds sweat on longer cardio workouts
| Specifications | Vuori Strato Tech Tee |
|---|---|
| Materials | 96% polyester, 4% elastane |
| Features | Moisture wicking; anti odor; UPF rating |
| Sizes | XXS – 3XL |
| Colors | 17 available |
The Vuori Strato Tech Tee offers simplicity, style, and comfort with its classic design, tailored fit, and muted color options, suitable for both workouts and more casual wear. Constructed from a soft, lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, it boasts UPF protection, anti-odor, and moisture-wicking properties. The flat stitch seams and flexible arm cuffs enhance comfort and mobility.
I noticed the fabric’s softness and lightness even before wearing, and it provided a barely-there feel ideal for workouts. It offers ample flexibility and comfort for various exercises – though its shorter length may cause slight rise during certain movements. Despite its classic appearance, it effectively handles moisture during shorter workouts, but may retain more sweat during longer sessions. Sizing is true to standard measurements, and durability looks good after multiple wash cycles and tumble drying, making it a reliable choice for most. Easy to care for, the top is also machine washable and tumble dryer-friendly.
- Read my full Vuori Strato Tech Tee review
- For a full roundup, check out the best gym shirts for men
Best gym shorts
2. Under Armour Vanish Woven Shorts
Men’s Fitness verdict
Temperature-regulating Heat Gear tech works a treat, creating light and breathable shorts that are the comfiest I’ve tested.- Excellent fit
- Good length and coverage
- No zip pockets
| Specifications | Under Armour Vanish Woven Shorts |
|---|---|
| Materials | UA Vanish (ultra-light durable woven fabric) |
| Features | Perforated panels for ventilation; 4-way stretch material; elastic waistband with pull draw; open hand pockets; notched hem |
| Inseam | 8in |
| Sizes | S/M – 2XL |
| Colors | 16 available |
Under Armour’s Vanish shorts will help you keep your cool even when your session really starts to heat up. While testing, we felt cool and comfortable throughout the entire sweaty workout, thanks to temperature-regulating Heat Gear tech, lightweight fabric and breathable mesh construction. Its wide elastic waist also keeps the pressure off your middle, and flatlock seams minimise the risk of chafing – all in all, we found them extremely comfortable to exercise in. If you’re stocking up on the best workout clothes, your gym kit won’t be complete without a fine pair of shorts like this.
- For a full roundup, check out the best shorts for men
Best gym shoes
3. Inov8 Bare-XF
Men’s Fitness verdict
Minimal design meets outstanding performance. With a wide toe box and zero drop, it’s a solid choice for both minimalist shoe enthusiasts and those transitioning from more traditional trainers.- Zero drop positions your foot close to the ground for optimal lifting form
- Wide toe box for natural foot and toe splay, promoting proprioception and healthy feet
- Super lightweight and very comfortable
- That zero drop can make squatting and Olympic lifting harder if you have limited ankle range
- Slightly dull appearance; not the prettiest shoe
| Specifications | Inov8 Bare-XF |
|---|---|
| Features | 3D air mesh upper; Meta-Flex technology; Adapterweb Cradle lacing system; EHC heel system |
| Weight | 7.4oz / 210g |
| Color | Black, black / gum, dark green, white |
Despite its unassuming appearance, this shoe is a powerhouse of performance. Boasting Boomerang technology and a wide toe box, it offers the perfect blend of bounce and natural movement. The lightweight design feels like a breeze during workouts, while the stretchy laces add an unexpected level of comfort.
Transitioning to minimalist shoes has transformed not only my workouts but also my perspective on footwear. The Bare-XF’s wide fit option accommodates broad feet comfortably, reflecting its thoughtful design. The zero drop, meanwhile, promotes better form and proprioception, enhancing my connection to the ground during lifts and dynamic movements.
For anyone seeking a shoe that marries minimalism with top-tier performance, the Bare-XF is a great choice. From enhancing running efficiency to powering through lifting sessions, these shoes have become an integral bit of kit in our fitness arsenal.
- Read our full inov8 Bare-XF review
- For a full roundup, check out the best gym shoes
Best sweatpants
4. Under Armour Meridian Joggers
Men’s Fitness verdict
With a supportive fit and four-way stretch fabric, these comfy and supportive joggers allow for full range of movement and are ideal for short workouts or runs.- Flattering, supportive fit
- Plenty of flexibility
- Comfortable waistband
- Breathability could be better
| Specifications | Under Armour Meridian Joggers |
|---|---|
| Materials | 80% polyester, 20% elastane |
| Features | Four-way stretch material; elastic waistband with external drawcord; zip hand pockets and back pocket |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, bayou |
You might not initially consider sweatpants when shopping for the best workout clothes, but the right pair can offer unrivalled comfort during a workout. Plus, they double up as comfy loungewear when chilling at home.
The Under Armour Meridian Joggers have a close, tapered fit for a flattering look and supportive feel. We love their lightweight, super-soft and stretchy fabric, which delivers all-day comfort whether you’re on your sofa, at the shops or midway through your session. While working out, we found the material wicked sweat away from the body and dried quickly, making the Meridian suitable for intense gym or track sessions. Plus, the two zipped pockets came in handy for stashing our valuables.
- Read our full Under Armour Meridian Joggers review
- For a full roundup, check out the best sweatpants
Best running shorts
5. Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
Absolutely the Rolls Royce of running shorts. Supremely comfortable, with an excellent fit, these Lululemon shorts have more pockets and features than you’ll know what to do with.- Excellent fit
- Supremely comfortable
- Plenty of pockets and features
- Price tag is steep
- Availability (it’s proved very popular)
| Specifications | Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% recycled polyester |
| Features | Side drop-in pockets; hidden gel pockets; waistband loops |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Colors | Black / Vapor / Silver Drop |
| Inseam | 5in |
Is there nothing the brains at Lululemon haven’t thought of in terms of features on their Fast and Free Running Short? Turns out the answer to that is no! Let’s start with the pockets: side drop-in pockets on the liner are accessible from the outer shell; hidden gel pockets sit on the back inner waistband; meanwhile the liner has a supportive built-in pouch and a pocket for drawcord strings. On the waistband at the back of the shorts, there are two loops that you can stash a jacket or outer layer in when you run. To cap it all, reflective detailing on the hem means you’ll be visible to cars at night.
- Read our full Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short review
- For a full roundup, check out the best running shorts
Best running shoes
6. Nike Vaporfly 4
Men’s Fitness verdict
We’d have forgiven Nike for making a carbon copy of its excellent v3 super shoe. Instead it’s made refinements that may divide opinion but there’s no doubting the racing pedigree of the Vaporfly 4.- Light, punchy and energetic
- Softer midsole for more protection
- Lost some stiffness
- Less secure fit
| Specifications | Nike Vaporfly 4 |
|---|---|
| Materials | ZoomX foam; carbon fibre flyplate |
| Weight | 6.8oz / 190g |
| Colors | 7 colorways available |
The Nike Vaporfly 4 maintains the range’s lightweight design, combining a carbon plate with Nike ZoomX foam, but with notable changes. Thinner rubber on the outsole, a higher angled full carbon plate and a heel-toe drop reduced from 8mm to 6mm enhance the shoe’s performance. The Flyknit uppers are lighter and more breathable, while the outsole features a thinner rubber covering with a waffle design for improved grip.
It’s the lightest carbon shoe we’ve tested but still offers a more stable platform. In testing over 50 miles, including a marathon, it performed exceptionally well, providing cushioned protection but with a slightly softer ride compared to the Vaporfly 3. While it’s still agile and fun, offering better breathability, it sacrifices some race-focused responsiveness for versatility and comfort. Overall, the Vaporfly 4 is a great option for various distances, offering improved stability and protection.
- Read my full Nike Vaporfly 3 review
- For a full roundup, check out the best running shoes
Best compression top
7. 2XU Core Compression Long Sleeve
Men’s Fitness verdict
The breathable 2XU Core Compression top ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, support and reducing muscle fatigue. Breathability is impressive too.- Good compresssion
- Excellent flexibility
- No color options
| Specifications | 2XU Core Compression Long Sleeve |
|---|---|
| Materials | 80% polyamide, 20% elastane |
| Features | Circular knit; 360-degree stretch fabric; flatlock seams; raglan sleeves; vent panels; reflective logo |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Colors | Black |
If you want to upgrade to the best workout clothes, compression kit offers the latest top-of-the-range technology to support your muscles during workouts. The 2XU Core Compression top boasts high-level compression and a wealth of technical features. While testing, we found it had a tight, compressive fit, which is designed to support the muscles during exercise and kickstart the recovery process afterwards.
Its thick yet lightweight PWX fabric – combined with well-placed vent panels – finds the sweet spot between insulation and ventilation. During our workouts, we found the top provided reliable temperature regulation. Plus, the raglan sleeves also ensured our movement was unrestricted, while elasticated sleeves and that second-skin fit kept the top in place on the torso.
- Read my full 2XU Core Compression Long Sleeve review
- For a full roundup, check out the best compression tops for men
Best compression tights
8. Skins Series 5 Long
Men’s Fitness verdict
Once you manage to wriggle into these flexible, breathable tights you’ll enjoy targeted compression and superb comfort – but they’re not cheap.- Graduated compression
- Fabric is smooth and comfortable
- Waistband can roll up
- Expensive
| Specifications | Skins Series 5 Long |
|---|---|
| Materials | 76% nylon, 24% elastane |
| Features | Breathable mesh panels; elasticated internal drawcord; reflective logos; rear stretch pocket |
| Sizes | Small – 2XL |
| Colors | Black |
The close-fitting Skins Series 5 are dedicated high-grade compression tights that can be worn during and after workouts. Featuring the highest compression levels in the Skins recovery gear line-up, they deliver targeted, graduated compression to all the major muscles in your lower torso.
Once you feel the benefits of reduced muscle vibration – whether you use them for road runs, strength sessions, or HIIT workouts – you’ll find it hard to go back. While testing, we found the super-smooth, quick-drying fabric to be some of the comfiest we’ve ever had against the skin. Plus, flatlock seams kept chafing to a minimum while we were working out.
- Read my full Skins Series 5 Long review
- For a full roundup, check out the best compression tights for men
Best workout underwear
9. Step One Boxer Brief Sport
Men’s Fitness verdict
If comfort is key when choosing boxers (and why wouldn’t it be?) then Aussie brand Step One should be in the mix. Unlike some brands, you don’t have to sacrifice support for it either.- Excellent support
- Zero rubbing of chafing
- Waistband sits a little low
- Lacks the lively designs of its regular boxers
| Specifications | Step One Boxer Brief Sport |
|---|---|
| Materials | Bamboo viscose |
| Sizes | Small – 3XL |
| Color | 12 colors available |
Aussie brand Step One makes all its underwear from sustainable and ethically sourced bamboo viscose. This makes for chafe-free comfort and support whatever workouts you perform.
We enjoyed the silky smooth polyamide gusset panel of the Boxer Brief Sport, which improves breathability, while the elasticated 3D comfort pouch keeps the jewels perfectly in place. Step One is so confident you’ll love these trunks it even offers a money-back guarantee on your first worn pair if you don’t.
- Read my full Step One Boxer Brief Plus review
- For a full roundup, check out the best moisture-wicking underwear
Best gym bag
10. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Men’s Fitness verdict
This suitcase-style travel bag has just about every feature imaginable – from side-access padded laptop compartment to lockable zips and stowable straps. It’ll stand out on a luggage carousel too!- Practical suitcase-like design with plenty of storage options
- Rugged construction and lifetime guarantee
- Straps and padding are super comfortable
- Comes in a range of sizes and colors
- Fabric might leak in a downpour
| Specifications | Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack |
|---|---|
| Features | Lifetime warranty; side-access padded laptop compartment; stowable straps; security features |
| Capacity | 11.1 gal / 42L |
| Dimensions | 22 x 14 x 11in / 56 x 36 x 27cm |
| Color | Various |
I have to say I was getting a little bored of all the glossy black gym bags on the market. So when I received this strikingly colorful Allpa bag from Cotopaxi I knew it would stand out at the gym (or luggage carousel). Each one is made with deadstock fabric so no two bags are the same. The design is well thought through too, with a suitcase-style main compartment divided into three zippable ones. There are plenty of external ones too, included a side-access padded 15in laptop compartment.
I liked the lockable main compartment, and security zippers, as well as the fact that you can fit most hip packs inside the top pocket. With three grab handles and stowable straps, this is a bag ready for all occasions. The 42L bag I tested was actually a little too voluminous for all my gym gear – but that’s no bad thing. The 35L version may be better suited for fitness sessions. But as a weekend travel bag, it’s not far from perfect.
- For a full roundup, check out the best gym bags
Frequently Asked Questions about workout clothes
There’s no point ruining your session by working out in a sweater; the best workout clothes should only enhance your workout. You want stretch, flex and breathability. You want comfort, light weight and support when considering what to wear to the gym. So look for technical clothes made from advanced sweat-wicking fabrics including nylon, elastane and polyester (or natural fibers like merino wool). Look for flattened or minimal seams to stop chafing. And look for a fit that is close and supportive with good coverage, without being restrictive.
Don’t forget shoes, either. Unless you’re focused on lifting you don’t want dedicated lifting shoes, which are too rigid for most other workouts. Instead, for gym shoes look for ones that offer lateral support, or for running you want good flex and cushioning through your stride. Both should be lightweight, with breathable uppers.
One of the most important pieces of gym kit, it’s useful to know what makes a good gym shirt. Breathability and sweat wicking performance are the most important things to look for in a gym shirt. A gym shirt that promotes air flow and that dries quickly will stay lighter, drier and more comfortable for longer.
Gym shorts tend to come in three lengths – 3-inch, 5-inch and 7-inch. The best 3-inch shorts tend to be the reserve of runners. The best 7-inch shorts offer excellent coverage and the most storage but are a little heavier. Five-inch shorts therefore offer a good compromise of range of movement, coverage, weight and support.
Unless most of your gym sessions are focused on treadmill running, we’d recommend looking for shoes that offer more lateral support. Running shoes are built purely to support movement in one axis; good gym shoes should offer support whichever way you move.
Wearing street clothes is a sure-fire way to feel uncomfortable, restricted and unsupported. From jeans studs digging into you during floor work to your undies rubbing while riding an air bike, you’re guaranteed to get less enjoyment from your workout.
This one’s a matter of choice, really, though more intense sessions tend to favour looser clothes to help keep you cool. They’ll give you a better range of movement, too, although tighter clothes will give you better support.
Compression clothes aren’t necessary but they do offer certain benefits. Those include increasing blood flow to aid muscle recovery post-workout and good support to reduce muscle fatigue during exercise.
How we tested the best workout clothes for men
When you’re looking to invest in new workout kit, we know just how crucial those trustworthy reviews can be in helping you reach that all-important decision. So, our team of trusted testers put dozens of tops, leggings, shorts, shoes and more through their paces to bring you the very best of the best. All items were tested in terms of fit, comfort and style, alongside how well they performed during various workouts. Our testers also honed in on the high-tech features each garment offers, from sweat-wicking fabrics and four-way stretch to breathable uppers and zero-chafe seams.
Updates
- November 2025: Prices and affiliate links checked, best running shoe updated as Brooks shoe is no longer available, main image updated.
- December 2025: Best running shorts replaced with Lululemon Fast and Free. Copy updated to 2026.
- March 2026: Best travel bag replaced with Cotopaxi Allpa 42L
- April 2026: All specs tables converted to schema tables, formatting tidied up, all product links updated, added an FAQ section, and we swapped out the best workout underwear for the super comfortable Step One Boxer Brief Sport.
