The Best Workout Clothes for Men, Tested by Fitness Editors and Trainers

The right workout shirt should feel like a second skin. Enter Rhone’s short sleeve tee: A workout shirt so amazing we’ve showered it with praise in our Fitness Awards several times in the past. Our fitness team at Men’s Health have deemed it as perhaps the most comfortable t-shirt they have ever tested and worn to a gym session. “This breathable top moves with you when you reach overhead for pull-ups and chin-ups thanks to its seamless construction,” says Samuel. Its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric has always come in a pinch for me whenever the gym gets a bit too heated.

In addition to the broken-in (while still secure) fit that’s loaded with gym-friendly specs like an anti-chafing, moisture-wicking fabric, the Reign tee is also infused with gold (yes, really) to fend off any gym odors. Taking it outside? It also has a UPF50+ exterior for adequate sun protection. I can barely tell when I’m wearing it, and while the fit is athletic, it can stretch however much as required to every exercise I need it to.

Read more: Best Workout Shirts

You should never feel tied down or limited during a workout, and after Lululemon finally gave its best-selling, editor-tested workout shirt the upgrade it deserves, you never will. It’s an ultra-comfortable, ultra-light tank that offers plenty of arm room for you to get through every exercise, from pull-ups to power cleans to kettlebell swings.

During our testing and comparison, we found that the new Metal Vent Tech singlet is cut and fitted so that you have a full, free range of motion as you hit sprints and smash out pull-ups. But it’s updated with a seamless (read: chafe-less) build, and the fit and weight now feel much less clingy on sweaty skin.

After testing it out through numerous gym sessions, I’ve noticed that this tank now comes with more stretch than ever as well. In short, the cult-fav tee is as breathable as its predecessor but now more comfortable and durable to sport for hours on end, wear after wear.

Equal parts practical and stylish, these soft mid-weight knit joggers are ideal for on-the-go active types. Made in moisture-wicking materials, these joggers are able to keep our legs cool and dry at all times and keep the clingy, sweaty feelings at bay even when you’re running. Speaking of movement, these joggers are built with four-way stretch as well, meaning they’ll keep up with both your squats and sprints.

The comfort of the fabric in these joggers is not to be underestimated—though it doesn’t completely feel seamless, the softness will make you want to lounge in these joggers, and the breathability helps the fabric stay fresh. We also like the tapered fit of these joggers: Roomy in the seat and thigh areas but slim from the knees down, taking away any bulk around the ankles to help us move even more comfortably.

I’ve used these on errand runs to the grocery stores to shop my meal prep just as much as I’ve used them in the gym. These are the perfect do everything jogger that you won’t get tired of wearing or being seen in. The zippered pocket comes in clutch for credit cards or keys as well.

Read More: Best Joggers for Men

We love these mesh boxer briefs from Polo Ralph Lauren because they’re incredibly versatile for different kinds of exercises, from kickboxing to weightlifting to calisthenics, with a soft cotton-modal blend that’s moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry downstairs.

In our testing, we found that even when doing squats, these skivvies were able to provide and maintain a high level of athletic comfort with four-way stretch and breathability thanks to the side mesh panels. Plus, their slim silhouette in smooth cotton feels like a second skin. I also love that their pouch and gusset provide support without chafing the skins of the boys or weighing me down. Better yet, they won’t ride up or bunch up under your gym shorts or pants.

Not to mention, Ralph Lauren knows how to make a stylish, while still comfortable, piece of clothing. So I don’t need to be self-conscious while I’m in the gym locker room or at the BJJ club, changing into my gym attire after work.

Read more: Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear

The perfect base layer keeps you cool, dries fast, and, most important, wicks away moisture like a champ. UA’s HeatGear Sleeveless is that base layer, thanks to its polyester-blend fabric that ventilates your body, wicks away sweat, and does a great job in regulating your temperature in any weather. We love the flatlock seams that help prevent chafing, plus, it’s infused with elastane for plenty of stretch. It’s great as a standalone when it’s hot out and the ideal first layer when it’s not. Though take note: some testers say this does run large, so you might want to go a size down for an extra compressive fit.

Read more: Best Compression Shirts

Alo makes an athletic pullover that’s a cut above the rest, which is why it received a Men’s Health fitness award. The Accolade Hoodie is destined to be your go-to sweat, with a relaxed, squared-off cut that’s easy to throw on your gym or casual fits. When it comes to workouts, our editors found this fleece pullover is perfect to wear for cold weather runs or lifts.

This hoodie is premier in fit, function, and soft stretch. Our team likes the kangaroo pouch, allowing for easy access to cards or keys. This is the only pocket you need with your gym look, so you don’t need to worry about crowding your jogger or gym shorts with unnecessary gadgets.

The whole thing is made from a cotton-polyester blend that is super flexible and soft, allowing you to move through all ranges of motion while staying cool and dry. All in all, this workout hoodie will take you from warm-ups to cool-downs with its comfortable fit, functional build, and performance.

For a little extra “boost” during your warmups, there’s Alo’s Triumph. This long-sleeve tee features a relaxed, easy-fit cut from a soft, tri-blend jersey that’s ridiculously comfy and maximizes movement. It really doesn’t restrict in any way and has that nice lived-in feel on the first wear.

Our testers bought this for those sunny morning runs in the morning as well as outdoor exercises in summer and found that this workout shirt is excellent for daily wear and workouts, with a lightweight (almost weightless) fabric, and breezy feeling. The shirt is very durable and hasn’t gotten any runs in the fabric or tears. We found that the quality is better than the ringspun shirts, which have shrunken and gotten holes many times in our testing.

The performance in the cool-to-the-touch fabric has also let our tester stay dry and fresh and protected from the sun. We also love that it’s soft, quick-drying, and doesn’t stick to the body when sweating. The fabric is light and breezy to keep you cool and dry even during intense workouts. It’s a perfect pick for layering.

Finding a great pair of gym shorts can be a struggle, whether you have big thick thighs or leaner, more shredded legs. Being someone who has gone through all the variations, this is the only pair that has fit no matter where my legs are at size wise. These don’t chafe or tighten around my thighs; functionally, they’re very versatile since I’ve worn them for workouts, commutes, and weekend downtimes, making them a total steal when calculating cost-per-wear value.

Available in lined or unlined, and in three sensible lengths, the Interval has a fabric that in our testing showed a maximum range of motion and quick sweat-wicking quality. It will allow you to flex comfortably in a poly-spandex blended fabric. All in all, it’s a short that can keep up with the most intense exercise.

Read more: Best Gym Shorts

The Nike Free Metcon 6 is a true all-arounder, especially if your workouts bounce between lifting, conditioning, and short runs. Nike made this version lighter and more flexible than past Metcons, with plenty of breathability for high-intensity sessions. It’s stable enough for moderate lifting, nimble enough for lateral moves and circuits, and comfortable when you jump on the treadmill.

This shoe is more run-friendly than traditional Metcons, which makes them ideal for group classes and mixed training days. Just know the limits: they’re not built for max-effort barbell lifts or rope climbs, where durability and rigidity matter more. That said, if you want one pair that can handle most workouts without weighing you down, this is it.

Read More: Best Cross Training Shoes

Most Swiftwick athletic socks are perfect for running and training, but we especially love the combination of cushioning, breathability, and compression in the Flite XT Zero Tab. These socks have an incredibly long lifespan and hold their shape over time. Plus, they can also be worn for other types of all-day activities, like golf, thus making them more versatile than your average running sock.

More importantly, in our testing, we found that its proprietary GripDry Fiber was able to keep us blister-free no matter our training. But what really made these socks part of the best workout clothes is that they offer enough grip and feel for anyone who wants to deadlift sans sneakers; coupled with elastic wraps at the ankle and heel, they also provide extra support and protection where needed the most.

It’s hard to remember the days when I used to train in regular socks. Once you’ve worked in a pair like this, providing support and compression during your runs or calisthenics, you won’t want to go back. They fit nice and securely on the foot.

The iconic Dick’s Sporting Goods name launched its own menswear brand VRST in 2019. And its impressed us ever since. Case in point: This pair of joggers feature multi-stretch fabric combined with sweat-wicking tech. I am a fan of these pants whether I’m putting in hard work at the gym or just lounging around at home doing a little recovery.

There are great pockets that were super useful when running and have unique placement in the back which we think provide the best security while running. The back pockets are zippered, providing that extra security for your wallet and cards while running.

These training pants are lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, and come with a nice four-way stretch to work great in both heavy cardio workout or weightlifting. The drawstring makes adjusting the waist easy to help things stay in place. VRST made sure to make a jogging pant that looked good too, and I’ve wore these to hangs after a gym session without feeling like I’m underdressed.

Tracksmith is one of those brands loved by all of our editors, especially the runners in the crew. On top of next level running gear, it also makes some awesome swim trunks, supporting the fact that the brand knows how to make a quick-drying, moisture-wicking short fit for the road or the gym. For these reasons and more the brand has been spotlighted in our Fitness Awards more than once.

The liner sewn into the shorts brings welcome support when you are sprinting or jumping around. With nylon as its main material, its breathability is also unquestionable. The holy trinity of stretch, anti-sweat performance, and ventilation makes Tracksmith’s shorts the perfect runner. The pockets were thoughtfully placed as well, with one zippered option to store anything you don’t want banging around during your jogs.

Elastic closure? Machine wash? Flatlock stitching? Moisture-wicking? Quick-drying? Check, check, check, and there’s even a stretch-mesh underarm to boot that optimizes ventilation and sweat-draining to carry you through even the nastiest gym sessions. This compression shirt made from polyester and spandex also features UPF 50+ protection from the sun. Its moisture-wicking and heat-releasing properties make it ideal for workouts in all kinds of weather.

I also love the Flatlock stitching of these compression shirts which not only renders the fabric durable but also prevents chafing. In my experience of wearing these to lift weights and bench, which I had to readjust the fit now and then, overall it feels smooth and soft on the skin. For the price, the fit and style is unmatched.

Under Armour comes through yet again with these HeatGear Compression Shorts. Men’s Health editors have been wearing these for years because we are into the seamless, second-skin fit. You’ll barely even notice wearing these mid-length shorts. Plus, the updated design features smart craftsmanship to keep seams off chafe-prone areas, while strategically-placed mesh panels ventilate the areas where you need breathability most.

Not surprisingly, they’re among the best-reviewed compression shorts on Amazon with more than 3,500 positive ratings, including almost 3,000 five-star customer reviews. At under $30, they’re also surprisingly affordable, especially among Under Armour’s premium-priced sports apparel. If you don’t know the benefits of compression shorts, think more support, more stable lifts, and fast recovery times after leg day.