What To Wear In The Gym: A Guide For Men

Gym wear has really evolved over the last few years, with advances in design and garment technology enhancing comfort and performance for men of all shapes and sizes.  

You may not have previously given much thought to your gym clothing, but here’s why what you wear matters and what clothes you should wear to make the most of your workout. 

Why is it important what you wear when working out? 

Gyms may not usually have a strict dress code, but it’s important to dress appropriately. You want to wear clothes that give you freedom to move but keep you well covered, made from materials that are breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. 

There’s also the added psychological benefit: if you feel good, you’re more likely to feel motivated to have a good workout. 

Advice for finding the best men's gym clothes 

Comfort is key when it comes to finding gym clothes for men. Look for fabrics that are light, breathable, and moisture-wicking — this last one applies especially to any heavy sweaters out there — so you can stay cool when working out and train for longer.   

On what not to wear, avoid high-cotton clothing. Cotton’s fine for most things, but it holds onto sweat, which is the last thing you want when you’re exercising.    

If you’re looking beyond comfort and want to really maximize your performance, you might want to try compression clothing — tight-fitting gym wear designed to help reduce muscle movement and post-workout soreness.   

My own preference is to work out in loose-fitting, lightweight clothes — shorts and a T-shirt — with a long-sleeved tee for warming up and cooling down. But it’s completely up to you — work out in whatever you feel most comfortable in.  

1. Dress to match your workout 

For comfort and performance, you should dress according to the activity. For instance, if you’re using machines, safety is priority number one. So don’t wear loose clothes that could get caught. 

If you’re doing strength training, you’ll want to bring some extra layers you can wear to stay warm between sets.  

And if you’re going to be moving about a lot, wear clothes that give you plenty of freedom and that you feel comfortable in.  

2. Shoes to fit the activity

Wearing the correct pair of shoes can also have a massive impact on your performance, as different activities require different footwear.  

For example, traditional weight-lighting shoes have a hard sole, elevated heel, and provide lateral support, making them ideal for a deep squatting position. But this means they won’t be suitable for other exercises that require a more flexible sole. 

All running shoes are designed for running, but there are different shapes and sizes to choose from based on your running style and the distance you’re running. The wrong pair of shoes could lead to discomfort and even injury, so you need to find the right pair.  

Cross training shoes are a modern alternative that have a stable sole with some pliability. They’re specifically made to be worn for a variety of gym activities, though this may mean they’re not the best pair for any specific exercise. 

My own preference is to wear running shoes for most activities, but to wear weightlifting shoes for lower-body work and power exercises. 

3. Follow gym etiquette 

Most gyms have a code of conduct or gym etiquette guidelines. As a general rule, it's best to avoid wearing excessively revealing clothing or vests that could make others uncomfortable. Bringing a small towel to wipe down equipment after use is also a considerate gesture.