fashion men

Men's Activewear To Start Your Year Off Right

Since Coronavirus arrived, we’ve all been spending a lot more time in our workout gear - or ‘athleisure’, if you want to be fancy about it - but when we’re actually working up a sweat are we wearing the best possible fabrics and styles to get the most out of our workouts?

What should we really be wearing to the gym? If you’re starting a new fitness regime to work off those winter lockdown pounds, choosing the best clothes for exercise can seem like a daunting challenge. 

We’ve rounded up our favourite gym outfit ideas for men on the move, along with tips on how to style your activewear. By the time gyms open again, you’ll have all the gear and all the ideas.

Workout vest or t-shirt?

There are two things to consider when choosing your workout shirt: form and fabric. Do you want sleeves? A collar? Are you looking for a cotton blend or a lightweight wicking mix? Read on for our picks of sports t-shirts for this season.
 

Lightweight Fabric

This lightweight polyester blend mix has been designed specifically for wicking sweat away from the body during an intense run or workout to keep you cool and patch-free. Perfect for indoor training or hot weather.

Man wearing Nike Trail running logo t-shirt

Cool in Cotton

This classic cotton branded t-shirt is everything you want from a workout shirt; perfect for the gym, for lazy sofa days, or everyday casual wear.

Change the look from sportswear to athleisure by switching to jeans after your workout.

Man with hands on hips wearing Adidas camo logo t-shirt
 

Tank Tees

This ultra-light running vest was made for a sweaty session, plus it shows off those guns you’ve been working hard on.

Sleeveless with a crew neck finish, it’s the ultimate sports vest for indoor workouts.

Cut out of Cotton Trefoil Logo Tank
 

Chic Polo

Nothing says athleisure sophistication like a traditional polo shirt. Want to know how to style men’s activewear? Team this classic polo shirt with jeans or chinos and smart white trainers.

Is it smart? Is it casual? Is it sportswear? All of the above. If you’re going to wear it to the gym though, we recommend saving it for leg day.

Man wearing white short-sleeved polo shirt

Shorts or trousers?

Everybody has a preference; full coverage or bare knees? We’ve picked our favourite sportswear pants for every occasion, from cardio mode to streetwear.
 

Training Shorts

If you like to keep things cool while you’re working up a sweat, a pair of traditional sportswear training shorts should be an essential for your gym kit.

While they’re a bit breezy outdoors at this time of year, they’re designed from moisture wicking materials so you won’t see any embarrassing sweat patches in the gym. You’re welcome.

Man wearing sports shorts with Adidas 3-stripes

Gym Joggers

Traditional joggers are a staple for the ideal men’s activewear wardrobe.

Squat in style this winter with a pair of classic cotton joggers with an elasticated waist - perfect for after you’ve put on a few lockdown pounds.

Man with hand in pocket of black joggers, with grey top and white trainers

Street Style 

Outside the gym, the right pair of joggers can complete an athleisure ‘look’.

Team these cotton cargo joggers with a bright tee and classic white trainers for street sportswear done right.

Man wearing beige marine joggers holding shoulders of green stripe top
 

Skin Tight

Men’s leggings are no longer only for marathon runners and distance cyclists!

More and more often men are turning to these running tights, providing maximum flexibility for all kinds of workouts. 

Cut out of Nike sports tights

Socks up or down?

Trainer socks or ankle coverage? Choosing the right pair of sports socks can make or break your outfit - and your workout.
 

Barely-there

Flash those ankles with these super lightweight invisible trainer socks.  

Pack of 3 Pairs of Invisible Trainer Socks.jpg

Classic Trainer

Rising just above the line of your shoes, these trainer socks have a ribbed finish for a touch of style.

FILA Pack of 3 Pairs of Trainer Socks.jpg

Show them off

Socks are the latest style accessory when it comes to men’s activewear.

Classic white or colourful patterns, they’re the finishing touch for an athleisure streetwear look.

Pack of 3 FILA Long Socks.jpg
 

Picking the right workout trainers

Choosing the right trainers depends on the kind of workouts you like to do. If you’re a hardcore runner or gym-goer, you might prefer to separate your gym trainers from your street shoes, but for casual exercise there are trainers that will do both.
 

Trail Mix

Whether you’re embarking on marathon training or working up to your first 5k, if you’re going to be pounding the pavement regularly investing in a pair of running trainers is essential.

Choose a shoe with a durable but soft foam base with decent ankle support for comfort while jogging.

Cut out Nike Renew running trainers in grey
 

Multi-Purpose

While not suitable for running, a decent all-rounder trainer means you can leave the gym and get on with your day without carrying a second pair of shoes.

Stylish and practical in one.


Cut out Adidas Swift Run Trainers.jpg

All White

Every man should have a pair of classic white trainers in their wardrobe.

They look great with workout gear, jeans, joggers or chinos for a truly versatile look.

Cut out of white Adidas Rivalry Low Leather Trainers
 

Hi-Top

Effortlessly cool, you might be teased for wearing hi top trainers to the gym but they add a touch of athleisure style to any outfit.

Cut out of black Converse high top trainers


Don’t forget your bag for all your workout essentials

Whether they’re stuffed full of your work-to-gym kit or just for carrying your wallet, keys and water bottle; having the right sports bag can make you feel the part.
 

Shoulder Straps

Men’s rucksacks are a classic design for a reason. Thicker shoulder straps mean you can stuff them full of all your stuff, even work laptops, in a portable and comfortable shape.

Vans Old Skool III Backpack with Laptop Sleeve

A Simple Drawstring 

Once the favourite of teenage boys everywhere, the drawstring backpack is making a comeback.

Shove in your water bottle and snacks and head off on an active adventure.

Black Nike Graphic Gym Sack Backpack

Helpful Holdall

With plenty of pockets to separate your sweaty gear from your clean clothes, and space enough for a towel and shower kit too, a holdall bag is a favourite for serious gym-goers everywhere.

Puma Challenger S Sports Duffel Bag

Embrace the Bum Bag

You can use this to store your phone, wallet and keys when you’re out for a run; but bum bags are the latest athleisure style accessory.

You heard it here first.

Adidas Cl Waist Bos Bum Bag
 

Choosing the best swimwear 

Shorts, trunks or speedos? If you want to be beach ready by summer, swimming is a great way to stay in shape (once the pools open again).

Choosing the right swimwear can make a big difference to your workout. The question is, do you dare to bare?
 

Tight Fit

The original bather for keen swimmers, the classic speedo shape gives you excellent range of movement for practising your strokes. 

Man wearing Maxfit swimming trunks with hands behind head
 

Sleek Swimmers

Designed specifically for speed and range of movement, tight swim shorts are the first choice for professional swimmers.

They offer a little extra coverage versus the speedo shape.

Man wearing Endurance and Boomstar swimming trunks with hands together

Classic Short

The most popular choice of swimming short, the swimming trunk is a classic for a reason.

Available in a wide range of bright colours to show off your personality in the pool - although they will give you a little more drag in the water.

Man wearing blue Rip Curl Flows swim shorts

Hydrate with a new water bottle

Staying rehydrated is crucial to an effective workout and a healthy body.

As a result, reusable water bottles have become the ultimate gym accessory. 
 

Hi-Tech

Track your hydration levels with a smart water bottle; it syncs with your phone via Bluetooth to help you monitor your water intake for a smart and stylish solution.

Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle and Hydration Tracker in Royal Blue
 

Hot ‘n’ Cold

Multi-taskers will appreciate a water bottle which you can use just as easily for your morning coffee as your post-work workout.

Practical and good for the environment; what’s not to love?

Pure Black Double Wall Hot and Cold Water Bottle 500ml
 
At the end of the day, the best gym outfit ideas for men involves clothing that makes you feel energised and comfortable.

Sticking to a regular workout routine can be difficult, especially during the pandemic, but looking and feeling great in your gym clothes can give you the boost you need to pedal, pump, squat, splash and sweat your way to a healthier, happier you.

Start your 2021 off right and check out our full range of men’s sportswear to collate your perfect activewear collection and work up a sweat in style.
 
Author Name
Rebecca,
02/01/2021