Here’s What To Wear to the Gym (for Men)

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to update your workout wardrobe, this article provides essential guidance on choosing the right attire for the gym.

In my six years of working out, I’ve seen all kinds of clothes in the gym. Business casual, Gymshark from head to toe, regular old Walmart attire; it’s important to note that there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer for what you wear to the gym.

Just as when you’re outside the gym, style is an expression of yourself and your interests.

That said, there are some do’s and don’ts if you want to have a comfortable, effective workout every session. 

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about what to wear to the gym, whether you’re a beginner or simply looking to get some new threads. 

What Makes a Good Gym Outfit?

A good gym outfit keeps a few things in mind: your style of training, your comfort level, and how you feel when you wear it.

If you train in CrossFit, yoga, or calisthenics, your first priority in a gym outfit should be flexibility. You wouldn’t want to rip a pair of nice slacks down the middle doing downward dog or busting out muscle-ups.

Preserving the range of motion by wearing flexible clothing is also important for bodybuilding and weightlifting. You don’t want to leave gains on the table because a cumbersome parka keeps cutting your reps short.

Comfort shouldn’t be overlooked, either. You’re in the gym to push yourself to the limits and get a little better each time you go, and the last thing you want to worry about is how an itchy shirt feels against your skin. 

You’ll also want something that covers you up regardless of how you stretch, reach, and move. 

I see it all the time: guys pulling too-short shirts down to cover their bellies when they lie on a bench or reach up to the lat pulldown bar.

That leads to how you feel when you wear your gym clothes. Are you comfortable, or do you feel self-conscious? Are you too hot? Can you work out the way you want to?

All of these factors have a real impact on your fitness progress. So, what should you wear to the gym as the strapping young man you are?

Breathable, sweat-wicking clothing is always a solid choice. It helps you stay cool and comfortable; this type of clothing is usually flexible enough to keep up with your workout. 

Lightweight clothes, such as shorts and tank tops, are also a good bet. These give you the freedom to move how you want without bogging you down and building up a ton of heat.

If you’d rather cover up more than show off, oversized clothes are an excellent choice to wear to the gym. Pick out a t-shirt one or two sizes too large, pair it with some breathable shorts or sweatpants, and you have a perfectly suitable gym outfit. 

Lastly, compression clothing can be great for the gym if you’re comfortable with form-fitting clothing. 

As long as your gym clothes are breathable, comfortable, flexible, and fit your gym’s dress code, you can wear whatever you prefer.

What To Wear to the Gym for the First Time

Going to the gym for the first time can be very intimidating. Good on you for taking that first step! 

There’s no need to adjust your gym style too much as a beginner. While you likely won’t want to wear a tight compression shirt out of the gate, nothing is stopping you from dressing the same way as someone who’s been in the gym for a decade.

T-shirts (I usually opt for short-sleeves), tank tops, light hoodies, shorts, sweatpants, and joggers are all fair game.

Wear what makes you feel good. Don’t wear something that you’ll be thinking about throughout your workout.

Gym Clothes for Cardio

Cardio, although often skipped, is one of the most important things you can work on in the gym. 
The first thing I think about when dressing for a cardio workout is keeping cool. You should work up a sweat because you’re pushing yourself, not because your clothes are trapping heat near your body.

Breathable fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon are terrific choices. These fabrics tend to trap unsavory odors, though, so make sure to wash them thoroughly after an intense cardio session.

Unlike strength training, I wouldn’t recommend sweatpants or joggers as a first choice for cardio. Long pants will wear you down and dig into your cardio endurance. You’re much better off rolling with a pair of light, stretchy gym shorts while you bike, run, or shoot hoops.

Gym Clothes for Strength Training

Weight training provides some of the most freedom when choosing what to wear to the gym. 
The top priorities here are maintaining range of motion with flexible fabrics and keeping you comfortable throughout your workout.

In the gym you’ll see guys wearing all kinds of clothes while lifting weights. Hoodies (also known to gym goers as “pump covers”), sweatpants, and joggers are much easier to wear while lifting weights than doing cardio or CrossFit.

You can also rock a simple T-shirt and basketball shorts with no problem at all.

This area largely comes down to personal preference. What style do you like? Wear it!

Gym Clothing for CrossFit or Calisthenics

Crossfit or calisthenics training demands the most flexibility and gives from your gym clothes.

When you’re kipping or practicing splits, the last thing you want to wear is a pair of tight jeans or a restricting shirt.

Instead, opt for gym clothes with more breathing room that allows you to bend and stretch without resistance.

This could be an oversized shirt, a tank top, shorts, or baggier sweatpants and joggers. Many calisthenics athletes who train outside also do shirtless.

Accessories for the Gym

Accessories, while not necessary, are an easy way to level up your style and comfort.

A good pair of underwear can go a long way. Baggy boxers that bunch and ride up your leg usually aren’t the best choice for the gym. I typically opt for breathable boxer briefs (I can’t get enough boxer briefs from Saxx) to keep me comfortable and secure while lifting weights and getting my cardio in.

If you tend to sweat a lot (I’m right there with you), a hand towel for drying off your hands and wiping down machines is a smart purchase.

Fitness trackers and smartwatches, like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, can also help you track your workouts and nutrition. Many of them have added benefits for the gym, too, like quick music changing and hands-free phone calls.

Lastly, for me, a good pair of headphones is absolutely essential. 

Wired headphones will get the job done, but Bluetooth headphones are excellent for resting weights on your legs before lifts (so that your phone doesn’t have to sit in your pocket), providing a full range of motion without ripping your motivation out of your ears, and blocking out the noise of the gym to hone your focus.

What To Wear to the Gym if You’re Self-Conscious

First off, it’s okay to be self-conscious. We all start somewhere, and getting into a gym routine is an excellent confidence booster. Almost no one will care about what you wear to the gym except you.

So, wear something you like first and foremost.

If you want to hide your shape until you’re ready to show it off, oversized or loose-fitting clothing is certainly an option (but probably not the best option). Sweatshirts are useful for covering your physique, but just make sure you aren’t overheating during your workout. Comfort’s important, after all. 

However, an even better choice is to wear clothes that fit you well. Oversized clothing doesn’t actually make you look fitter, they just make you look sloppy. (For example, here’s how shorts should fit, and here’s how a tee should fit). 

Black is always slimming and a good choice for both tops and bottoms, but navy is an even better color choice for most guys. That’s because navy, being a neutral color, more easily matches other colors. Also, black can tend to make people with certain (especially lighter) skin tones look washed out.

Besides navy, consider getting gym clothes in grey, maroon, and olive green. 

What To Wear to the Gym in the Winter as a Guy

Winter can make staying cool and comfortable in the gym a bit tricky. But I have a useful tip for you: choose outerwear that’s easy to take off and toss in a locker until your workout is done.

That means a zip–up jacket to cover your T-shirt, some loose joggers to throw on over a pair of gym shorts, and a beanie that slips right off.

That way, you can hit the locker room and be ready to burn calories on the treadmill in just a minute or two.

Base layers are also a good option for keeping warm in the winter without overheating in the gym.

Which Shoes Should You Wear for Working Out?

When we think about what to wear to the gym as men, shoes are just as important as the rest of your outfit.

Especially for cardio, wide-toed running shoes will work best. These give your feet and toes the freedom to move how they want to naturally while pedaling, jumping, and running.

A pair of weightlifting shoes, which feature an elevated heel, are beneficial for preserving your knees while squatting and lunging because the lifted heel allows for a greater range of motion in the ankles (thus, deeper squats that help build muscle faster and protected knee movement).

Whether wearing lifting-specific shoes or standard tennis shoes, I always recommend wearing a pair of quality performance socks. I’ve tried going sockless before, and trust me, you don’t want those blisters—they’re painful. 

These aren’t necessary for lifting weights by any means, but if you have trouble with ankle and knee mobility, they can help put your body in an advantageous position while lifting.

You can wear a normal pair of sneakers just as well. Make sure you don’t mind getting them sweaty and potentially scuffed, though.

FAQs

Here are some FAQs regarding gym wear:

What Is Typical Gym Wear?

Typical gym clothes for men include T-shirts, tank tops, light hoodies, shorts, sweatpants, joggers, and compression clothing. For your feet, running shoes, weightlifting shoes, or sneakers will work best.

What Should Men Take to the Gym?

What you should take to the gym depends on what you do there. No matter what, you can’t go wrong with a gym bag to carry a change of clothes, a pair of headphones to keep the music pumping, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

How Do I Look Good in Gym Wear?

Looking good in gym wear comes down to matching your style. What colors do you wear in everyday outfits? That’s a great starting place—now find some garments that are breathable, compliment your shape, and offer enough comfort to get you through a workout.

Conclusion: Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good

Performing well in the gym and getting in shape are made easier by having the right equipment. Though performance apparel and shoes can be pricey, if you go to the gym even a few times a week, it’s worth the investment. Quality gear will last longer and help you get the most out of your workouts.

Always remember to check the sizing guide and customer reviews to make sure the gear you buy is suitable for you. The better your clothes fit, the more seamless your movement and reps will be.

What do you usually wear to the gym? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know in the comments what your favorite apparel, accessories, or equipment is.