The Best Gym Clothes for Guys

Myles Momentum Pants

Momentum pants, $98 by Myles

The Best Gym Clothes for Guys

The Best Gym Clothes for Guys

To be honest, it took me a while to come around to the idea of quality gym clothes. Hell, if I'm being really honest, it probably took me a little too long to come around to the idea of needing to workout all together. Thankfully, I developed a regular fitness regimen and I'm definitely better for it. But I couldn't see the point of shelling out a lot of money for clothes that I was just going to sweat in and then peel off as soon as I leave the gym. Then, because of my job, I got to test a few pieces from some leading performance brands and it finally clicked.

Myles Momentum Pants

Momentum pants, $98 by Myles

Because when you wear technical fabrics, there are obvious physical benefits. The moisture-wicking materials keep you from being drenched with sweat (so you're not the guy getting the machines all gross). Plus, the modern cuts and built-in stretch give you a boost in mobility. But the big benefit isn't physical. It's mental. Science has proven that what you wear influences how you feel about yourself. And when you show up to the gym in badass workout gear, you have more confidence. Or, at least, I certainly do. So if you've been wavering on those New Years resolutions, refresh your workout wardrobe and you'll get a jolt of motivation. Herewith, some of my tried and true pieces that have proven to be worth the investment.

Our Picks

Men's Lined Workout Shorts

Luxtreme shorts,
$78 by Lululemon

Interval shorts,
$68 / $60.98 by
Ten Thousand

Lined Shorts

Lined Shorts

This could be a personal preference type thing, but damn I love shorts with built-in underwear. Everything seems to stay in place better—no bunching, riding up or chafing. My ultra-light Ten Thousand shorts have reinforced laser-cut vents to increase airflow and a zippered side pocket for valuables. The liner on Lululemon's "luxtreme" shorts is more like compression tights—great for leg day. And the iPod pocket is built into the liner, meaning no flopping around in your pocket.

From left to right:
Luxtreme shorts, $78 by Lululemon; Interval shorts,$68 / $60.98 by Ten Thousand

Men's Non-Clingy Workout Shirts

Comfortable, Non-Clingy Shirts

Comfortable, Non-Clingy Shirts

There are a lot of quick-drying shirts out there. But so many of them get clingy and static-y. Or the sweat-wicking fabric doesn't breathe all that well. These are different. Lululemon's shirt boasts an integrated open-hole mesh design on the sides for maximum airflow. And Ten Thousand's shirt is treated with a permanent silver-ion finish that blocks the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The raglan sleeves and the flat-lock seams found on both? Those just add to the overall comfort and mobility.

From left to right:
Interval shirt, $68 / $32.98 by Ten Thousand; Tech surge shirt, $78 by Lululemon

Men's Non-Clingy Workout Shirts

Interval shirt,
$68 / $32.98 by Ten Thousand

Tech surge
shirt, $78 by
Lululemon

Men's Hybrid Workout Pants

Hybrid Pants

Men's Hybrid Workout Pants

The classic Myles shorts have long been a favorite of the Valet. team, but the brand's new Momentum pants are like a cross between compression tights and standard sweatpants. The soft, cottony material is actually a light, sweat-wicking four-way-stretch fabric that is legitimately the most comfortable pair of pants you'll ever put on. Jump, stretch and kick ... the pants move with you. And the deep front pockets and hidden zip media pocket keeps your stuff safe. Plus, the subtle reflective detailing comes in handy for joggers.

Momentum pants,
$98 by Myles

Reminder

There's no excuse for going topless in a public gym.

Men's Workout Socks

The Never-Quit Socks

The absolute best we've ever tried. Durable and long-lasting, these Hydra10 nylon socks have an ultra-light and breathable micromesh top, compression arch band and targeted padding in the forefoot and heel. The piece-knit Isosphere heel and anti-chafe tab ensure that the back of your socks stay comfortably in place.

$49 (for six pairs),
by Nice Laundry

Reminder

There's no excuse for going topless in a public gym.