Sweat the Small Stuff

5 Brands Making Smarter,
More Stylish Workout Gear

5 Brands Making Smarter, More Stylish Workout Gear

A man is only as good as his gear, right? Of course you can hit the gym or go for a run like all those guys in ratty basketball shorts and cut-off tees. Or you could try to be better. Aim a little higher and see the benefits of proper workout attire. They should be lightweight, built for movement and wick sweat like it's their job (because it is). Here are five companies worth checking out.

Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices has quickly built a cult following thanks to the brand's laid-back approach. But that's not to say that a commitment to quality and performance isn't there. You just don't have to be a CrossFit master or triathlete to appreciate and benefit from their gear. Take the lightweight shorts with hidden compression lining. They're ideal for running, weight-lifting or a yoga class. Plus, the breathable Rec Poly fabric is made entirely from recycled bottles.

Printed runners shorts, $65 and Scrimmage hoodie, $110

Printed runners shorts, $65 and Scrimmage hoodie, $110

Public Rec

Public Rec

Public Rec

Calling themselves a "technical leisure apparel" brand, Public Rec specializes in clothes engineered for "indoor comfort and outdoor style." To us, that means pieces that work as well on the couch on a lazy afternoon as they do on the treadmill on a determined weekday morning. Case in point, this breathable and moisture-wicking bomber jacket over a Tercel stretch T-shirt with their All Day Every Day shorts.

Crosstown bomber, $128; Go-To tee, $54 and All Day Every Day shorts, $68

Crosstown bomber, $128; Go-To tee, $54 and All Day Every Day shorts, $68

Public Rec
RYU

RYU

RYU Apparel focuses on fabrics that work in and out of the gym, and fits that enable movement but are also comfortable as hell. Their Everywear Jogger, for example, is cut from a four-way stretch material with strategically designed gussets and an ergonomic waistband. Made with extremely tough knit nylon, the pants can withstand almost any abrasion, from weights at the gym to tree branches on the trail.

Everywhere jogger, $125

Ten Thousand
Ten Thousand

Ten Thousand

Ten Thousand

No detail is too small for Ten Thousand to worry about. They do extensive research and development, along with a heavy round of field testing and the proof is in the final products. Like their Interval Shirt, cut from a unique Italian fabric. Sure, it's quick-drying and sweat-wicking and boasts a permanent anti-odor treatment. But what we really appreciate is how, unlike a lot of performance tees, it doesn't get clingy or static-y. The raglan sleeves and the flat-lock seams? Those just add to the overall comfort.

No detail is too small for Ten Thousand to worry about. They do extensive research and development, along with a heavy round of field testing and the proof is in the final products. Like their Interval Shirt, cut from a unique Italian fabric. Sure, it's quick-drying and sweat-wicking and boasts a permanent anti-odor treatment. But what we really appreciate is how, unlike a lot of performance tees, it doesn't get clingy or static-y. The raglan sleeves and the flat-lock seams? Those just add to the overall comfort.

Interval shirt, $58

Interval shirt, $58

Myles

Myles

Myles

A long-time favorite of the Valet. team, the Myles shorts just keep getting better each year. Lighter than an empty water bottle, the quick-drying four-way stretch shorts have a durable water repellent treatment, meaning sweat never weighs you down. The clever bounce-proof backward set side zipper pockets (complete with headphone port) keep your keys, cards and phone comfortably stable and out of the way while you're moving. And this new heather charcoal matte finish feels as good as it looks.

Momentum shorts, $58

Momentum shorts, $58

Fitbit and Public School Paracord Bracelet
Fitbit and Public School Paracord Bracelet
Fitbit and Public School Paracord Bracelet

A More Stylish Tracker

Swap the standard rubber housing of your Fitbit activity tracker with this rugged, military-inspired bracelet from New York label Public School. The braided paracord and gunmetal PVD-plated stainless steel give the wearable tech a little street edge.

Fitbit Alta, $129.95 / $99.95 and Public School paracord bracelet, $175