Shop this men’s gym style guide for fashionable and functional workout gear, curated by Team SG
When I set off to visit my long-distance boyfriend in a quaint, suburban town not far outside London, I was looking forward to long country walks and some relaxing quality time with my beloved.
I ended up becoming a gym rat.
My boyfriend, bless him, is really into lifting. Like — six days a week, protein shakes with unpronounceable ingredients, needs custom dress shirts to accommodate his tree trunk neck — really into lifting.
As it’s such a time-consuming part of his life, he hoped I might join him at his local gym for a sesh or two.
I ended up going about three or four times a week, and you know what? It was fun! I pushed things, I pulled things. More importantly? I engaged in some serious, sweaty sartorial reconnaissance.
What I witnessed was a truly diabolical display of masculine bravado.
I saw a man do a full circuit routine in skin-tight, ripped skinny jeans. Another man consistently worked out in a shirt so bright I concluded it must be part of a construction job uniform.
Over the course of my time there, I spied matching sweatsuits, sandals-and-socks combinations, muscle tees tucked into shorts, and more.
It was wild!
All these different gym looks got me thinking. While the studied aesthetic of The West Village Boy™ doesn’t necessarily involve a workout, I’ve gotta say, I prefer men in exercise gear that looks like it was meant for exercising.
Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between fashion and function. In fact, there are a lot of ways to look good and lift heavy. (Or whatever it is you do to keep fit.)
At the end of the day, we at SGHQ want you to do you, in whatever makes you comfortable.
That said, if you are hoping to catch the eye of a gal in your boot camp class or make flirty eye contact at the water fountain, we’ve got you.
Keep scrolling for men’s gym style women would love to see you wear when you’re working out:
The Heavy-Lifting Hunk
Your tops are an easy place to start when it comes to overhauling your men’s gym style. If you’re into heavy lifting like my bf, go with either a performance training shirt or relaxed tank that offers mobility while showing off your guns.
And for leg day? A pair of 5” shorts to put the quads on display… Tastefully, of course!
The Pilates Hottie
With all that stretching and holding on the Reformer, you’ll want to stay secure in a pair of flexible lined shorts designed for major training moments.
Add a breathable short-sleeve shirt that moves with you because hoo-boy, you will be sweating.
The Run Club Cutie
Hoping to make connections at the trendiest dating app alternative?
Put your best foot forward (literally, hehe) in lululemon’s Beyondfeel running shoe — designed for maximum glide and cushioned comfort.
To stand out from the pack, top off your running ensemble with a jog-ready jacket in a bold shade of purple. Yes, purple!
The Yoga Class Snack
For a restorative yoga session, keep it comfy in a soft and breathable sleeveless shirt. If you feel a little too…vulnerable in shorts, go for a pair of sweat-wicking cargo pants that look like joggers but allow you to get from warrior two to downward dog with ease.
Grabbing a matcha after class with the cutie you met on the mat next to you? Throw on a pair of low-key slides and an ultra soft sweatshirt.
The TL;DR?
Women want to see you wearing something that helps you perform at your best and feel confident too.
A great fit and/or an unexpected color will grab our eye, while the sweat-wicking, odor-absorbing, stretchy, cooling materials will take your training to the next level.
I dare you to (at least partially) retire your logo tees and corporate fun run tops. Embrace a sleek, functional gym wardrobe and I promise, heads will turn!
Presented in partnership with lululemon. All selections made by the SG editorial team. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Girlfriend!
