There was a time when “going to the gym” meant throwing on your college sports tee, some mystery shorts, and whatever pair of trainers you didn’t mind ruining. But these days, the gym isn't just a place to lift — it’s a runway for the performance-minded. A temple of tech fabrics and subtle flexes. Whether you're lifting heavy, clocking miles, or just pretending to stretch near the squat rack, what you wear and carry says as much about you as your PRs. Here's your guide to gym gear that works as hard as you do — and looks better while doing it.
The Technical Tee (Not Your Cotton College Relic)
Ditch the clingy cotton and opt for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics like bamboo blends, Supima cotton or polyester mesh. Look for anti-odour tech, too — your workout buddies will thank you. A slim but not skin-tight fit keeps you mobile without looking like you’ve been vacuum-sealed.
Fit tip: Aim for a tailored cut that moves with you but doesn’t suffocate.
Our Picks:
- Uniqlo DRY-EX T-Shirt
- Under Armour Men Black Tech 2.0 Solid T-Shirt
- Lacoste Printed Technical Pique T-shirt
Shorts That Don’t Quit
Your gym shorts should be lightweight, quick-drying, and ideally with inner compression liners if you’re doing HIIT or running. 5-7 inch inseams are your friend — long enough for coverage, short enough to breathe.
Bonus points: Zipped pockets for locker keys or your phone.
Avoid: Basketball shorts that flap around like curtains.
Our Picks:
- Adidas HEAT.RDY Shorts
- Puma Train All Day Men's 5" Woven Training Shorts
- Uniqlo Extra Stretch DRY-EX Shorts
A Pair of Proper Trainers
Yes, the right shoes matter. For lifting? Go for flat soles or weightlifting-specific shoes. For cardio or cross-training? You want cushioning and lateral support. And please, retire the pair you've been mowing lawns in.
Fit tip: Get properly sized — swollen post-workout feet don’t lie.
Our Picks:
- UA Charged Pursuit 3
- Puma Swift Pulse Men's Training Shoes
- Adidas Alphaboost V2 Shoes
Socks That Don’t Slide
Often overlooked but crucial. Look for sweat-wicking, cushioned, anti-blister socks. Merino wool blends or performance cotton are ideal.
Pro tip: Match your socks to your mood. Or your shoes. Or both.
Our Picks:
- Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned
- Adidas Linear Ankle Cushioned Socks
A Backpack That Gets You
Leave your frayed college duffel at home. Today’s gym bags double as style statements — think sleek designs with wet compartments, laptop sleeves, and secret zip pockets for your shaker bottle or your shameful protein bar stash.
Style tip: Go neutral — black, navy, or olive — so it works from work to workout.
Our Picks:
- UA Project Rock Brahma Backpack
- Adidas Linear Printed Duffel Medium
- Puma S Sports Bag
A Towel, Because You’re Not a Monster
Quick-drying, antibacterial, and compact. Keep it with you, use it religiously. Nothing says “I was raised right” like wiping your sweat off the bench.
Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker
Whether you’re tracking steps, sleep, or that one gym session you do for your Instagram Story, a good tracker keeps you honest. Apple Watch for the all-rounders, Garmin for the data-obsessed, Whoop if you want to go deep on recovery stats.
Pro tip: Don’t obsess over calories burned. Focus on consistency.
Our Picks:
- Apple Watch Series 10 With Sports Loop
- Garmin Fenix 8
- Fitbit Charge 6
The Shaker Bottle (and the Responsibility It Holds)
You might not need pre-workout, post-workout, or intra-workout drinks — but you do need a clean shaker. Invest in one that doesn’t retain smell or leak all over your gear. Stainless steel ones feel more grown-up; BPA-free plastic will do just fine too.
Style tip: Black. Always black. Or one with a motivational quote that doesn’t make you cringe.
Our Picks:
- Puma Sportstyle Training Water Bottle
- Nike TR Recharge Shaker Bottle
- cult Steel Shaker
Wireless Earbuds: Your Social Shield
A solid pair of sweatproof, wireless earbuds is the difference between a focused gym session and one ruined by someone trying to chat mid-set. Look for ones with noise cancellation if you train in a busy gym or ambient mode if you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Pro tip: Don't blast the volume — your ears have to last longer than your deadlift PR.
Our Picks:
- Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Powerbeats Pro
- JBL Endurance Race TWS
Small Accessories That Make a Big Difference
- Wrist wraps or lifting straps: For those pushing serious weight.
- Gym gloves: Controversial, but if it saves your grip or your palms, who’s judging?
- Mini deodorant: Throw one in your bag. Non-negotiable.
- Towel (again): Yes, we’re repeating it because it matters.
