Gym Outfits for Men: 7 Easy Gym Fits With an Oversized Tee
Most guys don't want a "gym outfit". They want something that works, looks good enough and doesn't need thinking at 6 a.m. That's why the oversized tee became the base of almost every men's gym fit. Here are seven gym outfits for men built around one heavyweight tee, plus the basics of what to wear to the gym.
What should men wear to the gym? The basics
| Piece | What works |
|---|---|
| Top | A heavyweight cotton tee, one size up. Loose enough to press overhead, thick enough not to cling. |
| Bottom | Training shorts with a 5 to 7 inch inseam, or tapered joggers on cold days. |
| Shoes | Flat, stable soles for lifting. Save the cushioned running shoes for the treadmill. |
| Socks | Crew or mid-calf. They protect your shins on deadlifts. |
| Extras | A cap, lifting straps and a towel. That's it. |
1. Leg day: pump cover + black training shorts
The classic men's gym fit. Oversized tee one size up, black shorts, flat shoes, mid-calf socks. The loose tee doesn't ride up when you squat or hinge, and the back print is what people see when you're under the bar. Back print: Strong Guy Club.
2. Push and pull day: tee + shorts + straps
Same base, sleeves rolled once so they don't bunch on presses. Keep your straps in your pocket for the heavy pulls. Back print: Dad Strength for the dad who still out-lifts the young guys.
3. Cold morning session: tee over a hoodie or long sleeve
For the 5 a.m. crowd. A fitted long sleeve under the tee, or a zip hoodie over it, and tapered joggers. Peel off a layer when you're warm. Back print: Discipline Over Motivation, because nobody is motivated at 5 a.m.
4. Conditioning day: true-to-size tee + running shorts + cap
For sprints, sleds and the bike, go your usual size instead of one up, so nothing flaps. Lightweight running shorts, a cap to keep sweat out of your eyes. Back print: Iron Therapy.
5. Rest day: tee + joggers or cargo pants
A gym tee isn't only for the gym. Loose joggers or cargo pants in olive, black or grey, clean sneakers, done. The boxy tee balances a wider pant. Back print: Strong Dad Club for park duty.
6. The coffee run after: tee + khaki shorts + white sneakers
Swap the training shorts for khaki or grey chino shorts, add white sneakers and a cap. Same tee, different outfit. Back print: Trust the Process or Will Lift for Tacos if the coffee run is really a taco run.
7. Gym date: matching tees
Training with your girlfriend or wife? Wear tees that go together. Her Favorite Heavy Lifter next to her Unbothered. Lifting., or Strong Guy Club next to Strong Girl Club.
Three rules for a good men's gym fit
- Loose on top, simple on the bottom. An oversized tee with plain black or grey shorts always works.
- Dark, washed colors. Charcoal like Comfort Colors Pepper hides sweat far better than light grey and doesn't show lint like black.
- Heavyweight cotton. A thick tee keeps its shape set after set. Size it with our Comfort Colors size chart, or read what a pump cover for men is.
Men's gym outfit FAQ
What should a man wear to the gym?
A loose cotton tee, training shorts with a 5 to 7 inch inseam, flat lifting shoes and crew socks. Add joggers and a hoodie on cold days.
Are oversized shirts good for the gym?
Yes. One size up gives you room to press, squat and pull without the shirt riding up. For sprints or the bike, go your usual size so nothing flaps.
Shorts or joggers for the gym?
Shorts for leg day so you can check your knee position and move freely; tapered joggers for cold mornings and upper-body days.
What color gym shirt hides sweat best?
Dark, washed colors like charcoal or black. Light grey shows sweat the fastest.
Keep reading
Shop gym shirts for men
Heavyweight Comfort Colors tees in Pepper with a back print. Made for the rack, fine for everywhere after.
Gym Shirts for Men
