Athleisure Sportswear for Men
Fitness fads come and go, but athleisure—sportswear elevated to casual attire—seems to be here to stay. It’s a trend whose roots stretch back half a century.
Find everything from hoodies to sweatpants that add sporty style to your look. Look for details like perfectly placed pockets and drawstring waistbands that fit your curves.
Hoodies
Whether you’re wearing the hoodie as part of your workout kit or simply to chill out on the weekend, it’s one of the most versatile staples in your wardrobe. Menswear brands are currently reimagining the sweatshirt in a variety of ways to suit all tastes. The most important thing to consider is the look you’re going for, which can be broken down into “classic” and “modern.” For a classic hoodie that can stand on its own (or under a jacket), try John Elliott’s slim merino wool version or Eleventy’s logo-embroidered organic cotton-jersey option. If you’re into more active looks, Nike has a huge selection of hoodies that are designed to accommodate movement and are padded with thermal lining.
Another consideration is fabric, with brands offering options that range from super thick French terry to slub organic jersey. A key factor is garment-washing, which gives the fabric a soft, worn-in feel. Some hoodies are even made using cotton cut on the cross-grain, which reduces shrinkage and adds durability. A hoodie’s weight can also be an indicator of its quality, with heavier options better suited to winter weather.
The right hoodie can be a stylish alternative to a leather jacket and will work well with jeans or chinos. But if you’re going for the ultimate luxury, consider a hoodie in a premium fabric such as lambswool or cashmere. A good place to start is with a British brand, like Derbyshire-based John Smedley’s simple merino wool zip-ups or Bond-favourite label Sunspel’s solid loopback construction.
Hoodie hysteria is showing no signs of slowing down, with menswear’s streetwear peddling upstarts and established menswear heavyweights all getting in on the action. Expect to see a more refined version of the hoodie in your closet soon, as designers like Off-White and Vetements push new takes on this old-school style. And don’t worry about it being too pricey; you can find a great-looking, well-made hoodie for under $200.
Sweatpants
Sweatpants are a closet staple but not all men’s sweats are created equal. Thin cotton or linen sweatpants are best suited to summer wear and around the house, while fleece and polyester options are year round staples. The key is to look for a pair that are neither too baggy nor claustrophobically tight.
The best sweatpants for men strike a balance between a relaxed fit and a slim taper to flatter the legs and silhouette. You also want a fabric that is breathable enough for cool weather workouts but thick enough to offer some warmth. Fortunately, many options are available to suit any budget and style preference, from vintage washes offering a throwback look to streamlined athletic track pants and modern joggers that work with sneakers or casual loafers.
When choosing a pair of sweatpants, look for one that is made from cotton with a bit of stretch to help with mobility and comfort. Alternatively, consider a pair that features an inner lining for softness and extra warmth. Ultimately, you should try on the garment to see how it fits and feel its texture before committing to a purchase.
A good place to start is the simple but well-done Uniqlo U Sweat Pants, which are made with a soft and breathable cotton loopback fabric that has been knitted with a little polyester for structure and durability. Outfitted with all the essentials including side slash pockets, an elastic waistband and ankle cuffs, a drawstring and ribbing on the waist and hips, these sweats are super versatile and comfortable, though they do run small so be sure to size up.
Another high-end option is the Uniqlo Men’s X-Back Sweatpants, which are designed with simplicity and style above all else and go up to 3XL so there’s a perfect fit for any guy. The fabric is made with a blend of cotton and polyester jersey with a four-way stretch to keep you moving freely, while the slash pockets and slim taper help them to stand out from your regular cotton sweats.
Lastly, the Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Men’s Joggers are another great choice for men who prioritize comfort and value. The thin fabric is incredibly breathable and moves with your body as you move, while the loose fitting legs hug the calves to avoid restricting your movement. The only downside is that they are the tightest pair we tested and might be uncomfortable for anyone with larger or muscular legs unless you size up.
T-Shirts
Whether you’re wearing it with a pair of jeans or a suit jacket, the humble T-shirt is perhaps the most versatile item in any man’s wardrobe. But what really sets great T-shirts apart from the rest is their material and sportswear for men construction. The smallest details, like the thickness of the fabric and the seams, can make the difference between a mediocre T-shirt and one that will last for years (and maybe even get passed down to your kids).
The best T-shirts are made of natural fibers, which have built-in odor resistance and are wicking to help keep you cool and dry during workouts. A good cotton T-shirt, for instance, will feel soft and smooth against your skin. The most durable, long-wearing T-shirts are usually blended with polyester or nylon for added elasticity. But if you’re looking for something more lightweight, check out our guide to the best tees made of modal, a blend of viscose and cotton that’s incredibly soft and silky.
While you can’t go wrong with a classic white T-shirt, there are also plenty of stylish options in other colors to consider. A striped graphic T-shirt can add a pop of color, while a simple black shirt is a staple that’ll look just as fresh in 2025 as it does today.
If you’re a guy who cares about the environment, look for sustainable T-shirts that use recycled materials. The brand Patagonia offers a tee made of organic and Fair Trade cotton, while Los Angeles-based apparel company Everybody goes further than that with its Boxier Tubular Trash Tee, which is knit, dyed, and sewn in LA from waste tees sourced from North America.
Another great option is a crew-neck tee from direct-to-consumer brand Fresh Clean Threads, which uses its own StratuSoft poly-cotton blend for a soft, breathable shirt. The tees are sportswear for men free of side seams, stretchy and will stand up well to repeated washes. Choose from a ton of colors, or grab a bundle pack in 3, 5, or 10 styles and save $10 or more.
And if you’re a big guy, don’t think you have to settle for a drab cotton tee. The workwear brand Carhartt has a Loose-Fit Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt that’s sturdy and comfortable, plus it comes in sizes up to 5XL.
Shorts
Shorts are one of the most polarizing items in a man’s wardrobe. A toxic mix of bad advice, cultural connotations and good old-fashioned insecurity play into the tumultuous relationship many men have with this piece of clothing. But with the right fit, style and occasion, it’s easy to wear shorts confidently and look great doing so.
When shopping for shorts, the most important factor is to find a length that looks good on you. For most, this means finding a pair that sits 2”- 4” above the knee (depending on height). It’s critical to remember that just because a particular style or inseam might look good on someone else, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. So it’s important to try on a few different pairs to see what works best for your body shape.
Once you’ve found a pair of shorts that suits your body type, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of style you’re going for. There are a few basic options to choose from:
Board Shorts: These are made from a ripstop fabric designed to be durable and fast-drying. They’re great for working out or for casual wear when the weather gets warm.
Running Shorts: These are designed to facilitate movement and most have a mesh inner lining for additional comfort and to help them dry faster. These are typically worn by runners and gymgoers for workouts.
Swimming Shorts: These are the same as running shorts, but they’re designed to be used for pool and beachwear. They have a mesh inner lining and are usually made from quick-drying polyester, nylon or spandex.
Printed Shorts: These are made from colorful or novelty prints and go perfectly with block-colored shirts like t-shirts and polo shirts. They can also be paired with a jacket or vest for a more formal look.
If you’re looking for a short that’s a bit more sophisticated, then tailored shorts are your answer. These are designed to be fitted but not constricting and will help define your thighs, butt, and waist. They’re a great option for men who want to achieve a more mature aesthetic, and they’re often seen in khaki or charcoal colors.
