Not long ago, the idea of wearing gym clothes to work was unthinkable. It wasn’t just a fashion error. HR would send you home because you violated the dress code policy. But over the last decade, athleisure wear has muscled its way into men’s fashion like Shaq down in the post.
Athleisure is about freedom of movement and looking good when you do. In this guide, we’ll explore athleisure pieces and footwear to help you look your best, day in and day out.
Athleisure Wear Buying Guides
Beyond checking the boxes for functionality, athleisure choices make it easier for men to curate a clean fit, no matter what situation you find yourself in. Back-to-back meetings? Check. Grinding at the gym? Check.
There’s no need to sell the idea of athleisure, so let’s get into it.
The Essentials: Building Your Athleisure Outfit
Building your athleisure fit requires patience. My journey began in 2020 when BYLT Basics targeted me on Instagram, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My athleisure game still holds firm five years and thousands of dollars later.
You won’t find cardigans, sweaters, polos, or loafers in this guide—that’s not my style. I lean towards a more athletic aesthetic, often sporting joggers, quarter-zip pullovers, and sneakers like the Halo Triple-White Kobe 8s.
I will share pieces from the top athleisure brands in the space, from BYLT Basics, Cuts Clothing, Legends Apparel, and Alo Yoga. With essential athleisure pieces from these brands in your closet, flexing your style becomes effortless. You’ll be ready for anything.
Start From the Ground Up: Athleisure Pants
Sneakers will come later.
Jumping from conference calls to a casual lunch without missing a beat requires the right pair of athleisure pants. You need to feel comfortable, have flexibility, and look sharp when occupied with the business day.
Before dropping a bunch of cash or maxing out your Amex, be sure to seek out athleisure pants that combine comfort, durability, and practicality. High-quality fabrics, like a blend of cotton and elastane, will promise a comfortable fit and clean look.
Prioritize features like an elastic waistband with a drawcord, pockets (zippered and mesh options), tapered fit, and moisture-wicking properties. These are all essential to staying dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Here are some of my top picks.
Vuori Ripstop Pants
The Ripstop Pants are made from DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric, 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. They have a modern, slim fit, and using sustainable materials highlights Vuori’s eco-friendly approach.
Price: $98
The BYLT Pants
The BYLT Pants offer a more modern athletic fit. They are made from 98% cotton and 2% spandex and have several features for active lifestyles. I have multiple pairs, and I highly recommend them.
Price: $90
Jack Archer Jetsetter Pants
The Jetsetter Pants are crafted from Rebound™ fabric and use PTT polyester fibers. The slim-tapered fit includes deep front pockets and reflective tape inside the leg openings for visibility.
Price: $89
A Smart Alternative: Joggers
Consider joggers as a smart alternative to pants. I wear them every day.
Look for fabrics that balance comfort and sophistication to wear to the gym, work, and everything in between. Focus on essentials like elastic waistbands with adjustable drawcords and secure pockets to keep your wallet or other tech safe. Look for design touches such as ribbed cuffs and tapered legs to elevate your style in the office.
Prioritize materials with anti-microbial and wrinkle-resistant properties to ensure a neat and refined appearance, whether out and about or attending virtual meetings.
Some of my faves below.
Cuts Clothing Concorde Jogger
The Cuts Concorde Jogger uses Aeroflite™ fabric, blending rayon, polyamide, and spandex for softness and comfort. It features two hand pockets and two back zipper pockets for secure storage. The slim-fit design and custom trims provide a polished look suitable for various settings.
Price: $69
Public Rec All Day Every Day Joggers
The All Day Every Day Joggers offer a relaxed, athletic fit with ample space for the glutes and thighs, tapering at the ankle. Made from nylon and spandex, they combine durability, style, and comfort.
Price: $108
Legends Aviation Jogger
The Legends Aviation Jogger is made from a cotton blend with polyester and has anti-microbial properties for freshness. The joggers include a ribbed waistband with a drawcord, rib side panels, and an invisible zipper pocket for secure storage. The DYNA-TECH fabric enhances durability and provides a smooth texture.
Price: $40
Must-Have Traits in Short-Sleeve Shirts
Short-sleeved shirts are a staple for navigating back-to-back meetings on a busy workday. And they work wonders for busy weekends with friends and family.
High-quality fabric blends that offer softness, stretch, and wrinkle resistance are essential to any shirt. Also, having an athletic fit with split or curved hems maintains a sharp appearance. Trust me, the curved hems turn heads. The drop-cut tees are my “go-to” on most warm days.
Durable materials that hold their shape over time, anti-pilling properties, and breathable fabrics make athleisure shirts practical for everyday wear and active use.
Cuts Short Sleeve Henley
The Cuts AO Henley Curve-Hem features PYCA Pro® fabric, a blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex. This shirt offers softness, wrinkle resistance, and a 4-way stretch. It also includes anti-pilling properties and a curve-hem finish. It’s stylish and comfortable. I have several of them.
Price: $58
Alo Yoga Conquer Crewneck Short Sleeve Shirt
The Cuts AO Henley Curve-Hem features PYCA Pro® fabric, a blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex. This shirt offers softness, wrinkle resistance, and a 4-way stretch. It also includes anti-pilling properties and a curve-hem finish. It’s stylish and comfortable. I have several of them.
Price: $68
BYLT Basics Tracer Tee
The BYLT Basics Tracer Tee, made from the BYLT Signature Blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex, combines durability with a soft touch. It features an athletic fit, side split-hem, ribbed collar, and contrast stitching (my favorite part of this tee) on the shoulder panels and center back seam.
Price: $35
Overshirts & Button-Downs Can Elevate Your Fit
Choosing the fitting shirt is like picking Tom Brady for your fantasy team—dependable, stylish, and always ready to perform, no matter the circumstances.
Comfort, durability, and style are non-negotiable. I prefer fabrics like polyester, rayon, and spandex blends or Merino wool, but that’s just me.
Prioritize features like modern fits, functional pockets, and drop-cut hems (do you notice a theme here?) Temperature-regulating, odor-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant materials add a layer of practicality, making these shirts ideal for busy travel days where layering is critical.
BYLT Coastal Overshirt
The BYLT Coastal Overshirt is made with a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex for comfort and durability. It offers a modern, relaxed fit with comfort-stretch flexibility, a low-profile design, and a drop-cut hemline.
It’s warm, too.
Price: $115
prAna Westbrook Flannel Shirt
The prAna Westbrook Flannel Shirt is made from 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester. It features double chest pockets, a self-lined interior yoke, and an interior side seam stash pocket.
It’s a tad lighter than the BYLT Coastal Overshirt but still holds its own when it comes to warmth.
Price: $115
Western Rise AirLoft Shirt Jacket
The Western Rise AirLoft Shirt Jacket combines high-performance technology and design with 100% polyester construction and 40g Toray 3DeFX+® Active Insulation for warmth, breathability, and flexibility. Its Primeflex® exterior fabric features a C6 DWR treatment for enhanced weather resistance.
Price: $99.50
Quarter Zips. Simple, Effective & Clean
When transitioning from an early morning workout sesh to an afternoon at the office, quarter zips need to be in your playbook. Breathable, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics will keep you comfortable throughout the long days.
First, look for features like UPF sun protection and odor control to ensure you stay fresh. A tailored fit should also be prioritized as it can enhance your appearance while providing freedom of movement. Additionally, versatile designs that suit various occasions and durable construction for long-term wear are essential. Hands down.
UNRL Highlands Quarter Zip
The UNRL Highlands Quarter Zip is made with a blend of polyester and spandex with 4-way stretch. It includes UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking, and odor control.
The design is clean, too. The collar retains shape, and the contoured seam lines and raglan sleeves take the zip to the next level. And the tailored fit is second to none.
Price: $78
The Normal Brand Puremeso Weekend Quarter Zip
The Puremeso Weekend Quarter Zip combines comfort and durability with a custom cotton blend, polyester, and spandex. It features double stitching and a soft, stretchy design. It can work for the office, weekend getaways, and maybe even the gym.
Price: $78
Cuts Concorde 1/4 Zip
The Cuts Concorde 1/4 Zip is made from Aeroflite™ fabric and offers a buttery soft texture with a rayon, polyamide, and spandex blend. It features a stand collar, split-hem bottom cut, and a custom rubber-coated zipper. The tailored fit around the chest and shoulders, with a slight taper at the waist, ensures a comfortable, true-to-size fit. The hand pockets add practicality.
Price: $76
Hoodie Essentials: What to Look For
The right hoodie is like a strong Wi-Fi connection at an airport—essential for staying connected, comfortable, and ready for any situation.
Stretchable, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics are a must. Look for anti-odor treatments and quick-drying technology. A functional design, such as pockets, drawcord, or an integrated zip, takes the hoodie to the next level.
Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie
The Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie is made of 97% ultra-fine Merino wool and 3% Elastane. It has a 21.5-micron thickness, 250 GSM fabric density, antibacterial properties, and quick-drying, odor-resistant capabilities. Its compact design and seamless pockets make it ideal for travel wear essentials.
Price: $178
B Draddy Procter Hoodie
The B. Draddy Procter Hoodie is made from 96% Peruvian Pima cotton and 4% Spandex. It features a garment-washed French Terry knit, long sleeves with partially ribbed cuffs, a tipped drawstring hood, and a kangaroo pocket.
The molded zipper with a logo pull enhances its refined look and a touch of elegance.
Price: $205
Ten Thousand Midweight Tech Hoodie
The Ten Thousand Midweight Tech Hoodie is made from polyester, cotton, and spandex blend and offers 4-way stretch and a 310 GSM fabric. It features a permanent silver ion treatment for odor control, moisture-wicking technology, and an Every Session Carry pocket system for secure storage.
Price: $118
Sneaker Selection: What to Consider
Picking the right sneakers is like having a trusted point guard who manages the offense and keeps things running smoothly.
Look for sneakers that can easily transition from powerlifting in the morning to happy hour with your co-workers. Comfort, durability, and style are non-negotiable. As you’ll see below, I always prefer white sneakers.
Materials like leather, suede, and breathable mesh offer a clean aesthetic and durability. Prioritize cushioned insoles, durable outsoles, padded collars, and breathable linings.
Boss Jonah Runn Sneaker
The Boss Jonah Runn Sneaker is made from 64% leather and 36% PU and offers durability and style. It features a paneled construction, a rubber toe cap, and an embossed logo. The lace-up closure, padded tongue and collar, a pull loop at the heel, and perforated detailing provide a clean design with maximum breathability.
Price: $199
Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainers
The Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainers combine water-repellent suede with full-grain leather, which will adapt to your feet over time. The shoes feature a tall instep, wider waist, padded collars, Vachetta leather lining for temperature regulation, and rubber soles for flexibility and traction.
Price: $199
Oliver Cabell Court Shoes
The Oliver Cabell Court Shoes are made from Italian calfskin leather. They feature hand-stitched construction and Margom Italian outsoles. The shoes include a 3oz full-grain calfskin leather upper, removable molded insole, and Italian cotton laces.
Price: $219
When it comes to curating an athleisure style guide, it’s all about balance.
Finding pieces that blend comfort, functionality, and a polished look is crucial. From versatile pants and joggers to stylish short sleeves and dependable outerwear, each element in your closet should cater to active and everyday needs.
Remember, prioritize high-quality fabrics and thoughtful features that enhance performance and style. With the right athleisure essentials, you can effortlessly transition through various aspects of your day, maintaining comfort and confidence. Investing in these pieces ensures you’re always prepared, looking sharp, and feeling your best, no matter where the day takes you.
Jack Archer Pants vs. Lululemon isn’t just a debate; it’s a budget vs. bougie showdown. Both deliver stretch and style, but Jack Archer wins for travel and wallet-friendliness. Just sayin’.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Brito
Michael Brito is the editor-in-chief for Athleisure Wear for Men (AW). He launched this site in 2024 as a hobby. He’s a TEDx speaker and leads global analytics for Zeno Group, an integrated communication agency. Connect with him on social media.
