Nowadays, being unfashionable at the gym seems almost blasphemous given the rise of stylish workout gear. It seems our favorite workout-ready brands have stepped up, giving us apparel and accessories we can be proud to sport. Feeling great and getting fit go hand in hand, so there's no reason you can be styling while you sweat. In case you’re still living by the throw-anything-on-nobody-notices motto, allow us to show you the sartorial light. (Because we notice...we just do.)
Shoes
Unless you’re David Barton, Converse as workout shoes is a definite no. Not only do they make you look like you have no idea what you're doing, but they’re also not adding to your gym game. (Gym Game: ability to attract members of the opposite and/or same sex based on your physical workout gear and/or workout technique. Yes, it’s a thing.) If you want your workout gear to reflect the long hours you have put in, try swapping out whatever it is you’re currently calling gym shoes in favor of these options, the Nike Lunarglide+ 3 Breathe or the Nike Free Haven 3.0. Note: Vibram FiveFingers shoes scream I don’t want to get laid, ever.
Nike Lunarglide+ 3 Breathe, $110; available at Nike.com
Nike Free Haven 3.0, $100; at Nike.com
Shirts
When it comes to working out the notion that any shirt will do is just not the case. We’re not telling you to go out and buy the entire Under Armour line but there are a few guidelines you should abide by when picking out workout shirts. First, if your tank top is sold in packages of three you probably shouldn’t wear it to the gym. Second, if you graduated more than 4 years ago and you’re still wearing your college apparel, it’s time to lay those to rest. Save them for game day. Also, team jerseys at the gym, really? Lastly, avoid white t-shirts; wet white t-shirt on a girl=hot, sweaty white t-shirt on a guy=gross.
Tee shirts are one place where you can build up your gym game points. If you have any charity or marathon related t-shirts definitely wear these to the gym as a subtle way to show of your selflessness or manly prowess. Additionally, these shirts give people something to talk to you about. It's a win-win.
Socks
We don’t have much to say when it comes to socks but just make sure you always reach for a fresh pair. Your basic Hanes or Puma socks should more than suffice. Also, knee high socks are only acceptable if you’re man enough to wear the short shorts as well.
Shorts
Aside from your shoes, your workout shorts are the most important part of your gym look. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from. However, there is definitely one color every guy must avoid to ensure the survival of the species: red workout shorts. Kudos to the Chicago Bulls for being able to pull these off, but unless you’re some freakishly tall and athletically gifted individual with a multi-million dollar contract you should avoid red workout shorts. You can pick up a good pair of workout shorts pretty much anywhere, but if you are truly and utterly lost, go in search of this pair from Under Armour:
Under Armour Combine Training Shorts, $34.99; available at underarmour.com
Bag
For the metropolitan male, working out usually involves a short subway ride or walk to the gym, so a gym bag is an important part of your look. Always avoid a backpack. A backpack will make you look like either a lost high school kid or a lost tourist, not sure which is worst. A carryall or tote is big enough to fit all your workout clothes, along with water, an iPad, and a few other necessities because you never know how far your gym game will take you.
Lacoste Gymnasium Duffel Bag, $175; available at zappos.com
Lacoste Ace Duffel Bag, $145; available at zappos.com
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