Anyone who frequents the gym knows that most guys fail to dress appropriately. I cannot count how many times I’ve seen some guy on the bench press wearing jeans or cargo pants or some guy doing squats in spandex.
The gym is one of those places where people usually go specifically to try to look better. It flows from this that there is a modicum of sexual tension there so why, oh why, do men insist on dressing like disgusting slobs there? In addition, the gym is a place where dressing appropriately may not only add to your sex appeal, but could help prevent an injury as well. Unfortunately, most men believe that since they will just sweat on it anyways, there is no point to wearing something nice.
Sorry guys, this attitude is not correct for your gym clothes. The gym is just as much a social venue as work, a cocktail party, the mall, etc. This means dress appropriately and stylishly.
Tops
The most acceptable fashion choice for tops is a tee-shirt. However, I’m not talking about that thin, stained shirt you picked up in Cancun or some offensive novelty tee. Instead, look for a few particular characteristics.
Tees should be lightweight, breathable cotton of microfibre. It should fit properly. Loose fitting shirts are recipes for disasters in the gym as they can get caught in machinery and cause injury. Try the ones from Urban Armour, Champion or Nike.
You should also steer clear of basic white tees too. They pick up stains too easily and are not attractive when wet. They do not radiate heat as well as darker colours either, which makes it harder to stay cool.
If you insist on showing off your guns, opt for a sleeveless shirt. And, for God’s sake, avoid the infamous “wife beater” and the even worse, men’s spaghetti strap tank.
Bottoms
Spandex for men is probably the worst mistake men can make in choosing bottoms. If you do want to wear for spandex for their professed comfort, wear longer shorts over time to cover them up. Unlike females, men keep their “business” on the outside and it is never appropriate to display them in public, unless you are competing in the Tour de France.
Simple cotton gym shorts are your best bet. They should not extend below the knees but no more than an inch, maybe two, above the knees. Wear them at or slightly below the waist.
Sweatpants are okay, but not the most fashionable. I’m not a big fan of long pants at the gym, but Nike and Adidas have acceptable options in long pants.
Shoes and Socks
With such a huge selection of versatile, stylish athletic footwear, it should not be difficult to find a pair that is function and appeals to your personal taste. I have always been a fan of New Balance and Saucony but Sketchers and Reeboks have some great pairs too.
Never wear any kind of shoe other than a training sneaker because you won’t get the appropriate type of arch support during a rigorous workout.
As for socks, stick to white, cushiony socks. Coloured and patterned socks do not mix with the gym. Also, avoid any sock that comes up past the ankle.
General Tips
Wear gloves. If you do free weight training, wearing gloves is practical, not pretentious. Calloused hands are not attractive. However, remove the gloves once you are done lifting and heading over to the cardio room.
No jewelry. Don’t wear any jewelry unless you absolutely must (i.e. a wedding band, in the case of a jealous spouse). If you must wear a watch, wear a sports watch.
Use towels. If your gym provides them, use them. If not, bring one.
Bring extra clothes. This is option for heavy sweaters. But if you do intense cardio before weights, it will be more pleasant to change into dry clothes before you start and for those sharing the equipment with you.
Co-ordinate. This is not really that necessary but come on! You wouldn’t wear orange shorts and a maroon top on a date so why would you at the gym? A little thought in coordinating your colours will help make you look stylish and put together, even while drenched in your preparation.
