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There's an excellent chance you're not putting the same amount of thought into how to dress for the gym as you do for a job interview, a wedding, even an average day at work. And why would you? You're going to work out to, well, work out. Your primary goal is sweat like a pig and lift as many heavy weights as you can until exhaustion (and the development of swole muscles and six packs, of course).
But consider this: if you're a single guy looking to meet a lady, the gym is as good a place as any to do it (do not underestimate how sexy women find a man doing pushups). And even if you're already attached, a stylish man should want to be well-dressed no matter where he goes—even while doing lat pulldowns. Unfortunately, gym clothes run the gamut from should-be-thrown-out tees to futuristic performance gear designed for pro athletes, but worn with conviction by that guy on the stair climber. So how do you, a regular man, pick something that'll make you look hot, feel comfortable, and avoid looking like you care more about your kicks than you do about your pecs?
We can point out famous guys like David Beckham, Charlie Hunnam, and Jonah Hill who do it right, but those examples are nothing compared to the unfiltered opinions of 100 real-life women. So we reached out to them to find out what everyday women really think about your preference for tank tops and compression tights. Their answers will hopefully help you and men everywhere gain some new style insight and who knows, body confidence. One thing's for sure: these women wouldn't mind seeing some more skin fellas.
It's a tie! Women liked the style of tapered sweatpants and the practicality (and coverage) of mesh shorts. There were however some hold outs for the shorter running shorts.
What Women Liked (and Really Didn't Like) About These Bottoms:
"While mesh shorts are very practical, they often make guys look like....a tool? a doofus? a college student? probably that last one."
"I love a jogger pant on guys, I don't know why but they are sexy. It says, hey I'm a casual dude who can rock a sweat but I also recognize that no one wants to see me in week old sweats that I dropped nachos on while watching the game. The tapered sweat offers just the right mix of mystery and intrigue as to what is going on under there."
"Because tapered sweatpants look good on everyone. The rest of these items do not."
"As for not choosing the short shorts... I've been on the stretch mat. Some things I can't unsee."
"Stylish without having to see a dude's inner thigh or worse, a ball slip."
"Tapered sweatpants look great for your lifestyle, but are men who wear them to the gym actually working out?"
"His junk won't fall out and you don't see awkward sweat stains."
"Sporty and long enough where not too much thigh is exposed."
"Most men would look okay in these. I am picking what I can stomach on men of all types and ages."
"Although I like tapered sweatpants, I think shorts would be a more reasonable choice for sweaty gym activities."
These women are very down with short shorts:
"Hey, if you're objectifying my body in my yoga pants, I should get to have a little fun too."
"Always more thigh!!!"
"Gams ...sexy sexy gams"
"They look good on dudes with nice runner's legs. And built-in underwear is a jogger's (penis's) friend."
Most women chose the workout-ready sweat-wicking T-shirt not only because it means less stink and visible sweating, but also because they prefer a plain old tee. That said, a number of them chose it for the muscle definition in the photo. Translation: trade your oversized tees for one that's more fitted.
What Women Liked and Really Didn't Like About These Shirts:
"It was the only T-shirt option. I just really hate dudes in a tank tops and especially a muscle tee. Maybe I have Nick Viall PTS from this past season of The Bachelor, but the tank just doesn't do it for me. The long sleeve-r would actually be fine too, but the t-shirt is the winner for me."
"A high performance wicking tee hides gross armpit hair and male side boob, while looking sleek and "professional"."
"Probably smells the least."
"Just go for a plain tank or t-shirt unless you're, like, running a marathon, or doing something which ACTUALLY REQUIRES YOU TO WEAR PERFORMANCE CLOTHING."
"When I see someone wearing long sleeves at the gym, it makes me so uncomfortable — how are you not dying?? But a dude in a sleeveless top — no thanks."
"Can't we just have a regular short-sleeve tee as an option? I do not want to see armpit hair EVER so please don't bring 2 or 3 near a gym—or my line of sight."
"No sweat stains. Also, muscle shirts that show nipple are a no."
"All of these are ok, but the long sleeve shirt has the most swag."
"You can see the body definition better."
"I don't particularly care about the moisture wicking, I just like the muscle definition."
"I'm pretty fine with any of these (save the muscle tee. Just...why?), but the long sleeve / short shorts combo gets my motor running for some reason."
"I love a good muscle tee under the right circumstances but a t-shirt is appropriate for post-gym activities and just as flattering."
"Because arms <3"
The hooded sweatshirt took a whopping 61% of the vote. According to the women polled, it's sexy, looks chill and cozy, and is the thing she most wants to steal from your closet. Unsurprisingly women want you to wear something that feels good to hug.
What Women Liked and Really Didn't Like About These Layers:
"I literally saw this option [sweatshirt] and said "mmmmm daddy"."
"I don't honestly have a strong opinion here...they're all fine. I would just most want to steal the sweatshirt so that's my pick."
"Track jackets are classic!"
"Hoodies are peak sexy utilitarianism."
"Sweet and simple. But on a side note is anyone actually comfortable wearing a sweatshirt at the gym?"
"You can't go wrong with a cozy hoody."
"No vests ever."
"Again, technical apparel is very attractive because other fabrics get so heavy with sweat. Plus, the gym is an activity where it should be all about you and your performance--not looking good for other people. Whatever makes you most comfortable!"
"All of these are ok, but the sweatshirt is the most low key."
"Sucker for college hoodies-- nice talking point to start conversation."
"All guys look hot with a hoodie."
"¯_(ツ)_/¯ in general, but vests are horrible on principle."
"Don't be a vest guy. Save that for retirement. Also, I'm not here at the gym to see your hip threads: keep your gym clothes clean for sure, but the point isn't to show off how much you spent on something you're going to sweat in."
The majority of women we surveyed were more concerned with your ankle support than how your sneakers look. Which accounts for the narrow lead Brooks has over Adidas here. But in the end, the Nike heritage sneakers were the best combination of form and function.
What Women Liked and Really Didn't Like About These Sneakers:
"If you're running, wear running shoes. If you're lifting, don't wear running shoes. Jordans are hot if you're actually playing basketball. I'd be more turned off by a guy wearing inappropriate footwear than a guy wearing mildly dorky footwear."
"It takes a certain kind of guy to pull off an Air Jordan so I don't want him to wear them if he can't own them."
"The Ultraboost matches what I like to see guys in on the street."
"Old-school trainers look fly with that track jacket..."
"Throwback shoes are the coolest, but you should wear whatever makes your feet feel the best."
"Actually have little preference here. A lot depends on what activity he's doing. I definitely judge when I see dudes lifting weights in running shoes."
"Whatever is best for your activity! Shoes are a personal thing. The Adidas look fly, though."
"I am a runner, so I like seeing people wearing legit running shoes and not just what looks the coolest."
"They are pretty and least clunky."
"They would offer the most support/they are the right equipment."
"Not #3 because my dad wears those to walk the dog."
"I'm always a little impressed by someone who goes beyond the typical navy/black/white sneaker in a way that's cute and stylish, not garish."
Never underestimate women's opinions about everything you put on—including socks. Most of our survey responders preferred the choice that is both unpretentious and functional. (Also: women find ankles sexy apparently)
What Women Liked and Really Didn't Like About These Socks:
"Oh god, i mean, if you're wearing Vêtements socks at the actual gym, I will get mad at you. Regular socks are fine! Tube socks are kinda hot? I don't really care as long as they're clean. No second day socks."
"Serve me those calf socks daddy."
"The no-shows look the best with tapered sweatpants."
"Ankle socks mean business and comfort without distracting from your awesome kicks."
"I honestly couldn't care less what socks he works out in as long as they're not black."
"Men's socks are usually gross, the less you see of them the better. No shows aren't really practical for working out though."
"White gym socks are ugly. The less that's visible, the better."
"No show socks makes me think you're not wearing socks in your sweaty tennis shoes, and that grosses me out."
"High top socks are so fratty."
"Ankles are hot."
"I don't get the calf sock trend. Makes me think of a dad wearing socks and sandals"
"I don't really Care. But ankle socks are weird."
"Some men don't have the calf muscle to keep the socks up!"
"I hate high socks! Such a bro look."
"Obviously any dude wearing Vêtements socks is fashion savvy, but not stupid enough to spend a grand on Vêtements sweats. Respect."
"Your socks don't need to be fancy at the gym."
"My dad rocked calf socks, the affinity is beyond my control."
"Short shorts, calf socks, long sleeves, is it apparent that I have a thing for soccer players yet?"
If you already own a simple black backpack, you are in luck. The clear winner isn't technically a gym bag. Still, this North Face backpack looks nice and can be thrown in the wash to avoid smelling up your apartment. The leather duffle was by far the most contentious though. Women are not here for your fancy bag at the gym.
What Women Liked and Really Didn't Like About These Bags:
"Love a dude with backpack. The others are ok but who uses a leather gym bag? That's just weird. It's like you're trying to do double duty with your briefcase and that's a no go. Number 4 is a really ugly color. I hate everything about this bag. I don't know why I'm having such a visceral reaction to it."
"I like a guy that keeps it simple for the gym and isn't trying too hard. We all know how gym clothes smell. Don't put them in your man purse."
"Oh, that's classy as hell. But, is that a sanitary option? I don't know."
"While a leather duffle is nice for the distinguished gentleman at the country club, hit the gym with a smart nylon duffle; it's easier to fold in tiny lockers."
"You MUST be able to wash your gym bag. Save the leather for carrying things that aren't drenched in sweat."
"Cool, sleek and functional."
"I think my husband has that exact bag <3"
"Live your life with this one, bro."
"I love a book bag."
"I'm a sucker for the finance bro duffle..."
"From old to young, fat to fit this bag feels like it could work."
"Seems the cleanest, like he might actually wash it once in awhile and it's not breeding foot fungi."
"I like it and would want to borrow it."
"Then the hands are free to help carry my stuff ;)"
"Why would you bring leather to the gym? And 4 is a very sad bag."
"There's no need for the ostentatious leather bag, nor should you go in the opposite direction with the farmer's market tote. A simple sleek backpack—or a simple, two-tone duffle—is perfectly suitable for a gym look."
The Winning Outfit
Sweat pants: Nike, $60, buy now at store.nike.com
Shorts: Champion, $25, urbanoutfitters.com
Sneakers: Nike for J.Crew, $70, buy now at jcrew.com
Socks: Adidas, $14, buy now at adidas.com
T-Shirt: Under Armour, $18.74, underarmour.com Hoodie: Todd Snyder, $178, buy now at toddsnyder.com
Backpack: The North Face, $79, buy now at endclothing.com
