You don’t need to spend a lot to look decent at the gym. But if you want clothes that hold their shape after 50 washes, resist odour, and still look good enough to wear out, you do need to be a little more selective.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade from worn-out basics or just tired of collars that never bounce back, here’s what’s worth buying and why.
And if you want to save some money on quality brands, used athletic gear from Geartrade is worth checking out. You’ll find gently used pieces from the same brands below, often at a fraction of retail.
What to Look for in Gym and Athleisure Wear
Before you start buying, it helps to know what actually matters in workout clothing:
- Fabric: Look for moisture-wicking materials like polyester blends. They dry fast and resist odour better than cotton.
- Stitching and fit retention: Cheap clothes lose their shape quickly. Once the collar or waistband goes, it doesn’t come back.
- Odour resistance: Some fabrics trap smell fast, especially after repeated washes. Anti-odour technology in the fabric makes a real difference.
- Versatility: Good athleisure works at the gym and looks fine on a coffee run or errand.
The Brands Worth Your Money
Vuori
Vuori shorts keep coming up as a go-to for both gym use and casual wear. The brand is based in San Diego and has a California-cool aesthetic that doesn’t scream “gym clothes.”
Their shorts are made with four-way stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, and anti-odour finishes. People who own them say they hold up for a long time, especially if you hang dry instead of tumble dry. The full-length pants work well as casualwear too.
Vuori sits in the mid-to-premium price range, but the quality matches. If you want something that goes from gym to street without looking out of place, this is a solid starting point.
Lululemon
Yes, it’s everywhere. And yes, there’s a reason. Lululemon joggers and shorts consistently deliver on fit, fabric quality, and shape retention. People who own them report no quality issues over years of use.
There’s a fair concern that recent rapid expansion has affected consistency, but most long-term owners don’t notice a drop. The Luon and Swift fabrics stay soft, stretch well, and don’t bag out at the knees. If the price stings, buying secondhand is a smart workaround.
Gymshark
Gymshark is more affordable than Lululemon or Vuori, and the quality is genuinely good for the price. Their poly-cotton blend tops are popular because they’re long enough to stay tucked during most movements, and the fabric doesn’t feel flimsy.
If you want good-looking gym wear without paying premium prices, Gymshark is worth a try.
Under Armour
Under Armour is the practical pick. UA shorts and shirts are built for performance, dry fast, and hold up well over time. The price is reasonable for what you get, and the brand’s HeatGear and Coldgear lines cover warm and cold conditions well.
Shoes from UA are also considered a good value, especially for lifting and general training. If you want reliability without spending a lot, Under Armour delivers.
Shoes for the Gym
Your shoe choice depends on what you’re doing.
For lifting: You want a flat, stable sole. Old Vans and Converse actually work well for this, and a lot of lifters stick with them. If you want something purpose-built, look at dedicated weightlifting shoes or cross-trainers with a low heel drop.
For cardio: Running shoes or cross-trainers work here. Under Armour’s athletic shoes are well-regarded for value. Nike and New Balance are also reliable picks in this category.
For general gym use: A cross-training shoe covers most bases. Look for something with lateral support and a low-profile sole.
Tips for Making Gym Clothes Last Longer
You can spend money on good gear and still ruin it quickly with bad laundry habits. A few things that help:
- Hang dry when possible. The dryer degrades elastic and fabric faster than anything else.
- Use detergent with lipase. This enzyme breaks down the oils and sweat that cause lingering odours. Standard detergents often miss this.
- Wash in cold water. Hot water breaks down synthetic fibres faster.
- Wash gym clothes separately or at least promptly. Sitting in a gym bag for two days before washing makes odours harder to remove.
FAQ
Is Lululemon still worth the price in 2025?
For most people, yes. The fit is consistent, the fabric holds up well, and the shape doesn’t degrade quickly. If the full retail price feels too high, buying lightly used pieces is a good way to try the brand without the full commitment.
How does Vuori compare to Lululemon?
Both are premium brands with strong quality. Vuori tends to lean more casual in its aesthetic, with a relaxed, coastal feel. Lululemon is slightly more performance-focused. If you want gym clothes that also work well as everyday wear, Vuori might suit you better. If you want high-performance fabric for active workouts, Lululemon’s technical fabrics are hard to beat.
Is Gymshark good quality?
Yes, especially for the price. It’s a step down from Lululemon and Vuori in terms of premium feel, but the quality is solid. Their tops and shorts hold their shape well and the fabrics are comfortable for training.
Can I wear athleisure to work?
It depends on your workplace. Vuori’s pants and some of Lululemon’s joggers pass easily in casual and creative office environments. Anything with obvious gym branding or compression fabric is harder to pull off outside of casual settings.
What’s the best fabric for avoiding odour in gym clothes?
Polyester blends with anti-odour technology are your best bet. Brands like Vuori, Lululemon, and Under Armour all treat their performance fabrics this way. Natural fibres like cotton tend to trap odour more easily, especially with repeated use.
Are cheap gym clothes worth it?
For backup pieces or when you’re just starting out, sure. But cheap fabrics tend to lose shape fast, especially at the collar and waistband. Once that happens, the clothes never recover. Spending a bit more upfront, or buying quality brands secondhand, usually costs less over time.
