Best Fitness Apparel for Men

You've decided to get into shape, and you want to be smart about it. You've considered the nutritional changes you'll need to make; you've narrowed down your workout options, where you'll train and how you'll train; and you're ready to get started.

Or so you thought. Because now, as you stand in the middle of the sporting goods store's clothing section, besieged by bathing suits, shorts, sweatshirts, tank tops, T-shirts and dozens of styles of socks, you begin to second-guess yourself.

You know better than to choose one of those antiquated thermal sweat suits -- they'll only dehydrate you -- but you have no idea where to begin among the numerous and varied brands, colors, styles and fabrics that surround you.

Don't let the wide range of options overwhelm you. Here is the knowledge you need to choose the best threads for your type of workout.

The Basics

Whether you're playing racquetball, shooting hoops or heading to the gym, one rule is universal: Make comfort a priority. Your workout gear should be formfitting -- not skintight or restrictive and certainly not loose enough to snag a weight rack, twig or finger.

Just as important is how you feel wearing it.

"In addition to technical performance, the right clothing and footwear helps you look and feel good when you train, which is a key motivator to help you stick with your routine," said Brent Callaway, performance manager at Athletes' Performance in Carson, California.

Aim for comfort, but be sure to also factor in financial practicality.

"Wear what fits, not what's popular," said Mark Mogavero, certified strength and conditioning specialist and owner of Mogavero's Fitness Innovations in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

Running

Achieving your pavement-pounding fitness goals requires more than proper footwear. Don't discount the importance of underwear, shorts and moisture-wicking shirts.

First, avoid cotton. Cotton and thick materials absorb moisture and hold it close to your skin, chilling you to the bone on cool days. Furthermore, the retained moisture causes the fabric to be heavier and rougher, which can result in irritation and blisters.

Shirts made of synthetic fibers like polyester will typically wick moisture away from your body, says Mogavero, keeping you drier and more comfortable.

"Performance clothing companies now spend years engineering garments that move naturally with the body and feature stretch zones and hemmed lines that take muscle function into account," Callaway said. "All of this leads to less chafing and restriction when you need to be able to move freely."

When hitting the treadmill in the gym, Mogavero suggests lightweight, three-quarter-length, or thigh-length, shorts. These are recommended over the skimpier traditional cross-country running shorts, which tend to draw the wrong kind of attention. Boxer briefs will provide the support you need to comfortably complete your cardio session, and moisture-wicking socks can prevent blisters from complicating your fitness schedule.

As far as footwear is concerned, there's no clear-cut answer. According to Podiatrist Nicholas Campitelli of Akron, Ohio, the proof that traditional running shoes, which raise your heel off the ground, benefit your body more than running barefoot does not exist. He added, however, that plenty of podiatrists still believe athletic shoes are beneficial.

Because of the lack of conclusive evidence, footwear is a subjective purchase. Research shoes before you buy them, and if barefoot training interests you, be sure to take it slowly and ease your way into it.

Cycling

Comfort on a bicycle differs from comfort in the gym. Whether in the city or on the trail, you're dodging obstacles at a high speed and with a high center of gravity. Comfort breeds safety on a bike, so don't let your threads get in the way.

"With all the concerns that go through your mind during a ride, the last thing you need to worry about is your clothing," Callaway said. "Loose clothing poses a safety issue with pedals, gear wheels and handlebars. Make sure [what you're wearing] is snug."

Apart from the obvious, like ensuring the right leg of your pants won't get eaten as you ride, look for padded shorts. A lack of padding can make long rides miserable, says Callaway. Because certain types of stitches can cause a great deal of discomfort, he recommends flat-lock stitching for both shorts and bibs. Flat-lock stitching is a type of seam wherein the two pieces of material are sewn flush against one another, creating a flat, unobtrusive seam as opposed to the typical bulky seam.

"Leg grippers around the thighs also keep the legs of the shorts from riding up, so be sure to [check for these] before buying the shorts," Callaway said.

For the most efficient pedaling, look for shoes with a firm sole. While they won't be fun to stroll around in, says Callaway, they will allow for better power transfer to your pedals.

Weightlifting

The guidelines for outfitting yourself to pump iron are generally the same as those for outfitting yourself to run. Choose apparel that allows you to maintain proper form, and avoid anything that impedes your range of motion -- like sticky, sweat-soaked cotton shirts.

You may, however, want to pay more attention to your choice of gym shoe when weight training.

"People forget that your shoes connect your feet to the ground and can change your weight distribution to certain parts of your feet," Callaway said. "This changes which muscles are called into action while lifting.

"Too much cushion can dissipate energy, zapping your strength gains over time like leaky faucets waste water," he said. "You should choose a shoe that has a low profile and a dense sole."

If you have a workout area at home, Callaway suggests ditching shoes altogether on days you work your legs. Of course, be sure to watch your toes.

So the next time you're in a sporting goods store, surrounded by the countless choices in workout apparel, there's no need to feel overwhelmed. Look for styles and material that fit well, are light and comfortable, and will wick moisture away from your skin, allowing your body to cool itself naturally.