The best men's workout clothes

• It's important to be comfortable while working out and that starts with making sure you're wearing the correct apparel. 
• Whether it's a pair of shorts designed for runners or a specific fabric that reduces odor, there's a variety of workout clothing fit for anyone's lifestyle or fitness preference. 
• We've rounded up a collection of the best workout clothes for men, with gear from brands like Vuori, Rhone, and Olivers. 

Working out in the right attire makes a world of difference. Though a simple pair of shorts and a sweat-wicking shirt may not seem like a world-beating combination, they are far better than some ratty pair of gym shorts and a cotton tee from your dresser. Put plainly, your workouts benefit from you feeling comfortable. 

And just because a workout kit performs well, doesn't mean it can't also look the part. As brands continue to innovate fit and function, they've kept an eye on design, too. Many of today's best workout apparel brands offer clothing that's not just meant to sweat in but something you'd put on for hanging around the house or running errands. 

Your exercise regimen isn't one-dimensional, so why should your clothes be any different?

The right gear for the right activity

The new wave of men's workout gear wants to help you perform your best by keeping you cool and comfortable. And while your gym clothes certainly ought to be ready for even the most strenuous of activities, they also need to be presentable enough for you to wear outside of your workout environment.

When determining the kind of workout gear you need to accommodate your lifestyle, consider the type of exercise you do most often. Clothing is just another tool to help or hinder you, so be sure you're buying the right gear for the right activity.

A piece of clothing's ability to withstand cycles in the washing machine is also a key quality. You'll likely be sweating through these clothes a lot and (hopefully) putting them in the laundry quite often. If you're buying flimsily made clothing, you'll have to replace them much more often.

You'll also want to consider how multi-purpose you need your gear to be. Are you only going to wear those joggers to the gym, or are they also for lounging around? Is that long sleeve tee just as good for your run as it is for running errands on the weekend?

Today's active gear ought to double as gear for an active lifestyle, so be sure that whatever you're buying is capable of as many reps as you are. That said, regardless of what workout gear you choose from the following options, you'll be in good hands.

Here are the best men's workout clothes in 2020:

• Best men's workout clothes overall: Vuori
• Best men's workout clothes for runners: Wolaco
• Best men's workout clothes on a budget: MPG
• Best men's workout clothes for dispelling odors: Rhone
• Best men's workout clothes for comfort: Olivers

Updated on 4/23/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the introduction copy and included more about current workout gear trends and technology, focused entirely on in-house testing, checked each brand link, and updated formatting.

The best workout gear overall

Vuori's clothing is both lightweight and comfortable, which makes it a breeze to work out inside or outside during summer.

It's obvious the Encinitas, California-based Vuori takes its inspiration from the beach. The workout gear from this company may just make you think you're on the West Coast, with its comfortable, lightweight fit. 

In particular, we loved the Trail Short, the lightest weight all-purpose pair of shorts from Vuori. The shorts have an elastic waist, supportive Coolmax anti-odor liner, and an athletic fit. The shorts also come with front pockets and a back zip pocket, as well as an iPhone holder in the liner.

Also beloved in the Vuori line is the Tradewind Performance shirt and the company's perennially popular joggers. The Tradewind Tee is the company's most technical in the lineup, featuring micro-perforation for ventilation, flatlock seams, and a front chest pocket. The shirt promises to wick moisture and dry quickly, making it perfect for a run, a hot yoga session, or anything in between.

Pros: Supreme comfort, quick-drying material, great for a wide variety of workouts

Cons: Some customers found that the shorts could be a bit restrictive due to narrow leg holes

The best workout gear for runners

If you're a runner or into tight workout gear, it doesn't get much better than Wolaco.

While guys hitting the gym may want easy, breezy shorts with plenty of room, the same can't be said for distance runners. And that's where Wolaco comes in. The brand has long been a crowd favorite — it did, after all, get its start from the crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Wolaco ultimately raised more than $120,000 from 1,465 backers and has since become a mainstay in the compression wear game.

Now, just three years later, Wolaco's clothes are available at the luxury gym Equinox. Its availability in gyms also gives people the opportunity to feel the fabric and check out the design firsthand, rather than relying on photos and testimonials.

Speaking of testimonials, we can't sing Wolaco's praises enough. Multiple Business Insider folks have tried and loved these compression shorts and pants, lauding both the availability of pockets and the durability of the material.

Aesthetically, the Wolaco compression shorts and tights look pretty damn good, too. They're by no means obscenely tight but do exactly what compression wear is supposed to do — keep everything in place while you get your exercise on.

Wolaco offers its compression wear in four lengths: the North Moore short in a 6- or 9-inch inseam, or the Fulton pant in three-quarters or full length. If you're looking to cover up, the High Line Hood is an excellent option. Supremely comfortable and clearly designed for running on cold days, this hooded long-sleeve shirt boasts  4-way-stretch as well as water, wind, and sweat-repellent construction.

Pros: Great for runners, durable fabric, moisture-wicking and fast-drying design

Cons: Some users reported fit issues, so be careful when reading the sizing guides

The best budget-friendly workout gear

MPG Sport understands that working out shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, and is creating gear that helps you live a financially responsible lifestyle.

Your gym membership is expensive enough, so your gym clothes don't have to be. Luckily, MPG Sport agrees. Short for Mondetta Performance Gear, MPG offers a wide range of clothing and workout gear that won't break the bank. 

Take, for instance, the Defender Performance Cashmere Shirt. This shirt feels like luxury without the luxury price tag. But it's not just the softness of the shirt that's important — It's the benefits it gives you during your workout.

The mix of Tencel, a recyclable and environmentally-friendly material derived from wood pulp, and cashmere helps you adapt to different temperatures. That means that you'll be warm in the winter but remain cool and dry in the summer. Plus, with colors like Port and Navy Sky, this shirt can transition well from the gym to just about anywhere else.

Also noteworthy is the Premier 1/4 Zip Stink-Free Seamless Pullover, which is made from NILIT fibers to protect against bacteria build-up and sweat stench. Well-fitted and nicely tailored, this was another piece that looks great. And the best part? It's on sale for $24.

If you're looking for shorts or pants, MPG has you covered as well. The Hype 3.0 Essential 7-inch Short promises plenty of flexibility as well as moisture-wicking properties. Alternatively, if you need something a bit longer, you might consider the Industry Essential Fleece Joggers, which are surprisingly warm given how light they are.

Pros: Affordable prices, wide selection of products, fabric that is soft yet ready for a hard workout

Cons: The sheer amount of product might be overwhelming for someone shopping online

The best workout gear for the sweaty workout

It's all about the GoldFusion technology with Rhone, which makes good on its promise to keep you stink-free.

Back in 2016, Rhone managed to raise nearly $113,000 to bring its GoldFusion technology to its line of activewear. And now, that proprietary formula can be found in a wide range of activewear.

Rhone has long been one of our favorite makers of men's workout gear. Much of it is indeed due to the company's GoldFusion technology, a proprietary, eco-friendly fabric treatment that leverages real gold particles to help fabrics dry up to three times faster. In addition, it's UV protective and promises to permanently control odor.

Two new additions to the Rhone GoldFusion line include the 7-inch Swift Lined short and the Glacier Delta tank. The shorts, meant for running, feature a perforated venting system for cooling, as well as two side zipper pockets to hold essentials during a jog. Plus, a soft performance liner promises exceptional fit. As for the Glacier Delta tank, this workout shirt features an evaporative cooling Polartec fabric that helps you cool down as you sweat.

Of course, Rhone also has pieces that don't necessarily have precious metals embedded into them but are no less effective at getting the job done. Take, for instance, the new Mako Unlined short. Available in both 7- and 9-inch lengths, this short is made of lightweight, four-way stretch fabric with plenty of pockets so you can wear them at the gym or anywhere else, too.

Pros: Stink-free technology, comfortable fabric, and great fit  

Cons: Some reviewers note that the shirts can be a bit longer than anticipated

The best workout gear for all-day wear

Workout clothes don't have to feel like workout clothes and that's why Olivers created some of its gear with merino wool.

Merino wool is unlikely to be the first material that comes to mind when you think of workout gear but that's just the sort of innovative thinking that makes Olivers' clothes so comfortable. The highly breathable gear from Olivers is so comfortable, you may never want to take it off.

While Olivers' first well-known article of clothing was the All Over Short, the brand has proven it's capable of creating a wide range of comfortable, functional gear. The Terminal Tech Tee is a particular favorite of the Business Insider team, too. This merino tech mesh tee not only keeps you cool and dry but it also fits well. As Insider Reviews' Amir Ismael noted, "the Terminal Tech Tee..fits exactly as a T-shirt should."

While you can certainly work out in the naturally odor-resistant shirt, it's also just as appropriate for a day full of errands or a casual date night.

Oh, and by the way, Olivers promises your clothes will last for at least a year with its Olivers guarantee. The company will replace or repair any product "with a fault outside of normal wear and tear for up to 12 months" after your initial purchase.

Pros: Superior comfort, great fit, great style without being ostentatious

Cons: Some reviewers noted that the sizing could be a bit different from the website's suggestions.