12 Expensive Men’s Activewear Brands That Are Worth the Price Tag, According to Trainers
Do you ever feel like you hear about a new activewear brand every single day?
Whether the 411 comes from targeted posts on Facebook, influencers promoting on Instagram, or just a new logo on a slick pair of joggers that catches your eye at the gym, there seem to be a never ending amount of brands producing fitness clothing. And with specialty gear comes specialty prices-most of the newer brands are expensive to the point of being prohibitive, even though they've largely not been tried and tested by the general public. How can you know if you’ll regret shelling out the dough for a shirt one of your favorite follows was rocking on the 'Gram?
We decided to help narrow the playing field by asking some of our favorite fitness experts and trainers-you know, the guys who spend their days (and early mornings, and evenings, and sometimes even nights) decked out in activewear and athleisure. Who better to give you the truth about the best fitness gear? Here are pricey men’s activewear and athleisure brands that are worth the price tag, according to trainers and fitness pros.
Men’s Activewear Brands That Are Worth The Money
1. WOLACO, $30 to $98
Ever been working out and have your cell phone crash to the ground from a loose pocket, or ever had to place your phone on the ground because your shorts or pants don’t even have a pocket to begin with. This brand saw a gap in the market and filled it-men’s compression shorts and pant with sweat-proof pockets made to securely stash your cell phone. While their shorts and leggings are most popular, they also make tops, too.
Essential Gear: North Moore Shorts
“I’m obsessed with leggings, but it’s so hard to find a pair that fits like a glove and has a functional pocket. The North Moore Shorts fit perfectly and have two built-in jostle-free pockets! The Clinton Tank is extremely lightweight and so comfortable. Also, I love the colors that it comes in.
Luke Lombardo, RRCA running coach, master instructor of Lagree Fitness in Los Angeles, CA
“I love the Wolaco compression tights. I own some of the compression shorts, which are great, but what I love the most is a good 3/4 compression legging. Their material is a little thicker, which makes them durable but also gives them a tighter feel, which I love. Even though they seem to be thicker than some other brands they keep you cool and don't overheat you.”
Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, creator of In Time Fitness, and trainer at NeoU in New York City
2. Roots of Fight, $40 to $350
Think: clothing that not only performs, but also inspires. That’s the winning pairing that Roots of Fight features in each of their pieces, which celebrate legendary athletes like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. As the brand's promotional material puts it, “Each story we tell depicts the unending fight at the root of every human triumph.” This gear has that old school feel with a new school design that performs well in the gym or on-the-go.
Essential Gear: Mike Tyson Tee
“Having boxed my whole life and being involved in the culture, I love what roots of Fight is doing. While being comfortable and stylish, they pay tribute to the fighters who helped build the sport and paved the way for fighters like Floyd Mayweather and any up and coming fighters. My favorite is the Mike Tyson sweatshirt that says Brooklyn on it, because that’s where I’m from.”
Eric Rakofsky, NASM, USA Boxing, CPR, AED, coach at Performix House in New York City
3. Fourlaps, $34 to 128
Quality over quantity is this brand's motto. If you have great gear that can hold up to intense workouts and lots of laundry sessions, then you don’t need a ton of it. Fourlaps uses odor-resistant, moisture wicking technology in all of its fabrics. The brand's “Level Collection” fabric even has the ability to allow heat to escape when you sweat, while trapping in the warmth when the weather gets chilly.
Essential Gear: Advance Short
“I’m a huge fan of Fourlaps! I love their hats, tees, and their joggers and track pants are clutch. Given my role as both a trainer and entrepreneur, it’s important for me to be able to work the training floor, and then rush out the door to a meeting or an event and still look on-point and stylish. Fourlaps gear is perfect for both.”
Kelvin Gary, NASM, founder and owner of Body Space Fitness in New York City
4. Outdoor Voices, $35 to $115
Choose from either the Rec Kit (made for everyday activity), or the Tech Kit (which is designed to keep you cool during high intensity workouts) from this brand and you’ll get a matching top and bottom for $95. While that’s a good chunk of change, the company focuses on making versatile products that can handle a ton of work, so it will be worth every penny.
Essential Gear: Sunday Shorts
“I’m extremely picky when it comes to performance gear. It all comes down to comfort for me. I prefer the tighter, slim fit, which is why I’m currently digging Outdoor Voice’s Sunday Shorts. They are the perfect length, extremely comfortable, and not ‘poofy’ on my legs, which is key for me-I have a tough time finding shorts that don’t flare out at the sides due to the pockets. I also love how versatile they are- I’ll wear them during a high intensity workout at my gym, but also while I’m waking my dog or going to the grocery store.
Shawn Booth, Ironman, owner of Boothcamp Gym in Nashville, TN
“Outdoor Voices shorts are just the right length-gotta love split shorts to show off those running legs-and have all the pockets you ever need when you're out on a run. I can hold my MetroCard, cash, keys and gels without the shorts falling down. The brief liner is also super comfortable even when things get sweaty. The Merino Longsleeve T-Shirt is great for those colder mornings and later nights to keep you warm, but it’s also still breathable and wicks away moisture.”
Matt Meyer, ACE, RRCA Run Coach, coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City
5. Rhone, $68 to $88 for core products
Rhone isn't just for gym bros. The brand aims to produce activewear for the young professional–and they’ve been pretty successful in that mission. While their core products include activewear and some streetwear pieces, they also have a popular commuter pants and just launched a dress shirt, too.
Essential Gear: Mako Short
“I have multiple pairs of shorts, shirts, and tank tops from Rhone. I really enjoy their gear for going on runs or bootcamp-style classes, where I don't have to worry about them wearing from a barbell. They are comfortable, and have enough stretch in them that allows zero restriction. The clothing is presentable and fitted, which in my line of work really is helpful.”
Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, creator of In Time Fitness, and trainer at NeoU in New York City
“I’ve been running a lot lately and tried a bunch of brands, and nothing comes close to comparison in fit, function, and durability than Rhone. It’s great for all around functional fitness.”
Steve Weatherford, Super Bowl champion, former professional football player, and fitness expert in Encinitas, CA
“I like Rhone for athleisure. The clothing feels really good and it’s great if you want to be relaxed and stay sporty, but look dressed up a bit.”
Alonzo Wilson, founder and director of training at Tone House in New York City
6. No Bull, $32 to $129
You might be more familiar with No Bull’s pricey lifting shoes, but did you know they make apparel, too? The brand identifies its target consumer as one who trains hard and doesn't have time for excuses, insisting that its gear will show up if you do, but it can’t show up for you. The clothes are everything you need to workout, and nothing you don’t.
Essential Gear: Coach Long Sleeve Tee
“I’m a fan of minimalism and understatement. No Bull apparel and shoes are not flashy, yet have a bold, unique design with quality material that doesn’t intrude on your performance. Living in a time where your appearance and activities often reflect your values and identity, I strongly identify with the brand’s message of no BS and putting in the work. I feel their products inspire and allow you to do just that.”
Gerren Liles, NASM, master instructor at Equinox, and founding trainer of The Mirror
7. Olivers, $38 to $158
Simple, understated style is the name of the game with this brand. Pairing fabrics made out of merino wool, celliant, cordura nylon, and four-way stretch nylon results in gear that not only looks dapper but performs well, too. Bonus: All of the gear is made in California.
Essential Gear: All Over Short
“I’m a fan of Olivers, especially their All Over Short. I love this short because the material is durable-I’ve had them for years and they’ve never ripped or torn from barbells scraping against them. They also don’t bunch up or ride up, which is key in order to keep moving without having to adjust them mid-workout.”
-Andrew Mariani, NASM, trainer at Fhitting Room in New York City
8. Lululemon, $14 to $498
Those who think this brand just makes women’s yoga gear-or solely yoga gear in general-are missing out on a treasure. Once you wear one of Lululemon’s signature t-shirts or tanks for a workout, there’s no turning back. Each piece of clothing comes with a tag that explains what it was made for; a high intensity sweat session versus a recovery day.
Essential Gear: Metal Tech Vent Long Sleeve
“I enjoy wearing Lululemon gear. My favorite piece is their Metal Tech Vent long sleeve shirts. I'm a fan of long sleeve workout tops and this particular shirt fits perfectly around the body and arms. It allows me to move without any restriction and it also feels good-which are my top two most important qualifications for workout gear. Not to mention, I like how it looks on me.”
-Solomon Bamiro, NASM, former Harlem Globetrotter, coach at Tone House in New York City
“Lululemon gear is my favorite athleisure wear because, for starters, its as comfortable as can be. They are presentable and are fitted, so I can still look professional as a fitness professional. The 5 Year Basic Tee is one of my favorites because its super comfortable, but also a fitted t-shirt. It’s stretchy, so it hugs your body just right, and if it feels too tight, you can stretch it out a little before putting it on, and it will fit great.”
-Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, creator of In Time Fitness, and trainer at NeoU in New York City
“I have the Lululemon Metal Vent Tank in every color. I especially love the fit of this tank because it accentuates all the right places of my body. I’m also a fan of the quality of material Lulu uses-clothing from other brands end up smelling over time when you workout in them a lot. My Lululemon gear doesn’t and I wear them on the regular.”
-Keoni Hudoba, chief instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp in New York City
9. Virus, $35 to $88
Priding itself on making gear than can hold up against the toughest of training sessions and competitions, this brand keeps up on the latest technology so that you’re able to push your limits with apparel that can keep up. The company makes training and recovery apparel, but also have some coveted transitional pieces, too, like its Icon X Joggers.
Essential Gear: IconX Joggers
“All of the apparel from this brand is perfect in my opinion. The way it fits an athletic frame is not only sophisticated but also sporty. Being a coach who spends a lot of his time running around New York, for me, the gear is perfect because it can easily transition from a workout to the street. It’s the ultimate brand for me.”
-Kenny Santucci, NASM, coach at Solace in New York City
“I love Virus’ compression tights for lifting and doing any kind of workout that taxes the lower extremities. I always feel more confident going for heavy lifts with these on.”
-Andrew Mariani, NASM, trainer at Fhitting Room in New York City
10. Nike
Chances are you’re intimately familiar with this mega-brand if you’re a gym rat, athlete, or even if you don't watch sports on the regular. But there’s a good reason that it’s the top dog in sports. That means the brand is always innovating with new technologies like Flyknit and Dri-FIT, which keep getting upgraded and integrated into more of its stellar gear.
Essential Gear: Nike Pro Tights
“I’m a big fan of the Nike Pro Line for three reasons: it looks cool, it’s comfortable, and it fits well. It’s not too tight that it looks weird, but also not so baggy that you look like you’re wearing a trash bag. The line is a little pricey, but it’s great.”
-Ben Bruno, CFSC, trainer based in Los Angeles, CA
“I grew up on Nike and they’re still consistently coming up with new ways to be innovative. They’re making clothing that allows me to focus on my training movements, being very specific to the personal details of their material and design, whether you’re doing yoga or showing up for a HIIT class. Nike seems to have an item to make sure you maximize each workout, assuring functionality and comfort-all without compromising the fact that their clothes look great, too! Look good, feel good, perform great-that’s what always keeps me motivated and a loyal brand customer.”
-Curtis Williams, NASM, former NFL wide receiver, creator of Training C.A.M.P., coach at Performix House in New York City
“Nike’s running apparel is great because they offer gear to face any weather condition. Whether your out for a run in the cold, rain, or wind they have the proper gear to keep you warm and dry. ”
-Nick Panebianco, NASM, trainer at Trooper Fitness in New York City
“Nike makes a great training short that I own every color in because I like them so much! These Flex shorts are fitted but also have a stretch in them, so they’re not restrictive when I’m squatting or performing other hip bending movements. Since I train a lot with a barbell, I look for gear that is not going to fade or deteriorate from the bar rubbing against it, over and over. These shorts have proven to be worthy for training in my opinion.”
-Mat Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, creator of In Time Fitness, and trainer at NeoU in New York City
11. Softwear, $42 to $88
Sustainability is one of the core values of this 100 percent American-made brand. That commitment to excellence, plus the fact that this atheisure wear couldn’t feel more supple against your skin put this brand on the “worth it,” level.
Essential Gear: Jogger Pant
“These are by far the most comfortable pair of sweats I own. You can dress them up or down-they always look and feel great! And while they fall more into the athleisure category, the lightweight and form-fitting properties make them amazing to workout in, too.”
-Kenny Santucci, NASM, coach at Solace in New York City
12. Goodlife Clothing, $45 to $175
Goodlife Clothing produces simple, well-cut, essentials that you’ll never stop using. These American-made pieces are cut to be aesthetically appealing and fit close to the body. It’s gear with a goal-to help you live your good life.
Essential Gear: Supima Classic Crew
“Goodlife is my favorite all-purpose brand. I’ve worn it on fashion runways with a sport coat, and in a Tough Mudder race. The clothing never stretches out.
-Steve Weatherford, Super Bowl champion, former professional football player, and fitness expert
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