Athleisurewear has become an increasingly popular apparel choice for men in recent years. Athleisure refers to clothing combining athletic and leisurewear to create versatile, comfortable outfits suitable for the gym, running errands, or casual settings.
The rise of athleisure represents a departure from rigid sartorial norms for men. Rather than suiting up in business attire or meticulously coordinating ensembles, men embrace the practicality and laidback aesthetic of athleisure. This trend intersects with cultural shifts toward more casual work and social environments.
So, what constitutes men’s athleisure apparel precisely? The hallmarks include stretchy, breathable fabrics that allow a full range of movement. These technical fabrics wick moisture and dry quickly, making them ideal for workouts or outdoor activities. The silhouettes also take cues from athletic apparel, with details like flatlock seaming, zippered pockets, and reflective logos.
At the same time, men’s athleisure clothing incorporates casual styling. This includes hoodies, joggers, bomber jackets, and other streetwear-inspired pieces. The versatility to transition seamlessly from the gym to running errands demonstrates the “leisure” aspect of athleisure. It’s just as appropriate for a coffee meetup with friends as a HIIT class.
Major sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas have capitalized on the athleisure trend. But other retailers, ranging from fast fashion chains to boutique fitness labels, are also churning out men’s athleisurewear collections. This wide availability speaks to the mainstream appeal.
In summary, men’s athleisure refers to the hybrid category spanning athletic and leisure apparel. Blending performance-oriented technical fabrics with laidback silhouettes, athleisure gives men flexibility and comfort for varied occasions. The surge in popularity reveals evolving attitudes about masculinity and dress codes.
The Top Athleisure Brands for Men
The rise of athleisure has brought an influx of brands catering to men seeking stylish, functional apparel to power them through their active lifestyles. Several labels have emerged as go-to sources for high-quality men’s athleisurewear.
These brands run the gamut from longtime sportswear giants to upstart labels shaking up the category with modern designs optimized for versatility. But they all share a knack for blending premium performance fabrics with everyday wearability and comfort.
Whether you’re hitting an intense workout or running errands, these athleisure brands equip men with both form and function.
| Brand | Signature Products | Key Features | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vuori | Joggers, shorts, metal vent tech tees | Buttery-soft fabrics, four-way stretch, minimalist designs | Impeccably designed, refined color palette |
| BYLT Basics | Henleys, polos, joggers, shorts | Eco-friendly Tencel, antimicrobial, moisture-wicking | Versatile basics collection, clever details |
| Cuts Clothing | Shorts (5-9 inches), athletic tops | Stretch-infused fabrics, fade resistance, bonded seams | Founded by Steve Cook, tailored for bodybuilders |
| Western Rise | Diem joggers, Limitless pants, shirts | Durable Schoeller fabrics, weather resistance, triple-stitched seams | Adventure-ready, functional designs |
| Lululemon | ABC pants, Metal Vent Tech shirts | Four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, odor control | Pioneer in technical athletic fabrics |
| Public Rec | All Day Every Day pants, pocket tees | Wrinkle-resistant, silk-infused materials, luxury softness | Focus on stylish comfort |
| Rhone | Commuter pants, 7-inch swift shorts | GoldFusion fabrics, technical performance, refined styling | Elevated activewear for aspirational men |
| Ten Thousand | Shirts, shorts, hoodies | Versatile design, high-quality materials, simplicity | Direct-to-consumer brand, emphasis on function |
| UNRL Clothing | Hoodies, joggers | Athletic functionality, stylish forms, celebrity co-signs | Blends style and performance, strong brand story |
Vuori
Vuori is a California brand that combines performance with a relaxed vibe. Their range of shorts, joggers, and tops is perfect whether you’re hitting the gym or lounging at home. The Kore Short and Ponto Performance Pant are favorites, known for their comfort and sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester. With moisture-wicking and anti-odor features, Vuori stands out for eco-friendly practices and functional designs.
BYLT Basics
BYLT Basics delivers premium essentials with a clean, modern look. Their offerings include tees, polos, and joggers crafted from materials like the BYLT Blend and Drop-Cut fabric, which offer softness and durability. The Drop-Cut T-shirt, with its distinctive hem, is a standout piece, providing a comfortable fit that lasts. BYLT’s focus on quality ensures that its basics maintain structure and appeal over time.
Cuts Clothing
Cuts Clothing is all about minimalist essentials that work for any occasion. Their collection includes high-quality tees, polos, and sweatshirts from proprietary fabrics like PYCA™. These materials offer comfort, breathability, and a wrinkle-free experience. The Crew Curve-Hem Tee is a top pick, providing a clean fit that transitions easily from casual to more polished settings.
Western Rise
Western Rise creates clothing designed for the active man on the move. From travel to everyday wear, their pieces offer comfort and durability. The AT Slim Pant and Evolution Pant are particularly popular, featuring water-resistant, quick-drying materials. Western Rise is known for crafting multipurpose garments that meet the demands of various activities without compromising on style.
Lululemon
Lululemon’s men’s collection blends technical performance and casual wear. The range caters to fitness enthusiasts and those seeking everyday comfort with items like shorts, joggers, and hoodies. The ABC Pant, with its “anti-ball crushing” design, and the Metal Vent Tech series, known for seamless construction, are among their standout offerings. Lululemon’s focus on quality and innovation makes it a top choice for versatile activewear.
Public Rec
Public Rec specializes in men’s athleisure that balances comfort and everyday wearability. Their popular items, like the Daymaker Pant and Go-To Tee, are made from breathable, high-quality fabrics. Known for practical features like hidden pockets, Public Rec’s pieces offer a polished look without sacrificing comfort. This brand appeals to those looking for well-designed, versatile wardrobe staples.
Rhone
Rhone brings a mix of technical features and refined design to men’s activewear. Their range includes performance shirts, shorts, and pants crafted from advanced fabrics like GoldFusion, which fights odor and wicks moisture. Essential products like the Commuter Pant and Reign T-Shirt are made to function seamlessly in both athletic and professional settings. Rhone stands out for its commitment to creating high-performance, versatile apparel.
Legends Clothing
Legends Clothing is a modern athletic apparel brand that creates high-quality, functional pieces for men. Their collection includes shorts, hoodies, tees, and joggers designed with performance and comfort in mind. Legends use advanced fabrics with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, making their gear ideal for workouts and casual wear. The Luka Short and Hawthorne Jogger are among their popular items, and they are known for their athletic fit and versatile design.
UNRL Clothing
UNRL Clothing offers a blend of athleisure and lifestyle pieces that prioritize comfort and practicality. Their collection includes hoodies, joggers, and performance polos from soft, stretchy fabrics. Items like the Daybreaker Short and Crossover Hoodie are noted for their modern look and functional features. UNRL stands out for providing high-quality, stylish options that fit seamlessly into your daily life.
Athleisure wear has transformed men’s fashion, offering functionality and casual appeal. It’s a go-to choice for those who want comfort without sacrificing their appearance. Brands like Vuori, BYLT Basics, and Cuts Clothing are leading the way, offering a range of items from joggers to tees, all made with advanced fabrics. These pieces are perfect for everything from intense workouts to laid-back hangouts. You get clothes that keep up with your day-to-day activities and look good.
The surge in athleisure’s popularity reflects a broader shift in how men approach dressing. It’s about finding clothing that works for multiple scenarios, whether at the gym, running errands, or meeting friends. The options are diverse, but they all focus on comfort and practicality. Brands like Western Rise, Lululemon, and Rhone offer high-performance gear that suits a HIIT class as it is for a casual coffee. This trend underscores a new approach to men’s fashion, where ease and function take center stage.
