Although gym wear and lounge clothes were once separate categories, the lines have been blurred by the best athleisure brands for men. Gone are the days of getting dressed to go outside. Now, you can hit the bar or head out to dinner in running shorts, joggers, and hoodies galore without anyone batting an eye.
The only downside to dressing comfy casual is that the market has become oversaturated. Not only are the big name athletic brands pumping out daily staples, but also new companies have emerged in the wave of the athleisure craze, continuing to muddle the boundary between performance clothing and loungewear.
To help cut through the noise, I’ve rounded up 9 of the best athleisure brands for men, each of which offers something a little bit different. Instead of hitting copy-paste with their product lines, all of the athleisure brands on this list maintain a unique identity with clothes worth your while. Keep reading to discover more.
Key Takeaways
There’s no question that there’s plenty to choose from in the athleisure space, but as far as the best brand for men goes, it’s heavily contested. Good thing for you, I’ve done the hard work. I’ve visited countless sites and read hundreds of reviews.
If you’re looking for an unbeatable price-to-quality ratio and a creative slew of product offerings, Outdoor Voices reigns supreme in my book. But if you don’t want to drop a pretty penny on clothes to hang out in, Uniqlo has an incredible line of affordable athleisure that’s well worth considering, too.
Best Athleisure Brands For Men
Why this brand is great: In the past 15 years, there have been plenty of newcomers to the athleisure game; and though they’re all worthy contenders, Outdoor Voices sticks out with their unique product offerings and technical apparel. They did just close all of their retail stores in March, but as one of the best alternatives to Lululemon, OV’s online presence is going strong with no signs of slowing down.
Why this product stands out: Kind of sweats, kind of street pants, these are one of Outdoor Voice’s best offerings. The brand shows that athleisure can be impossibly versatile, carrying you from city slicking to couch chills without batting an eye. Made from a durable fabric with a flattering fit, this modern trouser style is athleisure at its finest and an innovative addition to any man’s wardrobe.
Why this brand is great: Guided by the ethos of contemporary menswear, Wahts is one of the best athleisure brands for men. They prioritize comfort and quality over all else, which is why their sweat suits are some of the best on the market. Aside from classic athleisure, Wahts also has some technical apparel that sets it apart from other brands like, say, the Gap, giving it clout and a bit of a streetwear spin.
Why this product stands out: Wahts makes some really nice hoodies and joggers, but you can also find pieces that are a bit different, as seen in this quilted sweat jacket. Ideal for transitional wear, it fuses the best of lounge clothing with technical apparel. It’s easy to wear around town for a fashionable but oh-so-comfortable athleisure-inspired look.
Why this brand is great: Although Italian brand Luca Faloni isn’t strictly committed to athleisure, they have an incredible range of cashmere joggers and hoodies that rival those of Loro Piana, minus the comma in the price tag. Given the more accessible pricing without sacrificing quality, Luca Faloni is the premier destination for high end sweat suits and accessories.
Why this product stands out: There’s really nothing more luxurious than cashmere sweats, and Luca pulls out all the stops for a reasonably priced pair. They’re as simple as it gets — no bells or whistles, just a really good pair of elastic waist pants you’re never going to want to take off, especially as the temperatures cool down.
Why this brand is great: Boston-based brand New Balance is no newbie but has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The classic 574 sneakers are instantly recognizable and one of the most popular shoes this decade, but the brand takes things a step further with plenty of chill clothing and loungewear.
Generally affordable and a solid alternative to
Why this product stands out: New Balance has no shortage of joggers and hoodies, but these cotton blend T-shirts are one of their best offerings. Budget-friendly and perfect for daily wear, these tees are stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking to keep you cool no matter where you sport them. And at less than $20 for a three pack, it’s impossible to beat the price-to-quality ratio here.
Why this brand is great: For more technical athleisure (okay, let’s call it what it is: athletic wear), Salomon should be your first port of call. Aside from the internet-breaking sneakers that are as practical as they are fashionable, the brand has a slew of cool shorts, pants, and jackets comparable to Patagonia’s line in the sense of prioritizing time moving outside.
Why this product stands out: Although the obvious choice from Salomon are the brand’s best selling performance sneakers, some may argue that footwear doesn’t fall under the umbrella of athleisure. So if you’re one of those people, relish in Salomon’s logo hoodie, which is a comfortable mid-heavyweight, with a breathable weave and generous amount of elastane for plenty of stretch.
It stands out from other athleisure hoodies for its durable construction and the logo that’s just enough to boost an outfit without being too much.
Why this brand is great: Say what you will about
Why this product stands out: Nike sweats are some of the most steadfast pieces of athleisure in a man’s closet, and if you don’t already own a pair, know that they are impossibly comfortable. You probably won’t want to wear them out on a run, but as far as meandering around town or spending Sundays on the sofa, these fleece cotton joggers are the ultimate addition to any man’s athleisure collection.
Why this brand is great: Best known for their buttery soft fabric and California colorways, Vuori specializes in performance wear, with a range of athleisure for men. Vuori is quickly surpassing Lululemon in popularity, especially in terms of the men’s offerings. Teeming with sleek workout pants, super soft tees, and crazy breathable shorts, the brand is definitely pricey but makes clothing you will want to live in.
Why this product stands out: Made from Vuori’s signature DreamKnit material, these shorts are a man’s best friend, with four-way stretch and a drawstring waist. Sure, you can wear them to work out, but they’re ideal as everyday lounge shorts, too. Finished with slash pockets and dual zippered pockets (one on the side and one in the back), these shorts are as close to perfect as it gets.
Why this brand is great: Embodying a Japanese approach to design, Uniqlo specializes in budget-friendly basics, including a wide range of shorts, sweats, tees, hoodies, and accessories. Whether you wear it to workout or bum around the house, Uniqlo is one of the best athleisure brands for men who don’t want to shell out hundreds for a new ‘fit. This is always my first port of call for affordable, comfortable clothing.
Why this product stands out: These pants are quite similar to Outdoor Voice’s RecTeck option but significantly less expensive and of comparable quality. They’re designed for function and comfort, with a full range of movement and smooth nylon material. Easy to wear and even easier to style (seriously, they’re so sleek), these men’s pants have a hidden drawcord and stand out as some of the best athleisure a man can own.
Why this brand is great: For more interesting athleisure than the typical Amazon offerings,
Why this product stands out: This crewneck sweatshirt delivers the best of both worlds. It’s made by Champion (the only reason that the brand doesn’t have its own spot on this list) and embroidered in London by
Buying Considerations for the Best Athleisure Brands for Men
Product Range
The most important consideration when exploring the top athleisure brands for men is the product range, since every company offers something slightly different. At a minimum, the best athleisure brands will carry shorts, sweatpants, hoodies, and tees. You may find brands that specialize in a certain type of athleisure, the way Luca Faloni hones in on cashmere loungewear, for example.
Bigger athleisure brands will almost always include shoes in addition to clothing – think
Color Palette
Color palette is a consideration when thinking about athleisure, but it’s mainly an aesthetic one. This is because you’ll want to choose athleisure that seamlessly slots into your current wardrobe. It pays to stick with neutral colors like black, gray, white, brown, and blue. But it’s also an opportunity to let your unique style shine through with your chosen colorways. Don’t be afraid to be bold with olive greens or brassy coppers.
Intended Use
But more than anything, a key consideration when choosing the best athleisure brands for men is your intended use. Not all athleisure is created equal, so it’s important to choose a brand and products that suit your unique needs, whether it’s long couch chills, strolls in the backcountry, or a combination of both.
For example, if you want a pair of joggers you can hang out in and wear for athletic use, then you’ll probably want to steer clear of cashmere and lean into more technical products.
How We Chose
There are truly endless options when it comes to athleisure brands for men, and determining the best options at the moment involves weighing the newcomers against the seasoned companies that have been around for decades. Here’s the criteria used to choose the products on this list:
Brand Reputation: All of the options on this list are backed by a strong brand reputation, even if they’re not the most popular companies. I also hoped to introduce readers to new brands by including lesser-known options.
Product Offerings: The brands included offer a wide range of athleisure, from shorts and joggers to hoodies, crewnecks, T-shirts, and sneakers. This way, every reader can find the athleisure that speaks to him.
Versatility: Whether you’re seeking technical or performance-based athleisure or simply clothes to chill out in, the brands and products on this list were chosen for their versatility so every man can find exactly what he’s looking for.
Pricepoint: Finally, athleisure, especially from high-end brands, can be incredibly costly. This is why the list includes a wide range of price points. Because comfortable clothes should be accessible to everyone.
Why Trust Us?
Jane is a seasoned men’s fashion expert and personal lover of athleisure. In fact, you can most often find her in a pair of sweats and an oversized men’s hoodie. She’s passionate about helping guys feel their best, most comfortable selves and strives to guide them towards clothes that help in this area through her articles.
Most recently, she’s written about the best tracksuits for men and the most comfortable lightweight hoodies, sharing her love for cozy clothing with the masses.
Jane’s meticulous approach involves thorough research and firsthand testing. For instance, in her articles on the best colognes, she not only reviews the products but also considers user feedback and expert opinions. This dedication ensures that her recommendations are well-rounded and reliable.
Final Verdict
With a fun range of products and versatile use, Outdoor Voices is a frontrunner for the best athleisure brand for men. They have a really reasonable mid-range price and unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else. But if you’re shopping on a budget, the Uniqlo athleisure line is noteworthy for its quality garments, adaptable fits, and affordable prices.
FAQ
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Athleisure wear for men encompasses sweatpants, gym shorts, hoodies, and often t-shirts. Athleisure wear is anything that can be worn at both the gym or around the house, fusing the two purposes.
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Top athletic brands include Nike, New Balance, Salomon, Adidas, Under Armour, and more. In the past twenty years or so, new brands have emerged in the market, including Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Outdoor Voices, and Vuori, to name a few.
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Luxury athleisure includes high-end product offerings that are often made from upscale materials like cashmere. However, luxury athleisure also often encompasses yoga clothing made from buttery fabrics, like that offered by Lululemon, Alo, and Vuori. Luxury athleisure can start at around $100 and climb up to several thousands of dollars, depending on the brand and the products you’re looking at.
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