Now that athleisure is officially a thing, it’s a good time to revisit men’s athletic brands on the market. There are a lot of options, so we pulled out the best and ranked them from best to worst, based on our experience using them.
This isn’t a scientific ranking, but rather our own hands-on experience and expertise from studying these brands. Here’s how they ranked, based on affordability, quality, availability, style points and street cred:
Pros: It's been around for a loooong time (since 1890) and is now a part of the Adidas Group. Reebok's variety is still as huge as ever, with technical offerings for most track-and-field activities: running, walking, cross training, etc.
Cons: Its style isn't as sharp as it used to be.
Pros: The prices are affordable, and the designs don't flamboyantly shout that you're headed to the gym -- a pair of running shorts is only $19.99 -- but there isn't a huge variety to choose from.
Cons: While understated, the designs are just that -- basic. Kinda boring. Don't get us wrong: It's exciting that Gap's making athleisure wear for men, but if you're going to devote a line of workout gear toward guys, don't make it feel like an afterthought.
Pros: UA's variety is huge, with something for every sport from football to running and beach to hiking.
Cons: Most of their stuff is emblazoned with its logo.
Pros: They really do fit well. They're sturdy and comfortable. And if you fork over $180 on a pair of gym shorts that you look good in, maybe it'll motivate you to use them more at the gym.
Cons: Still, it's hard to justify spending that much on something you'll wear to the gym, given that there is other tailored, functional and technical gym apparel available on the market.
Pros: Puma looks good.
Cons: But its focus is clearly on lifestyle clothes more than technical gear. Its range is very limited in running shorts, for example, of which it only has a few.
Pros: You know what you're getting -- Adidas is reliable, easy to find and its line has something for every sport.
Cons: Logos on nearly everything. Nobody looks good as a walking billboard. Wear sparingly.
Pros: You can find something from Nike anywhere you look. The variety's huge and you know what you're getting. Its technology, especially its Dri-Fit clothing, is some of the most dependable on the market for wicking off your sweat and keeping your body temperate.
Cons: While not huge, the logos are still everywhere. Nike is the cliche brand. It's milquetoast athletics, which is why it's in the middle of our list. Nike doesn't stand out -- overall, it isn't the worst and it isn't the best.
Pros: Of the workout gear we've been sent over the past few months, we're constantly grabbing the Ten Thousand shorts. They fit really well, they have an inside mesh layer that doesn't feel like net-whitey-tighties, and they're rather affordable ($48 to $55).
Cons: Super-limited range. While they have plans for a larger collection, right now they only sell one shirt and one short.
Pros: Wide range, good fit, high quality, performs well.
Cons: It's a little high on the price range (a tank top is $54).
Pros: Super affordable, well-made and widely available.
Cons: Wear carefully, lest you end up looking like a dad.
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