What to Wear for Running, to the Gym, Marathons & More
Men’s Sportswear Guide
Does the name Pheidippides mean anything to you? He was a pretty big deal about 2,500 years ago. Maybe. Sources vary. Apparently, this guy was fighting for the Greeks and had just overcome an invading Persian army when he saw a Persian ship turn toward Athens, probably to sack the place out of spite. He dropped everything and ran from Marathon to Athens to alert the city that the Greeks had won. He ended up fully naked by the time he got there, then died immediately after delivering his message. Not sure what he achieved, really.
Anyway, that’s what modern day marathons are based on, and if you’re running one of them or a charity 10k, you probably shouldn’t be naked or dead, so let’s get you kitted out.
Are 2 in 1 running shorts in style?
Is water wet? Yes, 2-in-1 Running Shorts are bang in style. Why? Because they prevent chafing, manage moisture, provide comfort and support without having you look like a European road cycling megafan (put it away, Jens), and they’re ultra-lightweight. Zero negatives.
What should men wear while running?
You’re going to get hot when you’re running. The amount of times we’ve gone out for a run in joggers and regretted that decision within the first five minutes is criminal. Go for 2-in-1 Running Shorts to avoid chafing and stay cool. On your feet, a lovely pair of Performance Socks, that’s a given. Your shirt is down to personal preference but we’re going to get to that shortly.
What to wear for running in different conditions
Performance socks are non-negotiable—we do not entertain blisters in this parish. If the summer sun is shining or you’re being victimised by the glare of the low sun in winter, or even if it’s raining, our Nylon Cap is a must. It’s waterproof, windproof, breathable, it’ll keep the sun out of your eyes, and it’s fully adjustable with a drawstring so it’ll be snug on your noggin.
Rain and wind also calls for a Zip-through Water-resistant Jacket. Windproof, waterproof, lightweight, adjustable hood, breathable. It is literally built to make bad weather running… Good.
What type of shirt is best for running?
Listen, we’re selling clothes here, but we’re also honest—your choice of running shirt is totally down to what you prefer. Some runners like a tighter fit, some like loose, some prefer to run in a cotton T-shirt, some go for a football shirt, some will only run in a vest… It’s up to you. The great tight-or-loose debate is the biggest sticking point here, though, so let’s get into that.
Tight or loose – what’s better for running?
There are two camps here: The loose lads who enjoy airflow and a relaxed feel, and the tightmen who favour aerodynamics, moisture wicking, and muscle compression. We’ve found a perfect balance, because we believe everyone should just get along. Our Performance Tops combine the freedom-of-movement and comfort of a slightly looser fit, with the moisture wicking and breathability usually found in tight-fitting tops.
Men's Sportswear Outfits
A strong men’s sportswear outfit is built in layers. Start with a breathable performance T shirt or long sleeve top for moisture control and freedom of movement. Add 2-in-1 running shorts or training joggers depending on distance and temperature.
For warmth, an insulating quarter zip delivers heat without bulk and works for warm-ups or rest days alike. On top, a lightweight jacket or zip-through water-resistant shell protects against wind and rain without restricting pace.
What to wear to Run Club
See above. It’s important to look good, feel good, and be able to perform well at Run Club because, if you believe the talk, they’ve become a sort of real-life dating site for active singles. Listen, you should always look good, regardless of marital status or situation, but if you are single… Just make sure you follow this guide.
What to wear for HYROX
You’re going for ultimate mobility and moisture wicking for HYROX, since it combines lots of different movements and exercises. Performance tops and 2-in-1 shorts are a sure shot.
What to wear when running a marathon
We’d go a little more loose fitting for a marathon. The 2-in-1 shorts are still a great shout because if you start chafing during a marathon, it’s curtains for you. We’d recommend the short-sleeved version of our performance top because 26+miles gives you plenty of time to work up a sweat.
What should men wear to the gym?
Here’s where you’ve got a bit more room to experiment. A Long Sleeve Performance Top is perfect for the gym. Understated and cool but with all the perks of its short-sleeved brother, it stands out against the wallpaper of muscle vests and too-much-testosterone. Embroidered socks are fine at the gym, too—you can afford to show a little personality around your ankles whilst you’re swinging kettle bells. Keep your PCVL Water Bottle close by too, hydration is key.
What is sportswear in fashion today?
The line between sportswear and fashion is about as blurry today as it has ever been. The sports/fashion Venn diagram is essentially a circle. Step outside on a summer’s day and it’s not easy to tell who’s off to the running club and who’s off down the beer garden for the afternoon. Tech tops are everywhere, performance shorts are in, lightweight windbreakers and running trainers are as likely to be seen at the book club as they are at the running club. It would be very helpful, then, to know how to style sportswear properly, wouldn’t it? Leave it to Perci.
How to style men’s sportswear beyond the gym
If you’re wearing sportswear outside of the gym, it’s important to remember that you are, indeed, not at the gym. If you go full gym bro to visit the in-laws, they will be alarmed and probably have a quiet chat with your partner to check that everything is okay. Mix and match a little. Performance T Shirt and joggers, or a Zip-through Water-resistant Jacket with jeans, for example.
Premium sportswear fabrics, care & longevity
The best way to get the most out of your sportswear is to store it properly i.e. somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight, to remove any accidental stains as soon as they occur, and to make sure you’re washing and drying it correctly. Tips on washing at the bottom of this page.
What is active sportswear made from?
Sometimes it’s a blend of cotton and nylon that utilises the best properties of both—the stretch and give of nylon, the breathability of cotton. Often it’s recycled polyester so that the fibres can be configured to allow moisture wicking and breathability, which is crucial for sportswear.
How to wash and care for performance clothing
Listen closely, because this will save you a lot of hassle in the future: Wash on colder temperatures when possible, air dry—do not put your sportswear in the tumble dryer, and don’t use fabric softener.
Performance t shirts vs cotton tees
Cotton tees are all fine and good but when you’re playing sports or running or going to the gym, they won’t give you the edge that a performance top does. Performance tops are much lighter than cotton tees, they actively remove moisture from the skin, which is what keeps your body cool, and they allow total freedom of movement without resistance.
Luxury sportswear accessories
Accessories are where reputations are made. A proper water bottle says you came to train, not compare step counts. The Nylon Cap is elite—lightweight, weather-ready, and far better than squinting into the sun like you’ve lost a contact lens. Sweat-wicking socks stop blisters before they start. Compression sleeves add support and look suspiciously fast. Turn up prepared and leave an impression.
