If you’re looking for high-performance fitness apparel, there’s no brand that does it better than Nike. From their controversially good Zoom Alphafly running shoes to their specialized training pants and Nike Pro half-zip training hoodies, they’re a bulletproof bet for men who like to put the hard yards in at the gym clothing men.

Sportswear, or ‘gym-wear’ if you prefer (no one really calls it athleisure wear anymore) has become big business. It was big enough to make Bromsgrove-born Gymshark founder Ben Francis a billionaire before he hit 30 and big enough to turn Lululemon into an exercise fashion icon with a market value of over PS6.5 billion.

Maximizing Your Workout Style: A Guide to Men’s Gym Clothing

The brands that specialise in workout gear are a mix of established names and some newcomers. NYC-based Miler Running has cultivated an adoring following for its sharp-enough-for-early-Zoom half-zips and cozy, subtly branded sweats, while Bandit Running’s murderously good shorts are made in New York with fabrics that utilise smart technology designed to multiply human performance. 2XU are another brand that has gone deep into the tech side of performance clothing. Their compression fabrics are engineered to wick moisture and reduce muscle fatigue.

It might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating that you shouldn’t wear jewellery to the gym. Whether you’re lifting weights or just stretching through some yoga, wearing any kind of jewellery can lead to damage or injury. It’s also unsafe to bang metal against each other or snag it on equipment, and jewelry can react with sweat.