I used to hate the gym. It seemed stupid to pay money to exercise on a static machine when I could just head outside for a run. But then El Ni帽o hit New Mexico, and we鈥檝e had one of our wettest and coldest winters on record. We鈥檙e no Minnesota, but going outside started to suck. So as to not go crazy, or gain ten听unnecessary pounds, I joined the local gym and became a surprisingly quick believer. Thanks to an iPhone, AirPods, Netflix, and the following clothing, it鈥檚 become an absolute听joy to spend my lunch breaks in a place I used to loathe.
Myles Apparel Momentum Tee ($39)
A cheap cotton T-shirt is just fine at the gym. But if you鈥檙e trying to stay motivated, a nicer shirt goes a long way. is made from Polartec Power Dry, which is honestly unmatched in its ability to move sweat off your body.听The Momentum also uses Polygiene odor control, so you can wear it a couple times in a row and not piss off the people exercising next to you.
Lululemon Pace Breaker 7-Inch Shorts听($68)
Same thing here. You can buy a pair of听cheap gym shorts, but if you鈥檙e serious about putting in longer miles on a stationary bike, an elliptical, or a treadmill, are a nice investment. The high-quality synthetic materials (polyester and elastane) that Lulu is known for cut down on chafing, don鈥檛 start to cling to your thighs, deal with sweat more effectively, and feel lovely on your skin. Thanks to smart tailoring, the shorts also look great.
Vuori Men鈥檚 Base Legging ($84)
Yes, gyms are heated, but on really cold days I still wear tights like 听under my shorts. They keep my legs that much warmer on the way to the gym and shorten my warm-up once I鈥檓 there. Vuori, like Lululemon, is also known for its听silky synthetic materials, so even though the听tights have a compressive fit, they鈥檙e lovely听on your skin. Flat seams eliminate chafing, and the material moves sweat off your legs fast and efficiently.
Tracksmith NDO Jacket and Pants ($198 and $148)
Some days I鈥檓 up for a twofer:听I run to the gym for my cardio and then train once I鈥檓 there. On the run, I鈥檝e become a huge fan of the NDO (No Days Off) 听补苍诲 听from Tracksmith, which听combine a stretchy synthetic outer with a plush merino-wool lining. They鈥檙e definitely built for colder听days鈥攏ear freezing or听below鈥攂ut aren鈥檛 so bulky that they become a burden. As always, I love my gear to have multiple uses, so the NDO jacket has also become a favorite everyday piece, thanks to the water-repellant outer and that classic and clean Tracksmith styling.
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Flint and Tinder Reversible French Terry Sweatshirt ($78)
I call this my . On its face, it鈥檚 just a soft听cotton sweatshirt that鈥檚 perfect for my car commute to the gym and maybe a quick warm-up before I really get going. But flip the sweatshirt inside out鈥攊t鈥檚 made to be reversible鈥攁nd you reveal a stylish, French-terry texture that gives the piece听a little more personality and听goes great over a collared shirt at the office.
Arvin Goods Gym Sock ($12)
People used to hate on , but I鈥檓 here to say they鈥檙e making a comeback. Set against the rest of your gym kit, which is probably black or blue, they create a nice pop and add some character to your getup. That, and they鈥檙e white for a reason;听by not dying the socks, Arvin cuts down on lots of dye and chemical waste. Bonus: the听socks are made from 52 percent upcycled cotton and 40 percent recycled polyester.
Native AP Mercury Liteknit Shoes ($45)
There鈥檚 no perfect听all-around gym shoe, but 听come pretty damn close. Thanks to a fully knit upper, they conform perfectly to your foot for support, no matter what you鈥檙e doing. Sticky rubber inserts on the toe and heel help with floor grip, and a moderately stiff sole prevents foot fatigue if you鈥檙e on the bike or elliptical. The knit structure creates lots of ventilation, so your feet never stink, and the shoes go as well with pants as they do with gym shorts.