Staying comfortable during training (and recovery) comes down to smart fabric choices, thoughtful design, and secure storage. These 15 men’s activewear picks balance fit and function for running, studio work, strength sessions, and everyday movement.

1. Ten Thousand Interval Short — Best all-around training short

• What it is: A lightweight, do-everything short with optional liner and secure storage.
• Why it works: The Interval Short is built for versatility with a quick-drying stretch shell, no-bounce phone pocket, and gusset for mobility. Ideal for lifting, HIIT, and mixed workouts.
• Notable features:
  • Optional liner, multiple inseam options
  • Secure zip pocket and internal phone pocket
  • Breathable, sweat-wicking fabric (see brand specs)
• Link: https://www.tenthousand.cc/products/interval-short

2. Lululemon Pace Breaker Short — Best gym-to-everyday short

• What it is: A staple training short, available lined or linerless, with a comfortable fit.
• Why it works: The smooth, stretch-woven fabric moves easily from gym sessions to casual wear, with a zip pocket for essentials.
• Notable features:
  • Liner or linerless options
  • Secure zip pocket
  • Sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric (Lululemon’s training fabrics are designed to pull moisture off skin; see brand)
• Link: https://shop.lululemon.com/search?searchTerm=Pace%20Breaker%20Short

3. Janji AFO Middle Short — Best lightweight running short

• What it is: An ultralight run short using AFO micro-ripstop fabric designed to dry fast.
• Why it works: Minimal bounce, airy feel, and a streamlined pocket system make this a standout for road and trail runs.
• Notable features:
  • AFO ultralight stretch-woven fabric
  • Secure rear pocket and internal storage
  • Quick-drying performance (brand specs)
• Link: https://janji.com/products/mens-afo-middle-short

4. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Tights — Best base layer tight

• What it is: Supportive training tights that manage sweat and add light compression.
• Why it works: Nike’s Dri-FIT technology helps move sweat away from skin to speed evaporation, keeping you drier and more comfortable during intense sessions.
• Notable features:
  • Dri-FIT moisture-management tech
  • Breathable panels and supportive fit
  • Ideal under shorts for training or running
• Links:
  • Product: https://www.nike.com
  • Tech explainer (Dri-FIT): https://www.nike.com/a/what-is-dri-fit

5. Under Armour HeatGear Leggings — Best budget compression tight

• What it is: Lightweight, compressive tights designed to feel cool and dry.
• Why it works: HeatGear is UA’s signature hot-weather fabric—smooth, quick-drying, and supportive for high-output efforts.
• Notable features:
  • HeatGear fabric for sweat-wicking comfort
  • Compression fit for a locked-in feel
  • Strategic mesh for airflow (varies by model)
• Links:
  • Product: https://www.underarmour.com
  • Tech explainer (HeatGear): https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/technology/heatgear

6. Vuori Strato Tech Tee — Softest everyday performance tee

• What it is: A silky-soft performance T-shirt that handles sweat without feeling technical.
• Why it works: It’s an easy reach for training or travel—soft, stretchy, and quick-drying with a clean, casual look.
• Notable features:
  • Exceptionally soft knit with four-way stretch
  • Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
  • Easy drape for gym-to-street wear
• Link: https://vuoriclothing.com/products/strato-tech-tee-heather

7. Rhone Reign Short Sleeve — Best anti-odor training tee

• What it is: A premium training tee with odor-control technology.
• Why it works: Rhone’s fabric and finish aim to reduce odor retention during hard efforts, making it great for frequent training and travel.
• Notable features:
  • Odor-control tech (see Rhone technology)
  • Raglan sleeves for mobility
  • Sweat-wicking, quick-drying
• Links:
  • Product: https://www.rhone.com/products/reign-short-sleeve
  • Tech overview: https://www.rhone.com/pages/technology

8. Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite Tee — Best for natural odor resistance

• What it is: A lightweight merino wool tee for training, layering, and travel.
• Why it works: Merino fibers naturally help resist odor and regulate temperature across conditions—useful for multi-day wear and variable climates.
• Notable features:
  • Merino construction for breathable comfort
  • Naturally odor-resistant (see expert guide)
  • Works standalone or as a base layer
• Links:
  • Product/brand: https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/merino
  • Merino odor/comfort explainer: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/baselayer.html

9. Arc’teryx Cormac Hoody — Best sun-protective run hoody

• What it is: A featherweight long-sleeve hoody with UPF 50+ for high-output sun protection.
• Why it works: The breathable knit and relaxed hood provide coverage without overheating—ideal for long runs and hikes.
• Notable features:
  • UPF 50+ rated fabric (see product specs)
  • Breathable, fast-drying Phasic fabric
  • Minimal seams for comfort
• Links:
  • Product: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cormac-hoody
  • What UPF means: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/clothing/upf/

10. Nike Therma-FIT Element Long-Sleeve — Best cool-weather layer

• What it is: A thermal training top designed to help manage warmth without bulk.
• Why it works: Therma-FIT fabric helps retain body heat, making it a smart pick for chilly runs or warm-ups.
• Notable features:
  • Therma-FIT warmth technology
  • Thumbholes and reflective details (varies by model)
  • Breathable and sweat-wicking
• Links:
  • Product: https://www.nike.com
  • Tech explainer (Therma-FIT): https://www.nike.com/a/what-is-therma-fit

11. Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger — Best comfort-first jogger

• What it is: A streamlined jogger that blends lounge-level comfort with gym-ready performance.
• Why it works: Four-way stretch and a tapered fit make it a go-to for travel, recovery, and light training.
• Notable features:
  • Smooth, stretchy knit with moisture management
  • Tapered leg and secure pockets
  • Great for warm-ups and everyday wear
• Link: https://vuoriclothing.com/products/sunday-performance-jogger

12. Lululemon Surge Jogger — Best lightweight run jogger

• What it is: A breathable, stretchy jogger designed for running and dynamic training.
• Why it works: Lightweight fabric, articulated patterning, and secure storage keep miles feel effortless.
• Notable features:
  • Sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric
  • Zip pockets for essentials
  • Articulated knees for mobility
• Link: https://shop.lululemon.com/search?searchTerm=Surge%20Jogger

13. Adidas Tiro 23 Training Pants — Best field-to-gym pant

• What it is: Classic tapered training pants with ankle zips and sweat management.
• Why it works: AEROREADY technology helps keep you dry, while the tapered lower leg stays out of the way during drills and lifts.
• Notable features:
  • AEROREADY moisture management
  • Ankle zips and zip pockets (model-dependent)
  • Iconic tapered fit for training
• Links:
  • Tiro pants collection: https://www.adidas.com/us/tiro-pants
  • AEROREADY explainer: https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/865963-what-is-aeroready

14. Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab — Best performance socks

• What it is: A technical training sock with targeted compression and anatomical left/right fit.
• Why it works: Snug arch support and moisture-wicking fibers help reduce blisters and slippage during runs and gym sessions.
• Notable features:
  • Targeted compression and L/R anatomical design
  • iWick fibers for moisture management
  • Heel tab to reduce rubbing
• Link: https://feetures.com/products/elite-light-cushion-no-show-tab

15. SAXX Kinetic Boxer Brief — Best anti-chafe base layer

• What it is: High-mobility performance underwear with a supportive pouch.
• Why it works: The BallPark Pouch and flat seams help reduce friction and bounce—key for long runs, HIIT, and studio work.
• Notable features:
  • BallPark Pouch support and anti-chafe seams
  • Moisture-wicking, breathable fabric
  • Stay-put waistband
• Link: https://www.saxxunderwear.com/products/kinetic-boxer-brief

How to choose men’s activewear: quick tips

• Prioritize moisture management: Fabrics that pull sweat off skin and dry quickly improve comfort in training. See: Nike Dri-FIT overview (https://www.nike.com/a/what-is-dri-fit) and REI’s base layer guide (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/baselayer.html).
• Mind sun protection: For long outdoor sessions, UPF-rated garments provide reliable protection compared to ordinary T-shirts. Learn about UPF ratings from The Skin Cancer Foundation (https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/clothing/upf/).
• Match fit to the activity: Tapered legs and above-the-knee shorts reduce snagging for lifting and agility drills, while relaxed cuts enhance airflow for hot-weather runs.
• Look for secure storage: Zippered or internal phone pockets reduce bounce during runs and circuits.
• Odor control matters: Merino and treated synthetics help resist odor—useful for travel, commuting, and multi-session days (REI guide: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/baselayer.html).

Bottom line Build a rotation that covers your training spectrum: a couple of versatile shorts, a supportive base layer, a breathable tee (or merino), a sun or thermal layer, a dependable jogger/pant, performance socks, and anti-chafe underwear. Mix and match to stay comfortable and focused—whether you’re flowing in the studio, lifting, or logging miles.