Not Just Any Baggy Joggers: Know How To Pick Smart-Looking Activewear For Men

By NDTV Shopping Desk Published On: Mar 07, 2025 12:35 PM IST Last Updated On: Mar 07, 2025 12:35 PM IST
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We've all been there, pulling out those comfy yet unsightly joggers, hoping nobody notices us during our quick grocery run. But let's face it, baggy, shapeless trousers have no place in today's world of fitness fashion. Thankfully, activewear brands have evolved dramatically, blending function seamlessly with fashion. No longer must men compromise between comfort and looking presentable.

Today, smart activewear is becoming a wardrobe staple, and it's easy to see why. Stylish athletic clothing empowers you with confidence, comfort, and versatility, helping you seamlessly transition from a morning workout to brunch with friends, a casual date, or even the office. It's a new era, gents, where looking sharp doesn't have to end at the gym door. Ready to revolutionise your wardrobe and ditch those oversized joggers for good? Let's get started.

Also Read: Beyond The Gym: 7 Ways To Rock Track Pants Casually And Still Look Sharp

The Best Smart-Looking Activewear For Men

The Best Smart-Looking Activewear For Men; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Tailored Joggers

There's a fine line between casual comfort and appearing too laid-back. Enter tailored joggers, your new secret weapon for achieving both comfort and class. These sophisticated trousers boast a streamlined cut, subtle tapering around the calves, and materials designed to hold their shape after countless workouts. Brands like Lululemon, Gymshark, and Nike offer joggers crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that fit snugly without restricting movement.

Ideal for both gym sessions and casual gatherings, tailored joggers pair effortlessly with everything from fitted tees to smart sweatshirts and jackets. Imagine strolling confidently into a café post-workout without feeling underdressed or out of place. Whether your schedule includes a midday gym break or a casual dinner, tailored joggers let you move through your day with understated sophistication.

2. Performance Polos

Mention a polo shirt, and most people immediately picture sunny afternoons on a golf course. But today's polos have broken free from their golfing associations. Modern performance polos offer the ideal combination of athletic practicality and smart-casual appeal. Crafted from high-quality materials that wick sweat and allow your skin to breathe, performance polos maintain their sleek appearance even during intense activity.

Brands such as Rhone, Castore, and Nike have elevated the traditional polo, adding subtle details like slimmer fits, hidden button plackets, and understated colours. Pairing a performance polo with tailored joggers or slim chinos results in a look that's equally appropriate at the gym, office, or weekend lunch. It's the perfect balance between casual comfort and elevated style, proving polos are more than just golfing gear.

3. Sophisticated Sweatshirts And Hoodies

Gone are the days when hoodies symbolised a lazy Sunday on the sofa. Today's sweatshirts and hoodies have undergone a remarkable makeover, emerging as smart wardrobe-essentials. Slim-cut and thoughtfully designed with performance fabrics, contemporary hoodies fit closer to your body, creating a more flattering silhouette.

Brands like Reiss, Gymshark, and Uniqlo offer hoodies and sweatshirts that feature sophisticated detailing, subtle logos, streamlined cuts and innovative materials. Pairing a sleek hoodie with tailored joggers or dark denim jeans immediately elevates your look, proving that comfort doesn't mean sacrificing sophistication. Whether heading out for drinks, meeting friends or even working from home, sophisticated hoodies offer versatility and subtle style points in one comfortable package.

4. Shorts That Perform (And Look) Better

For many, gym shorts conjure images of oversized basketball shorts hanging loosely below the knees, a look best left in the past. Thankfully, today's activewear shorts offer a stylish alternative. Lightweight, breathable, and tailored, these shorts strike the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and aesthetics.

Brands like Vuori, Under Armour, and Adidas offer shorts designed with precision cuts and breathable materials, often featuring sleek pockets and clean detailing. By opting for shorts ending mid-thigh rather than knee-length, you create a more athletic, contemporary appearance. Whether you're lifting weights, going for a run, or catching up with mates, modern shorts combine style, comfort, and functionality seamlessly.

5. Seamless And Fitted T-Shirts

We've all worn oversized T-shirts to the gym, convinced comfort trumps aesthetics. But the era of baggy, shapeless tees is thankfully ending. Today's seamless, fitted activewear shirts sculpt the body gently, boosting confidence by highlighting your physique subtly and stylishly.

Innovative brands like Gymshark, Nike, and Adidas design seamless tees from moisture-wicking, stretchy materials that move with your body. Ideal for everything from HIIT sessions to casual meetings, fitted tees pair perfectly with tailored joggers or slim jeans. Choose understated colours for maximum versatility, ensuring your activewear becomes a stylish extension of your everyday wardrobe.

6. Technical Jackets

Outdoor jackets have traditionally prioritised functionality, often sacrificing style along the way. But today's technical jackets blend fashion-forward aesthetics with exceptional practicality. Featuring lightweight, waterproof materials, minimalist designs, and tailored cuts, these jackets effortlessly bridge activewear and casual wear.

Brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, and Arc'teryx offer jackets that shield you from the elements without adding unnecessary bulk. Perfect for layering over gym gear, tailored joggers, or jeans, technical jackets become your go-to outerwear option for multiple occasions, whether it's a brisk morning run, a casual city stroll, or an evening social event.

7. Trainers

Nothing elevates your look, or ruins it, quite like your footwear choice. Performance trainers have long been associated purely with sports functionality. However, stylish trainers now offer remarkable versatility, becoming wardrobe staples that deliver both performance and aesthetics.

Brands like On Running, Adidas Originals, and New Balance create footwear with superior cushioning, breathability, and sleek silhouettes. These trainers effortlessly transition from gym floors to city streets, pairing seamlessly with everything from tailored joggers to casual chinos. Invest in neutral, minimalist designs that elevate your everyday outfits and offer superior comfort throughout busy days. Stylish trainers prove you don't need to choose between fashion and function.

8. Accessories

Small accessories can significantly impact your overall style. Investing in stylish gym bags, minimalist backpacks, caps, and even quality socks can subtly elevate your activewear appearance.

Brands like Herschel, Fjällräven and Nike craft structured backpacks and gym bags that offer practicality alongside minimalist style. Functional yet stylish accessories like smart fitness watches or caps from Lululemon effortlessly enhance your outfit without feeling forced or overly styled. Paying attention to such details demonstrates thoughtfulness and elevates your entire look, an understated yet noticeable nod towards stylish living.

Explore Products Related To This Article

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3. HRX by Hrithik Roshan Men Training Shorts

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5. HRX by Hrithik Roshan Men Typography Printed Running Track Pants

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8. HIGHLANDER Hooded Regular Fit High Neck Sweatshirt With Trousers

9. STARFOX Typography Printed Hooded Sports T-Shirt With Trouser

Gentlemen, it's time to retire those baggy joggers permanently and embrace smarter, sharper activewear. Today's clothing landscape offers endless options blending functionality and fashion, empowering you to look and feel your best wherever your day takes you. By incorporating tailored joggers, sleek polos, sophisticated sweatshirts, fitted tees, and stylish accessories into your wardrobe, you'll effortlessly transition from gym sessions to social events, errands to date nights.

Ultimately, smart activewear enhances your confidence, boosts your comfort, and amplifies your style, proving you no longer need to compromise on any front. So ditch the outdated, shapeless gym clothes, and invest in smarter, better-looking pieces. After all, being active and stylish isn't just achievable, it's the new standard for the modern man.

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