Finding the perfect T-shirt to workout in is more than just grabbing any old tee from your drawer. The right T-shirt can enhance your workout, improve your performance, and even boost your confidence.
Let's dive into what makes a great gym shirt and how you can pick the best one for your fitness regimen.
Are shorts and a T-shirt OK for the gym?
While special workout clothes are fun, functional, and can make you feel good, it's totally OK to wear just shorts and a T-shirt to workout. It's the gym uniform that never goes out of style — easy, functional, and comfortable. But not all T-shirts are built for serious training. If you're just chilling on the treadmill, your favorite old cotton tee might survive. But if you're planning to break a real sweat or move through heavy lifts, you'll want a shirt made with moisture-wicking, breathable material (bonus points for antimicrobial tech to fight the stink). Trust us: You'll feel the difference when your shirt isn’t sticking to you mid-workout.
Fit matters, too. Baggy "pump covers" aren’t just about comfort — they look great, especially when layered with a nice pair of athletic-cut shorts. Think of it as controlled chaos -- a clothing mullet: loose up top, clean and fitted down low. If you’re keeping the T-shirt on for the whole session, this balance makes sure you still look put-together, not sloppy.
Whether you rock a massive oversized tee (whether an intentionally designed baggy shirt or just a size up in regular men's exercise shirts) or a more fitted shirt for working out, the winning combo is simple: gear that keeps up with your grind and makes you feel unstoppable.
Here are seven specific things to consider when choosing a workout T-shirt:
1. Material Matters: Breathability and Comfort
When it comes to gym wear, the material is paramount. A good gym T-shirt should be made from breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from your body. Materials like polyester, nylon, or a blend of these with cotton, are ideal as they keep you cool and dry during intense workouts. For those who prefer natural fibers, bamboo fabric is an excellent choice due to its moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties.
An example is the Daily Driver Shirt, printed on 50% polyester, 25% combed, ring-spun cotton, and 25% rayon-jersey blend.
2. Fit for Fitness: Choosing the Right Cut
The fit of your gym shirt should match your activity level and personal style. A well-fitting tee will provide enough room for movement without being too baggy. Athletic cuts, which are slightly tapered around the torso, can enhance your physique and provide comfort without restricting movement. Whether you're lifting weights or attending a spin class, ensure your T-shirt fits well but isn't too tight, as this could restrict your range of motion.
The Daily Driver 2.0 Tri-Blend Crew Shirt features an athletic cut.
3. Durability: Withstanding the Wear and Tear
Gym shirts should withstand frequent washes and intense workouts. Look for T-shirts with reinforced stitching and high-quality fabric blends. Features like double-stitched seams and neck tape can add to the durability, ensuring your T-shirt holds up workout after workout.
Check out “What Makes REP’s Apparel the Best Gym Clothes” here.
4. Comfort Features: Beyond the Basics
Comfort is key in any workout wardrobe. Look for shirts with tag-free labels, which are printed directly on the fabric to avoid irritating the skin. Flat-lock seams are also a beneficial feature, as they minimize chafing during movements like running or lifting.
5. Style and Personal Expression
Your gym T-shirt can also be a reflection of your personal style. REP offers a variety of designs from minimalistic logos to bold patterns, catering to different tastes. Color is another factor; while darker shades might appear cleaner longer, brighter colors or whites can help keep you feel cooler, especially if you are exercising outside.
The Peak Tri-Blend Crew Shirts have a minimalist REP mountain logo.
6. Sizing and Inclusivity
REP offers a range of sizes that cater to all body types, from XS to 3XL. Ensure the brand you choose values inclusivity, providing options that fit and flatter all body shapes and sizes. This range of sizes also allows you to choose an oversized gym shirt (hello, pump cover!) if that's your style.
7. Eco-Friendly Options
For the environmentally conscious, consider brands that use sustainable practices and materials. Eco-friendly T-shirts made from recycled materials or organic cotton are becoming more popular and are kinder to the planet. REP puts great care into its green initiatives.
True quality goes beyond how a piece of clothing performs, fits, and looks; it also accounts for the greater picture. REP is committed to sustainability, using recycled materials for fabrics and packaging wherever possible. Our products feature recyclable hangtags and are shipped in biodegradable poly-mailers, reflecting our dedication to reducing environmental impact.
This focus extends to the longevity of our garments, such as reinforcing stress points to prevent tearing. Our approach ensures that REP apparel not only performs well but also lasts longer than typical fitness wear. This “anti-fast fashion” approach ensures that each piece is durable, avoiding the cycle of disposable wear and contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe.
A unique option: The Sigmatech Shirt, infused with repurposed coffee grounds. This isn't just for caffeine-addicted lifters. In addition to sustainability, coffee-infused fabric is naturally wicking, odor-resistant, and breathable.
Bottom Line on Choosing a Workout Shirt
Choosing the right gym shirt involves considering materials, fit, durability, comfort, style, and the environmental impact. By selecting a T-shirt that checks these boxes, you'll not only feel good and look good but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive fitness culture.
Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or a newbie, the right T-shirt will keep you focused and comfortable as you strive toward your fitness goals.
Aimee Heckel, CPT, is a health and fitness journalist with over 20 years of experience. She set an all-time world-record deadlift in her division across all powerlifting federations at Mr. Olympia. In addition, she earned a national deadlift record and 18 Colorado state records. Heckel also has nine world records in grip sport, a pro card in natural figure bodybuilding, four first-place bodybuilding titles, and was named IPE Ms. Colorado Figure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Product launch information, promotions, blogs, and REP news.