Best Men’s Athleisure Brands: A Range of Styles and Purposes

Are you looking to learn more about men’s athleisure wear brands and find some good ones for you? Perfect. We’re here to help.

Truthfully, athleisure has existed since the beginning of time. It just took many forms before it transformed into what we recognize today. Think about it: Tennis players used to wear pique polos, and rugby players used to wear classic rugby shirts. As tech fabrics evolved and improved, pieces like polos and rugby shirts graduated into everyday wear.

The big difference today, with both women’s and men’s athleisure brands, is that this trickle-down effect no longer exists. Today, brands purposely build garments that are techy enough for sports and workouts but stylish enough to wear casually.

Want to know about the best athleisure brands? Read on–we have you covered!

What Is Athleisure?

The word “athleisure” is a portmanteau referencing athletic and leisure wear. It’s a style of clothing meant for exercising, meaning it has athletic tech features. Unlike traditional wearable athletic gear, it’s also designed for everyday wear. It’s basically hybrid clothing. Think soccer cleats versus low-profile white sneakers. 

Examples of athleisure pieces include joggers, hoodies, sneakers, sporty outerwear, shorts, tracksuits, and yoga pants. Many of these are even considered everyday essentials for casual capsule wardrobes.

Traditional sweatpants made just for the gym might look sloppy when worn as everyday wear. Or, at the very least, it’ll look like you’re just going for an I-don’t-care aesthetic. However, well-fitting or intentionally-sized joggers could be worn with a polo and white sneakers. Heck, I’ve even seen certain joggers paired with a sports coat as a form of comfortable, smart casual. Still, they’re made to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy so that you can work out in them.

Best Athleisure Brands for Men

Here they are, in no particular order — at least not in this general category. These brands are all high-value with different offerings and in-market price points. 

Of course, many of them also offer a range. That being said, you’re not going to find $50 budget sweatpants or anything like a $400 Alex Wang Boyfriend Hoodie. Basically, there’s something for everyone here. Then, I’ll move on to some luxury athleisure brands, and especially affordable athleisure brands.

Mack Weldon

Three words: Tech cashmere sweater. Yes, Mack Weldon built a cashmere sweater that you can machine wash. It sits beautifully under a blazer and is practical during a run on an extra cold day. Their sweater shop is generally impressive, offering sporty yet classy tech sweaters and waffle henleys.

I particularly like their SILVER line, which features everyday clothes and athleisure. Pieces like their drawstring Pajama Pants and Pajama Shorts are anti-odor and antimicrobial. This makes them perfect for working out and everyday wear. Plus, there is less washing.

Lululemon

Lululemon helped make athleisure, as we know it, a household word. You really can’t go wrong with them. 

Their famous Warpstreme fabric is sweat-wicking, stretchy, maintains shape, and wrinkle-resistant. And, they use it in chino-like designs, tapered joggers, and cinched joggers. I find it impressive that they even have business casual offerings, like blazers. It goes to show that they really pioneered this hybrid movement. Other popular options include the ABC Joggers and the Commission Pants, which we love.

Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga is a good option for guys who prefer a more relaxed look. Don’t get me wrong, their pieces are still chic and well-fitted. However, their jackets, shorts, and sweaters have a touch of inoffensive slouch to them.

Even if you prefer extra-slim shirts, sweatpants, and joggers, you might consider Alo Yoga’s outerwear. It’s comfortable, attractive, and still techy enough for workouts.

Western Rise

Western Rise uses classic but high-quality materials to achieve the functional properties we want from athleisure. Their workout shirts are soft and mesh-like but with some added weight. Depending on your preference, they may be too athletic for everyday wear. They also have regular, casual tees. 

Their joggers are made of polyester, which is durable and comfortable. They might be too big for someone around 5’5” or under, though. Overall, Western Rise offers good construction and easy-to-style designs.

Ten Thousand

Of all the brands here, Ten Thousand’s designs might be the least “athletic.” Still, their pieces are infused with tech and function. They even have a Tactical Utility Pant infused with stretch and anti-odor treatment. It was designed in collaboration with members of the US Special Ops team. I’d describe Ten Thousand’s collection as slick everyday wear that happens to have good athletic features.

Hoka

Also known as the King of Cushion, the French brand Hoka is lauded for its excellent running shoes. However, their clothing line is equally as functional. More than any other athleisure brand, I’ve noticed how well they incorporate storage and pockets into their pieces. Now that’s considerate. And, of course, everything is made with high-quality materials.

Rhone

Business casual, meet athletic casual. Rhone offers some of the most polished takes on athleisure, which is likely why it’s risen to the top of the market. It’s only been around since 2016, but it’s definitely a hard-hitter in the industry. 

Just look at their Commuter Pants or their Gramercy pullover. Truly, Rhone is one of the few athletic brands you could actually wear to work.

Public Rec

Public Rec is all about casual, everyday basics. Even if you’re not a particularly athletic guy, I highly recommend them for the essentials. Not using your T-shirt or pair of shorts for a run or the gym? Well, durability, stretch, and moisture-wicking are still beneficial features, whether at brunch or lounging.

Olivers

Olivers is on the higher end of the in-market category, but its versatility makes it worth it. Sure, you’ll pay around $175 for a pair of sweatpants, but you can wear them in multiple situations and dress codes.

Olivers’ garments are classic and functional. The brand brings a menswear-centric approach to athleisure, resulting in adaptable essentials made to move with you.

Reigning Champ

Reigning Champ is a staple athleisure brand. I love their midweight terry material — they really last, they’re comfortable, and they look great. I don’t see athleisure going out of style any time soon. However, a piece built to last will never look irrelevant, regardless of the day’s trends. This is likely why Reining Champ is so ubiquitous.

Tracksmith

I personally love Tracksmith’s vintage aesthetic. Their pieces are like modernized versions of the gym clothes your dad wore in old pictures. You know, the kind you made fun of as a kid before you realized the dad and grandpa style is actually pretty cool.

Pieces like the Harrier Long Sleeve (which I like in red) and Trackhouse Sweatshirt will serve you well whether you’re prepping for a marathon or running errands.

Luxury Athleisure Brands

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Here are a few brands to consider if you want to invest in some truly high-end athleisure. Fortunately, athleisure can never be extremely expensive. Of course, even the highest-end sweatpants aren’t worth $300 for many of us. Still, it’s not like watches or accessories, which can range from $20 to $50,000.

Vuori

Vuori isn’t as expensive as it gets, but it’s certainly on the higher end of the price spectrum. And it’s for good reason. They use exceptional materials, like their DreamKnit jersey. It’s silky, soft, and comfortable. And it’s made from 89% recycled materials. With such great constructions, it’s no wonder a pair of sweatpants is around $200.

The brand’s effortless West Coast aesthetic has made it popular among celebrities, tastemakers, and style icons. 

And Wander

And Wander combines high fashion with athleisure. The designers are proteges of Issey Miyake and, like Miyake, love to incorporate creative textures. Truly, And Wander is one of the brands that elevate athletic clothing with its fabric experimentation. Do you want your athleisure made to the highest, most exceptional quality while boasting innovative colors, textures, and proportions? This is the brand for you.

District Vision

District Vision is a craft-forward brand and retailer that offers athleisure garments and accessories. Their eyewear boasts advanced technology that increases your vision’s HD. Meanwhile, their shorts are made from fast-drying, recycled shell fabric. District Vision’s mission is to combine mindfulness with physical athleticism, as both are needed for optimum performance.

Affordable Athleisure Brands

At the end of the day, you can always just search Amazon for extra cheap overseas athleisure. I’m sure they’ll even be more affordable than what you can find at fast fashion stores. However, Everlane is a pretty reliable brand. Champion, meanwhile, is comfort-focused and easy to shop through.

Everlane

Since Everlane isn’t an athleisure brand, first and foremost, it takes technical garments and puts a stylish spin on them. Moreover, they’re slightly cheaper than the in-market brands but often have sales. You can get a crewneck sweater for $60 or an on-sale Track Pant for around $20.

Champion

Again, Champion is all about comfortable, casual clothes. In fact, they were making athleisure even before the term became common. You’ve likely worn their sweatpants, hoodies, or shirts working out or even during PE class when you were a kid. Most importantly, they’ve maintained their affordable status.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions regarding men’s activewear brands.

What’s the Best Athleisure Brand?

There isn’t one best brand; it depends on your priorities. Some reliable, high-end ones include Lululemon, Vuori, And Wander, and Rhone.

What Brand Is Similar to Athleta?

Lululemon is most like Athleta, though Rhone and Alo Yoga also have similarities. 

How Is Athleisure Wear Different From Activewear?

Compared to true activewear from men’s athletic wear brands, you can wear Athleisure as everyday clothing. Activewear is designed just for performance, no different than sports gear.

Conclusion: The Right Men’s Athleisure Brands for You

When it comes to finding the right men’s athleisure brands for you, consider your lifestyle, priorities, and budget. If you mainly want clothes that can be worn as essentials, then stick to the brands on this list that focus less on the athletic side. If you want good-looking loungewear, comfort is an important factor.

Which of the brands above have you tried? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.