[mbebeau]

With gym clothing, I tend to go durable. I look for stuff that is going to keep the sweat off the equipment and isn't flashy. Generally, I wear cotton shirts from some event (2003 Chili Cook-Off, Blood Drive, etc.) , Under Armour underwear, and cotton shorts.

 

[cmacey]

I need some well fitting, plain t shirts to last me through the gym-week. Any suggestions?

If you are a serious gym goer, then here are some examples of the shirts I wear for working out:

https://www.altrec.com/smartwool/mens-nts-microweight-tee

https://www.backcountry.com/store/search.html?mv_session_id=&aff=1&q=merino+wool#search=%26path%3Dcbcs%2523%2523%252d1%2523%2523%252d1%257e%257eq6d6572696e6f20776f6f6c%7E%7Encbcsc11s100000006g100000066%2523%25230%2523%2523g

They are all a thin merino wool that are highly durable and dry very quickly, especially when compared against cotton "T" shirts. Furthermore, merino wool resists smelling. Finally, merino wool doesn't stick to the body like cotton often does...I workout 5 days a week for one and a half hours, sometimes two. Not one shirt has failed me yet!

I personally wear Backcountry.com, Patagonia, and Ibex merino wool short sleeves. Buy cotton if you want, you'll quickly regret it.

 

[Dhaller]

If you are a serious gym goer, then here are some examples of the shirts I wear for working out:

https://www.altrec.com/smartwool/mens-nts-microweight-tee

https://www.backcountry.com/store/search.html?mv_session_id=&aff=1&q=merino+wool#search=%26path%3Dcbcs%2523%2523%252d1%2523%2523%252d1%257e%257eq6d6572696e6f20776f6f6c%7E%7Encbcsc11s100000006g100000066%2523%25230%2523%2523g

They are all a thin merino wool that are highly durable and dry very quickly, especially when compared against cotton "T" shirts. Furthermore, merino wool resists smelling. Finally, merino wool doesn't stick to the body like cotton often does...I workout 5 days a week for one and a half hours, sometimes two. Not one shirt has failed me yet!

I personally wear Backcountry.com, Patagonia, and Ibex merino wool short sleeves. Buy cotton if you want, you'll quickly regret it.

I've been meaning to try these newer wool base layers.

As an exercise fiend myself (1-2 hours per day) I certainly concur that cotton is the worst thing to wear; currently, I get the dri-fit (and related) stuff from Target.

Technical fabrics are absolutely the way to go for working out, and they don't cost much (the wool versions being an exception.)

DH

 

[medhat]

I've been fairly pleased with the very inexpensive gym/athletic clothes that Target sells under their house brand, Merona. Virtually all athletic gear is made in China these days, so I see no reason whatever to pay any premium at all for "name brands."

Target also sells the "C9" line from Champion, which is cheap and very functional.

 

[sowilson]

I like the UA heatgear for the gym. I tend to sweat a lot and cotton is way to uncomfortable and stinks in no time. The heat gear dries out quickly and if needed I can toss it in the sink to rinse and it's dry in a couple of hours. UA's boxer briefs are great too.

 

[AlanC]

Target also sells the "C9" line from Champion, which is cheap and very functional.

This is what I use. I like it.

 

[harland]

Currently I use synthetic, moisture-wicking t-shirts that I had to buy while in the Army for my gym workouts. They are vastly better than cotton since they retain less moisture and are thus more comfortable while I'm running (indoors or outdoors) and lifting.

Runners World recently did an article comparing the "technical" workout clothes you can buy at stores like Target to the more 'advanced' stuff made by the specialty companies. If I recall correctly, unless you absolutely have to have the best, the Target stuff was fine.

The only things I don't like to skimp on are running socks and shoes...

 

[AlanC]

^I agree on the shoes. I wouldn't skimp on running shoes.

A place to look for name brand stuff is Marshall's/TJMaxx. I picked up a pack of New Balance made in USA running socks at Marshall's last week. They were marked as irregulars, but as is often the case there's nothing obviously wrong with them. You'll also find NIke, Adidas and Under Armor. Selection is wide, but you can find some good things if you keep your eye open. I picked up a Nike hoodie and thermal cap on clearance.

When it comes to workout stuff I generally want things that look okay, do the job but don't break the bank. I'd prefer to spend my money on 'real' clothes.

 

[smujd]

The C9 gear from Target is surprisingly good (and often on sale). I started out primarily with C9 shirts and shorts when I got serious about my running. They lasted many, many miles. I slowly replaced the C9 stuff with Nike, Brooks, etc.--which I find to be of higher quality fabric and better design.