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STYLE AND CULTURE
BEST GYMWEAR UNDER £50
By Emma Strawbridge, 24 November 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or planning to start fresh with your fitness journey in January, what you wear to work out is important. Finding good workout clothes can be a minefield with so many brands and styles to choose from. What fabric should you go for? What length of shorts? Can you wear joggers to the gym? All these questions and more will be answered in this guide to the best gymwear for men, and everything is under £50. We’ve even got some expert tips from Laurie Thompson – the Senior Assistant Buyer of 4505 – to help you decide what to add to your kit next.
GYM TOPS
There are a few options when it comes to gym tops. The main ones are gymwear T-shirts, tank tops (great if you prefer muscle-fit gymwear) and long-sleeve tops. These mostly come down to preference. If you like oversized gymwear, you might lean towards a T-shirt, whereas tank tops will show more of your physique and can be great for layering underneath T-shirts and jackets. Long-sleeve tops tend to have more of a compression fit and are suited more to winter wear. And if you haven’t considered seamless activewear, let Laurie convince you why you should: ‘Because seamless items are knitted as one piece, you get great stretch and compression – crucial for high-performance activities, but also incredibly comfortable.’ These pieces from 4505 will be your go-tos in the seamless department.
GET THE LOOK:
4505 Icon active quick dry muscle fit training long sleeve top in black, £18
4505 Icon heavyweight oversized t-shirt with quick dry finish in washed stone, £18
4505 square neck slim fit seamless rib training vest in raisin, £16
4505 quick dry performance jersey tank with scoop neck in dark burgundy, £16
GYM SHORTS + JOGGERS
SHORTS
When it comes to gym shorts, styles with a 5-7-inch inseam are what you want to look for, depending on your height of course. You want a fit that doesn’t feel too tight when you sit down, because no one wants to feel uncomfortable while lifting weights above their head. For extra coverage and comfort, look for shorts with a lightweight lining and sweat-wicking abilities – like this Under Armour pair. This will keep you cool and dry throughout your workouts.
JOGGERS
To answer your question, yes – you can wear joggers to the gym. Baggier straight-leg fits are perfect for upper-body days and are more trend-led if you’re looking for stylish gymwear that can transition easily from the gym to the weekend. ‘Activewear has really moved from being all about performance to something people want to live in every day. It’s no longer just functional gym gear – our design team now think just as much about comfort and style’, says Laurie. However, you may want to choose a cuffed or tighter-fit silhouette for leg days so they don’t ride up mid-leg press.
When it comes to gym shorts, styles with a 5-7-inch inseam are what you want to look for, depending on your height of course. You want a fit that doesn’t feel too tight when you sit down, because no one wants to feel uncomfortable while lifting weights above their head. For extra coverage and comfort, look for shorts with a lightweight lining and sweat-wicking abilities – like this Under Armour pair. This will keep you cool and dry throughout your workouts.
JOGGERS
To answer your question, yes – you can wear joggers to the gym. Baggier straight-leg fits are perfect for upper-body days and are more trend-led if you’re looking for stylish gymwear that can transition easily from the gym to the weekend. ‘Activewear has really moved from being all about performance to something people want to live in every day. It’s no longer just functional gym gear – our design team now think just as much about comfort and style’, says Laurie. However, you may want to choose a cuffed or tighter-fit silhouette for leg days so they don’t ride up mid-leg press.
GYM LAYERS
Winter gymwear requires layers. If you’re heading to the gym before 7am in the darkness you’ll know the pain of the walk there, but it doesn’t need to affect your workout. Dress smarter not harder. Opt for quarter-zips and zipped long-sleeve jackets made from sweat-wicking fabrics that’ll keep your body temp up, but the sweat levels down during your session. Zipped styles are favourable because they’re easier to take on and off while you’re in the gym. As previously mentioned, you can also layer up with tank tops beneath T-shirts and jackets for extra warmth.
GYM ACCESSORIES
No gym kit is complete without the accessories. From a duffel bag to hold all your gear to a water bottle, the perfect sweat-wicking underwear (yes, underwear’s important too) and a quality pack of socks, don’t forget these key pieces when you’re kitting out your gym wardrobe.
FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR
FABRIC
Opt for technical blends including nylon, polyester and elastane that are breathable, quick-drying and wick sweat efficiently. On the 4505 range, Laurie explains: 'Most of our seamless pieces are knitted from a polyamide blend, which is basically nylon but with a softer, more premium feel. It’s also very tough and naturally moisture-wicking, so it helps keep you cool during workouts. Plus, we use a high percentage of elastane which is what helps the garments spring back into shape after you’ve worn them.'
Pictures: ASOS
FIT
There are two main routes with fit in men’s gymwear: you can choose seamless activewear to reduce friction and give a smoother, streamlined fit, or opt for oversized gymwear that guarantees breathability and movement during your workout. Simply assess which is most comfortable for you and your workout.
