ALPHA MALE: Looking Good at the Gym

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Marc Streisand, GoLocal Men's Style Expert

These clothes were made for schvitzing: Look good while working it out.

Walk into any gym in America, and you’ll come across men wearing quite an array of clothing. Walk past the yoga studio and you’ll find the yuppy drinking coconut water and wearing LuLu Lemon from head to toe. Walk past the bench press or squat rack, and you’ll find the meat stick; muscles bulging out of his tank top that would fit a nine year old. Attend a spin class and you’ll find a collection of middle aged men in spandex. While exercise apparel and style takes on many looks and personalities, below are some basic tips that will ensure that you are dressed appropriately for your next trip to the gym.

First and foremost, you’re going to the gym to sweat it out. Accordingly, gym apparel needs to be comfortable and allow your body a great range of motion. Do not wear delicate clothing, but instead, wear clothing

that is as tough as your workout. Of course you want to look good, but you also want to perform. Make sure that clothing is comfortable, allows for air flow, and does not restrict your workout.

If you perspire a lot, plan accordingly.

Grey t-shirts show every drop of sweat off of your body and white t-shirts will stain yellow. Stick with solid colors such as black, navy, blue, red, and earth tones. Many companies make shirts out of a variety of fabric that wick sweat from your body. Make sure that if you sweat a lot, that you are managing your sweat in a way that’s not offensive to those around you.

Next, avoid flashy clothes, logos, or huge inspirational messages.

Wear clothing with discreet logos; the best example being the Nike swoosh.

The gym is not a place to wear clothing that will stand out with flashy designs or bright colors. Keep apparel simple, and stick to companies that are bigger than placing their logo unnecessarily large on gym apparel.

Finally, know your body.

If you’re fat and mushy, don’t wear a tight shirt or revealing tank top. If you’re fit and trim, don’t be shy to wear a tighter or even more revealing shirt. Keep it simple and make sure everything looks clean. Tight shirts can be flattering or revealing. If you are carrying a few extra pounds, it’s best to go to the gym for a few months first…and then follow up with a tight shirt.

Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.