A T-shirt that loses its shape after a few washes, joggers with an awkward waistband or sports trousers with nowhere to keep your phone when you're out and about: when buying men's sportswear, it's not just about the brand and colour. The fit, fabric, care instructions and intended use all determine whether a garment will be practical.
If you're in the Netherlands and looking for sportswear for training, working from home, travelling or a casual outfit, you'll often come across the same pitfalls. Read on to find out what to look for and which styles suit different types of wearer.
A familiar logo doesn't tell you whether the fit is right for you. A slim-fit style feels different from a relaxed or oversized one. So always check the size guide, chest or waist measurements and fit description.
For example, a men's cotton T-shirt can feel soft, but a slim cut may give you less room to move. A relaxed style leaves more room around the body, while an oversized T-shirt has a noticeably looser fit.
Cotton often feels good for everyday wear, but it isn't automatically the right choice for intense training. For sports, polyester fabrics or technical blends may offer features such as quicker drying or moisture management, according to the product description. Always check what's actually stated on the product page: general marketing terms don't guarantee a particular experience.
How long sportswear lasts depends in part on how you wash and dry it. Some items shouldn't go in the tumble dryer, while others can be tumble-dried at a low temperature. Dark joggers may also transfer colour if you don't wash them with similar colours.
Check the care label, use a mild detergent and don't iron directly over prints. This helps prevent unnecessary wear to the fabric, logos and print.
Use the size guide for the specific product rather than automatically choosing your usual size. Sizing can vary between brands.
The product information for the Nike Sportswear Club T-shirt describes it as a classic fit. For size M, it gives a chest measurement of 95–104 cm. If you're between sizes, the product information recommends choosing a smaller size for a closer fit or a larger one for a looser fit.
Check the fabric composition, not just the name of the garment.
The Adidas Trefoil Essentials Pants are made from 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester fleece. That's a different fabric choice from a lightweight cotton T-shirt, and is particularly suited to leisurewear, travelling and warming up.
Check whether trousers have an adjustable drawcord, an elasticated waist, side pockets and cuffs. A zipped or internal phone pocket is handy when you're out and about, but not every style has one.
Care is also important for black men's sportswear. Wash dark colours according to the care label and don't use bleach. Check the leg length too: joggers with ribbed cuffs fit differently from straight-leg sports trousers.
Why it suits this type of wearer: A simple cotton T-shirt for everyday wear, casual outfits and a sporty wardrobe staple.
The product information specifies 100% cotton, a classic fit and chest measurements for each size. That means you don't have to rely on the brand name alone.
Lightweight cotton, a classic fit and an embroidered Futura logo on the chest.
Why it suits this type of wearer: A roomy staple for city wear, travelling and outdoor activities where freedom of movement is important.
The description specifies a relaxed fit, 100% cotton and a size chart with chest, waist and hip measurements. That lets you check the roomy cut before you buy.
100% cotton, a crew neck and a relaxed fit, with a back print according to the product description.
Why it suits this type of wearer: Designed for warming up, training and everyday wear, with pockets for small essentials.
The product information specifies a waist range of 79–86 cm, an inside leg of 76 cm and multiple pockets. According to the brand description, the fabric also has moisture-wicking properties; check the product page if this is an important feature for you.
100% polyester, an adjustable drawcord, tapered legs and an internal phone pocket.
Why it suits this type of wearer: A loose-fitting Urban Classics T-shirt for streetwear, warm days and layering with jeans or cargo trousers.
The product details clearly specify an oversized fit, 100% cotton and a fabric weight of 240 gsm. So the looser shape won't come as a surprise when it arrives.
100% cotton, 240 gsm single jersey and an oversized silhouette.
For a versatile wardrobe, you could start with two or three men's T-shirts in neutral colours such as white, black or grey. Pair them with a fleece pair of trousers for home and leisure, and a technical pair of joggers for training or travelling.
For example, men's Adidas joggers with a slim fit, elasticated waist, drawcord, side pockets and ribbed cuffs work well in a smart-casual outfit. The product information lists the composition as 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester fleece. For this style, follow the instructions to wash cold on a delicate cycle and avoid tumble-drying.
Check the full product page for every item: available sizes, colour, fabric, returns policy and current price. This helps you compare products based on verifiable features rather than appearance alone.
We've put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
It depends on how you plan to use it. Cotton is often comfortable for everyday wear and casual clothes. For training, polyester or a blended fabric may be more practical if the product description mentions features such as quick drying. Always check the exact composition and care instructions.
Measure your chest or waist and compare it with the size guide for the style you've chosen. Check the fit too: relaxed and oversized styles are looser, while slim fit sits closer to the body. If you're unsure, use the product information to decide whether a smaller or larger size will give you the look you want.
Wash garments according to the care label, sort dark colours, avoid bleach and use a low drying temperature when tumble-drying is allowed. Some garments, such as fleece trousers, keep their shape better when line-dried. Always check the specific instructions for each product.