Joybuy Insights

Buying men’s sportswear: how to choose comfortable, practical clothing that fits

When looking for men’s sportswear, you might first consider the brand, colour and price. But it’s the material, fit and care instructions that determine whether a garment stays comfortable during training and everyday wear. A sports top that feels too warm, men’s tracksuit bottoms that keep slipping down or boxers with a tight waistband can quickly make a cheap purchase impractical.

Below, you’ll find the key points to consider, common pitfalls to avoid and a few product recommendations for different needs.

Common mistakes when buying men’s sportswear

1. Focusing only on moisture management

Terms such as “breathable”, “dry” and “moisture-wicking” sound appealing, but they don’t always tell you how a fabric feels in practice. So check the material composition. Polyester can be lightweight and quick-drying, while cotton often feels softer for everyday wear. A blend with elastane can give you more freedom to move.

A brand’s own research may claim that certain technologies wick away moisture efficiently. That’s a claim made by the brand, not a universal guarantee. Always check the product details and choose a material that suits your activity.

2. Confusing sportswear fits with casualwear fits

A slim-fit T-shirt, an athletic-fit men’s sports top and a regular-fit sweatshirt will all fit differently. A close fit can work well for layering or creating a streamlined look, but for fitness, tennis or football, you’ll want enough room around the shoulders, hips and knees.

Pay attention to the waistband, too. An elasticated waist with a drawstring gives you more adjustability in men’s tracksuit bottoms or joggers. For underwear, a supportive but non-restrictive waistband helps prevent rolling and pressure while you move.

3. Underestimating the importance of care

Washing a garment at too high a temperature, using bleach or tumble-drying it can cause it to lose its shape and colour more quickly. Black men’s clothing in particular can fade if you don’t follow the care label when washing dark colours. Before buying, check that the care instructions suit your routine.

Where possible, wash dark clothes with similar colours, use a mild detergent and follow the care label. For several products in this guide, washing at a low temperature and turning garments inside out is recommended.

Key specifications to check

Material and intended use

Choose according to your activity:

  • 100% polyester: lightweight, often quick-drying and suitable for training, football and high-intensity exercise.
  • Cotton: soft and comfortable for everyday wear, but can hold on to moisture for longer.
  • Polyester with elastane: generally offers more stretch for tennis, fitness and other activities that involve plenty of movement.
  • Cotton-polyester blend: a practical middle ground for sporty casualwear and everyday comfort.

A men’s sports top for intense training needs different features from a T-shirt for a walk or casual wear. For example, the Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 is made from 100% cotton and has a slim fit. According to the product description, it’s best suited to casual outfits, such as wearing with dark jeans, rather than strenuous training.

Fit and measurements

Don’t just compare S, M, L or XL. Where available, check chest and waist measurements too. For example, the Adidas Trefoil Essentials Pants list a waist measurement of 91–96 cm for size XL. The same trousers are available in other sizes, but sizing can vary between brands.

Also check:

  • whether the trousers have straight or tapered legs;
  • whether the hem sits over or above your shoes;
  • whether there’s a drawstring;
  • whether the shoulders of a T-shirt fit properly;
  • whether the waistband of your boxers rolls or digs in.

Construction and care

Ribbed trims at the neck, cuffs and trouser hems help garments keep their shape. Pocket details are worth considering in men’s joggers: an internal phone pocket can come in handy when walking or warming up. For underwear, a smooth finish can improve comfort, while a multipack makes it easy to compare the price per garment.

Look out for conflicting information. If a product page lists different materials in different places, check the final product specifications and the physical care label before buying.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Reebok RBK SPORTS TRUNKS MED HINLO-GREY/WHITE/BLACK-M

Reebok RBK SPORTS TRUNKS MED HINLO-GREY/WHITE/BLACK-M

Why it suits this profile: A 3-pack of men’s boxer shorts is a practical way to refresh your essentials without making several separate purchases. The blend of 57% cotton, 38% polyester and 5% elastane is designed for everyday wear and movement.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The elasticated waistband and flexible fabric are clearly described, so you don’t have to rely on vague comfort claims alone.

Key benefit & highlights

3-pack; cotton-polyester-elastane blend; suitable for everyday wear and physical activity.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Adidas Adicolor Classics 3-Stripes Tee IA4845 Black M

Why it suits this profile: This black T-shirt is a good match for a smart, sporty everyday look. Its slim fit, ribbed crew neck and 100% cotton composition are clearly described.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the fit and fabric, rather than relying on style terms alone. Do bear the care instructions for dark colours in mind.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton; black; slim fit; suitable for casual and sporty casual outfits.

Suitable for: Specific needs & high-intensity users
Nike Dri-FIT Academy Pants CW6122-410 M

Nike Dri-FIT Academy Pants CW6122-410 M

Why it suits this profile: These blue tracksuit bottoms are designed for training, fitness and everyday wear. The product description specifies an athletic fit, 100% polyester and a lightweight design.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fabric, fit and intended uses are specified. According to Nike’s own research, Dri-FIT refers to moisture management; check the final product specifications when you buy.

Key benefit & highlights

100% polyester according to the description; athletic fit; suitable for training and casual wear.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about men’s sportswear

Which fabric is suitable for men’s sportswear?

It depends on how you’ll use it. Polyester is practical for intense training and dries quickly. Cotton feels soft for everyday wear, but generally holds on to moisture for longer. For tennis or fitness, a fabric with elastane can give you extra freedom to move. Always check the exact material composition on the product page.

How do I choose the right size of men’s tracksuit bottoms?

Measure your waist where the waistband usually sits and compare it with the brand’s size guide. Also check the inside leg measurement and the type of fit. A drawstring can accommodate small differences, but it’s no substitute for choosing the right size.

How can I keep my sportswear in good condition for longer?

Follow the care label, don’t use bleach unless the instructions say it’s suitable, and choose a low temperature where possible. Air-dry clothes according to the instructions if tumble-drying isn’t recommended. Turn dark clothes inside out before washing, and avoid fabric softener for fabrics where it’s not recommended.