Joybuy Insights

Choosing men’s sportswear and trainers: practical buying tips for training and everyday wear

If you’re looking for men’s sportswear and trainers, you’ll usually want the same combination: comfort when you move, a good fit and clothing that works outside the gym too. But an appealing brand logo doesn’t guarantee that an item is right for you. Sports shorts, joggers and lifestyle trainers are common sources of disappointing purchases, often because of the wrong size, unsuitable materials or a design intended for a different purpose.

Three common pitfalls when buying men’s sportswear and trainers

1. Mistaking a sporty look for technical suitability

Not every trainer with a sporty look is designed for intense training. The adidas Samba OG men’s trainer, for example, has a leather upper, suede overlays and a gum rubber cupsole. This makes it suitable for casual outfits and everyday wear, but its construction isn’t automatically suited to running, intense gym sessions or long workouts.

So, start by thinking about how you’ll use it:

  • Weight training and warm-ups: choose clothing that gives you enough freedom to move and has an adjustable waist.
  • Running or intense cardio: check the trainer’s cushioning, support and breathability specifically.
  • Everyday wear: consider care requirements, colour, tread pattern and how it works with your wardrobe.
  • Lounging and leisure: soft fleece or French terry may be more practical than smooth technical fabric.

2. Choosing by size label alone

A size L or XL can vary between brands and styles. The Under Armour Tricot Jogger, for example, has a regular fit and a 76 cm inside leg. According to the product information, size XL in the green version is intended for a waist measurement of 94–104 cm. That gives you more to go on than the XL label alone.

For trousers, measure your waist at its natural point and compare it with the size chart. For trainers, measure your foot from the tip of your big toe to the furthest point of your heel. It’s best to do this at the end of the day, when your feet may need a little more room.

3. Overlooking care and materials

A cotton blend feels different from polyester and needs different care. Fleece with a brushed inner face can be comfortable in cooler weather, while a polyester jogger dries more quickly, according to the product description. That doesn’t mean one material is right for every situation.

Always check:

  • the material composition;
  • the recommended washing temperature;
  • whether fabric softener is not recommended;
  • whether the garment is suitable for tumble drying;
  • how to clean leather and suede.

Important details to check before you buy

Fit, waist and length

An adjustable drawcord lets you fine-tune the waist, but it doesn’t replace choosing the right size. A jogger with tapered legs and ribbed cuffs fits differently from a straight-leg pair of men’s tracksuit bottoms. A tapered leg can be handy for everyday wear, while freedom to move matters more for deep squats or dynamic exercises.

The inside leg is also worth considering for shorts. According to the product information, the Under Armour Rival Fleece Shorts has a 25 cm inside leg. The Under Armour Rival Terry Short has a 15 cm inside leg. This difference affects how much leg coverage and room you’ll find comfortable.

Materials and weather conditions

The Under Armour Tricot Jogger is made from 100% polyester. According to Under Armour’s product description, the fabric is designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly. The same description also mentions odour-control technology; this is a claim made by the brand, not an independently verified result.

The Rival Fleece Shorts and Rival Terry styles are made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester. According to the product information, they have a soft inner face and are designed for warm-ups, workouts and relaxing. Cotton can feel comfortable, but it generally dries differently from a fully synthetic sports fabric.

Trainer construction and intended use

The adidas Samba trainers in Cloud White/Core Black/Clear Granite and Core Black/Cloud White/Gum have a leather upper with suede details and a rubber outsole. Both styles have a standard fit and lace-up fastening. If you’re unsure, check your foot length in centimetres rather than relying only on your usual EU size.

Bear in mind that leather and suede need more care than fully synthetic materials. The Samba OG makes most sense as a lifestyle trainer for everyday wear, streetwear and casual outfits. For a gym with lots of jumping or running, a different type of trainer may be more suitable.

Our recommendations for different types of users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
PUMA Men's Shorts Black PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Collection L

PUMA Men's Shorts Black PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Collection L

Why it suits this type of user: These black men’s sports shorts have an elasticated waist with an internal drawcord, side pockets and a knee-length fit. They’re suitable for everyday wear, light training and simple sporty outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The adjustable waist means you don’t have to rely on the size label alone. The product information also states that the shorts contain at least 50% recycled materials.

Key benefit & features

68% cotton and 32% polyester, side pockets and a knee-length fit.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
ADIDAS Samba OG Cloud White Core Black Clear Granite Men's

ADIDAS Samba OG Cloud White/Core Black/Clear Granite Men's

Why it suits this type of user: These adidas Samba OG trainers combine leather, suede overlays and a gum rubber cupsole. The style works well with polished streetwear looks and everyday outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The trainer isn’t presented as an all-purpose training shoe. Its standard fit and foot-length measurement make it easier to check you’ve chosen the right size.

Key benefit & features

Leather upper, suede details, lace-up fastening and rubber cupsole.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
Under Armour Men's Tricot Jogger Green Sportstyle Collection XL

Under Armour Men's Tricot Jogger Green Sportstyle Collection XL

Why it suits this type of user: This Under Armour men’s jogger is designed for warm-ups, training and comfortable leisurewear. The tapered legs and ribbed cuffs create a modern fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size chart lists the waist range and inside leg. According to Under Armour’s product description, the jogger also has several pockets, including an internal phone pocket.

Key benefit & features

100% polyester, regular fit, adjustable drawcord and 76 cm inside leg.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about men’s sportswear and trainers

What men’s sportswear is suitable for both training and everyday wear?

Choose an item with an adjustable waist, enough room to move and a material suited to the weather. A polyester jogger can be practical for warm-ups, while a cotton-polyester blend can feel comfortable for lounging and light training. Always check the specific size chart and care instructions.

How do I choose the right size for men’s sports shorts?

Measure your waist at its natural point and compare the result with the brand’s size chart. Also check the inside leg: a 15 cm short fits noticeably differently from a 25 cm style. If you’re unsure, the product page is more useful than relying on the size you usually wear in another brand.

Are adidas Samba trainers suitable for sport?

According to the product information, the adidas Samba OG was designed around a football-inspired silhouette, but it’s mainly presented here as a lifestyle trainer. Its leather and suede upper and rubber cupsole make it suited to everyday wear and streetwear. For running, intense cardio or sports involving lots of jumping, it’s better to choose a shoe with cushioning and support specifically designed for that activity.