Putting together a new wardrobe sounds simple, until a polo loses its shape after a few washes, a pair of sports shorts feels too tight or outdoor trousers do not offer enough protection from the rain. When buying menswear, many consumers focus mainly on the brand, colour and discount. Yet fit, material and intended use usually determine whether a garment remains comfortable in everyday use.
In this guide, we explain what to look for in a men’s polo shirt, men’s T-shirt, men’s shorts, men’s sportswear, men’s loungewear and functional trousers. We then highlight some popular choices for different situations.
Sizes vary by brand and model. A size S in a regular-fit polo may be roomier than a size S in compression-fit sports shorts. Always check the size guide and compare your chest, waist and hip measurements with your own measurements.
Pay attention to the description too:
Cotton often feels soft and is suitable for everyday wear. However, a men’s cotton garment may retain moisture for longer than synthetic sports fabric. For intensive exercise, features such as quick-drying fabric and ventilation panels are more relevant than softness alone.
According to the product descriptions of various Under Armour models, the fabrics used wick away moisture and dry quickly. This is a claim made in the brand’s product information and is not a universal guarantee for every user or activity.
With men’s outdoor trousers or men’s ski trousers, seams, waist adjustment, ventilation zips and leg length are at least as important as the outer material. Check the care instructions too. The wrong drying method or detergent can affect the properties of a coating.
When buying trousers, measure your natural waist and hip circumference. For T-shirts and polos, chest circumference is often the most important measurement. Also check whether the length suits your build. Trousers may fit well around the waist but be too short when cycling, walking or skiing.
When ordering online, look out for:
The composition gives you a more specific picture than general terms such as “comfortable” or “premium”. Examples include:
A T-shirt for the city does not need to offer the same features as a shirt for walking. Think about the activity in advance:
Why it suits this profile: The black regular-fit polo is easy to pair with jeans, chinos or shorts and works well for casual and smart-casual occasions.
The product information clearly states the regular fit and a composition of 100% piqué cotton, so you do not have to rely on the brand name alone.
100% piqué cotton, two-button fastening, ribbed collar and cuffs, plus a size guide with chest and waist measurements.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this T-shirt is designed for casual wear, camping and use as a base layer in cooler conditions.
The specification states both the fabric weight, 160 gsm, and the relaxed fit. This makes comparison easier than relying on the word “soft” alone.
100% cotton, crew neck, relaxed fit and a size guide with chest, waist and hip measurements.
Why it suits this profile: The 2-in-1 construction is designed for running, training and other activities where freedom of movement and extra coverage are desirable.
The description gives specific details about the fit, inner shorts, pockets and waist adjustment. This allows you to check whether the shorts are suitable for your training.
Outer layer made from 100% polyester, inner shorts with polyester and elastane, phone pocket and reflective details according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, these trousers are intended for snow sports and offer room for layers thanks to the regular fit.
The product information highlights specific features such as a snow gaiter, ventilation zips, adjustable waist and articulated knees.
Nylon outer material, sealed seams according to the product description, ventilation openings and pockets with practical fastenings.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For everyday use, cotton, cotton with elastane and lightweight blends are practical options. Cotton generally feels soft, while elastane can provide extra stretch. For sport, polyester and elastane are often more suitable because of the properties mentioned in the product description, such as quick-drying fabric. Always check the care label.
Measure your chest, waist and hips with a flexible tape measure and compare these measurements with the size guide for the specific product. Also consider the fit. Compression-fit sportswear is designed to fit closely, while relaxed-fit clothing is intended to offer more room.
Wash clothing according to the label, use the recommended temperature and avoid using a tumble dryer when this is not advised. Turn printed clothing inside out, fasten zips and check whether special care instructions apply to technical trousers. This helps minimise unnecessary wear and preserve the fit for longer.