Can’t Find the Athleisure for Your Body Type? Here’s the Best-Tested Workout Apparel for Bigger Guys

Quarter zips are arguably more in than ever, and one with an athleisure twist kills a few birds with one stone. Alo’s Accolade 1/4 Zip is my current favorite, and it’s probably the most versatile piece I have in my wardrobe. I can wear it in the office, around the house, or at the gym without missing a beat. The relaxed fit is perfect; it’s not too big nor too small. And perhaps more importantly, despite its intentionally boxy fit, the cut is right on the nose.

Gym shorts can oftentimes feel restrictive. The Circuit Shorts, though, manage to incorporate Alo’s signature relaxed fit while maintaining a sleek, performance aesthetic without concessions. The shorts are moisture-wicking, stretchy, and ideal for workouts of all intensities. I have a pair in the 5-inch inseam (and I never go that short), and they’re a go-to.

If you’re looking for something a little more performance-based, this long-sleeve hoodie from Alo’s Conquer collection collab with Joe Burrow is a great alternative. It’s a little more lightweight and features moisture-wicking tech, four-way stretch, and an ultra-comfortable suede finish. It’s a little more true-to-size than the Accolade 1/4-zip, but it does feature a relaxed fit, making it undoubtedly one of the more comfortably fitting pieces of performance wear out there.

While some performance joggers can be restrictive, the Vuori Sunday Joggers are quite the opposite. These joggers perfectly blend style, comfort, and durability, and are a staple of most of our editors’ wardrobes. That’s the beauty of these joggers—they’re buttery soft and stretchy with a fit that’s great for any body type. If you’ve generally steered clear of joggers because they’re a little more restrictive, this is the perfect transition.

If you’re erring more on the side of “leisure” when it comes to athleisure, the Cypress Logo Crewneck from Vuori is a must-have. It’s a fantastic everyday option that’s both style-forward and impossibly soft. The sueded finish is a nice touch, too. The relaxed fit makes it a little less form-fitting than some of Vuori’s other dedicated workout tops, making it a solid layering option for casual wear.

If you can’t get the bleak image of the Costco Guys’ patriarch wearing a form-fitting Nobull shirt, we get it. But the brand offers a variety of fits, and its Classic Crewneck is amongst our favorites. It’s perfectly in the middle of “true to size” and “relaxed fit,” and is constructed with a soft, yet hardworking terry cotton that’s perfect for the gym, lounging, and everything in between. The ribbed cuffs also make for a more seamless fit, and are certainly more palatable for those who don’t like an authentic oversized look.

A henley shirt is inherently a versatile piece of apparel. A performance Henley takes it to a whole new level. The Coranado Henley is designed with a relaxed fit for a fuller range of motion. Vuori’s patented DreamKnit Warm performance stretch knit fabric is the star of the show here, offering a denser fabric for better insulation and warmth without sacrificing softness. If you’re a little wider up top, especially, this is a fantastic-fitting multi-use shirt.

Not everyone is a fan of the currently on-trend jogger sweatpant, and to each their own. We still wear our fair share of traditional straight-leg sweatpants at Men’s Health, and the Alo Accolade Sweatpants are a favorite amongst our eclectic crew of editors. They’re designed with a slightly oversized look with a longer inseam, harkening back to some of our favorite relaxed-fit sweats of the early 2000s. But in this case, they maintain a sleek look devoid of excess fabric and bagginess. If you want a more form-fitting look, you can even size down without sacrificing too much comfort.

I’m not much of a hoodie guy at the gym anymore, but this one from Alo has quickly become a favorite. It’s super soft, boasts a sizable but not over-the-top kangaroo pocket, and features a warm fleece lining that still manages to breathe during intense workouts. You may be noticing a theme here: Alo is pretty size-inclusive. And it certainly doesn’t end with the Accolade Hoodie. More to come there.

When we’re going all-in on comfort joggers, the CityScape Joggers from Cozy Earth reign supreme. These fleece joggers feel like you’re wearing pajamas in the gym without being that guy. They’re stylish, functional, and comfortable in every way, from the relaxed fit to the adjustable drawcord. These are especially useful in the colder winter months.