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The Adult Man A Man's Guide to the Ultimate Athleisure Capsule Wardrobe Various Athleisure Garments Over Spilled Capsule Pellets
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A Man’s Guide to the Ultimate Athleisure Capsule Wardrobe

If athleisure clothing wasn’t easy enough to style, boiling it down into a handful of key pieces will save you even more time pondering the mirror.

Karlton has been covering men's style and grooming topics for The Adult Man since 2020. He's also written for other popular men's publications such as The Modest Man and Effortless Gent. Karlton is an LA-born, New York-based lover of culture and optimism. Perpetual watch-wearer. Always holding a martini or a football, Karlton's favorite subjects in school were recess, PE and prom. Read full bio.


Published: Aug 19, 2024
10 min read

In the past 20 years or so, something valuable happened in men’s fashion. 

And it’s especially beneficial to guys like me, who like being comfortable while still looking good—with little to no thought.

The ‘80s aerobics and sneaker craze married the tracksuit moment in the aughts. Then, they had a child, who ended up being far classier than both: Modern-day athleisure.

Sure, the phrase was coined in the late ‘70s, but let’s be real. Athleisure garments have never been as good-looking, as versatile, and as essential to every guy’s wardrobe as they are today.

If you don’t have an athleisure capsule, now’s the time to set one up in that closet of yours. And if you do have one, you might consider some practical upgrades.

Performance Polo

Vuori charcoal polo and ripstop shorts in olive

Am I starting with something potentially controversial on purpose? Possibly. 

You might be thinking that one of the best parts about athleisure is that you can wear it out and about, at the gym, and in horizontal repose on the couch with a whiskey. However, I’m not talking about a pique polo or a knit polo.

A good performance polo is soft enough for lounging while also being sweat-wicking, stretchy, and flattering. Not all of them are.

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I’m of the opinion that a performance polo should also be convenient. I tend to go for machine-washable designs. And if you want a classic polo, check out the Fresh Clean Threads Performance Polo, which is, in fact, machine-washable.

Fresh Clean Threads Performance Polo

The breathable fabric keeps you comfortable during long days or outdoor adventures. And while the Performance Polo is durable enough for intense workouts, it still offers the softness and style needed for dinner out. It truly rolls with anything in its path.

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They also have a subtle heather texture, making them easy to wear with formal clothes. Being able to trick people into thinking that my casual gym clothes are dressier than they feel is one of my greatest pleasures in life.

Just make sure the polo you go for doesn’t have an overly structured or high collar. You can’t lounge in that.

Joggers and Tech Pants

Liverpool Jeans los angeles twill joggers and grey sneakers Greats

Again, let me be specific. I love those baggy, cozy sweatpants that you can wear to bed and around the house.

Still, a nice pair of cinched-hem joggers feel just as good, and they add such a handsome element and cool factor to your casual outfit. In fact, these days, I’ve seen them paired with blazers on a night out.

The key to picking a proper athleisure-focused jogger is to make sure they combine performance features with comfort features.

Lululemon at ease joggers in teal on model

Nylon is durable and quick-drying but not always the most comfortable. Meanwhile, cotton feels great but doesn’t always tolerate sweat that well.

Combination fabrics and bamboo are good choices. I like bamboo viscose with a bit of polyester, since you get the softness with the durability. And it looks almost silky, which pairs naturally with dressier pieces.

Pro-tip: Darker menswear neutrals like navy, olive, or black are the most outfit-adaptable.

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Some modern, innovative brands make tech pants that can easily be worn as everyday pants. The Fresh Clean Threads Stretch Tech Pant, for example, are stretchy, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, you can wear them with anything from a casual t-shirt to a button-down and blazer.

Fresh Clean Threads Stretch Tech Pant

If you're looking for all the comfort without the pajama look, the Black Stretch Tech Pant is a great pick. The lightweight, stretchy fabric moves with you, giving you a comfortable and flattering fit all day. Plus, there's a handy hidden zipper pocket to keep your essentials secure while you're out and about.

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A Quarter Zip or Pullover

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Both a quarter zip and a pullover are pieces of outerwear that essentially serve the same purpose. Each acts as an extra layer to keep you warm on cool days or protect you on windy days.

Beyond that, they offer different aesthetics. 

You can choose one or the other based on your personal style, or go for both if you need the options. I just thought I’d put them in the same category since you want your capsule to be as essential as possible.

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The quarter zip is a bit more contemporary and sporty, while the pullover has a vintage vibe. 

A sports coat, jeans, and a quarter zip would be more akin to something you might see on a modern-day California tech guy (when he isn’t wearing a t-shirt and jeans). The sport coat, jeans, and pullover combo is more off-duty Wall Streeter circa the ‘70s or ‘80s.

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Both are classic guy looks, so just choose what feels more like you.

Similar to the other pieces, go for a quarter zip or pullover that combines tech and comfort elements. An athleisure quarter zip should be just as useful for a cool-weather jog as it is for a cozy weekend in.

Hoodie

BYLT hoodie on model

Let’s be real. A hoodie is a menswear essential these days. And this is coming from a guy who was a kid in the ‘90s with parents who told me “only gang members wear them.”

An athleisure hoodie is thinner than a regular one. It works smarter, not harder, to keep you warm. Instead of added bulk, it’ll feature tech fabrics that also won’t cause you to overheat when you work out.

Wearing an extra layer during workouts helps keep your muscles, and most importantly, your joints, warm while increasing blood flow.

Truwear Singular Hoodie black from side angle

If you haven’t caught on yet based on the desired features of the other pieces in this capsule, your hoodie should be sweat-wicking and quick-drying.

I highly recommend one built with elastic fibers. This means you’ll look for ingredients like spandex or elastane on the contents tag. While an athleisure hoodie wears loosely in a clean-lined way, added elasticity helps it retain its shape longer.

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It also allows you a wider range of motion. This makes the hoodie more comfortable and safer for working out in. The last thing you want when dealing with heavy weights is to have your movement restricted.

My ideal athleisure hoodie also has pockets. Zip pockets are the most convenient and up the security factor. I hate when I’m on a run, and I’m perpetually scared that my phone is going to fall out every time I enter uneven terrain.

Stylish Sneakers

model adjusting black asket zip coat wearing olive asket chino everlane white tread sneaker and vincero apex racing watch

A fashionable and timeless pair of sneakers can really bring your whole athleisure outfit together. 

German army trainers, or GATs, are retro-cool with cross-over appeal. Everyday guys like them because of their utilitarian roots. Most menswear classics originated in the army, after all. Meanwhile, fashion guys like them because Margiela popularized the look in the ‘80s.

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You can also go for a Keds-style canvas sneaker. It has a more delicate, beachy, and preppy-adjacent look. Think tennis whites and Pimm’s cups at the country club.

And of course, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of minimal, low-profile, white leather sneakers. Sure, Common Projects popularized the look in recent history, but they don’t own it. The minimal white sneaker has been around long before their Achilles Low. It’s simply a classic that’s trending.

model wearing Greats royale sneaker

This means you don’t have to pay $500 for a pair, and no one will think you’re just settling for a cheap Achilles alternative.

The white minimalist sneaker is the perfect balance of relaxed and elegant. Just keep them nice and clean.

Athletic Sneakers

The Adult Man Tracksmith Eliot Runner Cover Image

Now if you’re actually working out, or even if you’re planning to do a lot of walking, you’ll want some actual trainers. Don’t get me wrong. Even leather sneakers meant for casual style can handle some sporty activity.

However, if you want to maximize your overall comfort, go for proper athletic sneakers designed for function and physical activity.

The Adult Man Tracksmith Eliot Runner Navy Outfit

From a fashion perspective, a pair of basketball shoes and even certain running shoes (On, for example) often have substantial outsoles. They’re comfortable and springy, but they definitely lean hard into the just-got-back-from-the-gym look. Or, depending on how you style them, they can provide an urban cool vibe.

Neutral-colored models in fabric-forward constructions, like All Birds shoes, are the most neutral. They’ll look great with your polo and joggers at brunch, and serve you well for the after-brunch stroll in the park to walk off that croque madame.

Performance Shorts

Best Golf Shorts for Men Model Wearing TRUWEAR Prodigy Performance Commuter Shorts

Sometimes it’s too hot for joggers. That’s why you need a good pair or two of performance shorts.

I actually think performance shorts are one of the most adaptable pieces of clothing you’ll have in your capsule. They’re great for runs and for relaxing at home on the weekends, and you can style them in many more ways than joggers.

model with lululemon shorts and brown shoes

Joggers will never pass as chinos, and performance shorts won’t pass as chino shorts. Since shorts cover less real estate though, you can style performance shorts like a regular pair of everyday shorts.

For example, take a short-sleeve button-up, cotton tank, loafers, and chino shorts combination. You can replace the chino shorts with clean-lined performance shorts, and they won’t look unnatural.

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However, a knit button-up, suit jacket, loafers, and chino pants? You can’t really replace the trousers there with joggers. I mean, you could do whatever you want, but doing this would be considered a pretty extreme high-low look.

Plus, you can even wear performance shorts to the beach, the pool, or the beach club.

Crewneck T-Shirt, Long Sleeve and Short Sleeve

Fresh Clean Tees shoulder fit

You don’t necessarily need a performance t-shirt over a regular cotton one for your athleisure capsule. However, they’re better for working out and other sporty activities. As such, there’s nothing you can’t do with a performance tee that you can do with a regular one.

And maybe this is just me, but I think the softness of a performance tee, particularly one made with lyocell or other fake silks made for performance, pairs nicely with dressier clothes. 

I’m going to highlight Fresh Clean Threads again because the shirts in their Crew Neck tees are made of their signature StratuSoft cotton-poly fabric.

Fresh Clean Threads Crew Neck
(Get 15% off sitewide with code TAM15)

With its flattering fit, wrinkle resistance, and classically stylish color range---you'll be hard pressed to find a better budget crew neck tee that fits and feels this good.

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I like athletic tees just as much as I do a classic cotton tee. I love it when the moisture-wicking benefits of polyester are hidden underneath the familiar softness of cotton.

Fresh Clean Tees Cali Pullover

Make sure you have both short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees. Wear the former for more casual situations and warmer days, and go for the latter for slightly dressier moments or cozy nights in.

Performance Tank

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For sweltering days or for those really intense workouts, you’ll want a tank top. No top is as cool or as easy to move in. And hey, if you’ve really been killing those tricep extensions and lateral raises, why not show off those guns?

From a style perspective, tanks are great on their own or with an open piece of outerwear. They often have more of a scoop to their collar, giving an effortless aesthetic perfect for summer.

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If you like an open-weave knit polo, a performance tank pairs excellently with it. You can wear the polo open for a layered look, or closed to let the tank peak through the weaves. They’ll both ensure breezy and comfortable wear. And isn’t that what athleisure is all about?

Baseball Cap

model wearing olivers pants everlane cap oliver cabell low 1 sneakers and banana republic tshirt

I’m a big fan of the baseball cap, and I’m glad they’re getting many elevated remixes. Hey, I don’t always feel like brushing my hair, okay?

Don’t think you have to go full Kendall Roy and splurge on a Loro Piana baseball cap though.

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Just pick out a nice, unbranded dad-style hat in black or navy. You’ll get a lot of mileage out of it. Go for one made of a combed-cotton fabric to get that high-end yet relaxed look. It makes it look sophisticated without being stuffy. Besides, a stuffy baseball cap? Oxymoron.

Conclusion

These days, it’s truly essential you have a good collection of athleisure. Even if you’re not the athleisure type on your most casual days, why not get a capsule going for the gym? 

They’re just as practical as regular gym clothes but better looking. And you never know who you’ll meet there, or anywhere really.

And if you’re like me, closet efficiency is everything. 

I don’t like getting lost in my wardrobe. I don’t like having to spend any more than two minutes picking out an outfit. Having garments that can be worn and used in several different ways is a tenet to optimum closet efficiency. 

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