Whether you are taking a jog outdoors, WFH (Workout From Home), or engaging in a spot of “sporty” recreation like swimming or badminton at any of SAFRA clubhouses’ well-outfitted facilities, you need the right gear. Long gone are the days where the common get-up comprising a plain singlet, thigh-chafing shorts and grubby cross-trainers passes muster for the simplest of physical activities, not when there is a multitude of performance-, comfort-, function- and technically-driven options out there. Here are five brands that offer quality fitness menswear to make you feel – and look – good while you are huffing-and-puffing to stay in the pink on the Red Dot.
lululemon
www.lululemon.com.hk/en-hk/c/the-sweatlife
We are quite sure the yoga-loving women in your life have been lauding about this brand for years. But, you might not know that while the ladies do get spoiled by its range of covetable to-be-seen-in workout outfits, the lads also get some lululemon-loving, too! From basics such as seamless short sleeve tees and linerless shorts to out-of-gym-worthy slim-fit pants and joggers, this Canadian athletic apparel company provides comfy, technical men’s clothing for “most of your sweaty pursuits” (that’s how it playfully describes exercise activities as).
The brand’s many innovations include tightly-knit Nulux microfibres (for increased vertical stretch and lightweight support), and Asia Fit and lululemon Lab Shop collections tailored for Asian body shapes and the aesthetically-minded folk, respectively. The absolute proof that lululemon does do it for the guys: ABC Engineering, of which the acronym stands for Anti-Ball Crushing. In mansplaining-speak, it’s ergonomic design tech that eases the tension in the crotch of men’s pants to create better comfort for the all-important bits and help prevent potentially embarrassing blowouts.
Where to shop: various locations.
Visit www.lululemon.com.hk/en-hk/c/the-sweatlife; www.facebook.com/lululemonSingapore
Decathlon
www.decathlon.sg
If you are a newbie to the world of weights, squats and what-nots, and don’t wish to spend too much because you are unsure whether you can remain on track for your regime, or if you just want to save money by purchasing inexpensive exercise gear, simply head to this one-stop destination: Decathlon.
Having first arrived on the SG scene as an online store in 2013, the French retail giant has now become a go-to for people looking to get sports-related raiment, accessories and equipment, all housed within 12 sizeable outlets spread across the island, with the latest being a two-storey store in Centrepoint on Orchard Road. Decathlon produces and sells everything anyone needs, at pocket-friendly prices for everyone, regardless of their fitness levels or sporting interests. It purportedly offers a range of 5,000 products from 60 types of sports, from $2 and up!
Casual exercisers can pick up all the essentials to get kitted up in, while serious sportsmen and outdoorsy hobbyists can find a best-value-for-money selection of activity-specific garb and gear such as mountain trekking liner gloves, surfing rash guards and ski base layer tops. What’s even better, with the choice of either visiting any of Decathlon’s five Experience Stores to test products before carding it, or online to shop, pay, then collect at any of its seven Click & Collect Stores, you don’t even need to sweat over what, where, how and whether to buy before actually physically sweating it out!
Where to shop: multiple locations.
Visit www.decathlon.sg; www.facebook.com/DecathlonSG
Uniqlo
www.uniqlo.com/sg
Though this Japanese retailer is popular with Singaporeans because of its reasonably priced fashion threads (especially its hyped T-shirts), it is also renowned for championing an active lifestyle with clothes that balance design and functionality. Case-in-point: its Sport Utility Wear, created to allow you to “move freely between keeping active and your daily routines”. In other words, its garments are made to be lived in – versatile, functional and comfortable – and perfect for lovers of athleisure.
Under the umbrella of Uniqlo’s Sports Utility Wear for men (FYI, there’s a range for women, too) are six other different lines, each developed for particular purposes. Constantly commuting between office, gym and home? Put on a pair of Ultra Stretch bottoms constructed with stretch fabric to ease your movement. SG’s hot and humid weather putting you off your A-game? AIRism ‘s heat dispersing innerwear, woven with extra-fine fibres for breathability, should help cool you down. Running while the sun’s out? Get attired in Uniqlo’s UV Protection Wear to shield your body from harmful UV rays. And, even if you are not busy beasting it up, the easy-to-pair separates found under all of these lines are cosy yet presentable enough to throw on for a quick errand, lounging with guests at home or even for a relaxed Zoom meeting.
Where to shop: multiple locations.
Visit www.uniqlo.com/sg; www.facebook.com/uniqlo.sg
Bods
bods.sg
If you only have space for one fitness wear brand in your closet, then you might as well do some good by supporting local. An oldie but goldie, Bods is possibly the only homegrown activewear manufacturer with its own house label in Singapore. Founded in the 80s by a Tan family of five sisters, the brand achieved its household-brand status a few decades ago, and to date, remains a beloved label for Singaporeans of a certain vintage.
While limited in variety compared to that of larger international brands, its men’s activewear collection does boast of a classic assortment of well-designed basics. Think muscle tees, polo tops and full-zip leisure jackets – all frills-free, affordable and suitable as everyday wardrobe staples. Plus, Bods even produced its own Liberté sports face mask, made of spacer fabric with water repellent and anti-bacterial properties so you can feel safe while you’re out indulging in your favourite pastime.
Where to shop: various locations.
Visit bods.sg; www.facebook.com/bodssg
Under Armour
www.underarmour.com.sg
Intending to go full-blown Spartan in your endeavour to keep fit? Best to get clad in Under Armour. This American sports equipment, footwear and apparel company supplies scientifically-tested, tech-enhanced goods for the athletically-spirited ones amongst us who want performance and utility for the “rig” that goes on.
In its arsenal are fabric and footwear techonologies such as HeatGear (to help you feel dry, cool and light), UA Storm (to repel water), ColdGear (to retain body warmth), Charged Cushioning (for absorbing the impact on your feet), and much more. The top gear to hit: its ever-popular compression apparel (shirts, leggings and shorts) that fits like a second skin and the UA HOVR™ series of sneakers that promise a supposed “zero-gravity feel”. Also, anything from the Project Rock Collection because, well, it’s co-created by Dwayne Johnson as a motivational lifestyle brand and whatever The Rock is cooking, we trust he knows it’s good for the bod – just look at the man!
Where to shop: various locations.
Visit www.underarmour.com.sg; www.facebook.com/UnderArmourSouthEastAsia
Featured image: Shutterstock
