Men’s Winter Gym Outfits: How to Layer for Lifting When It’s Freezing Out

Love it or hate it, winter is coming. Lifting from my chilly basement home gym, I have strong opinions on winter gym outfits and I've learned a few things over the years.

Turns out, you can't squat in a parka, so finding layers that are warm but not too bulky is key. Staying toasty is one thing, but you also need to stay dry while you work as well, so a pair of cotton sweats and a beanie aren't going to do you any favors.

Of course, here at REP®, we've thought of all this and more.

What to Wear to the Gym in Winter

Instead of trying to get all of your warmth from a bulky layer, try three light layers. Something fitted that wicks sweat should be the first one against your skin, then a hoodie or half zip with joggers, and lastly a jacket for outside the gym. Peel off the layers as you heat up.

Keeping warm is obviously a comfort thing, but it also helps you perform better because warmer muscles produce force faster and put out more power.

Layering is also what sports medicine docs recommend for staying safe in the cold, since you can adjust with the weather or your exercise intensity.

Read More: The Best Winter Running Gear and Workout Clothes

How to Layer Clothing for Winter

Each of your layers has a different job to do.

Start With a Sweat-Wicking Base Layer

The first layer you wear, known as the base layer, is what goes against your skin so it needs to pull sweat away and be fast-drying. Don't use cotton against your skin because it holds sweat and will make you feel clammy and cold. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are much more comfy, and in some studies people have performed better in them versus cotton, rating them much more comfortable.

A great option here is the Men's Delta Long Sleeve Crew. It's a recycled, four-way-stretch fabric that feels like cotton without acting like it. It's made with SILVADUR™ anti-odor treatment so it survives a few sessions between washes. Under joggers, the Virtus Light Compression Tights add a thin, warm layer that stays put through squats and lunges. In a heated gym, a tee like the Daily Driver 2.0 works fine as the bottom layer (here's how to pick a gym tee).

Add a Hoodie or Half Zip for Warmth

You'll want a warm middle layer that traps heat. Just how warm this layer should be depends on where you train. If it's an unheated garage or cold basement like mine, the Men's Stratix Hoodie is more heavyweight and cozy. It is a waffle knit micro-fleece that holds in warmth and keeps sweat off of you at the same time.

If you work out in a heated gym where you take off the hoodie later after warming up, the lighter Apollo Hoodie breathes better and is easier to stuff into a gym bag. You could also go with the Apollo Half Zip, which you can wear until you feel too warm. It's also super stylish for anytime wear. All three are built to last through years of training.

Finish With Joggers and an Outer Layer

Joggers start replacing shorts when it gets cold, but you still want to be able to move freely. The Attis Joggers have a thicker knit with a waffle texture inside for warmth, and high hip zipper pockets so your phone isn't flopping around during box jumps. The Apollo Joggers are softer and lighter with articulated knees that don't pull when you squat.

For outdoors, the Attis Jacket is a good pick because it has a contoured hood and blocks wind without being bulky.

Read More: How to Wear Men's Joggers

Cover Your Head, Hands, and Feet

Your extremities will lose heat the fastest and warm up the slowest, so covering up when you can will go a long way. A Peak Beanie and the Midweight Crew Socks will do the trick. You might want to avoid shorter ankle socks unless you like a strip of cold skin.

Four Winter Gym Outfits for Guys

Here are some ideal winter gym outfit ideas you can copy or mix and match depending on what you need for warmth.

For Lifting In a Cold Garage

Delta Long Sleeve Crew + Stratix Hoodie + Attis Joggers + Peak Beanie

This kit will give you maximum warmth without bulk. You can keep the Stratix on through the first few sets and peel it off when you need to. The Delta will keep you dry if you start sweating, and the Attis Joggers are stretchy enough for a deep squat. Keep the beanie on if you want to avoid hat hair.

For a Heated Gym

Daily Driver 2.0 Tee + Apollo Hoodie + Attis Joggers

If your gym is heated, you don't want a heavy hoodie, so sticking with something lighter like the Apollo Hoodie is a better bet. It is light enough to keep on for warmups if you need to. The joggers are light and sweat wicking enough to wear the whole time.

The Gym to Life Athleisure Look

Delta Long Sleeve Crew + Apollo Half Zip + Apollo Joggers

If you want to wear your fit around town, not just the gym, then it needs to look good together. A matching set is the easiest way to accomplish this. The Apollo Half Zip and Apollo Joggers have the same buttery fabric and colorways, so you can train, run errands, and sit through a casual meeting in the same clothes if you really want to.

For the Outdoor Conditioning Session

Virtus Light Compression Tights + Attis Joggers + Delta Long Sleeve Crew + Attis Jacket + Peak Beanie + Midweight Crew Socks

If you're out braving the cold doing sled pushes, hill sprints, or rucks in the snow, you'll want the whole kit and kaboodle. Layering Virtus tights under the Attis Joggers gives your legs two thin layers instead of one thick one, which is warmer and easier to move in. For your top half, the Delta crew wicks sweat and the Attis Jacket blocks wind, with thumbholes to keep cold air out of your sleeves. If you refuse to let a treadmill replace the trail, this is the outfit for you.

Read More: How to Select Peak-Performance Gym Clothes

Keep Your Winter Gear Alive

Wash inside out in cold water, skip fabric softener (it clogs the wicking), and tumble dry on low if your basement is too cold to air dry anything before spring. REP's guide on how to wash and care for your gym clothes has the rest.

Takeaway

Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm and toasty without looking like a marshmallow. You'll just want to be sure the first layer wicks sweat and anything you'll be wearing during your workout is easy to move in. Now if you'll excuse me, my basement is reading 11 degrees Celsius (about 52 Fahrenheit) and these squats aren't going to warm themselves up.

FAQs

What should I wear to the gym in winter?

Wear a fitted layer that wicks sweat, then a hoodie or half zip and joggers. Add a jacket and beanie for braving the outdoors. Shed any layers you don't need once you're warmed up.

How should men layer clothing for winter workouts?

Use three layers, starting with a base layer that pulls sweat off your skin, then a middle layer (a hoodie or half zip) that holds heat, and lastly an outer layer (a jacket) to block wind on the way to and from the gym. Avoid cotton against the skin, since it soaks up sweat and chills you when you stop moving. Take off layers as you warm up.

Are joggers good for lifting?

Joggers are ideal for lifting as they stretch and taper at the ankle so there's nothing getting in your way while you squat, lunge, or run. Joggers with zipper pockets will keep your phone from launching across the gym mid-set. The Attis Joggers are a great example.

Should I wear a hoodie while working out?

When you're getting warm, a hoodie helps trap heat so your muscles reach working temperature faster and produce more power. Once you're sweating, you'll likely want to take it off to avoid overheating.