From Flex to Fashion: How Men’s Sportswear Became a Style Staple

There was a time when men’s sportswear was strictly functional. A pair of ratty joggers for the gym. A battered tee for five-a-side. Something breathable (but not particularly flattering) for mowing the lawn. Fast forward to now and it’s a different story altogether.

The gym fit has evolved into a lifestyle. Retro sportswear has gone from “dad at the BBQ” to certified style flex. And outdoor activewear? It's not just for hiking anymore, it’s high fashion with a hydration pouch. This is a world where you’re judged less on your bench press form and more on your gymwear fit.

Here’s how sportswear became the backbone of modern menswear, and the brands leading the charge.

Let’s get one thing straight: retro sportswear isn’t just back, it’s thriving. In a post-streetwear world that’s all about authenticity and heritage, throwback athletic wear is at the top of the league. Think bold colour-blocking, old-school logos, and the kind of energy that belongs on a tennis court in the 80s, minus the sweating.

At the heart of this revival? Sergio Tacchini track tops . They’re unapologetically vintage, often paired with matching bottoms (for those who dare), and scream Italian sports luxe. You don’t wear Sergio Tacchini to blend in, you wear it to make a statement. It’s part terrace culture, part sports nostalgia, and 100% main character energy.

Then there’s adidas Originals , the cornerstone of any credible vintage sportswear look. Whether it's a classic Samba , a Gazelle , or even a chunky pair of Campus , adidas has consistently blurred the lines between sport and streetwear. These are trainers that bring a sense of cool without trying too hard, which, ironically, is exactly why they work.

And for a more refined twist? Enter Aquascutum and its iconic check pattern. Best known for its outerwear and British heritage, Aquascutum’s place in the sportswear conversation may surprise some. But the brand’s signature check, often seen on lightweight jackets and casual shirts, lends a polished touch to retro-inspired outfits. Think of it as the pub-to-club transition piece, sporty, but smarter.

The term gym fit used to imply lycra, sweat patches and a general unwillingness to make eye contact. Now, it’s one of the biggest forces in men’s fashion. The goal? Look like you’ve just left the gym, without ever actually stepping foot in one.

At the centre of it all are BOSS shorts. Sleek, structured, and made to move, they sit somewhere between performance and polish. Whether you’re actually training or just walking the dog, they tick the “functional but make it fashion” box. Throw in a pair of branded sport socks, yes, socks matter now, and you’re halfway to Instagram-worthy athleisure.

New Balance trainers are another gym-fit essential. Long gone are the days when they were just for dads who jog. Models like the 2002R, 550, and 1906 have found their way into street style lookbooks and sneaker rotations everywhere. They're built for comfort, yes, but they’re also a subtle nod to those in-the-know, the kind of trainers that say "I care about design and my arches."

Top things off with a boxy oversized T-shirt, a gym-fit mainstay. It balances the tailored fit of modern sportswear with an effortlessly relaxed silhouette. Bonus points for collegiate logos or subtle branding, something that nods to the gym without shouting “look at my gains”.

This is men’s sportswear at its most wearable. Functional enough to move in. Relaxed enough to lounge in. Stylish enough to turn heads while you do neither.

Enter Gorpcore, the outdoorsy aesthetic with a weird name and a huge influence. “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts” (yes, really) became the unlikely fashion acronym for waterproof jackets, chunky trainers and gear that looks like it could handle a blizzard, even if the closest you’ll get is a brisk walk to Pret.

At the forefront of this rugged renaissance? Trail trainers with proper tech creds. Brands once reserved for serious hikes are now front and centre in streetwear circles. Whether it’s the multi-terrain grip of Merrell trainers like the Moab Speed, or the featherlight build of a pair of Salomon kicks, these are trainers built for action, even if the only terrain you're tackling is pavement.

Pair that energy with Columbia tees , breathable, logo-heavy and steeped in American outdoor culture. You don’t have to be scaling Yosemite to appreciate Columbia’s mix of tech and style. It’s wearable, dependable, and pairs just as well with cargo trousers as it does with joggers.

Finally, the undisputed king of the mountain (and the high street): The North Face windbreaker . Lightweight, packable, and instantly recognisable, it’s the outerwear piece that ticks all boxes. Rainproof? Yes. Street-style approved? Also yes. Pop one on and you’re either about to hit the trail, or the pub garden. No judgement either way.

What used to be a niche corner of menswear has now become its MVP. Sportswear isn’t just for the gym, it’s for the everyday. From the vintage charm of retro track styles to the effortless ease of gym-ready fits and the rugged appeal of outdoor gear, the lines between athletic and aesthetic have well and truly blurred.

At EQVVS, we champion designer sportswear that does both, built for performance, styled for the street. Whether you’re actually breaking a sweat or just breaking in a new pair of kicks, it’s all about movement, comfort and not compromising on style.

Train hard. Or don’t. Just look like you could.