It’ll be here before you know it. Our annual 12 days of Dappered gift guide covers one item/idea each week-day for the next dozen days. All will be reasonably affordable, and at the same time they should (hopefully) appeal to someone who might drop on by this corner of the internet. So if you’re looking for ideas on what to give a decently dressed (yet budget conscious) fellow, or, if you’ve got friends/family struggling for ideas on what to get someone (you) who’s hard to buy for, check back in as this year’s 12 Days churns on. You’ll also find the growing archive here.
The gym isn’t a fashion runway. That said, you look good, you play good. And there are days when you need a little extra boost to get going. A boost that can’t be delivered by mis-matched gym socks, a raggedy old tee-shirt, and shorts that are starting to lose their elastic in the waist.
If you’re on this site, you care about how you present yourself. If you care about how you present yourself, chances are you take decent shape of your body. And having the right gear can make a real difference. These picks should help the exercise-nut hit the gym or outdoors without looking like they got all their gear at the thrift store.
The Better Gym Bag: Blue Claw – $98.00 | Beckel Canvas – $65.00
If the recipient has been carrying around the same nasty, smelly gym bag for the last 10 years, it might be time for an upgrade. Look for something in a washable, natural fabric if possible. Bonus points for both of the above options since they’re made in the USA.
iTunes Gift Card
A new song… or seven… can make a world of difference on a day when you’re just not that into it. The power of music is real. Just ask the Rock.
Stuff to get through the winter: Tights + Mittens+ a light
It’s cold. It’s dark. There might be wolves after you. Winter is a rough time for those who like to exercise outdoors. But with the right gear (and some common sense), most can still get their workout in even in bitter cold conditions. Compression tights
Stuff to get through the early A.M.: MRM “Driven” Pre Workout Boost – $16.28
Chugging a Monster energy drink at the gym would leave many of us retching in the corner. This stuff on the other hand, is as close to all natural as it gets, and it really seems to work. One scoop before you head out the door, and you’re quickly awake without any nasty jitters or intestinal discomfort.
Just about anything from Target’s C9 Champion Line
Best bang for the buck workout gear out there. It’s not even close. Under Armour, Nike, etc… can get expensive, FAST. But the C9 stuff is super affordable and holds up well. Especially their sleeveless wicking tees.
The Favorite Team Warmup
Most fan gear is made to sit and rot, not get out and move. Get inspired by the freak athletes on your favorite team by wearing some logo gear that’s actually good to work out in, (or, gear that’ll get you out the door and on your way to the gym.) You’ll want something fitted, wicking, and made to take a beating. Eastbay often has a good selection of the popular U.S. sports (pro & college). For the futbol fan, there’s always worldsoccershop.
Your turn fitness enthusiasts. What’s on your list this year for the gym? What’s in your rotation for go-to gear when it comes to workout out? Leave it all below.
I have to put in a recommendation for the Herschel Supply Co Novel Duffel. I run and climb a lot, so mixing my shoes with my other things can be devastating A separate compartment is a big plus. Priced between the two given, and can be gotten for a bit cheaper on Maxton Men. Beckel is so awesome, though, I bet you could ask them to add the separate compartment and they’d do it for free.
I don’t know how a product gets listed as “All Natural,” but the ingredient list on that energy drink mix sure doesn’t inspire much confidence in the designation.
I’d be embarrassed to be caught in a Spurs trainer right now.
Fair-weather fans are the worst. But yes. Not the best times lately.
Fair-weather fans are indeed terrible. Well, bandwagoners are probably worse.
I’m Spurs thick or thin (2 points from 8 games anyone?). With the offseason acquisitions and expectations so high things are rapidly turning bleak.
Word to the wise re: the C9 Champion gear from Target. The basic gym stuff is rock solid, as is the compression gear in the Power Core line. However, the stuff that comes in the boxes, usually over by the underwear and things, is awful. The rise on the running tights is obscenely low. In fact, this morning I tried a pair and had to turn around before reaching the end of the block. My tights were nearly down to my knees. If it wasn’t for the shorts I wore over them, my early rising neighbors would’ve gotten quite a view.
Ha! Yeah, low rise on running tights = disaster waiting to happen.
I’m looking for a similar gym bag, but under $50. Any suggestions?
T*ttenham LOLSpurs? C’mon Joe. You can do better.
As an Arsenal fan, I’ve got to say this: LOLSpurs!
There’s only one team in London!
So I have to give a nod to Lululemon. I used to always get annoyed when my GF would spend money there (mmm yoga pants), until she bought me some of their sweatpants and a shirt. Hands down the 2 most comfortable items of clothing I’ve ever owned. In my limited experience, you get what you pay for on this one. Really quality stuff and a good gift idea for anyone buying for a lady this Xmas.
One thing I’ve found makes a huge difference is a lightweight neck gaiter/balaclava of some kind. I have a silk one I got from Cabela’s for like $10. Even just that very thin layer of material really helps to keep the chill off my neck and lower face, which otherwise get very uncomfortable in cold weather aerobic activities.
Crystal Palace begs to differ.
And others.
“I used to always get annoyed when my GF would spend money there (mmm yoga pants)”
I was really worried about this until the parenthetical. 😉
I hope you didn’t get the see-through ones!
What can I say, Bridesmaids need love too. (aw yeahhh.)
If only they would play Lamela. But anyways, it will get better and hopefully some balls will start to hit the back of the net. COYS
That’s awesome to know that you’re a Tottenham supporter out of all teams
Thank you, I’ve been looking for a new pre-workout and this isn’t even too expensive.
The North Face Winter Running Glove converts from mittens to gloves – which is ideal for me, because my hands tend to get too hot in mittens and too cold in gloves! They’re expensive, but can be found on sale.
P.S. Please don’t be that dude who wears baggy shorts over his running tights for no good reason (probably a solid half or two thirds of the bros I see jogging this time of year seem to do that). If you are really that self-conscious, you can always wear semi-fitted running pants instead of tights.
Best gym bags hands down are Ogio, they are amazing, so many organizational pockets etc, Heck they even have one designed to fit in the half lockers!
Get shirts with sleeves, SMH at guys walking around like wrestlers when they are 170lbs.
I actually get most of my workout stuff at Marshall’s. Sure its a crap shoot on whether or not you’ll find your size, but typically shorts/shirts for sub 20. The one by me carries a lot of some brand called layer 8 that i’ve been happy with. $9 for a shirt.
Is that Novel washable? I love the shoe compartment concept, but my gym bag can get a little nasty and has to be washable.
Or that dude who cares what someone else wears while they’re running. I’m no bro (believe me) and I wear shorts over my tights all the time. It’s all about utility. Tights don’t have pockets. Shorts do. Tights are also about warmth, not looking right while on the street. To quote Glenn O’Brien: “I’m against stylish workout clothes. When I work out, I want to feel like I’m working. I actually don’t want to be attractive at the gym; I have enough problems.”
Basically, I’d rather be the guy more worried about comfortably getting his miles in five times a week than the guy who can’t put the #menswear down for an hour a day. They’re running clothes, not a coordinated rig.
AS long as you steer clear of the one with suede accents, you can probably get away with hand washing. I don’t know that I would want to try machine washing any of them, with the leather, zippers, and lining. The lining is what they call “coated poly fabric” or “coated cotton poly,” so it doesn’t absorb too much stink or stain too easily. But, workout things sure have a way of overcoming anti-stinking technology.
I do this all the time! I think being self conscious is a perfectly good reason. But also, my, uh… special…place gets too cold with just the tights while my legs are fine.
Oh man, wouldn’t THAT be something. (Short answer: Nope. Its just my own favorite outer-layer when working out. And I thought about working in some other team at the end of the post but… I just couldn’t. Brewers fan too)
What about 170 lb guys that are wrestlers?
2nd the Ogio. They are not as stylish as those canvas bags, but boy do they have compartments. Fun to just play with even if you don’t go to the gym.
Plus one for Marshalls and TJMaxx. Also, Nordstrom Rack. Its slightly more expensive but there’s a better selection of name brands at about 2/3 the MSRP.
Try H&M if you have one around you.
I don’t think the need for pockets explains the shorts over tights thing very well. First, none of the guys I see doing it are wearing shorts with pockets. They are generally wearing baggy, generic gym or basketball shorts, most of which don’t have the hidden inner key pocket like running shorts. Second – and this is both from my own experience and from my observation of others – no one really wears running tights unless they are also wearing some kind of jacket with plenty of pockets. I put my house keys in a jacket pocket when I run with tights.
My bottom line is, if someone feels the need to wear running tights at all, he might as well put on his figurative big kid pants and just wear them and not freak out that other people are going to gawk at his junk or whatever. If a guy is really that concerned about it, there are plenty of technical cold-weather running pants available. It really has nothing to do with being “stylish,” just with recognizing that there are better options out there for people who are too embarrassed to wear tights normally.
Definitely not AFFORDABLE Men’s style but Lululemon has some really high quality men’s workout gear. If you’re looking to get a gift card for someone for workout gear I would take a look at them. If you have a local store they usually have really deep discounts on their sale-items.
I feel like the way a person is built is irrelevant to the fact that EVERYONE at the gym ought to wear a t-shirt with sleeves. Other people’s sweaty pits? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
PS At 5’9″ I’d have to be either ripped or fat (or some combination thereof) to get to 170 lbs. Not to mention borderline overweight by BMI standards.
Second this. Great stuff, and while sale selections are really limited, their staff are usually great helping out with picks.
Good stuff for men too, and it’s always fun visiting their stores.
Aye that’s pretty much the point I was making Ben, I understand the big big boys need to wear non restrictive stuff, which is fine. Or if it’s really hot out go for it, but making it an all the time thing to try and draw attention is just poor manners in my book.
Most of the well built guys at the more “hardcore” gyms tend to cover up, vs the “no judgement, where there’s a desire to flaunt it all. There’s lots of 5’9 guys on BB.com that are above that, they are well sized though, but yes sorry for generalizing 170 at 5’9 you might be needing loose fitting clothing.
I think they just revamped BMI as well,but I’m still overweight (200lbs, 6′, 32 waist)
I just quit a gym here because EVERYONE wore cut off sleeves for no reason, it was -30 out for the love of god!
Also Patrick I meant a professional fake wrestler eg. Dwayne Johnson, not olympic 😉
Hmm, I have those tights and haven’t found the rise to be an issue, since they stayed right where I put them, no slippage. High rise on tights sounds like a chafing disaster waiting to happen to me.
I wear a sleeveless whether I’m working out at the gym, or on my own (if it’s warm out), and always have no matter my fitness level. It’s not showing off (hardly, there are some monsters at the gym I go to, plus total and complete newbies, all types seem to wear sleeveless and I’ve never thought twice about it). It’s just more comfortable. I always wear a crew-neck (never tank) sleeveless while indoors. I’m not there for others. If I was, you’d think I’d at least comb my hair before going at the butt crack of dawn. But, I don’t.
And… I’m also overweight by BMI standards.
Maybe you’re in a humble gym then 😉 I always see the squealers in sleeveless, and the strutty mc strutters…heck had one guy just eye me up and then go use the same machine as me after, put it to way more weight and then do a full body convulsion to push up 1 rep of more weight. Maybe I’m jaded, but it sure seems to be a common theme with the attire, it’s like a kid putting on a superman costume.
I will also counter with, stay warmer, increase bloodflow and get those nutrients to your muscles more effectively!
I can say with confidence that you’ve thought much, much more about this than I have.
I’ve had 2 coworkers come with me to our work gym and point that guy out asking why he was always giving me the hairy eye. Along with noticing the peacock strut. I’m definitely more aware of the behavior 🙂
Anyways, kudos on gym post, and you might need to size up soon, the jacket is almost filled out on you!
Maybe I got a bum pair or something, but mine weren’t just drifting south, they were racing to my ankles. Like I said, though, I love their Power Core branded compression gear. IMO it’s the best value compression gear around.
COYS!!!
I’m supper happy with my mini “tough as nails” bag from Ironmind. Big enough for a couple pairs of shoes and a change of clothes. http://www.ironmind-store.com/Tough-As-Nails153-Mini-Duffle/productinfo/1238/
Nike Tech Fleece Pack. All you need.
How about some running shoes for the runners and circuit trainers out there, and something without any gel or anything that absorbs impact like chuck Taylor’s for the power lifters or strength trainers. Also I find a watch with a chronometer option very helpful. If you can spend some money you can go for the g-shock otherwise you can get a cheaper Casio that’ll do the same thing. Also if they’re in strength/bodyweight training consider a dipping belt. It is a belt so still considered style related right 😉
As a Gunners fan, I must officially disagree. Between you and me, I like that Americans are starting to recognize and become fans (supporters) of some the less well known teams (Spurs, Everton, Newcastle, etc.).
Another vote for M/TJ/N-R. It takes a little work, but you can find a pair of $30 shorts or $40 shirts for $10-15.
I can’t tell you how sick I am of seeing Chelsea and Man U kits. But even though I’m loyal to Spurs, I have to admit that the Arsenal kits are really nice looking (home and away)
Another word to the wise about the C9 gear: if you find some items in this line that you really like (style, fit, function, etc), go back and buy a few more for safe keeping because they change their line up regularly (sometimes, not for the better) — the stuff they make today is okay, but a few years ago they had some amazing items, especially their shirts, that I can’t find anymore. They really are one of the best bang-for-the-buck manufacturers out there for workout gear.
CP is 18th right now. They are going to end up back in the championship! There is only ONE team in London!! Fookin Gooners! Are you watching, are you watching?
What are your thoughts on the Nike Fuelband/FitBit/Jawbone? Worth the money? Is it dapper-qualified? Lol
Truth is that the Polyester is fine until you actually use it for a hard run or workout, after which the clothes smell like death. I’ve been a wholesale convert to wool — 150gm weight for working out in summer, 200gm for winter with layers. The modern stuff doesn’t itch at all and is durable, provided you don’t abuse it by washing it in some community, industrial machine. What’s best: it can go literally two or three weeks without smelling. It’s ideal for someone traveling who doesn’t want to pollute their bag with nastiness. The stuff is spendy, but you can usually find Smartwool/Icebreaker brand stuff at STP or 6pm for a fair price (especially w/coupons) — $25-30 for a shirt it typical — and you need less of it because you’re washing it less often. I recommend people check out IBEX brand, which is made in Vermont and supports USA biz.
I have the Fuelband and Fitbit Zip. Their worth depends on your current level of physical activity and what motivates you. For example, I was already very active when I got them so neither helped motivated me because meeting the goals was really easy from the start.
On the other hand the Fuelband really helped for my sister. She was just starting to get more into fitness when she got it and she loved it because it really motivated her to become more active. She now runs marathons and is a certified spin instructor. It helped her immensely in the beginning, however, once she made exercise a part of her daily routine she no longer had any need for it. So depending on the user it could have a shelf life.
As for a comparison of the two, I would recommend the Fitbit over the Fuelband. Almost everything about the Fitbit is better and the base model is only $60 compared to the Fuelband at $150.
The Fitbit is a pedometer with an online tracking feature that gives you a much more comprehensive overview of your activity than the Fuelband does. It shows your steps, when you took them, when you were most active and many other features. It has an online dashboard that has all sorts of graphs showing your progress.
The Fuelband doesn’t do half as much. It turns your movement into Nike’s proprietary point system called Fuel Points. You have an entire day to earn a preset amount of points and then it resets at midnight. It doesn’t have a digital dashboard like the Fitbit but you can link up with other people that have it to compare progress (the Fitbit also has this feature). To me the points system meant absolutely nothing. I would take a spin class and get 200 points but sit at a bar for an hour an earn 50 points by repeatedly bringing a pint glass to my face. I feel like the spin class should have earned a lot more will sitting around drinking with my buddies should have earned much less.
For me, the Fitbit was also more comfortable to wear. Its small and can be clipped onto anything. I clipped mine onto the inside of my pants pocket and it was secure enough that it never came undone. A woman I work with clips hers to her bra. Because the Fuelband is a bracelet with an LED display it definitely garners more attention. People asked me about it almost every time I wore it. The display is much easier to read and toggle through. It looks better than the Fitbit but I found the heavy rubber bracelet to be uncomfortable. It moved around on my wrist and it didn’t fit under the cuffs of my shirts. It just felt weird and I was never able to get used to it. That was just me though.
If I had to chose between the two I would recommend the Fitbit every time. Its cheaper and has much more utility. Sorry for the long winded review. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions please feel free to reply and I’ll do my best to answer.
I have a pair from H&M. They have the thick drawsting and the back pocket. Warmest ones I have owned and they are slim as well, not the baggy ones I used to wear.
Oh I’m familiar with the characteristics of polyester taking on the funk. But as long as you don’t have abnormally bad body odor (eating clean helps with this), you should be able to get a good two years out of poly workout gear. After a 100 degree + 7 mile run this past summer in an older sleeveless (gasp) I walked back in the house dripping, and Mrs. Dappered said: “You think that one is close to hitting the garbage?”
She has a better nose than me. It was a very old shirt.
Point is: Yes, wool is great and won’t stink up your bag on the road, but as long as your gear is relatively new, it shouldn’t retain smell for at least a year or two. I don’t think Poly = smells like death is quite accurate.
No Juventus jacket, sad face
Thumbs up for the C9 gear, the sizing is inconsistent, so make sure you try it on before buying it. Their compression, shirts and warm-up jackets are fine, but their tights are cut badly, at least for me (5’10 160lbs) the butt is crazy tight and while you will get looks it isn’t comfortable.
Merino wool base layers are a wise investment. My favorite is Smartwool NTS, but there are a lot of alternative options like Icebreakers and Terramar that can be half the cost when on sale. The only competition is Under Armor Cold Gear, which gives you compression and good moisture wicking.
When it comes to compression running tights there is really only one option CW-X. They are hellaciously expensive, but they take the abuse a compression tight will subjected to, fit well and do the job. I am ordering some of those Asics tights tonight because more is always better, but based on the reviews I don’t expect a lot of miles out of them.
A must have item is a cycling gilet (vest) like the Gore Xenon. I use mine for both cycling and running. It keeps your chest warm, without too much perspiration or heat building up as the back is mesh. You just can’t regulate your temperature with a jacket and a jacket can’t be as easily stashed in a pocket as a lightweight vest.