Dappered | The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear

[Dappered | The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear](#1) - [Style Scenario – Valentine’s Day 2019: Out on the Town](#2) - [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase](#3) [The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear](r/Dappered/~3/BPFmwwOWqdc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 12 Feb 2019 03:00 AM PST About the Author: Jason P. is a Dappered devotee, having curated the majority of his wardrobe through the site. He is an enthusiast of wool sweaters, chino pants, and affordable automatic watches. In his free time, you can find him at his boxing gym or antiquing with his wife [New Year’s resolutions are tough to keep](, but a new set of threads can go a long way in maintaining motivation in your quest to get fit. Most gyms are a style wasteland. Skinny-fit joggers, huge scoop-neck tees, and “dad hats” are in vogue, making every gym look like a trendy Instagram photo-fest. You’re there to put in work, and want to convey a look that says “I’m an adult” without being too serious. You’re not going to a gala; this is fitness. But, you still want to shoot for a mature look featuring pieces that are functional, yet flexible enough to transition into running errands after, or grabbing a cup of joe before without breaking the bank. Fitness apparel has skyrocketed in price with the boom of the athleisure movement. You probably shouldn’t be spending the same on a nice wool sweater as you do a ¼ zip you’ll be sweating in. Here are some picks to start you off, and/or keep that commitment to your resolution going. The Pants & Shorts - [Adidas Tiro 19 Training Pants- $40]( - [C9 Champion Lightweight Training Pants – $20]( - [Under Armour Launch 7” Running Short – $26.25]( ($39.99) - [Adidas Knit Axis Training Short- 2 for $45]( If you make smart selections, you can find some three-season gym pants. You want fitted without being skin-tight. Super loose lounge-fit pants will just get in the way and prevent a variety of dynamic movements. You also want breathability. No stuffiness. Cotton terry sweatpants can stay in 1988. They belong there. Even if you don’t wear pants during the thick of your workout, you’ll want them for getting to the gym and almost certainly while warming up. For shorts, opt for training or running shorts in a length between 7”-9” in a lightweight knit fabric. Anything longer than 9″ on a normal sized guy will catch on your knees. Or shins. No, you don’t have to go full [short-shorts Flint Tropics]( but shorts between 7″ and 9″ will give you the ease of movement you need. I tend to steer clear from big and bold logos on my gym clothes whenever possible, but a long set of stripes is classic athletic wear. The Tees - [Under Armour MK-1 Long Sleeve -$17]( - [Under Armour Tech 2.0 Tee – $25]( Fellas, please, please consider wearing sleeves. Seasoned gym rats know that there isn’t any real benefit to wearing stringers, tanks, or sleeveless tops other than vanity (Editor’s note: I… [I might wear these](… maybe. But not all the time. Okay, [all the time](. But stringers? No. Never. [Ick](.) unless you’re a serious runner and you’re pumping your arms like mad. Instead, opt for the silent champion of gym apparel: raglan sleeves! Raglan sleeves offer a greater range of motion, and seams in less chafe-prone spots. And, in my opinion, they accent an athletic physique far better than traditional stitching. Under Armour’s Tech 2.0 Tee is a staple performance tee in a ton of colors that can often be found on sale. The Top Layers - [Under Armour Sleeveless Zip-Up Hoodie – $18 – $45]( - [Adidas All Around 1/4 Zip Pullover- $37.99]( ($45) Hoodies aren’t popular on this particular website, but there is a time and place for (almost) everything, and the gym is that place for the hood. Think of this as a hooded vest for the gym. If you wear it alone, it’s going to give off some gym- bro vibes. Throw it over a contrasting colored long or short sleeve performance tee or henley, and you now have a cleaner boxing aesthetic. You can keep it on to generate warmth faster,and then shed the layer when you’re up to speed. Now, understanding that the sleeveless hoodie is not for everyone, a ¼ zip is a great alternative. They evoke sweater vibes while still being made for fitness, but transition beautifully from the coffee shop to spin class. The Socks - [Nike Dry Cushion No-Show Sock- 3 pair for $20]( - [Asics Quick Lyte Running Sock – 3 for $15]( Socks can get out of hand, fast. Basic workout-oriented socks should do fine without hurting the wallet. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep things fresh on foot. You do NOT want old, all 100% cotton socks. Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet. Those are blisters and foot funk waiting to happen. The Shoes - [Jordan Trainer 3 in Black/White – $87]( - [Nike Free x Metcon – $87- $120]( - [Reebok JJ 2 in Valor – $100]( Running shoes are foot specific, but otherwise, look for a stable shoe with durable and breathable material. Cushion is a personal preference, but for most workouts I prefer to keep it limited to my forefoot to ensure stability on heavier lifts and jumps. The Bag - [The Functional Duffle: Under Armour Undeniable 3.0 Medium Duffle – $45]( - [The Backpack: Gregory Miwok 24 Daypack – $87]( - [The Stylish Duffle: S Zone Waxed Leather/Canvas Duffle- $47]( I want function over form for my gym bag, though there are plenty of stylish options that make me rethink my position. Included above are three varieties that all get the job done. The Under Armour option is a durable lightweight duffle that fills every fitness need. Multiple compartments keep things separated as needed, and vented pockets let your sweaty gym shirts air out to keep the stench from building up in the bag. For the commuter or the hiker, the Gregory Daypack can double as an outdoor pack or a gym bag. I enjoy hiking in the summer and fall, so this bag often pulls double duty for me as a hiking day-pack and a gym bag. If you want something that looks a little more appropriate as a weekender, the S-Zone canvas duffel is a really nice army green shade, which evokes old-school military vibes without going full-on tactical. [Full review can be found here](. The Headphones - [Bose Soundsport Wireless- $149]( - [Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Headphones – $159.99]( I can’t tell you if the Bose Soundsport are the “best” Bluetooth sport headphones out there, but I’ve used mine for about 18 months with no issues. So that says something. For a newer pair that appears to be at the top of the crop, check out the Jaybird Tarah Pro for only $10 more. [The Pre Workout: Legion Pulse Preworkout – $36]( w/ BARBEND10 This stuff has all the key ingredients without any of the filler, and is sweetened with stevia to boot. The fitness supplement industry is basically the wild west, and I’ve dabbled in quite a bit of preworkout supplements to know that sometimes simplicity is the best bet. Unfortunately, a lot of these simpler, cleaner formulas are more expensive. Why? Maybe Stevia is more expensive than Sucralose, or the ingredients are of a better supplier quality. This one is a good, basic pre-workout that won’t disappoint. Opt for 1 scoop (175mg caffeine) instead of the 2 scoops (350 mg) noted for a serving size, unless you want heart palpitations, and you’ll get 42 servings for $36. That’s as good as you’ll find. Everything Else - [Rogue Fitness Speed Rope 2.0 – $25]( - [Combat Sports IMF Sparring Glove – $70]( - [Ringside 180 inch Hand Wraps – $8]( A few of my favorite gym essentials I always keep in my bag. The quintessential piece of fitness equipment, a jump rope is all things for all people: self-contained cardio, a warm-up, footwork training, and conditioning. Rogue is one of my favorites, and a trusted name in fitness. Combat sports are one of the best workouts you can find, while being hugely functional and providing valuable knowledge. The discipline, focus, and attention needed is demanding, but rewarding. It does have the word “combat” in it, so danger can abound depending upon how far you go. That being said, you need to protect your hands even in the most basic of training sessions, and I swear by these gloves. 16 oz will make the workout harder, while providing added protection to you (and your partner, if you move to sparring). And since you protect your hands with the gloves above, [protect your wrists with hand wraps](. ff/Dappered?a=BPFmwwOWqdc:iFLeX4bIFsY:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=BPFmwwOWqdc:iFLeX4bIFsY:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=BPFmwwOWqdc:iFLeX4bIFsY:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario – Valentine’s Day 2019: Out on the Town](r/Dappered/~3/0mt2tHD7JSY/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 Feb 2019 02:00 PM PST What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and three style scenarios will be tackled in the next few days (going out, staying in, & staying in solo). Going for a sharp look here that leans simple instead of flashy. That way, your date will keep their eyes on you, [& not your flair](. Also, before you make those fancy restaurant reservations, maybe weigh the pros & cons [of dinner out on Valentine’s](. (Top [photo credit](N05/28589605345/sizes/k/)) The Suit: [Suitsupply Napoli Fit Navy – $399]( You bet a suit. Why not? If you’re going out on Valentine’s Day, embrace it and don the suit. A navy suit is an essential, so, thinking most have one of these already on hand. The Shirt: [Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Herringbone Dress Shirt in Grey – $69.50](. Yes, grey. A bright white shirt (with the black boots and belt) could look a little too stark. And don’t be scared. grey shirts with navy suits [look pretty sharp](. Just different enough. And this Nordstrom option is a lighter grey, which minimizes the risk. A light blue shirt would work here too. The Coat: [Charles Tyrwhitt Charcoal Italian Wool and Cashmere Overcoat – $399]( ($499). Or, whatever topcoat or mac you happen to favor. These Charles Tyrwhitt coats aren’t cheap, but they are very, very nice. The Pocket Square: [TheTieBar Burgundy Flower Fields – $10](//www.thetiebar.com/product/PP1653). I’d suggest just a sliver peeking out from your breast pocket. Now, if you’re too cool to wear something red with flowers in it out on Valentine’s Day… then what the heck are you doing heading out on the town on Valentine’s Day anyway? The Watch: [Orient Mako USA II – $283.50]( w/ VAL2019 ($315). A hacking, hand winding, 200m, sapphire crystal, in-house automatic movement diver with classic good looks and a diameter (41.5 mm) wearable by almost all. And they almost never go on sale. They’re now on sale. The Socks: [Nordstrom Over the Calf Wool Socks in Navy – $14.50]( Yes. These again. Still. They’re that good. The Belt: [Nordstrom Mercer Belt – $49.50]( Dress belts can be an utter disaster. Bulky, mirror shine buckles. Weird stitching. That’s not the case here. Made in the USA too. Ships and returns for free. The Shoes: [Made in Italy TBNY Chelsea Boots – $133.98]( ($395). Because the weather is still crappy for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Because these are on mega sale. Because unlike most lace up boots, chelseas are sleek enough to sub in for dress shoes. Because these have slim rubber soles that should keep you upright, and less likely to fall on your ass on a slick sidewalk in front of your date. And because we suggest brown shoes and boots all. the. time. and there’s not a darn thing wrong with wearing black. The Gift: [Tiffany Elsa Peretti Bean Pendant – $125]( If your date happens to be a lady, and you want to give her something shiny without going over the top, try a delicate piece of jewelry. If you’ve got a local, independent artisan shop nearby, take a stroll through there. Lots of cities have terrific enclaves of artists who make classic jewelry. (Think clean, small stuff. Not big and clunky.) If that’s not the case where you live, and you’re under pressure in terms of the timetable (Valentine’s Day is Thursday) then this Tiffany Bean necklace will certainly work, and it’ll get there on time. It’s pretty and cute, but not cutesy. Would look just as good on her if she’s wearing a dress or a tank top and jeans. Just make REAL sure there’s no possibility, in her head, of getting an engagement ring. That blue box can freak some gals out. Sliding a Tiffany blue box across a candlelit dinner table is not some small gesture. It’s also really on the nose/stereotypical. Maybe give it to her before you two head out? The Soundtrack for the drive (if you’re driving): [Of Monsters and Men “Beneath the Skin” – $12](. I listen to Of Monsters and Men a ton when I want something relaxing but I don’t want to fall asleep. So, pretty much perfect for a relaxing (hopefully?) ride to wherever you’re headed. ff/Dappered?a=0mt2tHD7JSY:nYZ7xm6oqwg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=0mt2tHD7JSY:nYZ7xm6oqwg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=0mt2tHD7JSY:nYZ7xm6oqwg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase](r/Dappered/~3/tNpCqwF49SY/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST [WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase – $319]( Gone are the days of the “[Greed is Good]( style of hard sided attache. They’re stuffy and pretentious and all sorts of [Alex P. Keaton](. Backpacks, despite making a big comeback, are still seen as not the most mature option for carrying stuff into a workplace. There’s a lot of room between attache and backpack. Yet a lot of brands screw up their attempts to fill that hole. WP Standard’s zip top brief does not screw it up. It is all kinds of right. And all types of worker bees, from the super creative to the suit-and-tie-types, would feel great carrying this thing in and out of their particular hive. [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase | Dappered.com]( It’s made in the “leather town” of Leon, Mexico from gorgeous, full-grain vegetable tanned leather that’s pliable, has a beautiful depth to the color, and is thick without being anchor heavy. At 17″ long, 10″ tall and 5″ thick, it’s got plenty of room but still has unique, almost compact looking proportions. (I’m thinking it’s that 17″ x 10″ ratio, but still with a good amount of width at 5″.) [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase | Dappered.com]( The curved corners are soft but sturdy. It stands up just fine on it’s own, and avoids that flop/implosion that weaker bags sometimes suffer from. Stitching is great, Talon zipper and muted hardware look and work terrific, and the thing even smells good. [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase | Dappered.com]( It’s a bit more refined by way of not having a zillion pockets hanging off it (just two outside pockets) and/or using technical materials like ballistic nylon. It’s simple, classy, approachable yet drool-worthy. And the price isn’t half bad either. It also comes with WP Standard’s quick and to the point guarantee: “[If it breaks, we’ll fix it](.” [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase | Dappered.com]( Available in either the dark brown shown in this post, or [a lighter, good luck not getting noticed shade of tan](. Ships for free since free shipping kicks in at $75, and returns are free as well. [Enter here to win]( the brown WP Standard Leather Zip Top Briefcase shown in the post above. Deadline for entry is 11:59 PM ET on 2/12/19. One entry per person. Huge thanks to WP Standard for sending along one of their briefcases for review & giveaway! [Win It: The WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase | Dappered.com]( ff/Dappered?a=tNpCqwF49SY:dANF9P2-fGQ:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=tNpCqwF49SY:dANF9P2-fGQ:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=tNpCqwF49SY:dANF9P2-fGQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States