The right basics allow you to focus on your performance. Here are our top picks for fall 2016 that do exactly that.
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1/11
FourlapsShort-Sleeve T-Shirt
Every man needs a high-performance, multipurpose tee.
This red crew-neck tee taps into one of this season’s top menswear trends—color blocking—and uses odor-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you fresh and cool when you sweat.
The bright color also makes you more visible when training or running outside.
($50, fourlaps.com)
(Want a go-to shirt for any workout? Put on the moisture-wicking Men’s Health logo T-shirt. It’s guaranteed to be as soft as your favorite washed-a-million-times tee—right out of the package.)
Tapered Sweatpants
2/11
Outdoor VoicesTapered Sweatpants
Made with sweat-wicking compression fabric, these tapered sweatpants are on trend and also great for moving comfortably.
The polyester blend is both breathable and insulated—it’ll keep you cool, not cold, when training outdoors on chilly days. And the front angled pockets offer a secure place to stash your phone.
($100, outdoorvoices.com)
Related: 4 Sweatpants You Can Wear To Work
Long-Sleeve Tee
3/11
BonobosLong-Sleeve Tee
A good long-sleeve tee is essential for fall. This one uses a cotton-polyester blend to keep your body comfortable and dry indoors or out.
Wear it as a base layer for an early morning bike ride or pair it with tapered sweatpants and white sneakers for a casual post-workout look.
($78, bonobos.com)
Technical Socks
4/11
StanceTechnical Socks
Popular in the high-impact world of skateboarding, these cushy socks use strategically placed mesh vents and moisture-wicking fibers to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable during any kind of workout.
($15, stance.com)
Warm Pullover
5/11
PatagoniaWarm Pullover
Spend your money wisely on a fleece pullover you’ll wear forever. This three-quarter-zip sweater from Patagonia is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities.
The fleece keeps you warm while a breathable odor-control fabric prevents you from overheating, whether you’re running toward a new personal best or just getting worked up watching football.
($129, patagonia.com)
Training Sneakers
6/11
Athletic Propulsion LabsTraining Sneakers
There’s no need to sacrifice style or comfort for performance with these two-tone, cushion-soled sneakers.
Although they’re supportive enough for running and cross-training, their sleek silhouette and coloring will look great with your favorite athleisure look.
($140, athleticpropulsionlabs.com)
Related: The Best Sneakers For Men
Multipurpose Backpack
7/11
LululemonMultipurpose Backpack
Retire your drawstring gym bag for something more grown up.
Minimalist in design but packed with useful features, this stealthy backpack has dedicated compartments for your laptop, sunglasses, and sneakers.
Plus, it’s made with a water-repellant material. From sporadic downpours to spontaneous post-workout brunch plans, you’ll be ready to handle whatever your day throws at you.
($148, lululemon.com)
Track Jacket
8/11
BarneysTrack Jacket
This color-blocked jacket strikes just the right balance of classic and edgy.
Wear it to warm up or cool down before or after workouts. Outside the weight room, throw it on over black jeans and white leather sneakers.
($170, barneys.com)
Training Tights
9/11
TracksmithTraining Tights
These tights are made for cold-weather runs, but you can wear them for any kind of outdoor training.
Related: 3 Workouts That Are Better Than Running
The technical blend of Italian-spun nylon and elastane feels like fleece but doesn’t retain sweat or water.
Technically, you could wear them alone, but we’d suggest throwing a pair of navy shorts on top for a more contemporary look.
($128, tracksmith.com)
Performance Underwear
10/11
SaxxPerformance Underwear
Here are three words to forever change the way you shop for underwear: four-way stretch.
This performance underwear allows you to move freely without getting caught up in excess or unforgiving fabric. Saxx is also known for its signature BallPark Pouch—a hammock-shaped pouch made with mesh fabrics to keep your junk in place, sans chafing.
Pick up a pair and you’ll understand why one of our editors thinks this is the world’s greatest underwear.
($40, saxxunderwear.com)
Lightweight Jacket
11/11
LacosteLightweight Jacket
Cut your risk of catching a chill (or a fender) with this reflective lightweight layering piece. Although it’s designed for tennis, this trendy zip-up is great for adding an extra layer of protection, visibility, and style during any outdoor activity.
($225, lacoste.com)