MG crew · Strength & Fitness · Lifting, conditioning and the gym floor.
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
“I’m starting at the gym next week. What do I actually need to wear?”
I get this one from almost every new member. You don’t need a wardrobe. You need four things that work: a tee, shorts, shoes and a bag. Here’s what I look for in each.
- A stretch tee in quick-dry fabric beats cotton for most sessions in the UAE heat.
- Knee-length shorts with zipped pockets, or light joggers if your gym’s AC is cold.
- Flat, stable shoes for lifting. Soft running shoes wobble under a barbell.
- A bag with a separate shoe compartment keeps your clean clothes clean.
The tee
Pick the cut for how you train. An athletic fit sits close without squeezing, so it doesn’t ride up on presses or get in the way on rows. Our Might&Glory tees (Beast Mode, Heavy Duty, Iron Master and Pro Level) all share the same athletic cut in a polyester and spandex stretch fabric that dries fast.
Like more room? An oversized rag top is the old-school option: wide armholes, lots of space for the warm-up and the walk out. Prefer no sleeves? A tank keeps you cooler on hot days.
Shorts or joggers
For most sessions, knee-length shorts in light mesh polyester are the easy answer. Zipped pockets matter more than you think: your phone and locker key stay put on the treadmill. If your gym runs the AC cold, or you train early, straight-fit training pants do the same job and look fine on the commute.
Shoes
Choose shoes for what you do most. If you lift, you want a flat, stable sole with grip on rubber floors. A thick running cushion squashes under a barbell and makes squats and deadlifts feel unsteady. If you mostly run or do classes, a cushioned shoe is fine for that part of the session.
The bag
A bag with a separate shoe compartment keeps your gym shoes away from your clean clothes, and a small wash bag stops your stuff rolling around the bottom. Pack a spare tee: in the UAE you’ll want a dry one for the drive home.
Fit and fabric checklist
- Check the fit named on the product page: slim, regular, athletic, loose or oversize.
- Polyester and polyester blends dry fastest. Cotton feels soft but stays wet once you sweat.
- Between sizes? Message us on WhatsApp with your height and weight and we’ll recommend one.
What I’d put in your bag
Athletic fit, stretch, quick-dry. My everyday training tee.
Shop now →Gorilla Wear Branson Gym Shorts
Mesh polyester, knee length, zipped pockets.
Shop now →Gorilla Wear Lightweight Hybrid Training Shoes
Breathable mesh with a grippy outsole, built for lifting and functional work.
Shop now →Might&Glory Boost 56L Duffel Bag
56L with a separate shoe compartment.
Shop now →
Shop the First week: men pack →
Tee, shorts, bag and straps in one tap on the Strength & Fitness hub. Free UAE delivery over AED 350.
Questions people ask me
Cotton or polyester for the gym?
Polyester or a polyester blend for training. It wicks sweat and dries fast. Cotton is comfortable for the warm-up and lounging but stays wet once you sweat.
Athletic fit or oversized?
Athletic fit sits close and stays out of the way on lifts and runs. Oversized gives more room and airflow. Both work; it comes down to how you like to feel when you train.
What shoes should I lift in?
A flat, stable shoe with good grip. Very soft running shoes compress under a barbell and make heavy lifts feel unsteady.
How many gym outfits do I need?
Two or three sets is enough for most people training three or four times a week, so one can be in the wash.
What if I’m between sizes?
Every product page has a size guide. If you’re still unsure, message us on WhatsApp with your height and weight.
Keep going
- Training with your partner? Sara’s women’s gym wear guide
- What to pack in your first gym bag
- Big legs? Abdulla’s guide to roomy pants and oversized tees
- Everything for everyday training: the Strength & Fitness hub
Jabbar is an illustrative MG crew character created for our brand. The coaching here is written by the MG Activewear team.