Sam Sulek's gym style shows that simple workout clothes can still add up to a look people recognize. The formula is short: a fitted or relaxed tank, roomy bottoms, real training shoes and very little else. Gray sweatpants, basketball shorts, an open flannel, a big hoodie and a worn cap cover most of it. I treat it as a set of proportions rather than a costume, so adjust the fit to your frame and the way you train. Below are twenty combinations, each with shoes, socks and layers, plus the fit checks that keep a relaxed outfit from looking sloppy.
Stringer, Muscle Tank or Classic Tank?
The word tank covers three quite different cuts in gym wear, and the one you choose changes the whole outfit. Before picking a combination below, check which you own.
- Stringer: very thin straps and deep armholes cut down toward the waist. Shows the back and lats, gives the most freedom, and offers almost no coverage.
- Muscle tank: a tee with the sleeves cut off, so the shoulder seam is wide and the armhole is moderate. The most versatile cut for training and errands.
- Classic tank: medium straps and a scooped neck and armhole. Neat under an open flannel or denim shirt, but thin versions read as underwear.
Many gyms don't allow stringers, so check before you rely on one. For the commute-to-gym outfits in this list, a muscle tank in a heavy cotton is the safest choice, since it looks deliberate under a layer and still moves well once the layer comes off.
1. Sam Sulek Black Tank Top With Gray Sweatpants
Fitted black tank, loose gray sweatpants: this is the combination most people picture first. Pick a tank with wide shoulder straps and armholes cut for movement, because a narrow strap digs in during presses and rows. Heather gray sweats contrast without looking matched. A straight or slightly tapered leg sits better than a tight jogger, which pulls across the knee when you squat. White crew socks, black training shoes and a faded cap finish it, and a plain duffel beats anything structured. On cold days, a roomy zip hoodie comes off once you're warm.
2. Sam Sulek White Tank Top With Black Joggers
Under bright gym lights, nothing looks cleaner than a white tank with solid black joggers. I'd choose a heavyweight ribbed tank over a thin undershirt; the thicker knit holds its shape, hides sweat better and doesn't turn see-through when damp. Black joggers need room through the thighs and a gentle taper at the ankle that won't catch on equipment. Black-and-white sneakers tie the two colors together, and white crew socks keep it sporty. A black cap and a compact bag are all the accessories. If the tank runs long, let it hang rather than tugging at it all session.
3. Sam Sulek Gray Tank Top With Navy Sweatpants
Gray and navy look relaxed without looking careless. Start with a charcoal or heather gray tank in a fitted cotton blend, then roomy navy sweats with a proper drawstring and elastic cuffs. Dark bottoms balance a broad upper body, and the gray keeps the palette quiet. Navy or white training shoes with mid-calf socks suit it, along with a dark cap and a black duffel. For a cold morning warmup, throw an oversized navy sweatshirt on top and pull it off once the working sets start. Check the drawstring before you buy; flat, wide cords hold a knot far better than thin round ones.
4. Sam Sulek Stringer Tank Top With Gym Shorts
For a hard training day, a stringer tank and loose gym shorts give the most freedom of movement. The thing I check first on a stringer is the armhole depth: it should show the shoulders and lats without dropping so low that the side of the torso is on display when you reach overhead. Black, charcoal or faded navy keeps it understated. Mesh or performance shorts that end just above the knee pair best, with compression shorts underneath for support. Stable cross-training shoes beat bulky lifestyle sneakers on a lifting floor. Wrist straps live in the bag until you need them.
5. Sam Sulek Tank Top With Open Flannel
An open flannel is the layer that makes this look recognizable. Start with a black, white or gray tank and relaxed sweatpants. Pick a flannel in muted red, forest green or brown; bright plaids pull the outfit toward a different style altogether. Wear it fully open with the sleeves pushed up. Size the flannel loose through the shoulders, since a fitted one is hard to shrug off over a pumped upper body. Plain training shoes, crew socks, a worn-in cap and a canvas bag keep it unfussy. It's best for the drive to the gym and the warmup, not the working sets.
6. Sam Sulek Tank Top With Oversized Zip Hoodie
When it turns cold, an oversized zip hoodie makes a tank wearable outside. Use a dark fitted tank as the base and a roomy gray or black hoodie with little or no graphic. Left open, it keeps a strong vertical line and shows the tank. Loose black sweats continue the relaxed proportions, and cushioned training sneakers keep it gym-ready. I'd avoid a hoodie that falls well past the hips; with baggy pants underneath, the whole outfit becomes one shapeless block. Crew socks and a plain cap finish it, and the hoodie goes in the bag once you start.
7. Sam Sulek Red Tank Top With Black Sweatpants
A dark red tank adds color without leaving the plain gym look behind. Burgundy, maroon or washed brick are easier to wear than bright scarlet, and they hide sweat patches better too. Match it with relaxed black sweatpants, a clean waistband and little branding. Black lifting shoes give a solid base and white crew socks add a small contrast. Keep the cap black and the duffel charcoal. For a warmup layer, an oversized black tee or zip hoodie comes off before training. A strong color draws the eye to the upper body, which is why I'd save this one for arm, chest or shoulder days.
8. Sam Sulek Olive Tank Top With Black Cargos
Olive and black cargos give the gym uniform a rugged streetwear edge. Look for a fitted olive muscle tank with moderate armholes and some stretch. Pair it with lightweight black cargos, not heavy workwear canvas, which is stiff when you squat. Elastic cuffs and zip pockets make them practical for travel. Black sneakers, dark socks, a washed black cap and a canvas backpack suit the utility colors. Keep the pockets nearly empty, because loaded cargo pockets swing and add bulk to the thigh. Good for a gym commute or errands after training.
9. Sam Sulek White Tank Top With Gray Basketball Shorts
A white tank and gray basketball shorts make an easy outfit for warm gyms and leg days. Choose a substantial white tank that won't go sheer, and loose mesh shorts that sit firmly at the waist and end near the knee. Black compression shorts underneath add support and coverage on deep squats. High white crew socks bring in the old-school athletic mood, and black trainers stop it looking too bright. A dark cap and a drawstring bag finish it. Because both pieces are so casual, condition matters: fresh shoes, a neckline that hasn't stretched, and shorts that actually fit.
10. Sam Sulek Black Tank Top With Track Pants
Track pants give a black tank a sharper finish than sweats. Start with a fitted ribbed or performance tank, then straight-leg track pants in black or charcoal. A subtle side stripe lengthens the leg without taking over. Choose a lightweight fabric that doesn't bunch at the knee. Streamlined training shoes, crew socks and a plain cap suit it; a small crossbody holds keys and phone on the commute. An open track jacket in the same color adds coverage. Polyester track pants build static and cling in dry winter air, so I'd skip fabric softener and use a dryer ball instead.
11. Sam Sulek Navy Tank Top With Light Gray Joggers
Navy and light gray are a softer alternative to all black. A navy tank defines the torso, while pale gray joggers keep the lower half relaxed. Pick joggers with room through the seat and thighs for leg training, and a neat taper so the fabric doesn't cover your shoes. White and navy trainers, gray socks and a plain navy cap coordinate easily. A light gray hoodie works as a warmup layer. Pale gray does show sweat, so this outfit is better for upper-body days than for long cardio. It's an easy starting point if you want the look without appearing styled.
12. Sam Sulek Tank Top With Baggy Black Shorts
Baggy black shorts give a fitted tank the relaxed proportions this look depends on. Choose a charcoal, white or washed black tank and heavyweight cotton or breathable mesh shorts. The shorts should end near the knee, not lower, or they restrict a lunge. A strong drawstring is essential; heavy cotton shorts slip when wet with sweat. High white socks and substantial black training shoes balance the volume. Wear the cap however you like it. A sports watch and a duffel are enough. It suits both a hard session and a stop for food afterward.
13. Sam Sulek Cream Tank Top With Brown Sweatpants
Cream and brown make a warmer neutral palette while keeping the relaxed shape. Start with an off-white or oatmeal tank rather than optic white, which looks harsh beside brown. Pair it with chocolate or taupe sweatpants in a roomy straight fit. Cream athletic shoes and beige crew socks connect the colors from top to bottom. A brown or faded black cap gives contrast, and an olive canvas bag fits the earthy mood. The tank needs a substantial neckline so it reads as sportswear, not an undershirt. Light cream shows chalk and dirt quickly, so I'd keep it for recovery days and lighter sessions.
14. Sam Sulek Washed Tank Top With Loose Jeans
A washed tank and loose jeans turn the gym look into an everyday outfit. Choose a faded black or vintage gray tank with a comfortable close fit. Straight or relaxed blue jeans balance a broad torso without going baggy. Swap lifting shoes for clean retro sneakers if you're not training. A black belt, faded cap and canvas backpack finish it, and an open flannel or zip hoodie adds coverage. Skip heavy distressing; a plain wash matches the no-frills mood. Denim has almost no give at the thigh, so check that you can sit and climb stairs comfortably before you buy a size for a muscular leg.
15. Sam Sulek Black Tank Top With Gray Cargo Sweatpants
Cargo sweatpants mix jogger comfort with a little utility detail. Pair a fitted black tank with mid-gray cargo sweats that have low-profile pockets and a relaxed thigh. Elastic or drawstring cuffs keep the hem off your shoes. Black trainers, gray socks and a dark cap keep the palette controlled. Carry a backpack rather than loading every pocket. An oversized black hoodie handles the commute. The fitted top over roomy bottoms is the classic bodybuilding shape, and the cargo detail makes it look slightly more considered than plain sweats.
16. Sam Sulek Charcoal Tank Top With Green Shorts
Charcoal and deep green add color while staying easy to pair. Choose a charcoal tank in soft cotton or a moisture-wicking blend, then forest green training shorts with a relaxed fit. Shorts that end above the knee move better through squats and machine work, and black compression shorts underneath add support. Dark trainers, white crew socks and a charcoal cap finish it, along with a black gym bag and a steel water bottle. If the gym is cold, wear an oversized gray sweatshirt for the warmup. Green and charcoal look different from the usual black and gray without drawing attention.
17. Sam Sulek Tank Top With Open Denim Shirt
An open denim shirt turns a tank into an outfit for outside the weight room. Start with a white or black ribbed tank and a medium-wash denim shirt, unbuttoned, sleeves rolled. Pair it with black joggers or loose charcoal pants rather than jeans, so you avoid a head-to-toe denim match. White retro sneakers brighten it, and a dark cap and canvas duffel keep it sporty. Choose a soft, lightweight chambray-style shirt, since stiff denim sits like a box on broad shoulders. It's for commuting and casual lunches, with more coverage than the tank alone.
18. Sam Sulek Monochrome Black Tank Top Outfit
All black is strong, simple and easy to repeat. Wear a fitted black tank with loose black sweats in a slightly different fabric, ribbed cotton against smooth fleece, so the outfit has some depth. Black training shoes with a small white or gray accent, dark socks and a plain cap complete it, and a charcoal duffel keeps everything from blending into one shape. In cold weather, layer a faded black zip hoodie. Blacks fade at different rates, so check the pieces together in daylight; a washed-out black tank next to new black pants looks accidental. Wash blacks inside out in cold water to keep them dark.
19. Sam Sulek Blue Tank Top With Black Gym Shorts
A medium or dark blue tank adds fresh color to dependable black shorts. Navy, cobalt or washed blue all work, depending on how much contrast you want. The tank should fit closely at the chest and leave room at the waist so you can breathe comfortably under load. Black mesh shorts with compression liners make a secure training setup. Black-and-blue sneakers connect the colors, and white crew socks keep the lower half from looking heavy. A black cap, a duffel and an open gray hoodie for before and after finish it. It's a good first step away from an all-neutral gym wardrobe.
20. Sam Sulek Tank Top With Oversized Sweatshirt
An oversized sweatshirt over a tank adapts as you warm up. Begin with a fitted white, gray or black tank and a roomy crewneck in a neutral that goes with it. Wear loose sweatpants or basketball shorts depending on the season and how warm your gym runs. Supportive training shoes, high crew socks and a faded cap complete the familiar shape. A cotton sweatshirt breathes far better than a polyester fleece during warmup sets, when you're already starting to sweat. Once it comes off, it goes in the bag and the tank takes over.
Room in the Seat for a Deep Squat
Relaxed bottoms only work if they fit where it counts. I check three things in the fitting room by doing a full squat and a lunge.
- Seat: the fabric shouldn't pull tight across the back or drag the waistband down when you squat.
- Thigh: you should be able to pinch an inch or more of fabric at the widest point while standing.
- Waist: a drawstring plus elastic, so the pants stay put when sweaty without being cinched tight.
If your waist is small and your thighs are big, size for the thigh and tighten the drawstring. Sizing for the waist leaves the legs pulling at every seam.
Why Polyester Gym Tanks Hold On to Smell
Synthetic performance fabrics dry fast, but body oils cling to the fibers and trap odor, which is why some tanks smell again the moment they warm up. Don't leave sweaty clothes balled up in the bag; hang them to dry even if you can't wash them right away. Wash inside out in cool or warm water, skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and holds smell in, and air dry or tumble low. Cotton tanks release odor more easily in the wash, which is one more reason the heavy cotton versions in this list are worth having.
A Tank, Roomy Bottoms and Shoes Built for Lifting
None of this needs expensive pieces. The strongest outfits come from comfortable tanks, roomy sweats or shorts, casual layers and proper training shoes. Fit still matters even when the shape is meant to be relaxed: the tank should let you move freely, and the bottoms should stay put through every lift. Neutrals mix easily, and red, blue, olive or brown add personality. Caps, crew socks, flannels and hoodies finish the look without fuss. Treat these combinations as formulas, then adjust color, fabric and proportion to your own body and routine.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply