Apparel

Seamless construction, non-chaffing, strategic venting. Sweat-wicking fabric is 4-way stretch. Fabric inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the shirt.

Why pay $68 for a T-shirt? Because you'll still be training in it years from now. I bought my first Metal Vent shirt 7 years ago, and after wearing it a couple times per week and washing it hundreds of times, it still looks the same and keeps its shape. The color never seems to fade and the collar never gets stretched out.

The fit is perfect too. Not too clingy, but fitted around the arms so people will definitely know you lift. Lots of colors available too. – Chris Shugart

Sweat wicking, quick drying, machine washable, one size fits all.

I never knew I needed a headband until I tried Dan John's Half-Hour Deadlift Challenge. (Pull 2 reps of 315 pounds every minute on the minute for half an hour.) At the 20-minute mark, my bar was slick with sweat. I tried a regular bandana but it kept slipping. And it looked stupid.

So I picked up a JUNK headband at the CrossFit Games and it did the trick. It fits flat, never slips, never drips, and makes you look like a ninja, not a hippie. Available in dozens of styles and colors. – Chris Shugart

100% Cotton. Ultra soft and comfortable. Tagless, itch-free design. Ribbed collar that won't lose its shape. Athletic fit, order a size up if you're unsure.

I got annoyed with paying 50 to 100 bucks for a workout shirt, so I was thrilled when I found Grunt Style T-shirts. The company's run by veterans and they make an inexpensive, great looking, great fitting T-shirt that comes in a bunch of colors. Best of all, their lifetime "Beer Guarantee." You tear it, spill beer on it, or get "blood stains from defending the American flag from terrorists," they replace it. – TC Luoma

Canvas high-top sneakers. Synthetic sole. Canvas upper. Rubber toe cap.

When I put on my high-top Chucks, I feel a connection to all the greats of the past, but I'm not talking about skinny white basketball players from the 1950's. No, I mean the hundreds of elite lifters, some of who set all-time world records, who pledge allegiance to almighty Chucks. They're just terrific, inexpensive, retro-stylish shoes for doing squats and deadlifts. The thick, flat sole gives you all the stability you need to push up big weights. – TC Luoma

50% Polyester, 47% Cotton, 3% Polyurethane

Hats are essential for the gym. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time fixing your hair before you're about to get it sweaty. So a good hat covers up the mess and allows you to focus on the work.

Why this particular hat? Well, I have one of those faces that doesn't look good in most ball caps. But the fit of this and other prAna hats actually works well. So if you've got a similarly weird-shaped face, you might give this hat a shot. – Dani Shugart

Water-ready polyester webbing upper. Extremely durable and dries quickly after getting wet. The mush-top sole cushions and forms to your foot. Two securing cross straps.

Pack these in your gym bag and slip them on after your workout if you've got errands to run. These are the most comfortable and longest-lasting flip-flops I've ever had. And I'm on my third pair. My first pair lasted over 6 years. Walk your dogs in them, paint your house in them, and do your gardening in them. They'll actually mold to fit your feet. Bonus: They're cute enough to wear with casual summer dresses too. – Dani Shugart