Step into any gym in the UK today and you’ll notice something before anyone picks up a dumbbell: the clothes.
Whether it’s moisture-wicking lycra, oversized cotton hoodies or skin-tight crop tops, the gym has quietly become a catwalk for subcultures within the fitness world.
Your training style says one thing—but your outfit often says even more.
So what does your gym kit say about you? Here’s a light-hearted but honest look at the gym tribes, decoded through their clothing choices. (If you feel personally attacked at any point, don’t worry. We all fall into one of these now and then.
1. The TikTok Gymfluencer
Signature look: Seamless matching sets, ultra-tight shorts, oversized headphones, and either a ring light in their gym bag or a friend filming them.
These are the people who hit the gym to train, sure—but also to content. You’ll spot them angling their phones just right on a bench or spending longer selecting a filter than actually finishing a set. Men tend to wear stringer vests and 5-inch shorts; women often sport bright-coloured matching crop top and leggings combos. Whether they’re dancing between sets or explaining their “glute activation warm-up” to a ring light, they’re always camera-ready.
Clue they’re here for followers as well as fitness: They spend more time adjusting the camera than their weights.
2. The Powerlifter
Signature look: Flat-soled shoes (often Converse), knee sleeves, lifting belt, chalk-stained T-shirt from a comp you’ve never heard of.
Powerlifters do not care if their kit is trendy. In fact, they’d probably be offended if it was. It’s all about function: clothes that can survive max effort squats and a fair bit of self-loathing. Expect a big water bottle, a worn-out hoodie in between sets, and perhaps some death metal blaring from old headphones.
Clue they’re here to lift heavy: They warm up with your max and grunt during deadlifts. Respect it.
3. The Lululemon Luxe Crowd
Signature look: Coordinated activewear sets, subtle branding, white trainers that never touch a treadmill.
Often found in boutique gyms, yoga studios or the gym cafe, this group treats fitness like a lifestyle brand. They look polished, hydrated, and expensive. Their kit says, “I lift, but I also brunch.” Don’t expect sweat stains—these outfits are curated, not lived in.
Clue they’re here for the vibe: There’s a scented water bottle, and possibly a Pilates ring in their tote bag.
4. The Old-School Bro
Signature look: Stringer vest, baggy joggers, lifting gloves, gold chain optional.
Straight out of the 2005 bodybuilding handbook. These guys still train chest three times a week and believe pre-workout is a personality trait. Their gym kit hasn’t changed since secondary school PE, and they’re proud of it. A little gruff, very loyal to the flat bench.
Clue they’re here to move iron, not trends: They bring their own chalk. And a chip on their shoulder about TikTokers.
5. The Minimalist
Signature look: Plain T-shirt, shorts, worn-in trainers.
Gender-neutral and gloriously underdressed, the minimalist gym-goer is here to do the work and leave. No logos, no hype. Usually moves with quiet confidence and may secretly be the strongest person in the room. Also likely to be a PT.
Clue they’re not here for nonsense: They’re in and out within 45 minutes, no selfies, no faff.
6. The Weekend Warrior
Signature look: Football shorts, an old race tee, and running shoes with 500+ miles on the clock.
This group turns up mostly on weekends, treats the gym like cross-training for life, and probably ran a half marathon once. Not super up-to-date on gym etiquette (they’ll curl in the squat rack), but their heart’s in the right place. Their kit suggests enthusiasm, if not precision.
Clue they’re giving it a go: They always look slightly confused by the cable machine.
7. The Athleisure Casual
Signature look: Joggers, crop top or vest, oversized hoodie, and a full face of makeup or perfect fade.
They may work out, but they’re also here for the social life. Their kit doubles as lifestyle wear, and they’re the ones most likely to bump into someone they know. These outfits are stylish, not sweaty, and the gym is part of the daily aesthetic, not just a place to train.
Clue they’re not breaking a sweat today: They look better leaving the gym than you did on arrival.
8. The Newbie in Disguise
Signature look: Brand-new matching set or head-to-toe Gymshark, immaculate trainers, and a slightly nervous energy.
This group has the right kit, but not quite the confidence yet. You’ll spot them hovering by machines, watching form videos on their phone, or checking the gym floor like it’s a maze. The effort is high, the reps a bit shaky. But give it a month.
Clue they’re still finding their feet: They wipe down every machine twice.
9. The Tech Maximalist
Signature look: Compression gear, fitness tracker, wireless headphones, heart rate monitor, sometimes even a GoPro.
These folks are data-driven and gear-obsessed. They’re tracking every heartbeat, VO2 max, and sleep cycle. Their outfit is less about style and more about optimisation. Often found on treadmills, rowing machines or doing zones-based training.
Clue they’re serious about stats: They can quote their recovery score from yesterday’s sleep app.
10. The Veteran
Signature look: Faded T-shirt from a gym that closed in 2012, shorts that have seen things, and indifference to trends.
This person has been lifting longer than some of the TikTok crowd have been alive. Doesn’t care about aesthetics or opinions. Their kit works, it’s comfortable, and they’re still hitting PBs. Quietly intimidating and often the one people ask for form checks.
Clue they’re old school in the best way: They re-rack everyone’s weights out of habit.
Don’t Take This Too Seriously!
Gym kit isn’t just about fabric and fit—it’s a language. Whether you’re flexing for the feed, grinding through a 5×5, or just trying to finish your third workout of the year, what you wear says something about how you train, what you value, and where you fit in the wild, weird ecosystem of gym life.
But don’t overthink it. Wear what works for you. This was only a bit of fun!