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Jan 08, 2024

The Best Gym Vests for Showing off Your Muscular Arms

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Welcome to the gun show

Working for Men's Health, there's one thing we know for sure: all men want bigger arms. We know this because some of our most clicked on articles are guides to building bigger biceps and triceps. But what's the point in having bigger arms if you don't own the necessary clothing to show them off? If goal one is to build bigger arms, then goal two should be to buy a gym vest that shows off your hard work.

With that in mind, we've sorted the men from the boys when it comes to gym vests and tank tops. Some of them are high-tech, ventilated examples that wick sweat and keep you looking cool through the toughest of workouts, while others are nostalgic stringer vests that will speak to old-school, Arnie-esque bodybuilders.

Whatever your inclination and whether you're just happy showing off your arms or you want more skin on display too, you'll find the perfect gym vest among these 11 examples.

The OG of gym vests took inspiration from the old school with its Power stringer, which whether you're engaged in rotator cuff warm ups or max out reps will see you through 'til failure with a durable cotton-based fabric and lifting-centric silhouette. This is a stringer built for bodybuilding.

Nobody said that buying a gym vest had to cost you the Earth and considering you're buying such a small amount of fabric, why should it? At this price: buy, rep, repeat.

Nike's Pro Tank is made from lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric, which will keep you dry and comfortable, while its "high-stretch design" lets you move naturally through your toughest workouts. Having the Nike swoosh emblazoned on your chest will make you feel like a pro too.

At the higher-end of the sleeveless vest market sits Lululemon's Pulse Motivation vest. This sleeveless top maintains breathability while you're putting it through tough workouts thanks to its strategically panelled Mesh fabric. This vest is perfect if you want to combine old-school gym style with new-age tech.

MyProtein knows a thing or two about building muscle, and judging by this classic sleeveless tank it knows a thing or two about showing muscle off too. Ideal for working out or for just lounging around on rest days.

Just want to keep it simple? Nike's Dri-Fit vest will keep you cool and comfortable with its sweat-wicking fabric and mesh back panel, and you can't go wrong with a plain black vest.

Using 'HEAT.RDY' tech, Adidas' Prime HEAT.RDY gym vest absorbs moisture and air-cools as you move, helping you stay dry during your workout. Plus, it helps emphasise ventilation in high-sweat areas.

This option from ASOS covers a little more than the Stringer Vest above, but still let's everyone know you've been working bi's and tri's.

Okay, so this vest should really be seen on the court rather than the weights area, but when something looks this good, does it really matter?

If you care about aesthetics as well as function then H&M has you covered. This stylish tank is made from "fast-drying functional fabric" and in dark grey will match whatever you choose to pair it with. For less than a tenner you can't grumble at that.

Simple, sleek and something Dwayne Johnson would wear. Need we say more?

The gym vest that started it all. Worn by Arnie and countless other muscle builders on Venice beach, Gold's Gym's vest pays homage to the Mecca of bodybuilding. There's no better top to put you in the mood to grind out another rep and set.

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