Let us now praise sweats--those guileless, dyed-in-gym-pain comfort clothes that see us through hard times and iron plates. Let us praise the integrity of the often threadbare trimmings of the physical life, on which we perspire, bleed and cry our way toward becoming bigger and better men. Indeed, let us praise the humble raiment of our inexorable push toward the mountaintop of muscle, mass and might. And let us choose, without moderation or hesitation, from the selection presented here.

Jordan Sport Retro 7 T-shirt by Nike, 100 percent cotton $23; 800-$44-6453; www.nike.com

Jordan Sport Velour hoody by Nike, 100 percent velour $70

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Jordan Sport Velour pants by Nike, 100 percent velour $60

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7cm Poly short-sleeve jacket by Puma, 100 percent polyester $44; 888-565-7862; www.puma.com

7cm Poly pants by Puma, 100 percent polyester $35

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Sleeveless T-shirt by 2(x)ist, nylon/spandex blend $28; 212-741-7731; www.2xist.com

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Jericho shorts by Adidas, 100 percent polyester $30; 800-448-1796; www.adidas.com

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Cynergy T-suit by Adidas, 100 percent polyester $85

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Buena top by Reebok, 100 percent polyester $30; 800-733-2651 www.reebok.com

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Buena bottom by Reebok, 100 percent polyester $32

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Dri-Power shirt by Russell Athletic, 100 percent polyester $28; 800-606-5524; www.russellathletic.com

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Rugby shorts by Champion, cotton/polyester blend $15; 800-999-2249; www.championusa.com

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Workout top by Reebok, 100 percent polyester $28

Workout bottom by Reebok, 100 percent polyester $30

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