Overview of Barbell Apparel
Barbell Apparel exploded onto the fitness apparel scene in 2016 with a mission to create quality, comfortable clothing tailored specifically for muscular and athletic body types. Founded by weightlifter Karl Workman, the brand makes stylish yet functional casual and athletic wear with extra room through the hips, thighs and rear – areas that often feel restricted in standard-sized clothing.
After a successful launch on Shark Tank and Kickstarter campaign that brought in over $300k in funding, Barbell rapidly grew to become a top athletic clothing brand for CrossFit athletes, bodybuilders, powerlifters and other gym-goers with muscular physiques.
Today, Barbell offers an extensive selection of t-shirts, jeans, joggers, dresses, polos and performance wear designed for men and women with curvier, more muscular bodies. The brand has expanded internationally while garnering over 300k followers across social media through partnerships with fitness influencers and sponsorships of top athletes.
We‘ll analyze the pros and cons of Barbell Apparel in this in-depth review:
Pros
- Clothing specifically designed for muscular/athletic body types
- Quality fabrics with stretch and durability
- Flattering cuts, tapered shapes and comfortable waistbands
- Sweat-wicking/odor-resistant materials for activewear
- Generous sizing charts and fit guidance for both genders
- Positive reputation and customer satisfaction
Cons
- Pricing at the higher end (>$100 for most pieces)
- Limited selection of accessories, shoes, etc.
- Sparse availability from third-party retailers
- Potential duties/taxes for international shipping
With the basics covered, let‘s dive into Barbell‘s top-rated mens and womens clothing lines to showcase their comfortable, body-flattering styles designed for big quads, wide lats and every muscle in between!
Barbell Apparel Men‘s Review
Barbell Athletic Slim Fit Stretch Jeans
Barbell‘s Athletic Slim Fit jeans stand out for their generous thigh room and tapering below the knees for a balanced, flattering silhouette. With strategic paneling and 4-way stretch fabric blended from cotton, modal and spandex, these jeans provide both flexibility and structure that moves with your body.
The Indigowash jeans fit waist sizes 26"- 40" and is also available in 10 other color washes from light to dark to suit any style. Expect a comfortable medium rise and 5-pocket styling. At $149, Barbell‘s jean construction quality rivals premium denim brands and they receive rave reviews for their comfort from muscular guys.
Motive Performance Dress Shirt
A versatile button-down that transitions seamlessly from the gym to the office or night out, Barbell‘s Motive dress shirt provides stretch and sweat-wicking performance in a tailored cut. The lightweight polyester/spandex fabric allows full mobility while the gusseted back and taper through the waist create a streamlined silhouette.
With 15 color/pattern options, this shirt accommodates chest sizes up to XXL. The wrinkle-resistant fabric holds up well to washing and wear while integrated odor control prevents smells after your workout. Overall, a great high-performance dress shirt packed with features beyond standard cotton button-downs.
Foundation Short Sleeve Tee
A relaxed-fit tee designed for big arms, chest and shoulders, Barbell‘s Foundation tee contains cotton for softness and polyester for quick-drying performance. The material feels substantial without being stiff or restrictive. With a straight hem and classic crew neck, this tee comes in standard and tall lengths plus 15 colors to complement any complexion.
Reviewers praise this t-shirt for holding its shape wash after wash without losing softness or fit. As an affordable $32 basic that flatters athletic bodies, it makes a versatile addition to any athletic guy‘s wardrobe.
Barbell Apparel Women‘s Review
Let‘s check out a few of Barbell Apparel‘s best-selling staples for the ladies:
High-Rise Jeggings
Stretchy, smoothing and made to move, Barbell‘s High-Rise Jeggings contain a premium ponte fabric (73% rayon, 24% nylon, 3% spandex) in a next-to-skin feel that shapes your curves. These pull-on jeggings accommodate thigh circumferences up to 28 inches, with a contoured waistband that stays put.
Designed for lifting, HIIT workouts or casual wear, the jeggings feel like a second skin and allow free movement through the hips and thighs. The inseams also come in three lengths (25", 27" and 29") to ensure the right ankle coverage for your height. At $128, women love these pants for both daily wear and intense training.
Lux High Neck Bra
Supportive yet sexy, Barbell‘s Lux High Neck bra leaves cleavage to the imagination for confident, full coverage. Designed for B-DD cups, this bra contains removable padding and an encased underwire that lifts and separates without uncomfortable friction. The strappy back lends elegant detail while the fabric (76% nylon/24% spandex) feels ultra-soft against skin.
Beyond the gym, this bra works beautifully as an everyday layering piece under tanks, dresses and blazers. Overall, a pretty yet functional bra that checks all the boxes.
Vital Seamless Tank
A workout staple designed for big lats, chest and shoulders, the Vital Seamless Tank provides light compression and smoothing with subtle texture. The fabric (80% polyester/20% spandex) feels cool against skin and won‘t ride up, while the racerback showcases defined shoulders and back muscles.
This top fits bra sizes 32C-38DDD and comes in versatile neutrals like black, gray and blush pink to mix & match for training. The seamless construction and fitted silhouette make it a flattering athleisure basic at an affordable $42.
Who is Barbell Apparel For?
While anyone can wear Barbell Apparel, the brand primarily targets men and women committed to strength training, bodybuilding or CrossFit with athletic physiques that require specific sizing. Their clothes accommodate large quads, bubble butts, broad shoulders – essentially body types that cannot comfortably size down into typical "slim" or "athletic" fit clothing.
Beyond hardcore gym rats, the brand also suits casual athletes that live an active lifestyle with areas of thicker muscle mass. Their apparel balances comfort with mainstream styles and versatile fabrics that transition from the streets to the gym. With inclusive sizing and stretch materials made to move, Barbell Apparel fills a niche for muscular body types overlooked by mainstream fashion.
Customer Reviews
Across various platforms, Barbell Apparel earns overwhelmingly positive reviews for accommodating muscular frames with comfort and style:
- 4.8 out of 5 stars across 5,300+ reviews on BarbellApparel.com
- A+ rating accredited by the Better Business Bureau
- 4.6 out of 5 stars from fitness gear testers at GForGadget.com
- 5 out of 5 stars from DudeReviews.com
The brand scores big points for quality construction that balances durability, comfort and aesthetic appeal. Customers love the perfect amount of stretch that moves with your body without sagging or losing shape. Many compare Barbell’s fabrics and fit favorably to premium athletic brands like Lululemon and UnderArmour.
One ripped reviewer shares:
"I work out 5-6 times a week and have big quads/glutes from heavy lifting. These Athletic Slim jeans fit like a dream with extra room through the thighs without looking baggy or ill-fitting. Love Barbell Apparel for making clothes specifically for muscular legs/butt!"
However, a few reviewers note inconsistencies in new product launches fitting differently than established collections. Some also feel Barbell‘s prices run on the expensive end.
Overall though, most happy customers finally feel seen by a clothing brand embracing (instead of shrinking) their hard-earned gains. Barbell fills a clear gap in the market for durable, body-conscious athletic apparel tailored to the ever-growing fitness community.
The Verdict: Is Barbell Apparel Worth It?
If you weight train intensely and feel constricted wearing standard clothing, investing in Barbell Apparel offers the perfect solution. With premium performance fabrics tough enough for the gym yet stylish for everyday, the brand nails combining comfort, quality and fit for hardcore athletes.
While the prices exceed fast fashion, the construction and features make each Barbell piece worth the spend for durable staples that fit muscular bodies. For women, they provide cute yet supportive bras, leggings and tanks to tackle any workout. For men, trousers, henleys and polos balance strong with sophisticated style.
Overall, Barbell Apparel sets themselves apart by embracing (not shrinking!) the athletic physique. Though still a young brand, their rave customer reviews and A+ rating speak volumes about filling an underserved niche. We confidently recommend Barbell Apparel for equipped lifters, CrossFit champs and muscular bodies everywhere searching for clothes catering to their needs.
Promotions & Discounts
As a small business, Barbell Apparel rarely offers site-wide sales beyond occasional holiday specials. However, the brand provides substantial savings for active military members and veterans:
- 20% military discount year-round for all active duty and retired US military personnel
Sign up is quick & easy via ID.me. Barbell also gives back via their Lift for the 22 foundation, donating a portion of sales to veterans‘ mental health initiatives.
While discounts may be few, the quality and performance of Barbell‘s apparel justify the retail prices for most muscular physique. Investing in durable staples made for your body ultimately saves money over fast fashion that requires continual replacement.
Where to Buy
Purchase Barbell Apparel directly through their site BarbellApparel.com with prices in USD. Retail partnerships include:
- Nordstrom (ships to US/Canada)
- Savage Barbell (USA)
- Selected independent apparel shops
Barbell also ships internationally to over 50 countries worldwide. Expect potential added costs for duties/taxes when ordering outside the US.
The Last Rep
Give your hard-earned gains the clothes they deserve with Barbell Apparel. Built by athletes for athletes, the brand delivers style rooted in performance with the fit muscular bodies demand. Both comfortable and inspiring, Barbell motivates continued growth with flexible, flattering apparel made to empower your strongest self.
