When you commit to a push pull legs split, every rep demands focus. Sam Sulek gear for push pull legs isn't just about looking the part - it's about function, comfort, and durability for each movement pattern. I've spent years helping creators launch merch that holds up under real training, and Sam's line is built for the volume he represents.
Why Your Workout Split Matters for Gear Choice
Each training day stresses your body differently. On push day, your chest, shoulders, and triceps need freedom of motion. On pull day, your lats and biceps require fabrics that don't restrict your back engagement. Leg day demands materials that allow deep squats and deadlift hinge without riding up.
Sam Sulek's own training style - high volume, near failure on most sets - puts gear through constant stretch and sweat. I've seen cheap blends lose shape after one session. The gear in this collection uses high-density cotton and reinforced stitching that survives hundreds of workouts. You need separates that breathe, move, and recover as hard as you do.
Fabric Matters More Than Fit
Most gym shirts fail because they pill or sag. Sam's tanks use a 6.5 oz cotton-poly blend that stays put through pressing and rowing. The shorts feature a 10-inch inseam with a gusseted crotch - critical for splaying your knees on squats.
Push Day: Best Tanks and Shorts for Pressing Movements
Push day requires maximum shoulder mobility. Tanks are the obvious choice, but not all tanks are equal. The Sam Sulek 'Heavy Press' tank has a cut that sits 2 inches below the armpit, giving your delts room to contract without fabric bunching under the bar.
- Breathability: Mesh side panels on select tanks keep airflow high during overhead press
- Sleeve cut: Deep armholes prevent chafing on incline press
- Short length: 7-inch inseam shorts with a stretch waistband stay put during leg drive
How to Pair for Bench and OHP
I recommend the 'Chest Out' tank paired with the 'Squat Proof' shorts. The tank has a wider neck that doesn't slide off your traps during barbell press. The shorts have a hidden zippered pocket for your phone (perfect for filming sets). In testing, this combo held shape after 12+ wash cycles.
Pull Day: Long Sleeves and Hoodies for Back and Biceps
Pull day is about engagement through the posterior chain. Long sleeves offer compression that helps muscle awareness, especially during rows and pull-ups. The 'Lat Spread' long sleeve uses flatlock seams to avoid irritation when your arms are fully extended.
- Elastic cuffs: Keep sleeves from riding up during pull-ups
- Thumbholes: Optional grip for deadlift shrugs
- Hoodie alternative: The 'Work' hoodie has a kangaroo pocket that sits high enough to not catch on barbells during rack pulls
Layering for Cold Gyms
Many lifters layer a tank under a hoodie for pull day. Sam's 'Rip' hoodie is cut slightly trimmer to avoid excess fabric during bent-over rows. I've used it for heavy lat pulldowns - the hood doesn't pull on your neck because of the ergonomic hood design.
Leg Day: Compression Gear and Sweatpants for Squats and Deadlifts
Leg day demands unrestricted hip flexion. Compression tights from Sam's line provide support without limiting range of motion. The 'Squat Depth' tights have 4-way stretch panels at the hips and knees.
- Waistband: 2-inch elastic band stays above the hip belt during squats
- Knee panel: Flatlocked stitching prevents chafing during high-bar and low-bar squat
- Sweatpants alternative: The 'Rest Day' joggers have a tapered leg that avoids bar contact on deadlifts
Compression vs. Loose: What Works When
For squat-focused leg days, compression tights prevent fabric bunching under the bar. For deadlift-focused days, loose sweatpants allow better hamstring stretching. I've tested both: the tights win for volume squatting (no adjustments between sets), while the joggers work better for single-rep max attempts because they don't compress the glutes.
How to Layer Sam Sulek Gear for Upper Lower Splits
If you're running an upper lower split instead of PPL, layering becomes key. Upper days combine push and pull movements, so you need gear that transitions between pressing and rowing without re-dressing.
- Base layer: A compression shirt (like the 'Foundation' tee) under a hoodie. For upper day, remove the hoodie during press sets, pull it on for rows.
- Lower day: Compression tights under 'Squat Proof' shorts. The shorts go on for the first set, then you can drop them for the rest of the workout if you get hot.
Temperature Management
Sam's gear uses moisture-wicking blends in the core sections. The 'Vent' tank has laser-cut holes along the spine - ideal for upper days when you're supersetting bench with rows. On lower days, the 'Deep' joggers have mesh calves for ventilation during Romanian deadlifts.
Key Takeaways
- Match gear cut to movement: tanks for push, long sleeves for pull, compression for legs
- Look for flatlock seams, reinforced stitching, and gusseted crotches in any bottom
- Layer strategically for upper lower splits - removable hoodies work best
- Sam Sulek gear uses specific fabric blends (like 6.5 oz cotton-poly) that hold shape after dozens of washes
- Prioritize mobility over aesthetics - the best gear disappears during heavy sets
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Sam Sulek tank should I get for bench press?
If you're between sizes, size down for a snugger fit that doesn't bunch under the bar. The 'Heavy Press' tank runs slightly generous through the chest. Most lifters prefer their true size for OHP, one size down for flat bench.Are Sam Sulek shorts good for deadlifting?
Yes, the 'Squat Proof' shorts have a gusseted crotch that accommodates a deadlift stance. The 10-inch inseam prevents the shorts from riding up when you hinge. They also have a reinforced waistband that stays put during sumo pulls.Do the long sleeves have thumbholes?
The 'Lat Spread' long sleeve has optional thumbholes stitched into the cuffs. They're reinforced with a double layer to prevent tearing during heavy pull-ups. If you don't use them, the cuffs still fit snugly without sliding.How do I care for Sam Sulek compression tights?
Wash them inside out in cold water, and hang dry. The 4-way stretch panels can degrade in high heat, so avoid the dryer. I've had a pair last 18 months with this method.Can I wear Sam Sulek hoodies for squatting?
The 'Work' hoodie has a slim cut that won't catch on the barbell during high-bar squats. The kangaroo pocket is positioned high enough to stay clear of the bar path. It's fine for moderate squat volumes, but for max effort sets, stick with a tank.
