When searching for high performance athletic wear, two brands always come up: Hylete and Ten Thousand. Both offer functional, comfortable apparel perfect for training, running, and working out.
But should you choose Hylete or Ten Thousand for your activewear needs?
This in-depth comparison highlights the pros, cons, key features, and frequently asked questions to help you decide which premium athletic brand is best for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Hylete | Ten Thousand |
| Founding | 2012, Santa Cruz CA | 2018, Seattle WA |
| Price range | $$$ | $$-$$$ |
| Variety | Broad apparel line | Focused on shorts & shirts |
| Strengths | Innovative fabrics and features | Clever functional design |
| Fit | Athletic, adjustable features | Dialed-in, flattering fit |
| Style | Bold prints and details | Sleek, subtle aesthetics |
| Signature Product | Circuit Shorts | Session Shorts |
Overview Of Hylete
Founded in Santa Cruz, California in 2012, Hylete aims to outfit fitness enthusiasts who demand quality gear. They focus on versatile, innovative apparel and footwear built to power all kinds of workouts.
Hylete clothes feature moisture-wicking, odor-resistant technology and streamlined yet stylish designs. The brand sells various shorts, pants, tops and shoes for both men and women.
Pros of Hylete
- Innovative, high-tech fabrics
- Flattering, functional designs
- Versatile for all types of training
- 5” and 7” inseams for men’s shorts
- 30 day “We’ve Got Your Back” guarantee
Cons of Hylete
- Very expensive price point
- Limited collection of women’s apparel
- Quality control issues noted by some customers
Hylete delivers feature-packed athletic clothing perfect for hardcore fitness buffs who want both performance and style. Expect to pay top dollar for their high-end gear.
Overview Of Ten Thousand
Launched in 2018 by Keith Nowak, Ten Thousand set out to make the perfect workout shorts packed with smart features. Based in Seattle, the brand has since expanded into shirts, hoodies, and workout accessories.
Ten Thousand clothing integrates thoughtful design touches like zippered pockets, hidden waistband pockets, and reflective details. The fabrics are lightweight, stretchy, and sweat-wicking.
Pros of Ten Thousand
- Clever, functional design details
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Flattering fit tailored for men and women
- 5” and 7” inseams for men’s shorts
- Simple, stylish aesthetics
Cons of Ten Thousand
- Limited to shorts, shirts, and few accessories
- Premium pricing like Hylete
- Few options currently for women
Ten Thousand delivers intentional activewear designed to take you from workout to hangout with comfort. Expect to pay up for their smartly-designed, high-performance clothes.
Also Read: Comparison Between ASRV And Ten Thousand.
Comparison Between Hylete and Ten Thousand
Now that we’ve provided an overview of Hylete and Ten Thousand individually, let’s directly compare some of the key factors in choosing one brand over the other:
Price – Both Hylete and Ten Thousand command premium pricing, generally $50-90+ per piece. You’re paying for premium fabrics, construction and design from these brands. Ten Thousand shorts cost slightly less on average than Hylete.
Variety – Hylete offers a wider range of apparel and accessories covering tops, bottoms, underwear and shoes for men and women. Ten Thousand started with shorts and has less variety at this point.
Fabrics – The fabrics from both brands feature moisture wicking, stretch, and quick drying properties perfect for working out. Hylete seems to incorporate more proprietary fabric technologies.
Fit – The fit from both brands caters to athletic body types. Ten Thousand may have a slight edge in dialing in the fit of their clothes. Hylete offers more adjustable features.
Style – Style is a strength of both brands, balancing form and function. Ten Thousand sports a sleeker, more subtle look while Hylete designs feature bolder patterns and details.
Performance – When it comes to actually working out, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Their clothes are built to handle tough training thanks to high quality construction.
Versatility – Hylete and Ten Thousand apparel transitions seamlessly from the gym to the street. Ten Thousand’s shorts and shirts are especially versatile for all-day wear.
Sizing – Both offer a decent size range to accommodate most body types, but standard sizes. Ten Thousand currently has more women’s options.
Quality – The overall construction and quality is comparable between the two brands. Hylete seems to have more issues with quality control and variability.
Also Read: Comparison Between FLEO And Lululemon.
Comparing Signature Shorts and Shirts
Two of the most popular products from Hylete and Ten Thousand are their men’s shorts and shirts.
Here’s how two of their signature items stack up:
Shorts – The Circuit Short from Hylete features streamlined look with zippered back pocket. The Session Short from Ten Thousand has a button closure, hidden waistband pocket and reflective logo. Both have 5” and 7” inseams available.
The Ten Thousand short wins for clever design details while Hylete is simpler yet very functional.
Shirts – Hylete’s Icon Short Sleeve Tee incorporates anti-odorproperties and athleisure style. Ten Thousand’s Lightweight Short Sleeve Tee focuses on breathability and quick-dry performance.
For moisture wicking performance, Ten Thousand may have the edge, while Hylete offers a wider range of casual shirt designs.
Frequently Asked Qustions (FAQ)
Hylete commands premium pricing due to their proprietary fabric technologies, innovative features, and overall high-performance construction. They aim to create functional activewear that can justify a higher price tag through technical innovation and quality.
For powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting, a shorter inseam around 5 inches gives you the most mobility and range of motion. Longer shorts can bunch up and get in the way during squats and lifts.
The ideal gym short inseam comes down to personal preference, but 5-7 inches is preferred by most gymgoers. Shorter 5 inch inseams allow a full range of motion. Longer 7 inch inseams offer a bit more coverage.
Guys often wear shorter shorts when weightlifting or doing certain functional training to allow a greater range of motion. Shorter shorts are also more comfortable and breathable when working out. The short shorts trend comes from old-school athletic and running shorts as well.
Also Read: Comparison Between Born Primitive And Lululemon.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to premium athletic apparel, both Hylete and Ten Thousand make outstanding activewear for training, CrossFit, HIIT classes, running and everyday wear. Hylete excels at high-tech fabrics and features while Ten Thousand nails the details with thoughtful design.
For versatile, innovative performance apparel, Hylete is a great choice albeit pricey. Ten Thousand shines when you want smartly designed gym gear combining comfort, style and functionality.
Either brand will upgrade your workout wardrobe with high quality construction and on-trend athletic style.