What to Wear to the Gym

What you wear to the gym can have a big impact on the quality of your workout. Not only can the right outfit have physical benefits, but it can have mental ones as well. Feeling good in your clothes can help motivate you to go harder, longer. Deciding what to wear can seem overwhelming, but finding the right clothes is definitely worth it.

What to Wear to the Gym

Fabric Choices

There are two main schools of thought when it comes to fabric for workout wear: cotton and synthetic fibers. Cotton is very soft and relatively breathable. On the other hand, it can easily stretch out and fade over time. It also does not have some of the benefits synthetic fabrics can have.

Synthetic fabrics are very popular. They can be moisture-wicking and are designed to dry faster than cotton. Synthetic is flexible and very comfortable. The downside here is they tend to hold onto odors worse than cotton.

Consider Your Workout

Different types of exercise require different types of clothing. Tight leggings may be great for yoga, but probably would be uncomfortable for lifting. If you are running, compression pants are a great choice. Even the sleeves on your top can be a factor because certain exercises require more freedom of movement than others.

Try Before You Buy

When trying on workout clothes, move around in them as much as possible. Fitting rooms can be small, so it can be hard. At the very least, bend down and touch your toes to make sure your shirts won’t ride up too far. Be sure your pants will stay up if you move around.

Once you have bought your outfit, it may be a good idea to do a workout or two at home to see how your clothes will perform. That way, you can go to the gym 100% confident that your clothes will do their job and make you look great.

Shoe Choices

No matter what type of workout you are doing, having comfortable and supportive shoes is important. There are a ton of shoes on the market, targeted at many different types of activities. Be sure to try on a few different types of shoes and wear the same socks you plan on wearing when working out.

When you find the right shoes, they will provide stability, motion control, and enough cushioning to keep you comfortable throughout your entire workout. Since there are so many brands of athletic wear on the market, it is easy to find a pair that matches your personal style.

Socks

One area of gym wear that often gets neglected is the socks. You do not want to through your fancy gym shoes on top of any old pair. It is important that your socks are able to breathe. Generally speaking, white or gray socks made from acrylic or acrylic blends are a safe bet. Cotton and wool are both very comfortable materials but can get sweaty and cumbersome during an intense workout.

Wash Often

Dirty gym clothes are no one’s friend. Not only can nasty bacteria grow, but odors can also happen. As your sweat dries on the fabric, the bacteria can breed and make you sick. You also do not want to be the smelly person at the gym. Even though you only wear these clothes for an hour or two at a time, it is still important to wash them between uses.

Due to the fact that they will get washed often, make sure you look for clothes that are easy to care for. Articles of clothing that are washer and dryer friendly will be much easier to keep clean.

Wear Clothes Designed for the Gym

It is easy to spot people who are new or not sure what they are doing at the gym. Do not be the person at the gym wearing their everyday clothes while lifting or running on the treadmill. Investing in a few gym outfits will help you fit in and be comfortable at the gym.

Bring a Towel

You do not want to be wiping your sweat on your nice new gym clothes. Having a towel is important so that you can wipe down machines after using them as well as wipe your hands and face. Consider your gym towel an accessory to your gym outfit.

Final Thoughts

Be sure that the clothes you choose are well-suited for your workout routine. You also should feel amazing when wearing them. Avoid anything baggy as it may become a hazard when using certain equipment. Make sure you have considered everything you are wearing, from head to toe, to make sure you are comfortable the entire time.