This site contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure for more information. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.
If you are reading this, it likely means that you want to achieve your fitness goals. To begin with, you should have a clear idea of what those goals are in the first place. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Forget about what you think anyone else is thinking of your body and clothes, and focus solely on yourself. If your goal is to fit into that blazer from H&M a few sizes too small, then go for it!
If you don’t currently have a fitness goal in mind, here’s an easy starting point: think of something tangible or measurable that can be accomplished in 3-6 months time. For example, if you’ve always wanted to run a 5K race but never trained for one before, aim to start training by the end of next month’s pay period. Or maybe there’s an event coming up during which you want to look more toned and fit—a camp reunion or class trip? Think ahead to any big events on the calendar and plan accordingly.
A supportive sports bra.
You don’t have to wear a sports bra, but they’re definitely worth considering. A good sports bra can:
- Provide support and comfort
- Help you to exercise without pain
- Protect you from injury
A good sports bra will also help you feel confident in what you’re doing and allow you to move freely. It should fit snugly, but not too tight, and not have anything that pokes or irritates.
Performance shorts.
If you’re serious about working out, don’t make the mistake of wearing your dad’s old basketball shorts. While baggy athletic shorts are comfortable and familiar, they’re often not very flattering or functional. A pair of good quality workout shorts will fit your body well and allow for you to move at a full range of motion without getting in the way or chafing. You can find high-quality performance shorts from brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas that offer a variety of cuts and styles suited to different types of physical activity.
While cargo pockets might seem like an appealing extra feature on gym shorts, they’re more trouble than they’re worth; storing keys or a wallet in cargo pockets can be both uncomfortable and distracting during a workout.
Performance tops.
Your workout top should be made of a synthetic fiber that wicks moisture from your body. It should be formfitting, but not so tight that it restricts your movement or becomes see-through when you bend over. And you should be able to comfortably do a sit-up in it.
The ideal performance top will help you stay dry and comfortable during even the most intense workouts, and allow for full range of motion whether you’re doing burpees or tricep kickbacks. You can get tops like these for as little as $10 at Old Navy, Target, and other retailers with athletic apparel sections.
Sweatpants.
Sweatpants aren’t just for binging Netflix anymore. There’s no need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and shell out for athletic clothes in order to look like an athlete—you can sweat it out and stay comfy in these pants built for lounging. Plus, they have the bonus of being a wardrobe staple that will last you through many seasons, which is good news if you’re on a budget.
Sweatpants are great for low-intensity workouts, like going for jogs or doing yoga in the park, since they’re so soft and comfortable. They’re also great for outdoor workouts during cold months because they keep your legs warm as you exercise. If you want to be fully covered head to toe while working up a sweat, pair your sweats with a hoodie and some sneakers—or keep it simple with whatever else you feel comfortable in (no one’s judging).
Tights or workout leggings.
Tights or workout leggings:
Let’s quickly clear the air on this one. Tights are simply another name for tight-fitting leggings, so if you want to wear tights to the gym, we say go for it! Leggings come in all shapes and sizes, but typically your best bet is finding a pair made from performance fabric that is tight-fitting and won’t chafe. The materials need to be comfortable and functional, helping to keep you cool while also wicking away sweat. Just make sure your bottoms stay in place throughout your workout and that they don’t reveal anything at an awkward time (ahem)!
While there are many different types of legging fabrics out there—from fleece lining to compression—the most important thing is that you choose a pair that is breathable (so as not to overheat), supportive (yes, even if you’re doing yoga), comfortable in terms of rise height (high or low), the right size (not too big OR too small), and flattering on your body type.
Not loving black? Try a darker shade like navy or green instead!
A hat and sunglasses.
It’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses that provide sun protection. Some people may be concerned about looking silly in the gym with these accessories on, but they shouldn’t be—hats with sun protection are available in a variety of stylish options that look great and make you feel good.
Wearing a hat at the gym can also be practical; it will keep your eyes from squinting as you run outdoors, enabling you to focus clearly on your surroundings. And though some may believe that wearing shades to the gym is not worth it, we think otherwise: sunglasses with adequate UV protection are an essential piece of gear for health-conscious athletes who don’t want their eyesight damaged by UV rays. For them, there is no question that slipping on their favorite pair of shades is one way to stay safe while making sure those around them see how cool they look too!
Your own water bottle.
You need your own water bottle. Lots of gyms have water fountains, but the gym I go to doesn’t, so I’m a big fan of carrying my own water with me. Having my own bottle means that when I forget to drink enough before going to the gym, I can still hydrate during my workout and am not dependent on getting some fountain time in between sets. My relationship with plastic bottles is complicated, so having a reusable option also makes me feel like less of an environmental traitor whenever I work out.
If you’re exercise-averse but have been considering making a change for the better (good for you!), there are lots of water intake recommendations that are based on how active you are, so it might be a good idea to pick up your own reusable bottle and start logging how much water you drink throughout the day anyway.
An extra pair of shoes and socks.
Having an extra pair of shoes and socks at the gym isn’t a sign of wealth or status, but rather a simple hack for staying comfortable. Gym-goers who wear their sneakers home from the gym are not disgusting, but they’re generally not as aware of what’s happening to their feet as those who change their socks. If you’ve ever accidentally touched your sock after working out and then touched your face, there’s no need to feel bad—now you know. It’s just part of being human: our bodies sweat and create bacteria that sometimes result in smelly feet. But wearing sweaty clothes home is uncomfortable at best and unsanitary at worst. Spare gym clothes also make it easier to leave your workout directly after completing it. Having everything you need in one place gives you fewer excuses to procrastinate on getting fit!
Dry shampoo and deodorant.
While it may seem trivial, the difference between a dry shampoo and regular shampoo is pretty staggering. You see, dry shampoo doesn’t involve water, which means you won’t need to use any of your precious minutes in the locker room washing your hair. This is ideal for those who are extra busy and want to get in and out of the gym as quickly as possible. Additionally, because sweat is often to blame for unruly hair post-workout, using a dry shampoo can help—especially if you’re going directly from one workout to another without taking a break to wash up first.
So what’s the best way to apply dry shampoo? It’s actually quite simple! Just take some of the product and apply it directly on your roots using your fingers. After that, simply massage or comb until it becomes evenly distributed across all of your scalp and hair. You’ll be able to go about your day with clean-looking locks in no time at all!
A change of clothes.
- Dress for comfort and ease of movement. We all know that one person who’s there at the gym every day, right? He’s always doing pull-ups with a weight belt on or curling dumbbells while wearing gloves. His outfit is flashy, too—he has a neon blue shirt with yellow lightning streaks on it and matching shorts. From what you can tell, nothing about his activity seems very comfortable, especially when he wears his weightlifting belt during a set of sit ups.
- Dress for success. We’re not going to tell you how to live your life and if you really think cheerleading uniforms are in your future, then more power to you! But we do recommend dressing like you mean business when you go to the gym because it might just motivate you to work harder.
- Dress for safety. If you’re participating in activities that involve heavy lifting or running on uneven surfaces (like trails) then it would be wise to consider strategies like wearing shoes with good traction or gloves that protect your hands from calluses or blisters. You should also wear clothes that cover up any part of your body which could get injured if exposed (like knees).
Clothes that are functional, comfortable, and breathable are best when working out
To make sure your workout wardrobe is as functional as possible, think about materials, fit, and comfort. At the end of the day, you’re only going to exercise in clothing that’s easy to move around in and doesn’t cause discomfort of any kind. You want pieces that are breathable—breathability is key because you want your skin to be able to breathe while you work out! The fabric should be soft and lightweight so it won’t absorb sweat or be too heavy during a cardio workout. In addition, athletic wear should generally contour well with your body: if it’s too tight, it will restrict movement; if it’s too loose, it could get caught on things.
Any form-fitting pieces (like leggings) should also have an elastic waistband so they don’t slip down when you’re exercising—just make sure the elastic isn’t too tight against your skin (which can cause pain). If anything feels uncomfortable at all during a workout session then try something else instead – like those old sweatpants from high school gym class!
When choosing what types of clothing items will work best for you personally consider their functionality first: do I need pockets? How often will I wear them outside my home? While these items can typically range anywhere between $50-$100 each piece they do tend to last longer than cheaper options thanks mostly because they’re made with better quality fabrics which means less money spent over time making replacements
Conclusion
Now you know what to wear to the gym! This can help you feel more confident, comfortable and ready to hit your workout. It can also prevent chafing and infection. Wearing long sleeves at the gym may make you feel self-conscious, but just remember that most people are too absorbed in their own workouts to worry about what anyone else is wearing (and if they do care, that’s their problem). If you’re still concerned, then choose a shirt with a simple design or pattern that isn’t too loud. In terms of pants, always choose something stretchy and wicking. It’s important to wear clean clothes every day so make sure you wash your workout clothing after each time you use them.
Now that we have covered all the major points on what to wear at the gym it’s time for our final takeaway: You should wear light layers with high-tech fabric since this will keep your body temperature stable throughout your workout routine. Always remember not to overdress because gyms can get hot very quickly during an intense workout session so ensure whatever outfit you decide on is made of high-tech material that absorbs sweat well. No matter how cold outside feels like inside will be warm enough once some cardio gets started!
