How to Choose the Right Workout Clothes

Co-authored by Cassie Wakin

Last Updated: December 22, 2021

While many people want to look good while they exercise, your workout clothes should be less about fashion and more about comfort and fit. What you wear can impact the success of your workout. Some forms of exercise, such as biking and swimming, will require specific pieces of clothing. For general workouts, it is best to wear something that fits well and keeps you cool. Choose the right workout clothes by considering fabric, fit and comfort.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Selecting fabric type

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Choose a fabric that provides wicking. Look for a synthetic fiber that will allow your skin to breathe by wicking--drawing the sweat away from your body.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Cassie Wakin
Pain & Posture Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.} This will help keep your body cool while you exercise. Polyester, Lycra and spandex work well.^{[2]
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- Look for clothing that is made from polypropylene. Some lines of workout clothing will contain COOLMAX or SUPPLEX fibers, which can help you manage your body temperature.
- Wear cotton if you do not anticipate sweating a lot. Cotton is a soft, comfortable fiber that works well for light workouts, such as walking or stretching. When cotton becomes sweaty, it can feel heavy and cling to your body, so it would not work well for more intense or aerobic activities.
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Choose good brand clothes with specific workout technology (not just a generic polyester). Reputable brand clothes such as Nike Dri-Fit are generally of a higher quality than a generic brand.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Getting the clothing to fit well

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Pay attention to fit. Depending on your own body image and personal style, you may prefer workout clothing that is loose, and covers most of your body. Or, you might want to wear fitted outfits that allow you to see your muscles and curves as you exercise.
- Form-fitting clothing is great for a workout—just make sure it's not too tight.^{[3]
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  Cassie Wakin
  Pain & Posture Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.}
- Make sure that your clothing doesn't pull your stomach in and restrict your movement.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Cassie Wakin
  Pain & Posture Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.}
2
Tailor your attire to the specific activity. If you are running or biking, do not wear long pants that might cause you to trip or get stuck in the pedals. For yoga and Pilates practitioners, avoid clothing that will not move with you during different poses.^{[5]
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Incorporate supportive undergarments into your workout wardrobe. Women should look for a good sports bra that offers support and flexibility, and men will want to look for a protective cup if they are playing contact sports as part of their workouts.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Choosing clothing

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Choose clothes that you find attractive. While function and fit are the most important elements, you want to feel good while you are exercising, otherwise you might be tempted to cut your workout short.
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Choose clothes according to your needs. Men can wear shorts with t-shirts for workout and women can wear leggings with tops and t-shirts for comfortable workout. People who don’t like shorts can wear workout pants or flair pants for workout in gym.^{[6]
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- For winter season you can use to wear full sleeve t-shirts or sweatshirts for workout which helps to keep body warm and give enough comfort.
3
Buy a few pairs of branded workout clothes in different colors for routine. Don’t use to wear same color daily. Also buy a pair of good sports shoes for workout. You will feel more active in shoes and they also protect your feet from injuries. Buy few pairs of cotton socks.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Wearing the workout clothing

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Layer your workout clothes during colder months. If you exercise outdoors, you will want to add a few layers of clothing during the winter, and even during fall and spring if you workout in the early mornings or late evenings. Wear items you can easily discard as your body temperature heats up during your workout.^{[7]
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Wear the appropriate footwear. Runners, tennis players and trainers will want to choose a workout shoe that protects their bodies and boosts performance. Make sure you wear a comfortable athletic shoe that supports your feet and ankles.^{[8]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Is it better to wear more clothes when working out?

Cassie Wakin
Pain & Posture Specialist
Cassie Wakin is a Pain & Posture Specialist based in Austin, Texas. With more than 11 years of experience, she specializes in fitness coaching, intuitive eating nutrition counseling, and addressing back pain, poor posture, and joint pain. Cassie holds a Human Biomechanics Specialist Certification from Functional Patterns and is an Anthem Award winning trainer.

Cassie Wakin

Pain & Posture Specialist

Expert Answer

It can actually help to wear fewer clothes when working out! This way, you'll have an easier time spotting any of your body's biomechanical deficiencies, like a shifting hip or ribcage.
Question

What natural fabrics are ideal when exercising?

Community Answer

Cotton is usually the best, as it soaks up moisture very well and lets the skin breathe more than other fabrics.
Question

Do I need to wear Jetties while exercising?

Community Answer

You can. You could wear any sneaker from adidas, nike, under armour, etc.

Warnings

Avoid wearing your casual, every day clothing during your workout. Items such as jeans, sweaters and sandals will prevent you from working out safely and effectively.

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Do not wear excessive jewelry when you exercise. Anything dangling from your neck or wrist runs the risk of snagging on a piece of equipment, or falling off your body.

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