When it comes to working out, the little things can make a big difference. Wearing the right clothes, eating a healthy diet, and choosing a good gym can help you get and stay fit.
That said, deciding what to wear to the gym can be tough since there are so many options. What type of workouts you do, where you exercise, and more can all play a role in the pieces you’ll want to put together.
But we’re here to help! Check out this guide where we give an overview of what to wear to the gym for women, so you can find some outfit inspiration for your next workout.
5 Tips for Choosing Your Gym Outfit
What to Wear to the Gym: 3 Examples
Find Clothes You’ll Be Excited to Wear for Your Next Workout
What Do You Wear to the Gym?
Good workout clothes are an essential part of your gym routine, with performance-focused designs that combine comfort and flexibility. The best gym clothes can help you stay cool and comfortable while you’re exercising.
So, what do you wear to the gym? Let’s look at a quick breakdown of some of the most popular workout clothing.
Bottoms
Bottoms make a big difference when you’re working out, preventing chafing and wicking away moisture. With different types of bottoms to choose from, you can find comfortable workout clothes, whether it’s the middle of the summer or the dead of winter.
Here are some of the different types of bottoms everyone should have in their fitness wardrobe:
Leggings: Leggings are made from a stretchy material that offers a snug fit, keeping you cool and comfortable while you exercise. Soma® leggings are the perfect addition to your low-impact workout wardrobe during any season.
Compression shorts: Compression shorts are great for indoor workouts. If you’re looking for something a little lighter than leggings that still offer the same snug fit, compression shorts are perfect.
Moisture-wicking shorts: For summer workouts, it’s hard to beat a pair of moisture-wicking shorts. Moisture-wicking shorts make you sweat less, helping to prevent rashes and other skin problems.
Tops
Finding the right top can really make or break your gym outfit. These are some of the most popular tops for working out:
Tees: Everyone loves t-shirts because they’re simple and stylish, but choosing the right shirt is key. Look for tees that are moisture-wicking and lightweight for the best performance.
Tanks: Tank tops are a little lighter than tees, so they’re great for working out in a hot gym or running on a hot summer day. Your collection of activewear and loungewear should include at least a few tanks.
Vest: Vests provide a little extra warmth to help you power through cold-weather runs and workouts. Look for a lightweight vest that doesn’t restrict your movement.
Pro tip: Thick t-shirts and tank tops aren’t ideal for working out because they can cause excessive sweating and chafing.
Sports Bras
When it comes to women’s workout wear, sports bras are essential. A good sports bra provides breast support to prevent pain and discomfort, reducing damage caused by a lack of support. When you choose a sports bra, the first thing you want to look at is the level of support it provides:
Low support: Low-support sports bras are ideal for light workout activities like walking, yoga, and strength training. These sports bras are ideal for women with a smaller cup size.
Medium support: Medium support sports bras provide a little extra support for activities like hiking, skiing, and road cycling.
High-impact support: High-impact support sports bras provide support for activities like high-intensity workouts, running, and mountain biking. These bras are often needed for women with a larger cup size.
Shoes
Finding the right shoes can make a huge difference when it comes to working out. Athletic shoes are designed for performance, so there are several types of shoes to choose from.
Running shoes give you support and cushioning that makes it easier to run faster and longer, and there are different types of shoes for different terrain. If you like to go for walks instead of running, walking shoes provide extra support and cushioning to keep your feet from getting sore.
Gym or weightlifting shoes offer extra stability and support to help prevent injuries when you’re working out. Compared to running shoes, gym shoes usually have a higher heel stack and more support.
Depending on the type of workout you usually do, there are many other ways to accessorize your gym outfit, including weightlifting gloves, bags, and hats. Figuring out what to wear to the gym can be a process, so don’t be afraid to try new gear.
5 Tips for Choosing Your Gym Outfit
After a while, choosing a gym outfit becomes a simple part of your morning routine. In the meantime, here are five tips to help you decide what to wear to the gym.
1. Think About the Type of Workout You Do
Do you love to stay fit by running, lifting weights, or doing yoga? Choose your gym clothes based on the activities you enjoy. Different clothes are designed for different activities, so running outfits usually look a little different than weightlifting ensembles.
2. Choose the Right Coverage Level
Everyone has a level of coverage they’re comfortable with, and there’s nothing wrong with that. When you’re shopping for gym clothes, make sure you’re not buying anything you won’t feel comfortable wearing.
3. Consider Your Body’s Needs
Your body can help you make smart decisions when it comes to gym clothes.
Do you have flat feet or especially high arches? There are shoes that are specifically designed to help with these problems. Compression gear is great if you have trouble with circulation during workouts or long post-workout recovery times.
4. Take the Weather Into Consideration
Clothes can help your body maintain a comfortable temperature — especially when it’s really hot or cold outside. Lightweight workout clothes are ideal for summer, but vests and other warm tops are essential during the fall and winter.
5. Choose Activewear That’s Easy to Maintain
It should be easy to wash your activewear, so look for clothes that are easy to maintain. Washing your activewear regularly helps prevent odors and germs.
What to Wear to the Gym: 3 Examples
Still having trouble deciding what to wear to the gym? We know how hard it can be. If you need help figuring out what to wear to work out, here are a few examples based on different types of workouts.
Low-Impact Workout Outfit Example
A good low-impact workout outfit could include:
A pair of leggings
Walking shoes
A low-support sports bra
You can also wear a tee or tank for additional coverage.
Examples of low-impact workouts include walking, yoga, indoor cycling, and swimming.
Mid-Level Workout Outfit Example
For mid-level workouts, you should start with a medium-support sports bra. Depending on the weather, you can pair your sports bra with:
A tee
Compression shorts
A pair of walking or gym shoes
Examples of mid-level workouts include hiking, skiing, and road cycling.
High-Impact Workout Outfit Example
High-impact workouts require more support, so you should wear:
A high-impact support sports bra
Moisture-wicking shorts
A good pair of specialty athletic shoes
High-impact workouts include things like running, mountain biking, and high-intensity training at the gym.
Find Clothes You’ll Be Excited to Wear for Your Next Workout
Comfortable clothing makes it so much easier to get the most out of every workout. Shop our latest activewear including our Tech Knit collection, featuring stretchy and durable fabric perfect for your next workout.
With moisture-wicking materials, added support, and designs that you can wear from the gym to errands in style, we make it easy to find the right workout clothes and accessories.
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