Beyond the fit check: choosing workout clothing for comfort and performance
We have a certain philosophy here: look good, feel good, move good (don’t question the grammar). What we mean is, crafting a look that makes you feel like your best self usually transfers that confidence to your performance at the gym or other activities. With the right workout apparel and gear, you can put together a look that’s equal parts confidence-inspiring, performance-boosting, and of course, comfy.
Choosing the right apparel and accessories is key for showing up as your best self to the gym. We’ll go over what you need, from the right footwear to sweat-wicking tops, and offer a few tips to find your best gym fit.
Workout clothing essentials
When it comes to workout clothing, prioritize both functionality and comfort. Choose activewear made from suitable fabrics, and look for a good fit that allows for restriction-free movement. The right activewear should offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you comfortable throughout your workout.
Footwear
The right footwear can have a big influence on your performance, comfort, and even injury risk. Depending on what you’re doing in the gym, there are a few types of athletic footwear you can choose from:
Running shoes:
Ideal for running on the treadmill or outdoors, running shoes provide a blend of cushioning and support designed to absorb impact with every stride and facilitate forward motion. If you’re a running enthusiast with a big budget, you can deep-dive on running shoes styles and curate a collection with a shoe for every type of running workout.
For most, however, we’re looking for a versatile runner that lets us do lots of different workouts reasonably well and with low injury risk. Remember that running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles.
Cross-training shoes:
With stability and support for lateral movements and weightlifting, cross-training shoes are great for all kinds of gym workouts. Use these shoes for conditioning, strength training, and pretty much everything else in the gym.
Weightlifting shoes:
Designed with raised heels and rigid soles, weightlifting shoes are a specialized shoe originally designed for weightlifting, aka competitions involving snatch and clean and jerk. Nowadays, however, weightlifters, powerlifters, crossfitters, athletes, and strength training enthusiasts commonly use weightlifting shoes in the gym.
These shoes provide extra ankle mobility and a power-transfering base, but they shouldn’t be the first shoe on your list. If you find yourself doing lots of deep squats, power cleans, or other advanced movements, these shoes can give you a little boost.
Minimalist shoes:
The vibram five-finger shoes kind of launched the minimalist shoe movement, but there are plenty of other minimalist shoes now available. Designed with minimal cushioning and support, these shoes force the muscles in your feet the same way you would if you were barefoot. Lightweight and flexible, these shoes work for a variety of workouts. Just keep in mind that these shoes will demand a lot more strength from your foot, especially if your biomechanics aren’t totally on point.
Converse and other flat-soled sneakers can also be lumped into this category. When you’re doing deadlifts, bench, or other kinds of strength training, you might find that flat-soled or minimalist shoes give you a better base than an all-around running shoes.
Sports Bras
The right sports bra is the best gym companion you’ll ever have. It's not just about support; it's about minimizing discomfort and potential damage to breast tissue. Make sure to have an accurate measurement of your size and try on your options to check for hot spots or other issues.
Choose a sports bra that offers the right level of support depending on the impact level of your activity — we like super supportive sports bras for running or other high-impact and intense sports, for example, but prefer a more relaxed sports bra for gentle workouts like yoga or pilates.
Other things to consider:
Cup design: Compression cups are great for small busts. For larger cup sizes, consider encapsulation style bras with individual cup inserts.
Closure or fastening: Choose from pull-on, back closure, or front closures.
Straps: Broad or skinny straps can affect the fit and chafing. Opt for adjustable straps when available so you can customize your fit.
Bottoms
There are numerous options for your bottom half activewear, but the right one depends on a few factors. The most common activewear bottoms you’ll find are:
Leggings
Sweatpants
Track pants
Bike shorts
Running shorts
Consider the type of activity you’re doing when you shop for activewear bottoms. Sweatpants that are comfy during low-intensity strength training may not offer the same comfort for running or HIIT workouts. Leggings are a popular choice for their flexibility and coverage, while shorts are excellent for activities that require more leg movement. Leggings and compression fits provide flexibility, support, and won’t get in the way as you’re exercising. Loose pants and shorts can also enable freedom of movement and may better suit some style or fit preferences.
Other features to consider:
Pockets for your phone, keys, and earbuds
Supportive high-rise vs. lighter low-rise waistbands
Length and coverage depending on weather
Tops
Same as with your bottom-half layers, the right workout top depends largely on the type of activity and is meant to provide you with plenty of comfort, mobility, and performance. Imagine the type of exercise — a loose top might get in the way at yoga if you’re doing any kind of inverted posture, but many people prefer less-restrictive tops when they’re running.
As comfy as cotton can be, it soaks up sweat quickly and can get pretty stinky. Activewear tops are often designed with moisture-wicking, breathable, and anti-odor synthetic fabrics. There are many kinds of activewear tops, with the most common being:
Running singlets
Compression tees or long-sleeve shirts
Racerback tanks
Lightweight jackets and sweaters
Keep in mind factors such as the environment and extra features. Layering your activewear, like wearing a lightweight jacket over your tee, is a great way to be prepared for any circumstances whether lifting in the gym or running outdoors. For especially intense workouts, look for tops with mesh panels and strategic ventilation to improve breathability and keep you cool. We also love convenience features such as built-in bras and small pockets for keys and cards.
Accessories
Activewear accessories aren’t usually essential, but certain athletic accessories can enhance your experience.
Performance socks, for example, are an often overlooked accessory that can make a big difference. Choose moisture-wicking socks that reduce the risk of blisters, reduce odor, and keep your feet comfortable during the workout. Some socks offer different levels of compression to best suit your workout.
Move with ease — tips for comfortable workout fits
The last thing you want is to be distracted from your workout by clothing that doesn’t rise to the occasion. Here are some valuable tips to help guide your choices:
Consider fabrics
Sweating is a natural part of any workout, and moisture-wicking synthetics fabrics like polyester and nylon are designed to pull sweat away from the body, enabling quick drying and preventing discomfort. When synthetic fibers are combined with a stretchy fabric, such as spandex or elastane, the resulting apparel has a stretchy and form-fitting quality
Manage your strands
If you have long hair, tie it up to prevent distractions and discomfort during your workout. For buns, ponytails, and braids, opt for hair ties with grippy designs to avoid slips during movement. For stray face-framing hairs, use a headband that keeps sweat and hair in check. Pins and clips can also help secure your hair if it’s on the shorter side.
Invest in quality
Investing in durable and high-quality workout clothes is a wise decision that goes beyond just the aesthetics of your gym wardrobe.
High-quality workout clothes are crafted with durable materials and superior construction, ensuring that your garments can withstand the rigors of regular exercise and maintain their integrity and functionality over time. The longevity of these clothes means you won't have to replace them frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Quality activewear often comes with advanced designs that prioritize both comfort and fit. Seamless construction, flatlock seams, and thoughtful tailoring reduce the risk of chafing and irritation during movement. The right fit enhances your range of motion, allowing you to exercise without feeling restricted by your clothing.
Comfort over style
As much as comfort and performance are priorities when selecting your activewear, you want to look good and feel confident too. The key is to strike the right balance between function and form, finding clothes that provide the right fit and features but also boost your confidence to wear. Just avoid focusing entirely on style at the cost of your comfort — you’ll soon find yourself pretty unmotivated to workout if your clothes fit poorly.
FAQs about dressing for workouts
Can I wear any type of shoes for workouts?
It's best to choose shoes designed for your specific workout type to ensure proper support and comfort.
Do I really need a sports bra for exercise?
Wearing a sports bra is a personal choice. Keep in mind that a good sports bra provides comfort and support, especially during high-impact activities.
Are leggings suitable for all types of workouts?
Leggings are versatile and suitable for various activities, but consider the nature of your workout for the best choice.
How often should I replace my workout shoes?
It's recommended to replace your workout shoes every 300-500 miles or when you notice a decrease in support.
Why is moisture-wicking fabric important in activewear?
Moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you dry by drawing sweat away from your body, preventing discomfort and chafing.
