Whether you’re an experienced exerciser or just starting out, what you wear for your workouts can play a role in how you feel, affecting your performance and your confidence.
“It’s not about aesthetics or comparison, but rather discovering what workout gear helps you personally feel comfortable and confident,” says Katie Leonard, group fitness instructor and coach at Life Time in Irvine, Calif. “We don’t want wardrobe to be a barrier to exercise for anyone, but when you feel good in your body, it allows you to focus on crushing your goals.”
As someone whose work attire is athleisure wear, Leonard shares some of her top tips for choosing workout gear you love.
1. Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Material matters when it comes to workout clothing. You’re likely to get sweaty while exercising, so fabrics that allow air flow and wick sweat away from your body can help keep you cool.
“I also love to look for fabrics that move easily and don’t show sweat, because when I work out, I go hard,” says Leonard. “Cotton, spandex, or a combination of polyester and elastane work well for me.I also tend to choose dark colors and patterns for this reason.”
2. Plan your outfit based on activity.
Your workout gear can vary depending on the type of activity you’re doing. For example, if you’re taking a yoga class, opt for clothes that feel supportive, yet not overly restricting. If you’re planning to run or complete a cardio workout, you may want to consider materials that prevent chafing, like cotton, polyester, or spandex.
- For yoga, Leonard prefers to wear more tight-fitting, stretchy clothing. “I don’t like when a loose shirt falls into my face while I’m doing downward dog pose!” she says. “And if the class is heated, I love wearing leggings with a thinner, more malleable fabric.”
- For strength training, she recommends longer bottoms versus shorts, especially when doing lower body movements. “Certain movements like RDLs or deadlifts require you hold the barbell or weights very close to your shins. I like to avoid scraping the bar against my legs.”
- For running or cardio, Leonard prefers to wear a breathable T-shirt or a tight-fitting long sleeve shirt instead of a tank top. “I have really long hair, so this prevents hair from sticking to my skin.”
3. Dress for the weather.
Whether you prefer to exercise outdoors or in a climate-controlled setting, consider the temperature as you dress for your workout. You may want to opt for layers, like adding a light long-sleeved top over a T-shirt, so you can adjust as you warm up and start to sweat.
“As a southern California dweller, where the climate is typically mild to hot year-round, I’m usually in leggings or shorts and a sports bra or tank top,” says Leonard. “I just got the blue Life Time LSKD Rep Shelf Bra Performance Tank and I have not wanted to take it off.”
4. Choose colors or patterns that make you happy.
While black and darker colors are popular choices, you can find workout gear in all sorts of shades and patterns to reflect your personality.
“I like to wear leggings with fun patterns on them,” says Leonard. “I feel they allow me to express my mood for the day. I often hear members saying, ‘I could wear that when I was young but not anymore’. That’s not true! You can wear whatever you like at any age. If you have a cute, patterned set that you love, I want to see you rocking it at the club!”
5. Take your time building your collection.
If you’re just starting a new exercise routine, it can be tempting to stock up on all new gear. But many trainers and coaches recommend holding off until you’re more familiar with your workouts, what feels comfortable for you, and what works best for the type of movement you’re doing.
“Start with the basics,” says Leonard. “A few pairs of leggings or shorts, a couple T-shirts or tank tops, comfortable athletic shoes — you can build onto your workout wardrobe from there.”
6. Don’t overthink it.
Every day brings something new, and different workout types or moods leave you wanting to dress a certain way — but Leonard encourages not overthinking your choices.
“If you aren’t having the best day or it’s been a busy one, simply throw on comfy bottoms with a basic T-shirt or hoodie and get your workout in,” says Leonard. “Just focus on crushing those exercises and feeling like a boss.”
