You probably know that exercising – whether cycling, running, weightlifting, yoga, or another physical activity – is great for both your physical and mental health. But did you also know that your exercise attire can make or break your workout? Keep reading to find out how to choose the right workout clothes.
Take Your Location Into Account
This should be obvious: If you work out in a gym, your clothes should be different than if you exercise outdoors. For example, when it’s cold outside, you’ll need multiple layers to keep warm. On the other hand, if it’s summertime, you may only require a tank top and shorts.
Avoid Fabrics That Are Not Breathable
When working out, you want to avoid clothing that can’t “breathe.” Some clothing is made with plastic and rubber based materials that keep your sweat from evaporating and prevent you from cooling down. Instead, you want to look for breathable fabrics that “wick” the sweat off your body.
Get the Proper Fit
Having properly fitting workout clothes is crucial to maximize your performance and prevent injuries. For example, clothing that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict the movement necessary for the activity. However, you also don’t want your clothing to be so loose that it chafes your skin or could get caught in equipment like bike pedals or gears.
Antimicrobial Fabrics
You may have noticed that no matter how much you wash a workout garment, it still smells. This happens when microbes get trapped in the clothing’s fibers. Instead of trying to soak your clothes in vinegar to kill these microbes, you can buy fabrics labeled “antimicrobial,” which are much less likely to develop those odors that don’t go away with regular washing.
Our Picks for Her:
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0 ($68, shop here)
Adidas Originals Classic 3-Stripes Tights ($40, shop here)
Our Picks for Him:
Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve Shirt ($25, shop here)
Under Armour Locker 9″ Pocketed Shorts ($35, shop here)
Workout Shoes
The shoes you exercise in are vital to preventing injuries and providing comfort. Running, golf, basketball, and tennis are just a few sports that require specific types of shoes. So if you are participating in these activities, make sure you do your research.
For example, you should have a flat and firm grip on the ground when lifting weights. Running shoes won’t cut it and can be dangerous. Similarly, tennis shoes are designed to have more ankle support to accommodate the swift side-to-side movement in the sport.