Getting started with a gym routine can be tough. You have to find a gym, sit through the sales pitch, plunk down money, and learn how to actually use the equipment. On top of all that, you’ll need appropriate clothes to wear for your workouts. While we can’t actually start your gym routine for you, we can help you prepare your closet with all the right gear. Here’s a quick guide on what to wear to the gym!
Some Basic Goals
Before we highlight a few good items to have in your wardrobe, let’s talk about your goals when dressing for the gym. You want to:
- Feel comfortable. It’s hard enough to get to the gym; don’t make it harder by wearing clothes that have you second-guessing how you look. Pick items that help you feel confident and secure.
- Maintain flexibility. No matter what kind of exercise you do, your body will need to move freely. Therefore, no matter how stylish they may be, don’t choose clothing that restrict your movements.
- Manage sweat. When it comes to gym attire, avoid cotton clothes. While cotton is comfortable, it holds on to your sweat, quickly becoming heavy and cumbersome as you exercise. Instead, look for clothes made with synthetic materials that will wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly.
- Stay fresh. While synthetic clothes help keep you dry and comfy, you may find that they retain stink, even after washing. That’s because most detergents are designed to treat cotton. To keep your gym clothes smelling fresh, choose a dedicated sports detergent, like WIN Activewear Detergent.
From the Waist Up
Now that we have the principles out of the way, let’s talk about what to wear to the gym from the waist up:
- T-Shirt or Tank. Your gym may keep its temperature fairly cool, but there is little-to-no air movement indoors, so once you start working out, you won’t need more than a T-shirt or tank top. As mentioned above, a shirt made from synthetic materials is your best bet, as it will be much more comfortable than a standard cotton T-shirt.
- Loose or Tight Fit? Some gym shirts are designed to fit tightly, while others have a loose, relaxed cut. Which you choose is all about personal preference. If you like the way a tight shirt looks and feels, go for it. If not, pick something looser—just don’t go too baggy, or your shirt might get in the way of your activities.
- Sports Bra. For women, a sports bra is crucial for support. A good one will keep you comfortable while exercising and can help limit soreness after a workout. To properly clean your sports bra and make it last longer, check out our post on How to Wash Sports Bras.
From the Waist Down
There are really only three options for dressing your legs. Here’s what you need to know:
- Shorts or Pants? Your gym will probably be warm enough for you to wear shorts, but pants are certainly acceptable if you prefer the look and feel.
- Leggings. Leggings are another popular choice, especially for women. When looking for a comfortable pair of leggings to wear to the gym, try to avoid styles with lots of seams or embellishments, as these can irritate your skin as you move. This is something to consider when choosing your undergarments, as well—some women go commando, but if that’s not your style, pick very plain, seamless underwear so they feel good and remain invisible throughout your whole workout.
As you decide what to wear on your legs, keep in mind the type of exercise you’ll be doing. For instance, if you’ll be riding a stationary bike, you might want to go with shorts, so your pant legs don’t get caught on the bike. Or, if you’ll be doing squats in the weight room, wearing shorts will ensure you have plenty of flexibility to get down and back up.
Don’t Forget Your Feet
When you’re gearing up for the gym, don’t make the mistake of overlooking your feet. Most exercises are going to involve your feet in one way or another, so make sure you wear athletic shoes and a comfortable pair of socks. Ideally, you’ll have a pair you reserve specifically for workout duty, but if you can’t get a separate pair for the gym, make sure your soles are clean before you start using any equipment.
Keep Your Gym Clothes Clean & Smelling Fresh
Hitting the gym is a big step toward becoming a fitter, healthier you. And the more you go, the more important it will be to keep your favorite workout clothes clean and odor-free. That’s where WIN Activewear Detergent comes in. With a formula designed to attack the oils that collect on synthetic fibers, you can trust our detergent to keep your activewear smelling fresh. Order a bottle today!