Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 15th April 2019

The sportswear market is now booming. It has taken over street style and crept onto the catwalks. It’s also becoming more technologically advanced as the obsession heats up with everything fitness. The best clothes for exercising are designed to make the process of working out as comfortable as possible. Wearing proper clothing can make a huge difference between an hour of misery and an enjoyable workout.

Investing in some stylish yet comfortable clothing is the right motivation to get you moving, whether you’re walking an extra few miles, hitting the gym, cycling, or working out in the comfort of your own home. No more discomfort due to workout clothing! Here’s what you need to look for when buying new exercise gear.

Comfort 

You should avoid rough fabrics that can chafe or irritate the skin during repetitive movements. Pick materials that allow you to move and don’t constrict you. Some workout clothes are usually smaller and more form fitting compared to regular clothes. So, pay closer attention to fit than the size. Also, look for items with a small percentage of spandex listed on their label. This will allow for a better range of motion during exercise, as well as provide a comfortable fit without being skin-tight. One of the main aspects of choosing sportswear is that it’s specifically designed to keep you from sweating through it, and therefore, feeling irritated. If you can achieve this, it will help you to workout and not feel restricted. Wearing the right clothing enables you to focus on training without any distraction. The technical detailing within the apparel such as sweat-wicking fabrics can help with your performance. Additionally, the right outfit will give you support in the right places. Sportswear must have compression in the right areas to ensure you’re supporting your muscles. Thus you need to think about what you’re going to be doing, and where you’ll need that support. The right outfit design will help you feel more comfortable and supported. Many love to wear leggings with a high waistband, especially for this reason.

Perfect fit  

Hiding beneath baggy layers might be tempting to you, but you’ll feel more confident if you wear something that looks and feels good on you and plays up your assets. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more inclined to workout often. Clothing trends change for sportswear as well, but the basics never really go out of style. Add some trendy pieces to your wardrobe, but make sure to keep your classic outfits that are timeless. Our main suggestion for choosing the right outfit to workout in; don’t just put on the clothes in the changing-room and stare at the reflection. Try to move, walk, jump, lunge, and squat. See how it feels and how the outfit functions. It will make your decision-making process easier. 

Wicking ability  

Some fabrics are typically designed to pull your sweat away from the skin during workout while others absorb it. When it comes to exercise clothes, some choices can be better than others. Are you going to be perspiring a lot? If so, make sure your base layer can keep you comfortable and dry. Look for Lycra/polyester blend or some other synthetic material. They can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you’re someone who prefers natural materials, bamboo and wool exercise shirts can also wick away moisture naturally.

Layerable 

Your exercise wardrobe should be versatile, carrying you from the coldest months to the hottest months. When shopping, consider looking for items that can layer easily during cold months to avoid overspending during season changes. Start with a sweat-wicking dry layer like a cut-off tank top or wicking shirt, then add a warmer layer like a jumper. Finish with a protective outer layer (for wind and waterproofing) like a jacket. If you’re looking to find the best deals, consider shopping during online or off-season sales. 

Activity appropriate  

Different types of trainers are better for different workouts. However, the type of outfit you’re wearing goes far beyond this. It’s something we take for granted as beginners, but it’s a tool that is at the core of how athletes pick their outfits. To achieve results, wear kit that’s not going to set you back. Make sure you have the right gear for the type of training you’re doing. Good brands usually signpost this with workout gear categorized for different exercises. Baggy pants aren’t good for spinning or cycling, and flowing tops will not keep you covered when you perform downward dog in yoga class. Consider the exercises you do most, and ensure the outfits you purchase are comfortable and appropriate for that workout. Also, consider trying on clothes before you buy. You can try some of your signature workout moves in the dressing room to ensure fitness. The more frequently you workout, the more essential it is to wear the perfect outfits. Aside from keeping you dry, cool, and comfortable, the right clothes can also make you feel like a million bucks. So, find pieces that flatter your physique and encourage you to hit the gym in style.

Technologically advanced 

Having outfits specifically created for working out can make a big difference during your exercise or even post exercise. You don’t need a lot of technical exercise wear, one or two outfits will do. Let us cover the basics, including; the advantages of wearing technical outfits, what to look for when picking workout clothes, how it can help you exercise better next time you get all sweaty. Regulate body temperature: Moisture wicking fabrics use microfibers to wick sweat away from the skin, then bring it to the surface of the fabric where it evaporates. This helps to regulate your temperature while exercising and keeps you cool. Staying calm and cool helps you workout harder. Prevent itching, chafing, and rashes: Once done working out, no one wants to feel lingering sweat for the next couple of hours. When you stay sweaty, sweat-drenched fabrics like cotton doesn’t wick water away from the skin. You’re more prone to itching and rashes associated with staying in wet outfits. Wearing performance fabrics will help prevent breakouts during and after your exercise. Keep stinky sweat at bay: Some fabrics hold onto smells. Others are created to reduce odors. Do some digging on the internet and choose the best fabrics suited to your requirements. Odor eliminating fabrics can be great for wearing to those exercises where you can’t take a bath afterward.  

Don’t forget about your feet 

And last but not least, don’t make socks an afterthought! Steer clear of all-cotton socks as they soak up the sweat, which can create more friction and lead to painful blisters. Instead, look for socks made with a wool blend or nylon like baseball stirrups - both wick away moisture and make it easier for your feet to breathe.

Wrapping Up 

Your workout outfit should make you feel exactly how the exercise does - strong and powerful. Looking in workout clothing is a given these days. However, you should also make sure it ticks all the functional boxes. Good outfits will achieve them both. Finding the right clothing for your workout type is now easier than ever, thanks to the ever-growing number of brands offering budget-friendly performance apparel. Nowadays, fashion and fitness go hand-in-hand so that you can look and feel great when you’re working out. We hope the above tips will help you find the best clothing for your workout sessions.

We take a look at Gym Gear with Wicking ability and Regulates body temperature in this guide to Tips for Choosing the Right Workout Clothes.