Good clothes for the gym should be lightweight, easy to move in and made of breathable material. Depending on the type of workout you are doing, find clothes that are geared towards those specific exercises. Most sporting goods stores carry clothing specific to activities like running, biking, weight lifting, yoga and Pilates. Most gym clothes come in a range of prices and sizes.
Lightweight
Good gym clothes should be lightweight enough to keep you from overheating during your workouts. Materials like polyester, Supplex and Jump are soft, lightweight and provide comfort and stability while you are exercising. Lightweight clothing should fit your body snugly but not be too tight. Materials like cotton, though loose and baggy, can hold up to eight times their weight in sweat, making workouts uncomfortable. Lightweight clothing also is more breathable, holds its shape and dries faster than cotton. With technology advancing, you can find good gym clothing within any size and price range. "You need clothing that is made from what we call 'Technical Fabrics,' which are fabrics designed to wear during sports and exercise," said American College of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer Shelby Young.
Flexible
Depending on the types of workouts you are performing, wear clothing that lets you move and be flexible. Yoga and Pilates clothing are specifically designed to be tighter, more fitting in order to move more freely. Running shorts and tank tops are generally made of thinner, snugger materials to give more range of motion without weighting you down while clothing for biking is also tight-fitting for more movement. "Finding the right fit is so important to comfort," says YogaFit certified yoga teacher Ann Buerger. "The more flexible you're clothing, the more you'll focus on your workout and not give your clothing a second thought."
Breathable
As you exercise, you might build heat and sweat during your workouts. Choose fabrics like Lycra and polyester blends that are breathable and absorb sweat and moisture without feeling uncomfortable. Most clothing companies advertise whether or not clothes are breathable, making shopping easier. "You're going to sweat, if you're outside, it might start raining," says Young. "So you need something that lets you feel free even if the clothing is wet."
References
- Shelby Young, ACSM personal trainer; Hampshire Hills; Milford, NH
- Ann Buerger, YogaFit certified yoga instructor; SLS Strength and Conditioning Center; Lowell, MA
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