There are thousands of choices for women's workout wear. If you don't have a concrete idea of what you want, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what's available. Fortunately, it's not hard to narrow down the options and choose a few outfits that look good and fit comfortably for your regular workouts.
Sports Bra
Even if you don't have a large bust, a well-fitting sports bra can make your workouts more comfortable. A sports bra should fit more tightly than a regular bra, but shouldn't chafe or restrict your movement. The straps should not dig into your shoulders. If you sweat a lot during your workouts, make sure the sports bra will wicks moisture away from your skin.
Indoor Workout Wear
If you're working out at home, you can wear just about anything that's comfortable and allows movement, including your pajamas or a sweat suit. However, you may want to wear better apparel to the gym. If you're uncomfortable showing a lot of skin, don't be afraid to wear loose-fitting clothes and long sleeves, but avoid cotton. Pick workout outfits that are breathable. If you prefer form-fitting clothes, you may like compression wear. It fits closer to the body, prevents chafing, is ideal for layering, allows for a great range of motion and has moisture-wicking properties.
Outdoor Workout Wear
Consider the climate when you choose workout wear for the outdoors. In warm weather, minimize layers, and avoid cotton, which will leave you soaking with sweat. In cool weather, layering is key. CoolRunning.com suggests several layers of light clothing rather than just one or two heavy items. Wear a light jacket or windbreaker as your outermost layer, and remove it when you get too warm. Don't go out without your hat and gloves. Although women can effectively maintain core temperatures, their extremities tend to get colder than men's, so those accessories are essential to prevent discomfort.
Fitting Tips
Women's workout clothing tends to be tighter and more form-fitting than men's. Tight but elastic leggings, workout pants and tops can be ideal for lighter-impact activities that focus on stretching and gentle movements, such as yoga and Pilates. Close-fitting shorts and tank tops also work well for strength training. They allow you to see your muscles while exercising and notice the impact of your movements. However, you may need to go with baggier choices if your workouts are high-impact and call for a lot of jumping, running and explosive movements.
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