Dressing for the gym is tricky. You're trying to toe the line between practical and fashionable without overdoing it on either end. Men may tend to err too much on the side of practical, with sleeveless shirts touting their upper body's physique to the point of absurdity. Women are sometimes culpable of trotting into the gym looking like they're ready for a night out. Shorts in particular are a point of confusion for both sexes, but they don't have to be.
Mesh Shorts
Mesh, the breathable fabric often found in sports jerseys, has become standard fare at the gym, and for good reason. These shorts are comfortable, but not very warm, so are often worn with Spandex for a little more coverage. With mesh shorts, you can easily go for a run on the treadmill, hit the free weights and even join a cardio class. Mesh is very breathable and will keep you cool, especially if you sweat profusely. The downside of mesh shorts is that they often have pockets which can get caught in the equipment. Tape your pockets shut from the inside to prevent this.
Booty Shorts
It's easy to meet fit, single people at the gym, so hiding your rump in baggy mesh shorts may not be the best idea. Booty shorts, which resemble mesh shorts but are three to five inches in length, have no limitations as far as exercise is concerned, and they are virtually weightless. The downside? They may draw attention from fellow exercisers. If having others checking out your rump is disconcerting, you may find them to be a distraction to you, too.
Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts can be worn as street clothes or in the gym, which can be convenient if you don't want to spend time changing in the locker room, but have limitations in that they are bad at wicking away sweat and don't provide as much freedom of movement as stretchable clothing. For exercises that don't cause you to work up a sweat or require a lot of movement, like using the treadmill, they can be a sensible choice. Read the rules of the gym; some gyms require certain attire, which may exclude cargo shorts.
The Skort
If you're a woman and you don't want to wear baggy shorts but you are also uncomfortable with short shorts, an alternative exists. The skort, which is a skirt with shorts built in, can look very stylish, and can even be worn in the office by simply throwing on a nice top and heels. The skort can be used for almost every form of exercise.
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