While the exercise clothes that you wear can't make you a more athletic person or increase your calorie-burning potential, they can make for a more comfortable workout. When you wear clothes that support your body properly and help you to stay dry and comfortable, you can focus on your workout, proper form and endurance. Certain types of exercise, like yoga, require that you wear a certain type of exercise clothing, so check with an instructor first to ensure you're dressed properly.
Underwear
For a comfortable workout, you must first start with the right foundation. The underwear that you wear while exercising can mean the difference between a fuss-free workout and a frustrating session. Choose a sports bra that uses athletic fabric to wick away sweat while still offering enough support for the type of exercise in which you're participating. If you're above a B cup, consider an underwire bra for added support. Wearing underwear that offers good coverage can also keep you more comfortable.
Tops
While you may first reach for your oversized alumni T-shirt to wear to the gym, think again. While a large cotton T-shirt may certainly be comfortable, it may not wick sweat away as effectively as a shirt made specifically for exercise. When practicing yoga or weightlifting, wearing tighter-fitting shirts can help you see your muscles and form easily so you can adjust as needed, so look for tank tops. Some may have an added shelf bra, and while it's not enough to support you by itself, it can help add to the support your sports bra gives.
Bottoms
Modern female fitness gurus have more to choose from than loose basketball shorts. The popularity of yoga and Pilates has made yoga pants a wardrobe staple inside and outside of the gym for many women because they support the muscles without being constricting. Lycra shorts make sense when you're using leg machines or in a cycling class, so you can see the muscles contracting, adjust your form and keep sweat wicked away from your body. Build a wardrobe of various types of workout bottoms for different types of exercise.
Shoes
Workout shoes should be supportive, comfortable and versatile. For most general applications, cross trainers are an ideal shoe for the gym, basic running and weightlifting. When choosing a shoe, look for function over design. They should fit snugly without being tight and offer arch support. If you participate in the same type of exercise on a daily basis, like running or exercising, purchase shoes specifically for that purpose.
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