While the gym or workout room may not be the place typically associated with looking your best, there are appropriate and inappropriate choices of clothing for working out. Dressing appropriately for your individual workout also ensures your safety, and keeps you comfortable during strenuous exercise.
Leg Wear
When you are running or lifting weights, you must be able to move your legs easily, notes Michael Greeves of Workout X. A good pair of cotton or polyester gym shorts can keep your legs mobile and cool. If you have sensitive skin or are bothered by chafing, spandex shorts or skateboarding shorts can be a comfortable option. Other options include tight-fitting or spandex track pants for cardiovascular exercise or loose, comfortable yoga pants. During colder months, you may prefer to wear sweatpants if you run outdoors. If you prefer to cycle, you can wear cycling shorts with padding to reduce the risk of pain and injury to the groin area. Avoid wearing denim or other restrictive fabrics while you are working out.
Upper Body Wear
Keep your upper body comfortable by wearing a T-shirt. Cotton is lightweight and breathable, but may become heavier on your body as it absorbs sweat. Synthetic fabric blends "wick" sweat away from the body and into the outer layer of clothing. To stay cool, choose T-shirts with cutoff sleeves. Stay away from dress shirts or shirts made from heavy materials. If you are a woman, wear a tank top over a sports bra, or choose an athletic tank top with the bra built into it. If you work out at a public gym, you may wish to avoid wearing only a sports bra because this can attract unwanted attention.
Footwear
Athletic shoes are the most common choice of footwear for workouts. You can wear shoes specifically designed for particular activities, such as cycling, basketball or track, but regular running shoes can be worn for almost any exercise. Avoid wearing sandals or any open-toe shoes; according to researcher Peter Janiszewski of Obesity Panacea, these can be unsafe around heavy exercise equipment such as barbells and dumbbells. Wear lightweight cotton socks that allow your feet to move and do not chafe your toes and the balls of your feet. Avoid working out barefoot unless the activity calls for it, as is often the case with yoga or Pilates.
Other Items
During a workout, keep only your essentials with you, such as a towel to wipe away perspiration and a water bottle. Women with long hair can pull their hair back in a ponytail and wear a headband to keep hair from falling into the face or sticking to the neck. Weightlifters may choose to wear weight-lifting gloves to avoid callouses and hand injuries from lifting heavier weights. When running or cycling outdoors in colder temperatures, wear layered clothing to keep warm, particularly on your upper body. In extreme cold temperatures, you may want to wear an insulated headband and gloves to protect your ears and hands.
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