It is easy to disdain the superficial parade of gaudy workout wear in a typical gym. After all, as long as you are comfortable, it should not matter what you wear to exercise. However, it is a good idea to put as much thought into dressing for a workout as you would for the office. What you wear to work out does not have to be fashionable, but it does matter.
Comfort
The most obvious consideration for workout clothing is comfort. Nothing should bind or pinch, and it should stretch enough to give with movement. Fibers that allow sweat to wick away from the body are a good choice. Women should wear bras that are supportive but not too binding. Peter Janiszewski, Ph.D., of Obesity Panacea says blue jeans are not a good choice. If they are tight, they restrict movement, and if they are loose, they can get caught in equipment and become a safety hazard.
Footwear
Start with white socks made of an absorbent material such as cotton. Dark-colored socks can promote fungal growth and are best avoided. Choose shoes appropriate for the activity. Janiszewski recommends staying away from sandals. They may be comfortable but are generally less stable than fitness shoes and are not recommended as exercise gear. In the gym, training shoes help protect feet from dropped weights. Even with shoes, toes get broken, so choose appropriate footwear for your workout.
Keep Your Cool
Heat-related illness can be deadly and inappropriate clothing can contribute to the problem. MayoClinic.com recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing that allows cooler air to circulate around your skin when working out — especially in very hot conditions. Darker colors tend to absorb heat, so choose lighter ones. If you are exercising outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat to help shade your head.
Consider the Fit
If you wouldn't wear it to the grocery store, do not wear it to the gym. "Valet" notes that compression clothing can boost performance by enhancing circulation and keeping muscles warmer, but compression clothing is very form-fitting and it may be appropriate to wear looser clothes over top. Tight bike shorts are perfect for biking but may be too revealing for weight training. Avoid wearing underwear of any kind as exercise clothing. On the other hand, make sure to wear underwear under your workout gear; loose shorts or too-tight pants can give someone else a view that neither of you would like.
Common Sense
The clothing you wear for your workout does matter, but you do not have to spend a lot of money or subscribe to a certain fashion trend to dress appropriately. Unless your primary goal is to attract attention, avoid exercise clothing that is either provocative or offensive. Wear clothing that is clean and odor free. Use common sense and wear the kind of clothing that allows freedom of movement and comfort.
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