How to Choose the Best Workout Outfit

by Jessica Thomson Expert Blogger

Your attire plays an important role to play in your performance during a workout, other than making you look good. This is why choosing the right workout outfit is as important as the exercise itself. Factors like breathability, durability, sweat-wicking, comfort, and an improved range of motion is necessary for performing well in sports and exercise.

Be it yoga class, weight training, boxing, or high-intensity cardio kickboxing, your ideal workout gear should be a combination of style, comfort, and mobility. Here are a few tips for you to choose the right workout attire.

Choose the Right Fabric

When you are choosing workout clothing, you need to understand how wearing it will feel during the actual workout. Since you will be sweating a lot during and after the session, the fabric is going to be an important factor. Some materials are better at wicking moisture quicker than others. These clothes are an investment, so it's wise to not opt for cheaper alternatives.

Try to choose fabric based on these factors:

Mobility Allowance

Every exercise focuses on different parts of your body, but comfort and mobility remain constant factors in choosing the perfect gear. For example, if you are performing a lot of running, cycling, and using your legs a lot, then you need a pair of well-fitting shorts or capris. On the other hand, for lifting weights or exercises that do not require you to move rapidly, you can wear gym or yoga pants, even if they are a little flared out towards the bottom. Spandex or elastic clothing remains a popular choice because they provide mobility while making you look good in them.

Workout Type

As mentioned above, different types of exercise routines require different types of movements. Running requires moving in a forward motion with a little rotation in the middle part of the body, but during training, movement in various directions require different support mechanisms.

Your choice of clothing should reflect the type of activity you are doing. For example, cotton is perfect for low-intensity and light-resistance workouts where you don’t sweat much. On the other hand, fabrics that can wick away moisture, like nylon, spandex etc. are perfect for intense workouts.

I. Running

For this particular activity, you need clothes that provide breathability and a good range of motion. Lightweight clothes that fit well, and provide some cushioning is advisable.

II. Boxing

This is an intense workout and requires a lot of support. Having supportive shoes, some protective boxing gloves, and lightweight clothing is suggested. Even though weight-loss exercises inspired by boxing isn’t actual boxing, having some sort of protection is important to prevent any injuries.

III. HIIT or Circuit Training

Any type of high-intensity or circuit training sessions make you move a lot, and workout tights can provide you with the mobility you need for doing the various successive movements. Tights help you keep the movements compact and perform at your highest level, and they don’t rise up like shorts.

Pay Attention to the Fitting

Before you set out for your training session, you need to give some thought into what you will be wearing. Old sweats, baggy clothes, and PJ pants are definitely not a good idea as not only will they will drag and restrict your workout, but also can lead to injuries.

No matter which type of material you choose, comfort and fit should be more important than style. Make sure that all the clothes are well fitted and you can move freely in them. This way, you can focus more on your performance.