Going to the gym and working out can be an intimidating experience for many women. With so many options for athletic apparel and confusion over what is appropriate gym attire, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
Having the right clothes can make a big difference in your comfort, performance, and confidence when exercising. This comprehensive guide will provide women with tips and recommendations for choosing the best workout clothes for the gym.
What are the Most Comfortable Clothes to Wear to the Gym?
Comfort is key when selecting gym clothes for women. You want to be able to move freely and perform any type of exercise without restriction. Here are some of the most comfortable clothes to wear for working out:
Leggings
Leggings are a wardrobe staple for most women at the gym. They stretch with your body allowing full range of motion. Leggings come in various fabrics including cotton, polyester spandex blends, and performance materials that wick moisture. High waist leggings provide tummy control and stay in place while exercising.
Sports Bras
Finding a supportive and comfortable sports bra is crucial for women. Opt for secure closure bras with wide straps that keep the breasts stable during movement. Seamless sports bras prevent chafing and irritation. Compression style bras minimize bounce for high intensity workouts.
Tank Tops
Tank tops allow breathability and range of motion during exercise. Look for tank tops in performance fabrics like polyester that wick away sweat. Racerback style tanks offer additional support and stay in place better than standard tanks.
Joggers or Sweatpants
For cooler gyms or fall/winter workouts, joggers and sweatpants are great for comfort. Choose a lightweight material with some stretch like cotton blends. Sweatpants with cuffed ankles prevent dragging. Pockets can hold small essentials.
What Should You Avoid Wearing to the Gym?
While comfort is a priority, there are certain clothes that should be avoided when working out:
- Jeans – Denim restricts movement and isn’t breathable. Avoid jeans when exercising.
- Jewelry – Limit jewelry that could get caught on equipment or irritate skin. Small stud earrings are OK but avoid large hoops and necklaces.
- Loose/baggy clothing – Oversized t-shirts, shorts, or pants can get caught on equipment and are potentially dangerous.
- Revealing clothing – Clothing that is overly tight or revealing should be avoided out of modesty and comfort.
- Cotton – Sweat-drenched cotton stays wet against skin. Choose moisture wicking synthetics instead.
- Zippers, buttons, buckles – Anything that can dig into skin may cause discomfort and injury.
What is Considered Appropriate Gym Attire for Women?
To look and feel your best at the gym, follow these standards for appropriate workout clothes for women:
- Keep it modest – Clothes should not be overly tight or revealing. Bras and tanks should provide ample coverage and support.
- Prioritize function over fashion – Performance gear designed for the gym trumps stylish pieces not meant for fitness.
- Wear athletic shoes – Sneakers provide needed support for exercise. Avoid footwear not designed for the gym.
- Choose comfort – Look for soft, breathable fabrics that allow free movement.
- Bring extra layers – Have sweatshirt, jacket, or long pants for before/after workouts if it’s chilly.
- No dress code required – Don’t feel pressured to wear makeup or style hair. Focus should be on your workout.
- Clean workout clothes – Bring fresh laundered clothes and towels to maintain good gym hygiene.
What Should Women Wear for Different Gym Activities?
Certain gym activities call for outfitting yourself in attire suited for the demands of that particular sport or training:
Yoga
- Stretchy yoga pants or leggings that allow movement
- Fitted tank tops or bras that stay in place
- Bare feet or non-slip yoga socks
- Avoid loose/baggy clothing that could cause tripping or entanglement
Running
- Supportive sports bra
- Breathable tanks, t-shirts, shorts, or leggings
- Moisture wicking performance fabrics
- Running or crosstraining athletic shoes
- Hats, hair ties for long hair
Strength Training
- Fitted leggings or athletic shorts allow range of motion
- Tank tops for breathability or long sleeves for warmth
- Athletic shoes for stability and support
- Weight lifting gloves improve grip
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Flexible, lightweight material for quick movements
- Compression tops and leggings to stay in place
- Shoes with lateral support for side to side motions
Cycling/Spin Class
- Padded bike shorts help avoid chafing
- Moisture wicking tanks or shirts
- Cycling shoes with clips for spin class
- Headband to manage sweat
Swimming
- One piece bathing suit or swim shorts and top for lap swimming
- Goggles to see underwater
- Swim cap if preferred to protect hair
- Water shoes/sandals can prevent slipping
What Fabrics are Best for Gym Clothes?
Choosing workout clothes made of high performance fabrics designed for the gym makes exercising more comfortable and efficient:
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that excels at wicking sweat away from the body and drying quickly. This prevents chilling and discomfort when sweat-drenched. Polyester stretches well and retains its shape.
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric ideal for athletic clothing. It is lightweight, dries fast, and provides ventilation. Nylon is abrasion resistant making it durable. It also stretches with movement.
Elastane/Spandex/Lycra
These fabrics have exceptional elastic properties to allow stretch and flexibility while retaining shape. They are blended with other fabrics like polyester to make workout clothes fit snugly while allowing a full range of motion.
CoolMax and Thermolite
These specialty performance fabrics excel at moisture wicking. CoolMax pulls sweat away to keep skin dry and cool during warm workouts. Thermolite insulation retains body heat during colder activities.
Compression Fabrics
Compression fabrics like elastane hug the body providing beneficial compression to muscles and joints. This also allows clothes to stay in place during intense exercise.
What are Good Shoes for the Gym?
Choosing athletic shoes designed for the type of training you do ensures proper support, stability, and traction:
- Running shoes – with ample cushioning are great for treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and indoor tracks. Look for breathable mesh.
- Cross trainers – are versatile for strength training, HIIT classes, and other gym activities providing both cushioning and lateral support.
- Cycling shoes – that clip into spinning bike pedals maximize power transfer when riding. Otherwise sneakers work.
- Weightlifting shoes – have little to no cushioning and non-compressible soles for better power when lifting heavy.
- Look for support features – like structured heels, torsional rigidity, and midfoot shanks based on your training needs.
- Replace shoes roughly every 300-500 miles – to maintain adequate cushioning and support as materials break down over time.
What Should Women with Long Hair do at the Gym?
Having long hair while working out can be a nuisance but there are strategies to keep it under control:
- Ponytail – Pulling hair up in a ponytail or high bun keeps hair off neck and face. Use soft hair ties.
- Braids – Braiding long hair helps manage flyaways and friction that could cause breakage.
- Headband – Wearing a headband or sweat-wicking hair wraps keeps loose strands from annoying you.
- Leave-in conditioner – Apply before the gym to help protect and detangle hair to prevent ripping out strands when brushing after.
- Dry shampoo – Use dry shampoo before and after sweating to soak up excess oils and smell fresh.
- No-snag hair accessories – Choose covered hair ties and clips that won’t catch on equipment or clothing.
- Don’t overbrush – Limit brushing to before and after the gym to prevent damage to wet hair. Use a wide tooth comb.
- Protective styles – Braids, buns, and ponytails prevent the friction that causes split ends and breakage in long hair.
What Hygiene Tips Should Women Follow at the Gym?
Practicing good hygiene at the gym ensures you stay clean, avoid odors, and don’t spread illnesses to others:
- Shower before and after – Rinse off sweat so you start fresh and don’t leave covered in perspiration.
- Deodorant/antiperspirant – Apply before and after to prevent body odor. Reapply deodorant if needed.
- Wash workout clothes – after each use to eliminate bacteria and odors. Stains can also develop over time.
- Clean gym bags – Regularly wash any bags used to transport sweaty gear.
- No perfumes/fragrances – Scents can bother others. Let your clean body and clothes be fragrance enough.
- Wash hands – Lather up before and after exercising to get rid of germs.
- Carry wipes – Keep individually packed disinfecting wipes to sanitize hands and equipment before and after use.
- Fresh breath – Brush teeth or use mouthwash so you don’t offend with nasty breath.
- Cover cuts – Keep any small open wounds cleanly bandaged to avoid spreading infection.
- Bring towels – Use your own clean towel for shared benches and mats for hygienic separation.
What Are Gym Bag Essentials for Women?
Packing the right gear makes your gym time more pleasant and productive. Essential items women should keep in a gym bag include:
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated with your own water source. Glass and reusable bottles are eco-friendly options.
- Towel – Sweat into your own towel instead of shared gym ones. Opt for quick dry performance material.
- Toiletries – Carry soap, wipes, deodorant, and other items to freshen up with after workouts.
- Hair ties – Multiple ties, headbands, and clips keep hair managed while exercising.
- Bands – Resistance bands allow stretching and toning moves anywhere.
- Lock – Protect your belongings with a combination or keyed locker lock.
- Exercise log – Jot down your workouts and progress. Many fitness apps help you track as well.
- Healthy snacks – Refuel with protein bars, fruit, nuts, or other energizing treats.
- Shaker bottle – Mix pre/post workout supplements on the go.
- Extras – Sports bras, socks, pads for yoga, gloves, etc. based on your routine.
What Are Some Gym Outfit Ideas for Women?
Use these head to toe gym outfit combinations to look and feel great during any workout:
Yoga Outfit
- Yoga pants or leggings
- Strappy sports bra or long line bra
- Drapey athletic tank
- Yoga socks or bare feet
- Hair pulled back in ponytail or braid
Treadmill Running Outfit
- Running shorts with built-in brief liner
- Racerback high support sports bra
- Lightweight running top or tank
- Running shoes or crosstrainers
- Baseball cap to manage sweat
Strength Training Outfit
- Cropped leggings for mobility
- Seamless compression bra
- Loose racerback tank tucked in
- Cross training shoes for support
- Hair in functional topknot
High Intensity Interval Outfit
- Colorful patterned leggings for motivation
- Tight exercise top to stay put
- Mesh paneled athletic tank over top
- Gym sneakers with grip
- Headband to absorb sweat
Spin Class Outfit
- Padded bicycle shorts for comfort
- Longline sports bra with crisscross back
- Sweat-wicking short sleeve tee
- Cycling shoes for proper pedal clips
- Ponytail to keep hair controlled
Gym Clothes Shopping Tips for Women
Follow these tips to help women shop for stylish and functional gym clothes:
- Focus on fit – Clothes should be form-fitting but not restrictive. Test full range of motion.
- Feel the fabric – Hold clothes up to check for breathability, stretch, and sweat-wicking abilities.
- Layer tops – Fitted tanks or tees under looser shirts allow adjusting layers as you heat up.
- Buy multiple sets – Having at least 2-3 sets of tops and bottoms allows laundering without nothing to wear.
- Mix and match – Building a versatile workout wardrobe lets you create different looks.
- Check reviews – Online reviews can provide feedback on sizing, fabric quality, durability, and fit from real customers.
- Comparison shop – Check sales at both athletic brands and department stores for the best deals. Sign up for email promotions.
- Try before you buy – Order several sizes to try on at home and return what doesn’t fit for free.
- Invest in shoes – Don’t sacrifice support to save money on athletic shoes. Replace well-worn pairs.
Conclusion
What a woman chooses to wear for her gym look can make a big difference in her confidence, range of motion, and overall workout experience. While trends come and go, investing in quality pieces made from technical fabrics with performance features tailored for the types of exercise you do is the best bet.
Don’t be afraid to experiment to find looks that are both cute and functional so you can focus on fitness goals not your outfit. Remember to apply proper hygiene practices and pack gym bag essentials too. With this comprehensive guide’s advice, women can now walk into the gym dressed and prepared to tackle any workout confidently and comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gym Clothes for Women
What is the most supportive sports bra for the gym?
Look for maximum support sports bras with wide straps, secure closures, compressive fabric, and moldable unlined cups. Encapsulation style bras provide the most motion control for larger busts.
What do you wear under leggings to avoid showing underwear lines?
Seamless thongs and g-strings are invisible under leggings. Boyshorts made of smooth fabrics can also avoid visible panty lines. Alternatively, choose leggings with a gusseted crotch to limit showing through.
How should gym clothes fit?
Gym clothes should fit snugly without limiting mobility. Tops should allow full arm circulation without riding up. Leggings and shorts should not dig into skin when moving. Buy fitted performance sizes instead of larger casual sizes.
Should you wear underwear with leggings?
Wearing underwear under leggings is a personal preference for comfort and coverage. Breathable moisture wicking options like boyshorts or thongs work well, avoiding visible lines. Some leggings have built-in liners for coverage.
What do women wear at the gym over 40?
For women over 40, options like tunics with leggings or midi lengthbike shorts are stylish. Compression tops provide support while camisoles layered over tanks allow adjusting coverage as you heat up. Stretchy draped cardigans add polish before and after workouts.