You’ve probably been wearing the same drab workout clothes for years, and been perfectly content. After all, they’re just going to get sweaty and gross anyway, right? Not quite. The right workout clothes will not only make you feel like a hardcore athlete, but they’ll actually help you take your workout to the next level. The right workout clothes will wick away your sweat, make you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all (while giving you support in all the right places), and protect you from the elements. Read on to find out exactly what to look for in your workout clothes to not only feel fantastic, but to crush your workout too.
- Fabric
When it comes to choosing workout clothes, the right fabric can make all the difference. A heavy fabric can weigh you down, making it harder and more uncomfortable to finish your workout, but the right fabric can absorb your sweat and increase your range of motion and comfort. The best workout fabric might surprise you. It’s not cotton, but actually materials like nylon, spandex, bamboo, and polypropylene that are well known for their ability to wick away sweat. Cotton absorbs a ton of sweat, but this just makes it heavy, damp, and distracting during a high-intensity workout. You might be thinking, “yeah yeah”, but once you’ve felt the magic of sweat-wicking fabric, you’ll be kicking yourself for not converting sooner.
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- Fit
The fit of your workout gear is surprisingly important. After all, if you have to keep stopping to adjust your waistband or pull down your shirt, it’s probably not doing you any favours – not to mention, seriously impeding your workout. Don’t let a poor fit set you back from your goals: test out your workout gear for full range of motion by doing some squats, lunges, jumping jacks, and bending over. If your clothes don’t budge, chances are they’re a good fit.
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- Function
Every workout is different, which means different gear is needed. For example, you probably shouldn’t wear the same outfit for a long-distance run as a hot yoga class. Figure out the type of workout you do (or want to do) most and build an athletic wardrobe around it. Having the right clothes at the ready makes it a heck of a lot easier to get your butt to the gym, and it’s an excuse to go shopping. We’re making it almost too easy for you. Check out THE UPSIDE for stylish workout gear that fits like a dream.
- Location
Another factor should be where you’re doing your workout. If you’re planning on heading outside, there’s a few things you should keep in mind when choosing your workout clothes, from thermal to water resistant gear and more. If you’re planning on doing a night workout, like running or cycling, you should absolutely throw on some reflective clothing. It doesn’t have to be a full on safety vest: plenty of brands offer reflective clothing that are still cute and comfortable, and might just save your life. If you’re working out during the daytime, you might want to consider workout clothes that are naturally sun protective. After all, if you’re working out during peak sunlight a few days a week, that’s some serious sun exposure that can cause your skin to prematurely age, sunburn, or worse. From hats to clothing with fibers that naturally block sunlight, there are plenty of options to protect your skin in style.
