When we sign up for a gym membership, there are a lot of questions running through our minds. One of the most common concerns is our gym clothes. There is a lingering thought that comes to mind… And that is what to wear to the gym for women.
Whether you are working out in the gym or at home, you must always consider comfort and practicality when choosing your activewear. The last thing you want is to be tugging and pulling on your clothes in the middle of your exercises.
I’ve listed down all the factors you need to consider before going on your first gym session to ensure you are comfortable and performing at your best!
1. Sports bra and underwear with excellent support
Some newbies make the mistake of using their regular everyday bras to the gym. This is a bad idea because regular bras weren’t made for working out. Wearing a regular bra while exercising may lead to pain and discomfort. This is why it is recommended to use a sports bra when you are exercising.
Here are tips when choosing a sports bra:
- Choose the right kind of material.
- Get the correct size.
- Consider if it is easy to wear and take off.
As for underwear, I recommend getting underwear that is also made for working out. Regular underwear can sometimes be visible through your leggings, which may lead you to feel a little conscious during your reps. Additionally, regular underwear may be uncomfortable when worn while working out. You must always prioritize comfort. If you don’t, your performance may suffer.
2. Stretchy bottoms
When choosing your workout bottoms, you must ensure that the pair you choose is stretchy enough to allow you to do different stretches and poses. Not only should the fabric be stretchable, but the seams as well. Poorly made workout pants or shorts may sometimes have inelastic stitching.
Another pro tip is to choose exercise shorts that aren’t too short when worn. When your shorts aren’t long enough, they may sometimes roll up your thighs. This may require you to pull down your shorts after every set, which is incredibly annoying!
3. Comfortable gym shoes
You might be tempted to grab whatever sneakers you have lying around but it is ideal to buy a pair of shoes specifically for your workouts. This is one of the best fitness investments you can make. Nothing feels better than working out with a comfy pair of shoes that feels like you are walking on clouds!
Here are some tips when choosing a pair of gym shoes:
- Don’t get a pair that is too tight, especially when wearing socks.
- Also, don’t get a pair that is too big. If your shoes have too much unnecessary space, it can affect your performance.
- If you don’t plan on buying a lot of pairs, select a neutral shade that goes well with most colors.
- Choose the comfiest sole!
4. A breathable shirt or workout top
When going to the gym, you can either wear just a sports bra or you can add a top. Either is fine, it is up to your preference.
If you want to wear a top, select a top that is made from breathable fabric. Polyester, nylon, wool, cotton, and spandex are some of the best gym wear materials you can choose from.
Most people prefer Dri-Fit material. Dri-Fit is majorly made from microfiber polyester, and they dry out quicker than cotton.
5. Form-fitting socks
You might be tempted to skip getting yourself a pair of gym socks. Why buy gym socks when you have dozens of pairs in your wardrobe, right?
Imagine this… you’re running on the treadmill and you can feel your socks slipping down until it only covers half of your feet. Not only that but your socks are also drenched in sweat. That’s what you will experience if you go with ill-fitting socks that are not absorbent.
When choosing the right pair of gym socks for you, you must always consider the material, thickness, and length.
6. A decent-sized gym bag
Last but definitely not least, select a decent-sized gym bag that can fit all of your stuff. The best gym bags are not only cute, but they also need to be durable.
You must consider these factors when you are selecting a gym bag:
- Durability
- Spaciousness
- Easy to clean material
- Has enough compartments and pockets
- Nice, neutral color that matches most of your gym clothes
What Women Should Not Wear To The Gym
Now that you know what you should wear, let’s discuss what you should avoid wearing to the gym.
- Regular bras. Regular bras can cause discomfort which is why you must always wear a sports bra.
- Stretched out sports bra and underwear. Loose and stretched-out underwear can move around while working out, which will cause discomfort.
- Oversized clothes. Baggy clothes can get in the way with some workouts and poses.
- Clothes that are way too tight. Tight clothes can cause friction which can lead to rashes or discoloration to your skin.
- Accessories and jewelry. Wearing accessories to the gym can affect your grip and just be overall annoying.
- Shoes that are not meant for working out. Gym shoes were created for a reason. Wearing shoes that are not meant for exercising may lead to calluses and sore feet.
What Is The Best Fabric for Gym Wear?
A few of the best fabrics for gym wear are spandex, bamboo fiber, nylon, poly-dri, polyester, and cotton.
One of the most popular activewear fabrics is spandex. Spandex has been popular for decades now. It is durable, comfortable, and has excellent flexibility.
One of the newer fabrics that have been preferred by a lot is Dri-fit. Dri-fit is made mostly from microfiber polyester that is amazing for high-performance exercises. This material helps keep you dry throughout your workout compared to other materials.
How Should You Wear Your Hair For The Gym?
The best hairstyles to wear to the gym are braids, single braid, or double braids. Braids won’t feel heavy on your hairline like a high ponytail. They’re comfortable to wear while doing all types of workouts.
A low ponytail is another great option if you are not that into braids. Make sure to not leave out any hair strands. Also, choose a hair tie that is not big and chunky. Chunky scrunchies can get in the way of exercises that require you to lie down on the floor.
Can you wear your hair down at the gym?
If you are doing basic lifting or exercises that don’t require you to bend over or do different poses, it’s fine to wear your hair down while working out. However, if you are doing cardio or an intense workout, it is best to wear your hair in a ponytail or braids! Wearing your hair up can minimize distractions and help you focus on the exercises.
Conclusion
In closing, we must always choose comfort over anything! We should stop overthinking what to wear to the gym as women. As long as you are comfortable and confident, you must not stress about your gym wear too much.
The main problem I have with my gym clothes is to find a good bra. I cannot find any which is really comfortable for me.
Nice post 🙂