Working out is a great way to stay healthy and fit, but it can also be a great opportunity to express your personal style. Choosing the right workout clothes can help you feel more confident and motivated to work harder to achieve your fitness goals. Here are some tips on how to create a gym wardrobe that is both stylish and functional.
Start with the Basics
When building your workout wardrobe, it's important to start with some basic essential pieces.
Choose Quality Workout Apparel
Invest in high-quality workout clothes made from moisture-wicking technical fabrics. These fabrics draw sweat away from your skin to the surface of the garment where it can evaporate quickly. This helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you cool and dry during intense workouts. Popular moisture-wicking fabrics include polyester, nylon, and spandex blends.
Look for workout clothes with four-way stretch fabric that moves with your body. The flexibility and range of motion makes it easier and more comfortable to exercise.
Find the Right Fit
One of the most important considerations when choosing workout wear is finding the right fit. Baggy clothes can get in the way, while tops and pants that are too tight can restrict movement or cause discomfort.
Take the time to try on various sizes and styles to find what feels best for your body type and chosen activities. The ideal fit should feel snug but not restrictive when you move.
Mix Style and Functionality
You don't have to sacrifice personal style for functionality when building a gym wardrobe. There are many fashionable activewear brands that combine both.
Choose Trendy Workout Styles
Look for workout staples like leggings, tank tops, and athletic shoes in popular silhouette, patterns, colors and prints. You can easily incorporate athleisure influences through details like mesh paneling, cut-outs, and strappy back details.
Don't be afraid to experiment with bolder colors and patterns like camo prints, floral designs and ombre detail. This allows you to put together eye-catching mix-and-match outfits.
Consider Your Workouts
Make sure to consider the types of exercise you do regularly when choosing pieces. For example, those who strength train may want to opt for fitness leggings with ankle zips to easily get them on over footwear or shorts with pockets to hold small essentials.
Look for moisture-wicking fabrics and ventilated pieces like cut-out tanks and mesh-paneled shoes if you run or take high-intensity classes so you stay as cool and dry as possible.
Complete Your Look
Any gym outfit can go from drab to fab with a few key accessories. Elevate your activewear game with these tips:
Accessorize for Function
Accessorizing for the gym is more about function than just fashion. Use items like secure-fit headbands, high-tech sneakers, workout gloves, and fitness trackers to help optimize and enhance your workout.
A good gym bag and reusable water bottle are other fitness essentials that can also add a stylish touch when chosen wisely. Go for pieces in complementary colors or materials as your activewear.
Add Signature Personal Touches
Add some personal flair with touches like a customized enamel pin on your gym bag, monogrammed leather fitness accessories or a pair of wireless headphones in your favorite color.
You can also experiment with activewear-friendly jewelry like engravable metal bangles, fitness tracker bracelets or inspirational mantra sport anklets. Just make sure pieces are minimal and secure so they don't interfere with your workout.
Feel Confident and Motivated
Ultimately the most important factor when putting together gym wear is choosing pieces that make you feel confident, motivated and excited to work out.
Choose Clothes You Love
Mix and match staples with trendy seasonal pieces in colors, prints and styles that you love. Having a gym wardrobe filled with pieces you actually enjoy wearing will make you look forward to suiting up for workouts.
Focus On Feeling Your Best
Don't get caught up in wearing the latest trends or comparing yourself to others at the gym. Workout wear is about supporting your body so you can become your healthiest, strongest self - not impressing anyone else. Feeling comfortable and confident is always the best fashion statement.
Keep Clothes Looking New
Investing in an excellent gym wardrobe also means taking proper care of the pieces to maximize longevity. Here are some useful care tips:
Wash Appropriately
Follow garment tag instructions to wash activewear separately on the gentle cycle in cold water. Hot water can fade vibrant colors and deteriorate performance fabrics over time.
Use a gentle detergent and don't use fabric softener which can impede moisture wicking properties. Always air dry or tumble dry on low if needed.
Inspect Closely
Inspect clothes for loose threads, small holes or damaged elastic before washing. Hand wash or spot clean as needed. Take note of any pilling on fabric as well so you can remove with a Sweater Stone or gentle razor.
Remove Stains Quickly
Don't let sweat or dirt stains set into fabric. Pre-treat any stains with stain remover sticks or sprays formulated for synthetic technical fabrics. Most release with a quick wash when you promptly treat them.
Conclusion
Building a functional and fashionable gym wardrobe you love is one of the most motivating factors to keep up a regular workout schedule. Invest in quality moisture-wicking activewear tailored to your favorite activities. Mix in some trendy prints, patterns and stylish accessories to show off your personal taste too. Most importantly, choose pieces that make you feel confident and excited to head to the gym. Taking good care of your beloved workout wear will ensure it lasts for many workouts to come!
