Finding fashionable clothing to go to the gym is not a difficult task nowadays. Nonetheless, no matter how stylish the clothing can be, it is important to understand what type of fabrics and materials are best for working out.

There is no point in looking good when going to the gym if your performance will be compromised by the garments you are wearing, either because they are not resistant or because they are not breathable enough.

The right activewear can make you (and actually it should) feel comfortable, motivated and totally focused on your workout routine. That is why it is so important that you choose the right fabrics and pay attention to the following details before making any purchase.

Choose the right fabrics

All gym clothes, from tops to bottoms, should come with moisture-wicking properties. This means that the fabric will keep the sweat away from your body, while keeping you fresh and dry underneath the surface.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and Lycra are moisture absorbent, and you can also find them blended with other materials. They are usually a bit more expensive than a regular cotton t-shirt, but they will definitely perform well during your workout.

Polyester and Lycra not only last longer, but they dry faster too. Heavy-weight cotton t-shirts should in fact be avoided at all costs, as they won’t do any good for you in this situation and only make you sweat unnecessarily.

Moreover, it is very important that you opt for materials that are elastic and stretchy as well. Look for activewear made of nylon-elastane mix, so that the fabric won’t restrain you and it will provide you with freedom of movement.

Another alternative is cotton blended with spandex and/or nylon, which is a combination often found in gym shorts and similar bottoms.

When in doubt about a fabric, make sure that they are sweat-wicking, stretchable and they allow airflow. These three factors are the main essence of any piece of activewear.

DOs and DON’Ts

When it comes to style, the gym is one of those places where less is better. There is not much to explain here, but this: you need to be comfortable and ready to sweat it out, and a bunch of layers certainly won’t make the task easy.

Another observation you need to know about is that the gym is where you should always 一without exception一 prioritize functionality and comfort over fashion trends. It doesn’t mean at all you can’t be stylish when working out.

But bear in mind that you shouldn’t avoid wearing compression tights, for example, only because you feel they are not trendy. If they are a necessity for not getting hurt, wear them at all costs.

When purchasing activewear your main goal is to make it last for many years, and in order to do so, we recommend you do two things. On a first note, you should preferably opt for timeless silhouettes and neutral colors, such as dark blue, gray or black.

Avoid falling for fleeting trends like bright colors or intricate patterns that people are going to be over with by the end of the season, especially if you are working on a tight budget. Neutral colors provide you with versatility, and they will also make it easier for you to match and pair your activewear in different ways and styles.

In case you are interested, these are the fashion trends for the Fall/Winter season.

On the other hand, the second thing you want to do is to carefully read the label tags on your garments. Workout clothing tends to be highly technical as it needs

to provide you with functionality, so often the cleaning instructions are very specific.

To make them last longer, carefully pay attention to the washing and drying instructions on the garments’ tag. Moreover, all your activewear 一from your socks to your tops一 should be washed on a daily basis or everytime after working out.

Jewelry is an element you should stay away from when going to the gym. Any kind of accessories, including your wedding ring, are both unnecessary and unsafe, as they could get stuck on a machine or result in minor injuries from the hit. This is something many don’t know, but sweat can also react with the metal of the machines and cause you an allergic reaction.

Last but not least, workout clothing should always be fit and slim. Wearing garments that are too big or loose could not only compromise your performance, but also affect their functionality. You need to think about your activewear as a second skin that will support you and protect you.

But again, tight does not mean restrained, you should be able to move freely in your workout gear. Speaking of fit, in this article you’ll find how to dress appropriately based on your body type.

Working out during summer and winter

Going to the gym is an all-year around activity and none of us should compromise their workout session because it’s too cold or too hot outside. Lucky for us, techwear has come a long way and there are plenty of options to try on for working out in the most harsh weather conditions.

During the warmer days, for example, a windbreaker is a must-have option. It’s lightweight, it will keep you cool during your workout and it will also protect you from the wind hitting your upper body.

On the other hand, during winter it is a necessity to keep your body warm, particularly when you’re sweating it out. A thin shell gilet, for example, is the perfect solution for this situation. Any other thicker alternative might make you

feel too hot during your workout. But once again, you should always look for the best option for you.

Function, comfort, and performance are the core values that you should keep in mind when shopping for activewear. On a similar note, you should read this article if you are looking on how to stay warm and stylish in winter.