Choosing the Right Workout Clothes

Workout Clothes: Pick “Workhorse” Fabrics

Some fabrics are designed to pull sweat away from your skin during exercise and others absorb it. When it comes to workout clothes, some choices are better than others.

• Think wicking. There are many breathable synthetic fabrics that “wick” the sweat away from your skin, which can help it to evaporate quickly and keep your body cool. Clothing made out of fabrics containing polypropylene or fabrics such as COOLMAX® and SUPPLEX® are a good choice for exercise and other activities in which you are likely to sweat a lot, as they allow the sweat to be evaporated from the skin but do not soak clothing and leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
• Consider cotton. Cotton shirts and pants, on the other hand, absorb the sweat, and they don’t pull it away from the skin or help it to evaporate quickly. That’s why cotton workout clothes can feel heavy and wet as you exercise.
• Avoid fabrics that don’t breathe. Never wear clothing made out of rubber-based or plastic-based materials, which keep sweat from evaporating and keep your body temperature too high during a workout.

Workout Clothes: Get the Right Fit

To make sure that your workout clothes fit your body and the workout that you have planned, consider these tips:

• You should wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. But if you are running or biking, avoid wide-leg or loose pants that could get tangled up in the pedals or your feet.
• For activities such as yoga or Pilates, stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat are a good choice.
• In general, keep in mind that you don’t want any clothing that gets in the way of the activity.

Workout Clothes: Change With the Seasons

If you exercise outdoors or play seasonal sports, what you wear may have to change with the seasons. Keep these tips in mind when dressing for outdoor exercise:

• Hot weather. During warm summer months, be sure to choose fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and wick sweat away. Dress in clothes that are cool and comfortable, and allow you to move freely.
• Cold weather. When it’s very cold outside, you’ll need to dress warmly, but keep in mind that you’ll be exercising and boosting your heart rate and your body temperature. Dress in layers that you can remove, and always dress for weather that’s warmer than what the thermometer outside says. Keep sweat-wicking clothing on your inner layer, and put an insulating layer on top of that. Always cover your head, ears, and hands to protect them from the cold.
• Wet or windy weather. Nothing can ruin an outdoor workout faster than getting soaked in the rain or caught in a strong wind. Wear an outer layer that protects your skin from the elements.

Just remember that no matter what the temperature, you’re still likely to work up a sweat during a workout. Keep yourself as comfortable as possible with clothing designed for heavy exercise that wicks sweat away from the skin. And keep the weather in mind if you’re exercising outdoors, and dress appropriately.

Consider these options for comfortable, year-round workout clothing for both men and women.

Activewear Item for Women

Fabletics High-Waisted Sold Powerhold Legging

These high-waisted compression leggings from Fabletics are perfect for almost any athletic activity. The moisture-wicking fabric makes them light and breathable enough to wear during the summer months, or to layer them during the fall or winter. They’re made of 88 percent polyester and 12 percent spandex, so they’ll move with your body and won’t feel constricting. Plus, they have an internal waistband pocket so you can stash your keys and cards during your workout.

Workout Tee for Women

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Crew

Designed for running, training, and sweating, this short sleeve crew from Lululemon is great to wear and layer all year round. Mesh vents provide ventilation while Silverescent technology (X-STATIC) inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria — yes, that means you’ll stay fresh throughout your workout. The best part? The classic cut of this shirt works well on every body type, and it’s available in 10 colors.

Sports Bra

FITTIN Racerback Sports Bra

This medium support sports bra from FITTIN can be worn during yoga, pilates, spin class, rowing, kickboxing, and weight training. It’s easy to pull on over your head, and the wide elastic band at the bottom won’t ride up or cause chafing. The padding is removable, and the fabric is designed to wick away moisture so you can avoid that gross, sweaty feeling. For what more can you ask?

Workout Hoodie

Lululemon Men’s City Sweat Zip Hoodie

Whether you need a jacket to throw on after a workout or you’re looking for something to layer over a thermal during the colder months, this zip hoodie from Lululemon will check off all the boxes on your list. We love that the material is light, stretchy, and breathable. Plus, “hidden” zippered side and chest pockets are perfect for storing your valuables without looking bulky.

Workout Shorts for Guys

Adidas Men’s Designed 2 Move Shorts

Perfect for the guy on the move, these elasticized shorts from Adidas are made with moisture-grabbing climalite fabric, which draws heat and moisture away from the body to keep you feeling cool no matter how intense your workout gets. There are side pockets for convenience, and a loop drawcord on the elastic waist. With an affordable price and over 20 colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with these shorts.

Workout Tee for Men

Reebok Speedwick Tech Short Sleeve Tee

Reebok’s workout shirt for men allows a full range of motion while the high-tech performance fabric works to draw sweat away from the body. It also features mesh vents for added breathability and flatlock stitching (which helps prevent chafing). It’s great for wearing on its own or layering under a hoodie during cold weather workouts.

All products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness.