What to wear to the gym: The ultimate guide

The gym represents a lifestyle of growth through the power of marginal gains. Beginners and athletes train side-by-side to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. Whether women’s workout apparel you’re going to the gym to get stronger or to run on the treadmill, choosing the right clothes is the first step to invigorate that desire to turn up and perform. This guide on what to wear to the gym will help you spot the premium qualities in sportswear to push for personal bests.

What should I wear to the gym?
If you’re heading to the gym, you could be hitting up the weights or taking on a challenging cardio class. Whatever it is, the type of gear you wear makes a difference. Some fits are designed to be functional and durable while others are more aesthetic.

So, what do you need? Here’s the typical kit list for gym-goers to choose from:

Shorts
Leggings
Gym joggers
Compression shorts
Tees and vests
1/4 zips
Comfortable trainers
Sports bra’s for women
Optional accessories like towels, bags, hats, training gloves and socks.

Gym clothes for beginners
If you’re new to the gym, splashing out on a whole new gym wardrobe can be a little overwhelming. A few pieces of high-quality gym clothes will be enough to tide you over until you can keep building out your gym wear. Investing in better will help you put skin in the game and commit to your goals.

Cheap gym clothing may solve the short-term problem but they are made from lower quality fabrics that can hinder your workout and wear quickly, leaving you to dip into your pockets to replace items. It’s not great feeling limited by itchy, sweat-trapping cotton t-shirts or leggings that aren’t squat proof. Premium sportswear is designed for longevity, performance and keeping you motivated throughout your fitness journey.

As a beginner, you’ll need a few of the items mentioned earlier. Here are specific qualities to seek out when choosing superior gym wear:

Gym clothes should be made from breathable, quick dry, moisture-wicking fabrics to move trapped sweat and heat from the body to keep you cool and comfortable.
Lightweight clothing is also important to prevent overheating. Heavy clothes cause faster fatigue, shorter workouts, and less efficiency throughout.
If you’re buying sports bras, make sure they are comfortably tight for the best compression without digging in.
High-stretch gym wear enhances mobility, comfort, and can prevent ripping when bending during exercises.
If you prefer form-fitting gym clothes, look for materials like latex or spandex for that flattering stretch fit.

What kind of shoes should you wear to the gym?
When it comes to shoes, it all depends on what you’re doing in the gym. If you’re more focused on lifting weights, you’ll want trainers that are mostly flat with little cushioning. This is so you can get a good sense of balance while lifting heaving weights. With a flat shoe, you can push down through your big toe while spreading out your other toes to give you more stability.

But if you’re planning a cardio workout, you’ll want a more traditional running shoe with plenty of cushioning. In high-intensity workouts, you want to provide your foot with plenty of comfort and support to help you move at pace.