What To Wear to the Gym: A Woman’s Guide

While it is admittedly a great place to spend time, the gym is not always an ideal place for women to enter. In addition to having to sweat and work hard, many women feel a strong sense of fear and anxiety when entering a gym setting. The first time I went to the gym, I was nervous about being judged and told I was doing exercises wrong. But, what helped me get out of this headspace was to put on a gym outfit that made me feel confident. When I put on my adorable women’s biker shorts and sports bra, I felt like I belonged in the gym and was ready to work hard. 

One of the best ways to become more confident when it’s time to go to the gym involves wearing the right outfit. Below is our list of what to wear to the gym to leave you feeling your best and ready to sweat it out.

1. Proper Undergarments

Bras

During a cardio workout, running properly or using an elliptical machine without a supportive bra is incredibly uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a B-cup or a DDD-cup. Invest in supportive bras to ensure comfort. Make sure you check the sizing, get fitted and understand what it means to be physically supported by cute sports bras. 

When you opt to use a regular bra instead of a sports bra, this can lead to a great deal of discomfort and pain. Forgoing a supportive sports bra can lead to unintentional damage to breast tissue. A lack of a supportive sports bra also encourages poor posture. When you don’t have correct posture during exercises, it can eventually lead to various injuries.

Underwear

Your underwear, though it’s not discussed very often, matters when it’s time to exercise. While it might be tempting to go commando, resist the urge. Most cardio workouts involve a lot of sweating. As you sweat in the lower region, this facilitates an environment where bacteria tend to thrive.

The layers provided by cotton underwear tend to absorb all the sweat and moisture from a workout. In addition to absorbing moisture, underwear is important because it decreases the chances of any infections and irritations that may occur as sweat and moisture increase. For those who are either overweight or obese, the chances of moisture leading to vaginal boils increases. By wearing underwear that absorbs most of the moisture, you can decrease the chances of irritation.

Remember to be considerate when you’re exercising in a gym; it’s a communal space. In addition to wiping the equipment before and after use, decrease the spread of sweat, bacteria and germs by wearing cotton underwear.

2. Appropriate Footwear

When it’s time to do a cardio workout at the gym, wear sneakers that support the type of cardio workout you’re doing. When you’re running, be sure to wear running shoes instead of street-style sneakers.

If you need to wear orthotics or insoles, always carry them with you. When you’re running and want to get the most out of your workout, your shoes matter. More than the visual appeal, your shoes support your feet’s ability to carry your body.

Before you purchase any exercise shoe, consider the type of cardio workouts that you’re doing in order to invest in the right type of shoe. If you love cycling equipment, invest in cycling shoes. While it might seem OK to just wear a regular sneaker for any cardio workout, this detail can make a major impact on your ability to perform at your best.

To support your body’s ability to lift heavy, wear flat shoes. You can even wear sneakers that have built-in wedges. Look for flat shoes, like Chuck Taylors or Converse high-top sneakers, because you don’t want to rely on certain areas of your feet to carry the majority of your weight. Flat shoes help you to evenly distribute the weight to get a better lift. To support your ankles when it’s time to lift, high-top sneakers work best as well.

3. High-waisted Workout Pants

When you’re in the middle of a high-intensity training session, the last thing you need to do is fidget with your clothes. When you’re sweating and your garments get loose, consider this a sign to invest in materials that will stick to your body and support it. This is one of the reasons why high-waisted workout leggings and biker shorts are so important. They’ll stay up!

I know that the last thing you want is pants that roll down beneath your stomach. It’s annoying to have to continually pull up your pants while you’re in the middle of an exercise. Our high-waisted leggings and biker shorts are not only supportive, but they come in a variety of designs. If you’re looking for a camo print or a few mesh cutouts, we’ve got you covered. 

When you are searching for workout leggings, keep in mind that they should be a breathable material. Our DuraFit® fabric is made for an all-over shaping effect. This material is lightweight, moisture-wicking, ultra-soft and extremely versatile. Whether you are going for a walk or hitting the gym for a high-intensity workout, our leggings will stay in place.

Another option is our SkinFuse® fabric. This soft and seamless fabric is quick-drying to leave you feeling comfortable all workout long. These leggings are designed to feel like a second skin, sculpt your thighs and calves and offer a no-chaffing effect. If you are going for a jog or hitting a yoga class, these are the perfect legging for you. 

4. Socks

There are differing opinions regarding whether people should wear socks or not. However, if you want to maintain the integrity of your shoes and keep your shoes smelling nice, it’s better to wear socks. Socks absorb sweat and moisture. For the best results, you’ll need to purchase moisture-wicking socks to maintain dry feet during your workout.

Depending on previous injuries and health concerns, compression socks can also be an excellent consideration when you’re putting your wardrobe together. If you are a long-distance runner, compression socks can potentially help your performance. Compression socks are known to be excellent for blood circulation and blood flow. Additionally, if you’d like to pick up dumbbells, they can help support your lower body as you push through various strength training exercises.

5. Wearable Tech

When you’re able to know numbers, such as your fat-burning zone, you’ll get a better understanding of how you need to perform in order to get the results you’re looking for. Wearable tech is also helpful when it’s time for you to track your steps throughout the day. It’s pretty standard for the average person to need at least 7,000 steps every single day. One of the best ways to track how much you’re walking involves wearing a smartwatch or a ring.

6. Matching Sets

I love matching sets because they are convenient for women who don’t want to put in a ton of effort when it’s time to pick an outfit. With matching sets, you’ll instantly look chic. 

Plus, there are tons of versatile options to choose from. If you like prints and patterns, look for matching sets that feature prints like leopard or camo. If you prefer a monochromatic appeal, consider matching sets in neutral colors such as black or gray.

For those who want to mix and match, consider investing in matching sets with colors that complement one another. This will help you put together versatile looks for when it’s time to go to the gym while making sure that you don’t suffer from decision fatigue. There’s no need to stress out over getting the right aesthetic.

7. Headwear and Accessories

No woman prepares for a workout without considering her hair. Whether you have naturally curly or straight hair, you don’t want it to get in the way. Especially when sweat and lots of physical effort are involved, a hairstyle can quickly get messed up.

Knowing this, a baseball cap can be your best friend. Depending on the length, put your hair in a sleek bun. Then, place a baseball cap on top in order to still maintain a chic look. Always carry hair ties with you in order to pull your hair back. It’s never convenient to leave your hair down when it’s time to workout. By keeping a couple of spare hair ties in your gym bag or on your wrist, it’s much easier to keep your hair out of your face.

Many women love to use sweatbands on their hairlines. Sweatbands can be helpful when it’s time to absorb the sweat and protect those beloved baby hairs. Bobby pins, bandannas and thick caps can also be effective when you’re trying to look for versatile ways to protect your hair as you exercise.

8. Fanny Packs

While I remember fanny packs being extremely popular in the 1990s, they’ve definitely made a comeback. Nowadays, fanny packs aren’t solely for the boho festivals and concerts that many attend during the summer months. You can actually wear a fanny pack to the gym! If you don’t want to use the lockers in the locker room, fanny packs allow you to keep your valuables on your person as you exercise. 

Finding Your Fit Fashion Sense

For some people, the idea of planning gym outfits might seem like an unnecessary step. However, think about the big picture. When you’re entering the gym, the goal is typically to become a healthier version of yourself. Finding an outfit that fits you right and makes you feel confident will put you in the right headspace to perform well. I know that when I put on a cute gym outfit on a day when I am dreading the gym, I instantly feel one step closer to having a great workout.

Getting Ready to Work Out

When you can look in the mirror and be proud of the outfit you see, it’s worth the effort. In the beginning, it might feel foreign to try on matching sets or different cute sports bras. However, as you get the hang of figuring out the items that flatter your figure, you’ll become more confident and ready to take on the gym to deliver peak performances each time you enter those doors.

Image Credits

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