Workout clothes are one of my favorite things to shop for because they can be so fun and different than your everyday style. If you are one to stay pretty basic in your wardrobe, workout clothes are a time you can stray from classic and predictable to FABULOUS and LOUD. Also, if you are working out nearly every day, it’s only fair to give yourself some options.
Now that I teach at YMCA and Golds Gym, I’ve given myself a pass to get some more workout clothes. I mean it IS for work? 😉 So I thought I’d share my process in choosing the best workout clothes for myself.
I bought some new beauties that I am very excited about strutting around the gym. And if you don’t strut around the gym, that’s a sign you need better workout clothes! You should feel like a hot momma when you get to the gym, because I swear, it makes your workout 100000x better.
Qualities Workout Clothes Must Have a Good…
There are a couple qualities that make or break my decision to buy a workout top or pant.
Fit
Workout clothes need to fit perfectly. No one wants to be uncomfortable when they are on their last mile, or lifting heavy. The last thing on your mind should be, “wow these are tight” or “I hope my pants don’t fall off in downward dog.”
Your workout clothes should be tight enough to feel secure, but not too tight to keep you feeling self conscious and uncomfortable.
Fabric
The fabric is key! From here on out I am only buying odor repellant workout clothes. Sorry, but no one wants to hang with you after working out for a quick coffee date, or errand, if you stank. Here are some brands that I love that have this lovely option.
- Unstinkable – Athleta has “Unstinkable” material that works well. Not to mention, how cute their workout clothes are! Why can’t we have it all?
- Silverescent Technology – LuLuLemon has created a Silverescent technology material that prevents odor in sweat. These silver threads are threaded throughout the material. Check some of their workout clothing out.
- Flash Dry Technology – North Face has this option for clothes that have a microporous additive that helps pull moisture away from the body, so you can workout for longer and stay dry!
- Cotton* – Crazy as it sounds, cotton is a good workout material to wear to ward off smell. However, it unfortunately is a moisture absorbent material so you will appear quite sweaty so don’t choose this option if you’ve got plans after.
Another tip for keeping the ick smell out of your gym clothes? Don’t use softener! A softener leaves a coating on your clothes that then can actually trap in the stench. Ewww.
Style
The style of top and pant is super important based on your body type and activity. I have body proportions that usually cause any small straps to slip right off my shoulder, so I typically steer clear from just plain straps. I like razor backs the best and on occasion a halter.
As far as workout pants go, I basically HATE pants that are flared at all, I want my pants hugging my ankles. I’m not to proud to share that I have tripped over my flared pants before at the gym. #FAIL The crop pant just works well for me. For shorts, I like them to be tight and secure.
Look
Then, once all of that is figured out, it’s time to decide which color/design you like the best. This is what completes my decision making process. I typically like pretty bright standout colors for my gym clothes but occasionally choose black because black is awesome!
What do you look for in your workout clothes? Anything to add to the list?
