Workout Fits: The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Functional Gym Attire

Getting your workout clothes right is the first step on the path to smashing out your fitness goals. The right attire will keep you feeling comfortable and confident during a workout, enhance your performance and even help to prevent injuries.

So keep reading and we'll run through the best attires to wear during your next workout session.

Gym clothes aren't just for show. Exercise clothing is designed to keep you comfortable while you work up a sweat. They're usually made from lightweight and breathable fabrics materials to prevent discomfort, and moisture wicking fabrics to help regulate your temperature.

Well designed workout clothing can also help with your athletic performance. The lightweight materials can minimise drag and resistance, allowing for more efficient movement, and compression garments increase your blood circulation for improved endurance and recovery.

Gym clothing can have a psychological effect as well. Throwing on your gym fit gives a mental cue to your brain that it's time to get to work. So your gym attire can instil motivation and confidence before your workout has even begun!

Comfort is key when it comes to your gym attire. Rather than overdoing things, focus on wearing clothes that are comfortable and practical. Your movements should feel completely natural while you exercise.

Try to wear clothing made from breathable materials like polyester, Lycra and nylon for an enjoyable workout. Polyester and nylon are sweat wicking materials, while Lycra is a stretchy material that can still be blended with other sweat wicking fabrics.

For the ladies, it's important to invest in a well-fitted sports bra for both support and comfort. An ill-fitting sports bra can be a distraction at best, and potentially damaging at worst.

If you're at the beginning of your fitness journey, it's advisable to wear clothes from affordable brands before investing in pricier options. Start out slow, discover what works best for you, then update your gym wardrobe in time. There's plenty of affordable and stylish workout gear on the market, so there's bound to be something that fits your style.

With the current market for workout clothes, you can strike a balance between looking your best and feeling supported on the gym floor. So what should you wear to the gym to achieve that?

Aim to wear clothing that feels natural, comfortable and breathable. Try to find gym wear that fits well and allows for a full range of motion during your workouts. Moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon are optimal for their overall comfort and temperature regulation.

A supportive sports bra is highly recommended, especially during high intensity workouts or high-impact activities like running. For the best support possible, make sure your sports bra is an appropriate fit.

Your top should be made from a breathable material and feel comfortable during your entire workout. A training tank is excellent for breathability and flexibility, while a running t-shirt is great for a cardio workout.

There's a whole world of leggings and shorts for women as well. You can go for a classic pair of training tights, or even wear some compression running tights for the extra support. There are also compression shorts you can get, which are great for extra running support.

Your gear should empower you and bring you to the top of your game every time you hit the gym. Whether it's gym leggings or sports bras, your gear should feel almost like a second skin and totally unobtrusive.

A good gym outfit should be practical, comfortable and reasonably stylish. There's no reason you shouldn't look and feel your best every time you step into the gym.

Pack your gym bag with clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon to ensure a comfortable training session. They regulate your temperature so you can stay comfortable and focused, whether you're hitting the weights or the treadmill.

For most activities, a standard pair of training shorts will do the job, or you can invest in a pair or running shorts for those cardio sessions. If you're weightlifting or exercising in cooler weather, you might want to consider joggers as well. A good pair of compression tights is another way of taking your workout to the next level in the colder months with added muscle support.

A training tank or training t-shirt can accompany you to your next weight session for that extra level of comfort. When you've got a cardio day, keep the sweat off your back with a run t-shirt or run singlet that wicks the moisture away from your body.

Now that we've covered gym clothes, let's go over shoes. Footwear is sometimes neglected by gym goers, but it's an important aspect of any workout routine.

The shoes you wear are important for supporting your workout, and they won't necessarily always be the same. For example, you'll wear runners during a cardio workout, whereas supportive weight-lifting shoes are vital when performing heavy squats and deadlifts.

Stick to runners for high-impact exercises like running, and try to wear supportive weightlifting shoes whenever you hit the weights. Your shoes don't have to necessarily be weightlifting shoes. Converses and boots, for example, are really popular in gyms because of their sturdy bases.

The right gym footwear is crucial for both enhancing your performance and preventing injuries. Without the proper support, you open yourself up to ankle/leg injuries and imbalance issues that can lead to long-term health problems.

It should probably go without saying, but don't bring your sliders, sandals or Crocs to the gym. They might feel comfortable in your everyday life, but they have no place on the gym floor. These types of shoes offer next to no foot support. Avoid working out barefoot as well, because you're so much better off with something supporting your body weight.

Obviously your exercise clothes will look a bit different depending on the workout. Here are a few examples of what you should be wearing:

Cardio: Prioritise wearing breathable clothes during a cardio session. Wear good running shoes for support, a moisture-wicking workout top to deal with any excessive sweating, and a pair of running shorts. For extra support, consider a pair of compression running shorts

Weightlifting: Grab a pair of weightlifting shoes, or shoes that are very sturdy like boots, for support and stability. Wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows for a full range of motion. A training tank is an excellent top for breathability, while some good training shorts will keep you feeling comfortable.

Yoga/Pilates: Yoga and Pilates are low intensity in nature, so wear comfortable clothing that feels natural and breathable. Form-fitting clothes are best for performing the specific movements that are often required. Read more on what to wear to Pilates here.

Boxing: Boxing is as high intensity as workouts get, so make sure to wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent from overheating early. Moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal, or you'll quickly find yourself dripping in sweat.

Take your workout to the next level with a wide assortment of gym accessories. Compression arm sleeves are designed to increase your blood flow to improve both performance and recovery. They can be used during almost any sport and cardio session, and have been adopted by some of the world's top athletes.

Likewise, compression socks can help heighten your comfort during a training session by providing targeted support both during and after your workout. The medical-grade compression of SA1NT socks both supports muscles and increases blood circulation, helping athletes to perform and recover at their very best.

Don't forget the basics either. No gym visit should be made without a microfibre towel for hygiene and a water bottle to keep your fluids topped up. Hydration is linked directly to athletic performance and should never be neglected.

Now that we've discussed how to find your ideal gym fit, the rest is up to you. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your specific workout needs. Remember that the priority in a good workout attire is comfort, safety and performance.

Now smash out those fitness goals!