Fashion

5 Workout Wardrobe Must-Haves

on

You know what they say… look good, feel good. If you show up to the gym with an oversized cotton tee and a pair of shorts that don’t match, you may not perform your best. There’s some interesting psychology behind it, but dressing well can actually help you perform better. So, the next time you hit the gym or your next workout class, it’s important you have all the wardrobe essentials to be your best.

But don’t fret. You don’t need a complete overhaul of your entire closet. A few staple items can go a long way and can help you curate numerous outfits. Take a look at our five workout wardrobe must-haves to look and be your best.

1. Gym Bag


Before anything, you’re going to need a gym bag to store all of your workout gear. The size of your gym bag depends on what your intentions are at the gym. Do you need room to store your protein shaker bottle, clothes for work, and shampoo, conditioner, and other hygienic products for your shower? If so, a larger gym bag with numerous compartments will be your best friend.

Or, are you just going to a quick yoga class and intend on going straight home to shower and relax afterward? A smaller gym bag that can store your sweat towel, water bottle, and personal items should suffice.

2. Sneakers

Just like your foundation supports your house, your shoes support your body. If you want to crush your next workout or smash your next PR on your run, you’re going to need to look at the best running shoes for women. If you have a local running store nearby, pay them a visit. Most of them can analyze your gait to see if you pronate or supinate.

Pronation is when your ankles roll inwards, which can lead to injury if not corrected. Stability shoes with extra posting on the medial side can help combat pronation, so you transition smoother through your gait cycle. Supination, on the other hand, is when your ankles roll outward. This is less common but can be prevented with more minimal shoes that don’t have extra posting on the medial side of the shoe.

Running shoes are very versatile and can be used for other purposes such as weight lifting and indoor cycling. You don’t want to get injured by putting yourself in the wrong shoe, so take some time the next weekend you’re free to test out a wide range of shoes to determine which ones are most comfortable for you.

3. Tops


Once you have a pair of trusted shoes to wear to the gym or on your next hike, it’s time to look for some tops with a sporty style. Cotton is a very restrictive material. It isn’t flexible and absorbs sweat and odors, which can be pretty uncomfortable when you’re sweating bullets during your workout.

Instead, look for breathable tops that are moisture-wicking. These tops are usually made out of a combination of polyester and spandex and can help draw heat away from your body. There’s a wide range of tops you can choose from as well, all serving their own purpose, including:

  • Tank tops
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Crop tops
  • Hoodies
  • Sweatshirts
  • Windbreakers

The type of top you choose depends on the type of athletic activity you intend to do. T-shirts and tank tops are great for indoor gym use or running outside in hot temperatures, while windbreakers and hoodies are perfect for outdoor activities in cooler climates. You can also get a matching top and bottom to create a trendy jumpsuit.

4. Bottoms

Your bottoms are just as important as the tops and shoes you choose to wear. You don’t want a pair of athletic bottoms that restrict knee drive and mobility. Instead, err on the side of flexible bottoms that provide a wide range of motion so you can perform box jumps, squats, sprints, and yoga. Some bottoms to consider include:

5. Accessories


To tie your workout wardrobe together, you’ll need a few accessories as well. They don’t have to be anything extravagant, but items like a patterned headband, retro fanny pack, or cool sunglasses can turn your outfit from drab to fab. Some workout accessories worth considering include:

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Bluetooth headphones
  • Visor
  • Hat
  • Sweatbands
  • Smartphone armband
  • Key Takeaways

You’ll feel like an elite athlete the next time you head out the door to pump some iron, sprint uphill, or hike a mountain with these five workout wardrobe must-haves. With a workout ensemble that matches and keeps you comfortable, you’ll be ready to tackle any workout that lies ahead of you.