While clothes aren't necessary for a good workout, they can make a big difference in terms of comfort. What you put on your body might sometimes help you perform better by preventing weariness and chafing. Depending on the season, your workout attire needs to keep you warm or cool and be able to wick away sweat.
The most effective training attire is the kind that you feel most at ease in. Depending on the type of exercise and the temperature outside, this could mean providing tighter-fitting garments or something more flowy. Although we're partial to hoodies and sweatpants, modern workout attire has evolved into a wide variety of specialised gear, such as sports gym t-shirts, bras, leggings, joggers and cycling shorts. Stop wearing your comfy cotton T-shirt to the gym and have a look at our guide to the best workout clothes for men and women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
These tees have been carefully selected because of their lightweight, airy materials and relaxed fits. So, have a look at the options below for the gym t-shirts and put the ones you want in your shopping cart.
Workout Fabrics To Avoid
When first learning about fitness fibres, it's important to keep in mind the following:
The next time you go shopping, you'll already know what to look out for. The naked eye may not be able to tell the difference between basic cotton and conventional polyester fabric, yet these materials are the worst offenders when it comes to trapping perspiration.
Cotton's rapid absorption of moisture makes it feel like you've jumped into a pool of perspiration during a high-intensity workout and can irritate your skin even after you've finished working out.
Polyester, a common fitness fabric, is somewhat more breathable than cotton but not as durable as nylon or other moisture-wicking textiles. This is due to the fact that polyester doesn't dry as quickly as other materials, allowing bacteria to linger for longer than is ideal.
Polyester is fine for a fast walk where sweating is minimal, but you should switch to a different fabric for more strenuous exercise. Instead of reaching for one of your many t-shirts in the closet or reaching for the same polyester items you wear on the weekends, give these other materials a try.
Fitness Buff Favourites From Workout Clothes To Headwear
1. Spandex
Wear it for activities requiring a lot of movement, including yoga, Pilates, or lifting weights.
Spandex is the ultimate classic when it comes to exercise wear. Spandex, better known by its brand name (Lycra), allows for a lot of freedom of movement during strenuous physical activity like weightlifting or hot yoga.
Leggings, sports bras, track shorts, and even socks are some of the most common items of fitness wear that feature spandex. It may not be the most breathable or moisture-wicking material, but you won't feel constricted in any way while wearing it. (Hint: avoid tumble drying Spandex as much as possible to preserve its elasticity.)
2. Poly-Dri
Wear it for any outdoor or indoor exercise.
Simply said, poly-dri is the upgraded version of polyester. Poly-dri is able to resist odours and bacteria when regular polyester cannot. It withstands many washings, resists wrinkling, and wicks moisture better than regular cloth. It's best to wash a sweaty shirt or other item as soon as possible, just like you would with polyester.
3. Bamboo Fiber
Wear it for any activity or climate.
Bamboo is an excellent choice for workout apparel since it is soft, lightweight, comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, temperature regulating, and shape-retaining (even after a big stretch).
When compared to plastic-based polyester, the nicest part of selecting bamboo fibre athletic apparel is its long-term sustainability. Instead, these silky-feeling leggings, shirts, and headbands are made from bamboo cloth, which is sustainable and long-lasting.
Another advantage of bamboo clothing is that, because it is manufactured from natural fibres, it is hypoallergenic and less likely to cause skin discomfort after perspiration. Although the cost of this type of athletic apparel is higher than that of other options, it appears to be money well spent.
4. Nylon
All activities and climates call for its use.
Nylon combines the desirable qualities of spandex and polyester into a single fabric. Nylon, like poly-dri, is an improved alternative to polyester for sportswear because of its superior strength, durability, and scratch resistance.
You may wear it to the gym or out for a run in the park with confidence because of its low moisture absorption and quick drying characteristics. Nylon is one of the most effective exercise materials because of its lightweight, breathable, and weatherproof nature, which makes it suitable for wear year-round. Nylon will keep you feeling cool and accomplished year-round, whether it's blazing hot outside or freezing cold.
5. Moisture-Wicking Cotton
When working out at a moderate intensity, wearing it regularly, or when temps are colder.
Because of its poor reputation for wicking away sweat, fitness gurus and scientists had to come up with an alternative: moisture-wicking cotton, which is a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres. Wearing less of this product is recommended, especially if greater temperatures are predicted, as moisture-wicking cotton does help absorb perspiration more and does not leave you feeling as hot or confined as the normal material.
If you're not going to sweat a lot while doing out, this is a great option. This material is also ideal for low-to-moderate intensity workouts in the cooler months, but you may want to look elsewhere for your strength training or resistance band activities.
Alternative, Superb Materials for Workout Clothes
This is just the beginning of the list. In addition to the previously mentioned, the following also makes for excellent workout wear:
1. Polypropylene
When it's sleeting, raining, snowing, or extremely hot outside, that's when you put it on and go for a run.
Polypropylene is a synthetic, plastic substance that is both lightweight and flexible. Waterproof polypropylene is the best material for interval and marathon training because it can be worn no matter the conditions.
This synthetic fabric is both waterproof and breathable, so you'll be less likely to experience skin irritation or discomfort after a strenuous workout.
2. Merino Wool
When to Wear It: While Exercising Outside in Cooler Temperatures
You might be surprised to see wool on this list of workout wear, but merino wool is actually quite thin and hence ideal for physical activity. For winter sports like skiing and jogging, merino wool makes an excellent base layer due to its tiny fibres' ability to soak away perspiration.
3. Synthetic and Natural Fabrics
Both synthetic and natural fabrics may be purchased at any store that sells apparel, and both can be acquired in a variety of colours and styles to suit your own preferences. You may get anything you need to get in shape, from shorts to leggings to athletic shirts.
4. Compression Clothing
As we've already established, there are a number of compelling reasons why wearing form-fitting clothing during exercise is a must. Compression apparel, of which many of the items on this list are made, is an excellent choice for the gym, the bike, the run, and any other type of physical activity.
Compression clothing (including full-body suits, socks, and shirts) is designed to be snug without restricting movement. This tightness aids muscle recovery after exercise and, in some cases, reduces muscle discomfort.
This is because the compression of the fabric reduces swelling in the muscles and raises blood pressure, both of which are beneficial to the process of repairing or rebuilding muscle tissue. Compression clothing not only improves your muscles, but also your blood flow and your ability to stretch, lift, and lengthen your limbs.
