Whether you’re working out at the gym or putting in mileage training for a big race, it’s important to find workout clothes that fit and feel good. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or a size 20, if it doesn’t fit well, you’re not going to want to move in it. I’ve spent my fair share of time in active wear, and thought I’d share some tips on how to pick the best workout clothes.
How to Pick the Best Workout Clothes
Think Function
Finding the perfect workout clothing depends on what activity you’ll be using them for, and that includes your workout bra. For example, you might select a low impact sports bra for yoga and a high impact workout bra for marathon training, just as you might select loose fitting yoga pants 
for the class at the gym, but prefer running tights for pounding the pavement, and heavier pants with pockets for hiking. Whether you plan to run, walk, do yoga or Pilates, hit the spin class at the gym, play soccer, or do resistance workouts at home, or hike the trails, chances are there is workout apparel specifically designed for the type of exercise you’ll be doing.
Moisture Wicking
Moisture-wicking fabric is a must, even for people like me, who are literally incapable of sweating properly. For most women, even short easy workouts can lead to sweat and moisture which can harbor bacteria, lead to odor, and rub your skin the wrong way– literally. For me, even short easy workouts can lead to overheating, which can lead to heat exhaustion.
Most exercise tops and pants feature material that wick moisture away from the skin. Nylon and polyester fabrics are great for wicking, but cotton absorbs moisture and can feel weighted and uncomfortable. Check the label to make sure you’re getting the moisture-wicking you’ll need. Oh, and once you have them, avoid using fabric softener on them as it can impede the moisture wicking process. Although I don’t sweat properly I do purchase moisture wicking workout clothes. Why? Because I often have to mimick sweat by spritzing my skin, or drenching my shirt, and the evaporative process is what cools the body.
Fabric that Moves
Select fabric that moves with you– In other words, it needs to be flexible. Workout clothing should allow you to bend and stretch. If you’re doing yoga and pilates, you also need to be able to contort. Spandex and polyester are both durable and stretchy.
Reflective
If you plan to walk, jog, or run outdoors you should invest in workout clothes that are made with reflective material or have reflective piping. You want to be seen in the low-light or dark conditions that make up poorly lit areas. You can’t count on light colors being enough to do the trick. Black material with reflective piping is optimal. Be sure to include a reflective running jacket in your wardrobe for those days when you have to cover up the reflective piping in your shirt!
Fit with Flatter
Whether you have 50 pounds to lose, or you’ve lost 50 pounds already, get something that flatters you. If it doesn’t fit with flatter, it shouldn’t be in your closet. That goes for workout clothes, too. Why? Because when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re more motivated to move. Just because you plan to sweat all over it doesn’t mean it should look like a sweat rag.
You might recall that I posted in ways to find motivation when you don’t want to exercise that I bought a purchased a custom Confident workout tee from my gal pal, Erika. Well, I liked it well enough that I ordered four more. Yes, I did. Why? Because when I look good, I feel good. And when I feel good, I move more. And that impacts my workouts.
Wow Virginia! LOOK AT YOU! You looks awesome, you’re doing so great… such an inspiration. And love the workout clothes. I am in DESPERATE need of workout clothes. I just throw on any old pants and t-shirts. I’m dying for some new stuff.
I think having appropriate clothing for your workouts is beneficial in 2 ways, it’s much more comfortable and looking good is a great motivator to keeping working hard!
(You’re looking great! Amazing how your hard work is paying off, you’re motivating ME!)