How to Dress for the Gym

When you go to the gym, it's important to wear clothes that are breathable and flexible. It's good to look good – but remember that fitness and safety are your foremost concerns. Ill-fitting clothing can cause itchy skin, rashes, or more serious injuries. Wear clothing that will facilitate a solid workout.

EditSteps

EditDressing for Women

1. Choose a lightweight t-shirt or sweatshirt. Wear a breathable material like cotton or polyester. When you work out, you'll grow hot and sweaty, so you want to make sure that your clothing doesn't trap the heat. If possible, choose a top that is specifically designed for wicking sweat. Consider wearing a tank top or sports bra for a more breathable—if more revealing—outfit.^[1]
   
   • If you have large breasts, then a sports bra may be essential for a comfortable gym experience. No matter your size, a bit of extra support never hurts.^[2]
2. Pick your bottoms. Wear something flexible, with an elastic waistband: gym shorts, sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants. You should be able to perform a full range of leg workouts while you're wearing the bottoms. The bottoms that you wear also depend on the effect that you're going for: tight and skin-showing clothing can help you show off, and baggier, more flowing garments might help you blend in.^[3]
   
   • Short shorts may afford you the most flexibility, but they can also show a lot of skin. If you feel shy in shorts: wear sweats or yoga pants.
3. Bring appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs.
   
   • If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in.
   • If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.

EditDressing for Men

1. Wear shorts or sweats. Make sure that your bottoms give you a full range of motion. Be conscious of how much you will sweat during your workout, and think about how hot you're going to get.
   
   • Try not to wear shorts that extend more than an inch below your knees – especially if they are loose around the legs. The lower your shorts, the shorter your range of motion.^[4]
2. Take a breathable, flexible shirt. A cotton t-shirt or tank will suffice. Alternately, choose a breathable, sweat-wicking polyester shirt. Pick something that will absorb sweat and that won't restrict your range of motion.^[5]
   
   • A tank will show off your arms, and a t-shirt can be a slightly more modest choice. Decide what you're going for.^[6]
3. Go shirtless, depending on the gym. This can be the most comfortable, most breathable solution. Make sure to read the vibe of the gym before you strip down. There are usually no rules against male shirtlessness – but you may stand out more if you're working out at a smaller gym or if you are the only one shirtless.
   
   • Some gyms do have a code against going shirtless. Read the rules beforehand!
4. Choose appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs.
   
   • If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in.
   • If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.

EditGeneral Tips

1. Wear lightweight, breathable socks. Cotton socks are generally a good choice. Make sure that the socks are neither too tight nor too loose!
   
   • Wear high socks or low socks, to your taste. Short socks will give your legs more space to breathe, but high socks can be useful for wicking away sweat.
   • Tight socks can constrict your legs and slow your blood circulation. On the other hand, socks that are too loose might distract you by sliding down your legs.
2. Consider bringing a weight belt. If you are planning to lift heavy weights, then include a leather waist belt in your wardrobe. This may help you avoid back injuries.
   
3. Carry a towel. As you move about the gym, use a soft, clean towel to wipe your sweat away. You don't want to leave your sweat on the seat of a machine! Most gyms provide clean towels for members to use during their workouts. Do not share a towel with anyone, or else you risk sharing germs!^[7]
   
   • Clean up any sweat that you do leave on a machine. Use a small, clean towel to wipe down the seat, the bars, and any other part that your sweat has touched. Your sweat carries bacteria that could infect someone else if left to dry on the machine!^[8]
4. Wash your clothes after the gym. Even your own sweat, when left to dry on fabric, can breed nasty bacteria and then infect you. Odor-making bacteria tend to grow better on polyester than on cotton – but you should wash all gym clothes regardless.^[9]
   

EditTips

• Gym clothing should be loose, but not "flowing." Wear clothes that hug the body without constricting your motion.
• If you are trying to build muscle, then less clothing might be best so that your range of motion is not restricted. If you're trying to burn fat and calories, then heavier clothing might help you sweat more and "burn" more.
• Try to get a streamlined, "body-hugging" look without bulge. The aim should be to define your shape, not squash it at awkward angles.

EditWarnings

• Do not wear anything in polyester or similar material clothing as it does not breathe as natural fibers like cotton do. Heat and sweat trapped by these fabrics can cause rashes if you have sensitive skin; they also tend to retain the smell of sweat.

EditThings You'll Need

• T-shirt or sweatshirt
• Shorts or track pants
• Socks
• Shoes
• Towel
• Water bottle
• Headphones

EditRelated wikiHows

• Feel Comfortable at a New Gym
• Get Fit in the Gym
• Create Your Own Home Gym for Little or No Cost
• Work out Without Weights
• Dress for Gym Class (Girls)

EditSources and Citations

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