The Definitive Guide to Picking the Best Sportswear for Your Workout
What you wear when exercising can make a difference.
Suitable clothing will help you achieve your fitness goals, from boosting your confidence to reducing injuries. By considering your climate, exercise environment, and personal preferences, you can find the perfect clothes to fuel your workouts.
Comfort is Key
A lot can go into the preparation of a workout, but your clothing is a critical component. You want to avoid being distracted by discomfort while trying to achieve your fitness goals, and the right workout gear can help you focus more on the task at hand.
The ideal athletic clothing from Athleta is light, breathable, and provides sufficient coverage for the kind of workout you’re undertaking. A looser fit with compression fabric may be required if you engage in high-impact exercises to support your muscles as they contract and expand. If you’re looking for a breathable top for medium-impact workouts, a tank or tee should provide enough coverage and wick away sweat to keep you cool.
When choosing your clothes, you also want to consider the climate and workout environment. You must wear appropriate attire while working out outside, especially during summer. You’ll need breathable fabrics to prevent overheating and moisture buildup while wearing insulated layers if you plan to exercise in colder weather.
Functionality
The right sports apparel can be a great way to improve your performance in exercise and sports. Suitable clothing helps you move quickly, comfortably, and without restriction. It can also act as a layer of protection to reduce injury.
Different fabric types might be more appropriate depending on your workout type. For example, you may prefer sports clothes with breathability fabrics, especially in warm weather. A breathable fabric evaporates moisture more quickly, keeping you cool and dry during workouts.
In addition, you should wear workout clothing with a built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) that protects your skin from UV rays. It can help you stay fresh longer, avoid sunburn, and promote faster recovery after a workout.
Versatility
When shopping for workout clothes, it’s essential to consider their versatility. It can save you money, valuable drawer space, and even Marie Kondo frustration (hello, sweaty bootcamp pants that never make it back into the drawer).
Versatility is a helpful trait to look for in both fabrics and styles of sports apparel. For example, t-shirts are highly versatile athletic wear because they come in short- and long-sleeved options and can be layered with other activewear pieces. Additionally, they are frequently constructed of breathable, light materials that keep you cool and comfortable as you exercise.
Style
Whether streaming a workout, tackling a new class at your local gym, or simply walking around the block, having the right fitness gear helps you reach your goals. That’s because the best workout clothes are designed with unique fabrics to keep you cool and dry.
They’re also made to withstand wear and tear. Look for breathable fabrics that can help reduce sweating and chafing and soft seams to avoid irritation. Some materials like hemp and eucalyptus (Tencel) are eco-friendly, using less water and pesticides than traditional cotton.
A good sports bra is also essential to reduce bounce during movement and provide support where needed. A hat is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes while helping absorb and evaporate sweat, especially when made from wicking fabric.
Budget
Choosing the right sports apparel for your workout boosts your performance during sports or exercise. The correct fitness attire provides the required support to the body, reduces sweating, and helps keep you confident and focused throughout your workout.
However, it’s essential to remember that not all athletic clothes need to be expensive. Plenty of stores carry stylish activewear for a fraction of the cost. Many of these affordable options have the same features as high-end brands.
Additionally, there are a growing number of eco-friendly workout clothes available. These items are built to survive the repeated stretching, washing, and sweat of everyday workouts. They can be produced from eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester and nylon, hemp, and eucalyptus (Tencel).
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