Fit Tips: Gymwear
Matching shorts and sports bra sets, Converse vs Skechers, pump covers– there’s no telling what clothing choices you might encounter when you walk into the gym. Add in sleek athleticwear brands and social media influencers and suddenly there’s something else to worry about when exercising: fashion.
Rather than stress about how you’re dressed or make expensive online purchases, let’s take a moment to talk about what really matters: comfort and practicality!
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your gym fit.
The Right Bra Makes All the Difference
I think this can be said in any situation, but it’s especially important for a workout!
A sports bra that’s too tight can cause chafing, spillage, and upper body pain! I can speak from personal experience that a tight-fitting bra is not only painful for your back but also your neck and head.
A bra that’s too loose might mean straps that don't stay up or a serious lack of support, especially during higher-impact movements like jumping or running.
There are plenty of sports bras on the market. Over-the-head styles are the most common, but I’m a big fan of ones with adjustable straps and bands, especially for those who need a lot of support.
Sub Tip: Wash. Your. Sports. Bras.
I know, we all have bras that go weeks without seeing the washing machine.
Don’t do that with your sports bras.
If you’re anything like me and have unbelievable underboob sweat after you exercise, simply airing out your bra isn’t enough. Sweat, dirt, and gym germs all make for a dirty, smelly bra that probably shouldn’t be worn more than once. Even if it doesn’t smell bad, bacteria, yeast, and fungi can still build up. Unfortunately, yeast infections under the breast are not uncommon.
Hand washing or using a lingerie bag and air drying are good ways to keep your sports bra from getting too worn out too quickly.
Jeans Don’t Pass the Squat Test
This isn’t entirely true depending on the spandex content of your pants, but I generally don’t recommend wearing jeans when you work out.
Lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics are a good move for bottoms. Whether you want to wear shorts or pants is entirely up to you and your comfort level! My thighs are prone to chafing so I’m typically a leggings or long shorts girl.
Track pants and sweatpants are popular options as well, though I personally get a little too sweaty to work out in these bottoms.
If you’re unfamiliar with “squat-tested” athletic bottoms, it just means that the fabric doesn’t become too sheer around your butt when you squat, which happens sometimes. In cases like these, throwing a jacket around your waist is a great solution! Though jeans might not become sheer, they could inhibit your squat depth or rip!
Comfy T-shirts vs “Pump Covers”
Plot twist: they’re essentially the same thing.
In the weightlifting community, a pump cover is just a large t-shirt or sweatshirt that hides a person’s pump (or gains, muscle growth, etc).
Though the concept might not exactly make the most sense to me, I am a fan of wearing oversized shirts to the gym! I think they’re comfortable, easy to move in, and I feel a little cooler when I don’t have fabric shoved into my armpits. At the same time, not everyone cares to wear a large shirt or wear a shirt at all, and that’s okay too! It’s more important to wear what’s comfortable than to worry about how fashionable you’re being.
Tank top, sports bra, t-shirt, hoodie– choose whatever is comfortable, not distracting, and gives you a full range of motion!
There is Such a Thing as the Wrong Shoes
Unfortunately, not every pair of shoes is going to cut it in the gym. Most public gyms require closed-toed shoes, so leave the sandals at home. There are mixed opinions on whether or not barefoot is the way to go, but I think a supportive pair of sneakers is a good idea for most people to provide support.
The “Converse vs Skechers” isn’t too important for those just getting into exercise. It’s a matter of how much support your feet need depending on the activity in which you participate. Cross trainers are a great option for beginners and most recreational athletes. These shoes work well for both lifting weights and cardio exercises. They typically don’t have too much cushion, just enough to be comfortable during dynamic movements. In addition, the soles of the shoe are less flexible for support. Shoes like Converse are often recommended for activities like weightlifting, as their flat soles offer stability and support.
Old sneakers aren’t a great idea as cushion and shock absorption wear out easily over time. Achy and sore feet are a generally good indication that your shoes are too old or ill-fitting. If you’re able to, try to pay attention to the age of your shoes and replace them approximately every six months or so.
These Tips Are Helpful…But Not For Everyone
I think it’s important to acknowledge that most of these tips rely on the ability to afford new or different clothes for exercising. Even if someone were to buy second-hand clothes, it still requires spending money one might not have.
A lot of workout advice and fitness tips are (unintentionally) exclusive to a lot of people for financial reasons. Though the time and ability to exercise should be seen as a right, it’s more of a luxury.
There are not a lot of absolutes when it comes to what you should or shouldn’t wear in a gym. Closed-toed shoes are ideal and required in a lot of public gyms, but there aren’t always many rules otherwise. Wear clothes you feel you feel comfortable in and can move around in easily. For longevity, hand wash these items and hang them to dry.
Most Important Tip: Wear What you Want
Ultimately, movement is more important than what you’re wearing when you move. If the best option is pajama pants, wear pajama pants. If you want to work out without pants on, probably do that at home, but that’s okay too. And if an old pair of sneakers is the only option you have, just be mindful of how they make your body feel and potentially consider an inexpensive pair of insoles if that’s an option for you.
There will always be people with fresh outfits featuring Lulu Lemon leggings, matching GymShark sets, and shoes that cost over $200. No amount of fashionable clothing makes someone else more worthy or valid than you!
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