So you’ve mentally committed yourself to getting on the physical activity bandwagon. The hardest part is done! But now – what do you wear?! No seriously, it’s a question we get often.
How do you build a workout wardrobe
- That won’t break the bank?
- Makes you confident as a Kardashian?
- Is comfortable? No one likes to feel like they’re trapped in a plastic bag!
- Will last longer than your morning coffee?
‘Won’t break the bank’ is a huge factor for most people. This is completely understandable – you will literally put your workout gear through more stress than any other clothes you own but they’re meant to get dirty. The sweat, the washing, the stuffing-it-in-the-bottom-of-a-bag with your smelly running shoes. But I can’t stress enough the love you will feel when you sweat in good quality gear that you love to wear.
Even more so than the fabric itself, it’s great to look in the mirror and see some confidence smiling back.
Here’s a list of my Workout Wardrobe “Must-Haves”:
- Running shoes: this should be obvious. If you’re just kick-starting your new routine, I would invest some time and get properly fitted at a running shoe store. Education goes a long way in making sure you’re getting what you need and potentially avoiding injury. Running shoes are different than court shoes, which are both different from cross-trainers.
- Socks: I may be alone in this one, but I get blisters like it’s my job. I find a good pair of socks makes the difference between limping and sprinting. It pains me to buy them, but my feet love me. Not your problem? High five!
- Bottoms: Type of bottom will really come down to personal preference. I love crop pants. I find them super versatile and will bring me from summer through fall and will satisfy me for almost everything from weight lifting at the gym, to playing a sport. For guys, I think it’s safe to say a pair of shorts will do you well. In winter or summer you may want to add a long pair of pants to throw on top or shorts.
- Tops (part 1): Ladies first, if you’re just building your wardrobe I would suggest a tank top, a supportive sports bra, and a t-shirt. Tank top/sports bra combos are pretty good but I find them less versatile. For men, I can’t stress enough the need to invest in a good tech shirt. Not to say you smell, but let’s be honest, there’s a reasonably good chance that you may not be as fresh as a baby’s bottom after a workout. Technical material will really help take moisture away from your skin and keep you cool.
- Tops (part 2): I really, really like to have something I can wear pre- and post-post workout. Plus, you avoid getting a chill when your sweat cools after the workout. My only criteria for this is that it’s easy to put on. Since you won’t be sweating much in it, fabric doesn’t matter, but don’t chose something that makes you feel like you’re about to become a human sausage. My go-to is a light-weight, full-zip sweater.
- Top of the tops: Hats, headbands and hair-ties are all really up to personal preference. Generally my motto is less is better since it’s bothersome to fiddle with your accessories as you’re getting your sweat on. But you do you – whatever makes you most comfortable, and keeps the fly-aways out of your face.
Some added tips on caring for your workout wear:
- No cotton. While comfortable, cotton is not meant to sweat in. It will end up like a wet towel that will both keep you too hot and too cold at the same time. Cotton also tends to cling on to smells – which in turn may lose you some friends.
- Avoid the colour white. As you may remember from elementary school, white tends to become see through when wet. Also it may show sweat stains more easily.
- Not too tight and lots of stretch. You want to make sure you can move up, down, and around. Restrictive clothing is no fun.
- Cold water wash, with similar fabrics and hang to dry. Hot temperatures (i.e., the dryer) will break down the fabric and will significantly reduce the life of your clothes. Also, if you put heavy cottons in with your athletic gear, the friction will make your clothes fuzzy covered in lint – and again, shorten the lifespan.
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