If you’re not sure what to wear to the gym, working out can be an intimidating experience. Not only that, the wrong kind of gym clothes can hold back your performance.

That’s why it’s important to pick the right clothes every time you go to the gym. Well-made, lightweight workout clothing can improve your performance and help you stay comfortable by reducing the weight you carry, increasing your range of motion, and helping you stay cool. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the right workout gear, from tops and sports bras to gym accessories.

When it comes to workout tops, it’s important to choose the right fabric. Look for moisture-wicking materials, which provide ventilation and help you stay comfortable. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are great picks because they’re light and flexible, and they help you stay cool and dry by wicking sweat away from your body.

A workout shirt should fit well without being too loose or too tight. Here are some tips for finding the right fit. Make sure to pick a workout shirt that fits snugly around your shoulders, chest, and arms without restricting your movements. It should be loose and flexible enough that it doesn’t restrict your movements, but tight enough that it won’t get caught on anything. It should also cover most of your torso without bunching up around your hips and waist. Baggy tops might be comfortable and breathable, but they can get caught on weight machines or other equipment. That’s why it’s best to opt for a fitted top. Not only does a close-fitting top avoid snags and move with your body, it also provides extra support. It’s best to avoid baggy workout tops, but beyond that, it’s somewhat up to your preference. Some athletes prefer a slightly loose fit to increase airflow, while others prefer compression base layers that increase support. If you’re not sure what you prefer, try on several different workout tops to see what feels best and gives you the most freedom of movement.

Base layers can help regulate your body temperature. They fit close to your skin and stretch as you move, providing extra protection and warmth without restricting your movements. They fit easily under other clothing, so they’re great for layering in cold weather. Make sure to look for base layers and compression shirts that fit well and are made from moisture-wicking fabrics.

Sports bras come in different levels of support, from low-impact to high-impact. Low-impact sports bras are great for low-intensity workouts like yoga, Pilates, and stretching. Medium-impact sports bras are ideal for more intense activities that don’t generate a lot of vertical movements, such as cycling, hiking, and weightlifting. High-impact sports bras give you extra support for activities with lots of rapid or abrupt movement, such as running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and competitive sports like soccer or basketball. There are many styles of high-impact bras to choose from, so it helps to know what you’re looking for so you can narrow it down.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

Look for compression and encapsulation. Compression bras work by compressing your breasts against your chest, while encapsulation bras have individual cups that support each breast separately. Combination sports bras combine the benefits of both. Most high-impact sports bras offer both compression and encapsulation to provide maximum support.

Choose a supportive band. A wide and supportive band is one sign of a well-made sports bra. It increases durability and also distributes pressure around your torso so the fabric doesn’t dig in. The band should fit snugly around your ribcage without being too tight, and it should stay in place during your workout.

Consider adjustable straps. Look for sports bras that have adjustable straps, which help you customize your bra to fit your body. They’re especially helpful if you have trouble finding bras to match your body shape. Like the band, sports bra straps should be wide and padded to prevent them from digging into your shoulders.

Look for moisture-wicking fabric. A high-impact sports bra should be made of sweat-wicking fabrics that will keep you dry and comfortable during your workout.

Check for chafing. Seams and rough edges can cause chafing during a heavy workout. Look for sports bras with smooth seams to ensure comfort.

As with workout tops, it’s important that workout bottoms offer comfort, ventilation, and freedom of movement. Athletic leggings, shorts, and sweatpants are some of the most popular, but there’s no one-size-fits-all best option. The best workout pants depend on the type of workout you’re doing and your personal preference.

Gym shorts are the best option when you need to stay cool. They also give your legs a lot of freedom, which makes them a great option for high-intensity workouts such as running, HIIT, and plyometrics. They’re a great pick for warm-weather workouts.

Women’s leggings are a versatile option that can be worn for a variety of workouts, including yoga, Pilates, and weightlifting. Their extra coverage helps keep your muscles warm without impeding your movements, which makes them a good choice for cold-weather runs.

Sweatpants are comfortable and warm, making them a good choice for cold-weather or low-intensity workouts. They’re also easy to take off and can fit over a pair of shorts or leggings. They’re a poor choice for high-intensity workouts because they can cause overheating, and their loose-fitting material can snag on training equipment.

What you wear on your feet is just as important as your workout clothes. Unless you favor barefoot workouts like yoga or martial arts, you’re going to need a good pair of gym shoes. Good athletic shoes have excellent traction, and they provide support and cushioning for your feet, ankles, and knees. Not only do they help you stay comfortable and reduce the chance of injuries, a well-made pair of workout shoes can also improve your performance.

Most athletic shoes are designed specifically for the demands of a certain kind of exercise, so the type of workout you’re doing will impact the type of shoe you need. 

Running shoes are designed for activities like HIIT that involve lots of running or jumping. They’re lightweight, and most of them have good shock absorption. 

Training shoes are a more versatile option designed to fit a variety of activities, including weightlifting and aerobics. They offer good lateral support and stability.

In addition to workout shoes, athletic socks are also important for a comfortable and safe workout. Look for moisture-wicking socks with lots of cushioning. Your gym socks should fit snugly around your feet and inside your shoes, and they shouldn’t slip down during your workout.

Most non-athletic clothing is built for appearance or durability, so it’ll give you subpar performance for workouts. However, there are a few specific items you should take care to avoid:

Cotton Clothing: 100% cotton clothing absorbs a lot of moisture, so it tends to become heavy and uncomfortable during your workout. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics instead.

Non-Supportive Shoes: Shoes without proper support or cushioning can cause discomfort or even injuries during your workout. Stick to shoes designed for athletic activities.

Baggy Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can get in the way as you work out. Opt for fitted clothing that allows for freedom of movement.

Jewelry: Jewelry can get caught in equipment, which can damage it and injure your hands. It's best to leave it at home.

Street Clothes: Street clothes are typically designed for comfort and style during everyday activities, and they may not have the flexibility or sweat-wicking properties you’ll need at the gym. Vigorous activities can also damage them.

Different types of workouts require different types of clothing. Here are some tips on what to wear for specific types of workouts: 

Running: Choose lightweight, breathable clothing and running shoes with good shock absorption. Bring a high-impact sports bra, especially if you’re a sprinter. If you run on rough terrain, make sure to bring trail running shoes.

Yoga/Pilates: Wear fitted, comfortable yoga clothing that allows you to move freely, such as leggings or shorts with good stretch, as well as a low-impact sports bra. There’s no need for socks or shoes for yoga, which is a barefoot activity, but make sure to bring high-grip socks to Pilates.

Weightlifting: Wear well-ventilated clothing that gives you freedom of movement. Compression shirts are a great pick here because they can give you extra support. Look for shoes with good stability and cushioning. Accessories like gloves or headbands may be helpful as well.

HIIT: Wear a breathable outfit that won’t restrict your range of motion. Look for lightweight shoes with good shock absorption and traction.

Barre: For unrestricted movement, wear a fitted top and leggings that are neither too loose nor too tight. Barre has a lot of jumping, so bring a supportive sports bra. For stability, many barre studios require high-grip socks. 

Spin: Bring a moisture-wicking top to stay cool and dry. Biking shorts are a great pick for spin because they give extra cushioning during long rides. Many spin studios require cycling shoes, which provide lots of arch support.

The right workout clothes and accessories can improve your confidence, performance, and comfort during any type of workout. In general, it’s best to find moisture-wicking clothing that keeps you comfortable and shoes with good support and stability. By knowing the demands of your workout routine and your own body, you'll be able to narrow it down further from there. 

Some of the best materials for workout tops include polyester, nylon, and spandex. These lightweight fabrics can be stretchy and moisture-wicking.

It depends on the workout, the weather, and your own preference. Shorts are a great choice for warm weather or workouts that involve a lot of movement. Leggings are more versatile and can be worn for a variety of workouts.

Good workout shoes are lightweight and breathable, with lots of support, stability, and cushioning.