Routines have been thrown up in the air and many have had to adjust and find new ways to pursue their goals. Plenty of us have struggled and feel a bit lost.
One way or another, sooner or later, gyms will return to something like business as usual. We can’t wait! But we can’t overlook the fact that many people will need to recover some motivation to get back to it, or perhaps even join a gym for the first time.
We understand that for many women, deciding what to wear to the gym can be a source of stress and anxiety. It can be a headache to balance what is comfortable, what looks good, and what is appropriate to wear to your workout. But here at Gym+Coffee, we want to put to rest misconceptions and anxieties about what to wear to the gym once and for all!
Let’s take on some of the questions you might have about women’s gym clothing in 2021.
What should I avoid wearing to the gym?
For the most part, the best thing for you to wear to the gym is always what makes you feel most comfortable in your own skin. However, there are also some items that we think are wise to avoid. These include 100% cotton fabrics, old or stretched workout clothes, and clothes that are too loose or too tight. Read on for more.
Why can’t I wear cotton to the gym?
Listen, we hear you. Sometimes, you just want to throw on your favourite old cotton tee and be out the door. But unfortunately, while convenient, this gym wear option has some major drawbacks. Clothes that are 100% cotton absorb every bit of sweat your body produces, causing clothes to become damp, soggy, and heavy. So, though you might be feeling extra comfy when you enter the gym, by the time you leave, you’ll be feeling more like a wet, sweaty blanket.
Instead of cotton, look for gym wear designed with sweat-friendly moisture-wicking synthetic or blended fabrics, designed to be breathable while still repelling sweat, to keep you comfortable, dry and fresh during your workout.
What if my gym clothing has lost its shape?
While it can be tempting to hang on to workout clothing for as long as is possible, your gym wear won’t last forever. It’s just part of life; all clothes wear out, especially items that go through high-intensity activities like working out.
There will come a time when you’ll have to make a call on retiring some of your gym clothes. They can become awkward and inappropriate as they lose their form, especially sports bras, which can lack adequate support when over-worn.
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with giving your gym wardrobe a glow-up. New gym clothes aren’t just important for replacing shapeless old items, they can also help you build confidence as you start a new workout routine.
How well do my gym clothes need to fit?
Of course, fit is always a crucial component of looking your best, but it’s especially important in the gym. A baggy pair of sweatpants might be ideal for a lazy day on the couch or a casual brunch, but loose-fitting items can snag on workout equipment. Getting tangled up in an elliptical is a less-than-glamorous look… not that I know anything about that, ahem… Let’s move on. Instead, opt for leggings that fit close to the body to give you wonderful ease of movement.
On the other hand, you also don’t want to wear clothes that are too tight. Gym clothes that fit too snuggly will restrict the range of motion necessary for you to get a full workout, not to mention being uncomfortable and prone to rips and tears. The best clothes to wear to the gym will always be the ones to make you feel most confident, and nothing makes you feel more confident than the perfect fit.
What clothes do I need to wear to the gym?
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, now it’s time for the good stuff! From sports bras to trendy high-waisted activewear leggings, we at Gym+Coffee are here to answer your questions about the best pieces to wear to the gym.
Can I wear a sports bra to the gym?
If you’re new to the gym or are returning after a long break, you might find yourself wondering: Are sports bras appropriate to wear to the gym? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” As long as they fit well with proper support, sports bras are completely appropriate gym attire. In fact, a sports bra with a good fit can be one of the best things you can wear to the gym because they offer a full range of motion in your arms and shoulders, making it easy to achieve a full body workout.
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However, while you should never feel self-conscious about wearing a sports bra to the gym, there are a variety of reasons why some people prefer coverage options, like gym t-shirts (Some of us just get chilly!) Unlike cotton tees that get waterlogged with sweat, gym tees made of synthetic fabrics or a cotton blend offer a comfy and casual fit with a fabric design that keeps moisture to a minimum.
Shop Short Sleeve Gym T-shirts for Women at Gym+Coffee
What should I look for in leggings and tights?
In the gym, leggings are a girl’s best friend. And these days, there are boundless options to choose from. With so many options, it can be difficult to know what to look for when selecting the best leggings for the gym - We actually wrote a whole guide on how to choose the right gym leggings, which you can read for all the detail.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Length: If you’re more hot-natured, you might want to look for capri length leggings. If you want something warmer, look for full-length options to keep your ankles toasty.
Material: Look for leggings made of moisture-wicking material blends for maximum workout comfort. Read more about how to choose the right leggings here.
Style: The ideal pair of gym leggings are as fierce as they are functional. To get the perfect post-workout selfie, look for flattering high-waisted leggings with visible seams to accentuate the muscles of your legs.
What shoes should I wear to the gym?
Finding the best shoes to wear to the gym is not a simple process. The best gym footwear for you depends largely on the kind of training you’ll be doing.
Running shoes are of course an excellent option if you prefer intense cardio-workouts, like treadmills. However, if your workout routine involves a lot of weightlifting and deadlifts, flat soled shoes or shoes with minimal arches will be your best bet. Some people even deadlift in their socks, to allow their feet feel the full contact of the ground.
If you have a coach, talk to them and they’ll be able to advise on the best type of footwear for your chosen activity.
Where should I store my phone in the gym?
We’ve all been there- you’re feeling great, in a nice stretchy pair of leggings and your fly workout t-shirt, ready to take on the world. You put in your headphones, start playing some hype beats, and then… realise that you have nowhere to stash your phone. Few things can bring the mood of a workout down faster than finding yourself pocketless, or worse, music-less! So, as you look for new workout clothes don’t forget to consider the option of pockets if you think you’ll need them. Leggings with phone pockets, work-out hoodies, and athleisure jackets are all great options for making sure you always have some storage space in your style. Our All-In Pant 2.0 range comes in amazing colours and…sneaky side pockets more than big enough to hold your phone!
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In order to build positive habits that create lasting change, you need to start with making sure that you have the confidence to follow through with these habits. That’s why putting thought into what to wear to the gym is so crucial. Making sure you look and feel your best while working out is a form of self-care that can help you build a healthier and happier future.
Check out Gym+Coffee for quality, Irish women’s gym clothes and get ready to be fit and fabulous this year and beyond!
