What Clothes to Wear for Every Type of Workout
Without frightful winter weather hindering your workouts, there’s no time like the present to get out and move your body. Whether an outdoor run or a relaxing hot yoga class is more your speed, an appropriate wardrobe for your preferred physical activity is of utmost importance. After all, a mid-exercise wardrobe malfunction could easily ruin your workout, which you might’ve even paid $30 or more to do! To demonstrate our point, we’ve broken it down into a few popular categories of workouts and what you should wear to participate in each!
Scroll down to read about the best gear for each type and to shop our most adored pieces for each!
The most important quaility to look for when shopping for yoga outfits is that they’re formfitting, unless you want to flash the yogi behind you while in down dog. Tanks with built-in sports bras are your friend. You’re in luck, as there are a plethora of stylish options out there, tailor-made for yoga classes. Bonus: This gear is also great for Pilates and barre classes!
Splits59 Langley Slim Fit Tights ($106) in Blue Jean/Heather Grey
Free People Amanda Tank ($68) in Dusty Rose
Alo Yoga Gem Bra ($50) in Royalty/Dark Granite/Black
Lucas Hugh Technical Knit Stretch Shorts ($55) in Black
Given the stationary nature of Spin classes, your wardrobe options are a bit more flexible. Just have fun with it and avoid wearing shorts. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as mesh are also essential, as those rooms tend to get quite hot.
Koral Muscle Tank ($75) in White
Theory + Shift Tia Leggings ($140) in Red Coral
Shimano SH-WR32 Cycling Shoes ($100) in Black
Michi Chameleon Tank ($110) in Acid Yellow/Grey
When choosing running clothes, it’s best to consider the elements, as it’s usually an activity done outdoors. Shorts that won’t hinder your stride are a must in the summer months, as is a sturdy sports bra, year-round. Fabrics that wick the sweat away from your body will make for a most pleasant experience.
Lululemon Water: Sea-Me Run Shorts ($58)
Koral Chi Tank ($148) in Citron
Nike Free 4.0 V5 Women’s Running Shoes ($90) in Black/Cool Grey/White
Daquini Lotus Bra ($110) in Black
Norma Kamali Side Stripe Job Pants Combo ($170)
Unless you’re a professional ballerina, it’s probably best to not get too literal about your wardrobe for ballet class. But pieces inspired by the dance form are more than welcome. As it’s quite the trendy workout at the moment, there are many lovely options to choose from. In fact, we had trouble narrowing them down!
Free People Remi Leggings ($88) in Plum
Ballet Beautiful Slate Grey Satin Workout Slippers with Elastic ($42)
Free People + Onzie Ballerina Crop Top ($52) in Blush
Ballet Beautiful Mesh-Trimmed Stretch Leotard ($60) in Black
Related: 20 Pieces You'll Need for a Ballet-Inspired Look
Depending on the trail, hiking can be quite intense, with heavy brush and rocky terrain along the way. Dress accordingly and cover your legs for protection, and by all means, wear appropriate footwear! There’s nothing worse than seeing a girl wearing platforms on the trail. Trust us, we’ve seen it all in the Hollywood Hills. Additionally, the climate can change a lot along the way in the mountains, so be sure to layer!
Lululemon The Best Vest Jacket ($178) in Silver Fox
Athleta Trekkie Joggers ($89) in Jasper Green
New Balance 101 Women’s Trail Running Sneakers ($90)
Columbia Freezer Zero Bandana ($28) in Sedona SageWhat’s your favorite type of workout and where do you shop for gear? Tell us in the comments below!
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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