Exercise & Fitness Wear Guide

If you’re challenging yourself to a new fitness routine this year, you deserve some new workout clothes. Having the right gear won’t just keep you comfortable, it can actually boost your performance and keep you motivated, too.

So say goodbye to those sweaty cotton shirts and hello to fitness wear that works out right along with you.

Here’s an excerpt from our new Exercise & Fitness Wear Guide:

Basic Workout Apparel

Whether you realize it or not, when you work out in cotton shirts and shorts they are weighing you down with the extra moisture they absorb. The best way to “lighten up” is to invest in some performance wear. For any aerobic activity, choose clothing that is made of breathable materials designed to wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly. This is especially important for the clothing that will be in direct contact with your skin.

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex are durable, lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. They also effectively regulate body temperature because of their ability to wick sweat off your skin and not absorb moisture. In the heat, this helps cool you; when your workout is over, you won’t catch a chill due to damp clothing. Virtually all high-performance workout clothes are made from one or several of these synthetic fabrics, or from a softer wool (i.e., merino wool).

For any type of fitness program, invest in a selection of the following garments for a well-rounded workout wardrobe…

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Workout Shirts and Tops

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Fitness shirts more closely resemble the jerseys of professional athletes than your regular cotton tees. They have a porous, jersey-like weave designed to wick moisture away while keeping air moving. Workout shirts come in numerous styles, from T-necks to tank tops, so they can be worn during any activity. Compression shirts make a very sleek, moisture-wicking base layer under looser-fitting tops to offer support and prevent underarm chafing.

Pants/Shorts/Bottoms

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Exercise/running pants wick away perspiration and allow for a full range of motion. These pants should offer a snug fit with ample stretch or a loose fit for easy strides. Zips or snaps at the ankles can provide easy on/ off, while elastic grippers can enhance fit.

Fitness shorts come in a variety of styles and materials and are designed with different activities in mind. For high-intensity activities like running or cross-training, look for shorter, lightweight shorts with moisture-wicking properties and added stretch for freedom of movement. Shorts with longer inseams and a jersey-like feel can be worn for activities where the risk of inner-thigh chafing is low.

Compression shorts and tights are made of sleek, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex and are worn alone or as a base layer under looser-fitting pants/ shorts to keep leg muscles warm and supported. They also prevent inner-thigh chafing by providing a slick layer between your skin and your second layer of clothing.

Quick Tip: Avoid washing most workout wear with fabric softeners. They may decrease the wicking abilities of the synthetic fabrics.

Read the rest of the Exercise & Fitness Wear Guide.