Choosing what to wear to the gym can often be half the battle of getting there. You want to pick an outfit that maximizes performance and comfort but will also lead someone to post a LikeALittle about how fine you look on an elliptical machine. After spending some time creeping in Lund we’ve compiled a list of the most popular options in workout apparel on campus to help you find the right look for whatever your objectives at the gym may be.
Tops
T-Shirts – Sometimes you can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned t-shirt. They’re cheap, they’re comfortable and by the time most people get to college they have a t-shirt collection large enough to clothe a small village. Some downsides: cotton isn’t the most breathable material, so be prepared if you plan on working up a sweat. If you aren’t willing to get pit stains on a t-shirt from your sixth grade production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat you might want to choose a different option.
Dri-Fit – Dri-Fit shirts are the super lightweight, breathable, workout shirts of the future. According to Senior Gymnast Maren Lodge, “If it’s not Dri-Fit it’s not worth wearing.” The high-tech, moisture wicking fabric keeps you feeling cool, dry and looking good. Plus you never have to put them in the drier when you’re doing laundry. Unfortunately this luxury comes at a price. A men’s Dri-Fit shirt from Nike can cost upwards of thirty dollars. Smart shoppers can find off brand versions for lower prices, but a fancy piece of apparel like this is still an investment.
Cut-offs – Cut-offs are a cheap, DIY way to stay cool at the gym while simultaneously giving everyone free tickets to the gun show. Simply take a pair of scissors to an old t-shirt and cut huge, gaping holes where the sleeves used be. Voila, you’ve instantly transformed yourself into a bro. Keep in mind that cut-offs leave very little to the imagination. But if you’ve got it and you want to flaunt it then consider the cut-off.
Bottoms
Shorts – Shorts are the obvious staple in workout apparel. With many styles to choose from, there’s room to play around and find something right for you. Here are a few basic rules to follow when choosing the right pair of shorts. 1) No denim. 2) Guys, if you can touch bare thigh when your arms are hanging down at your sides then your shorts are too short. The one exception to this rule seems to be cross-country runners for mysterious reasons that no one has fully grasped. 3) Ask yourself, “Will anyone be able to see my underwear through/up my shorts at any point during my workout?” If so, consider adding a pair of spandex or compression shorts underneath to save everyone some embarrassment.
Leggings – No matter what side you fall on the “do leggings count as pants” debate, the gym seems to be one place where this argument can be put aside for the greater cause of fitness. The tight-fitting nature of leggings reduces the chafing that exists with shorts. Plus, you can throw on a sweatband and an off the shoulder crew neck for that ‘80s music video look that’s really in right now. Just remember, leggings are to butts as cut-offs are to biceps.
Sweatpants – Sweatpants are really comfy and also appropriately named. If you want to go full-on Rocky and sweat some pounds off then sweatpants are the way to go. Wear a sweatshirt of exactly the same color for the full effect.
Shoes
Toe-Shoes – By now most people have seen those weird shoes that look like toe socks for extreme conditions. Their actual name is Vibram FiveFinger shoes, and they run from 80 to 100 dollars, depending on the model. According to Alison Agather, junior Vibram FiveFinger owner, the shoes are designed to mimic how humans were built to run—barefoot. They build arch support and calf muscles in ways that regular shoes don’t. Also, you can pick things up from the ground with your feet like a monkey.
Tennis Shoes – If you aren’t feeling particularly adventurous or you can’t stand the feeling of things between your toes, you’ll probably want to stick with regular tennis shoes. Different shoes are better for different kinds of feet and for different workouts. Websites like www.runnersworld.com are a good resource if you are looking for tips on what kind of running shoes to buy. Many salespeople at sporting goods stores are trained in shoe knowledge as well and can be helpful when looking for the right pair of kicks. Shoes can make or break a workout, so make sure you’ve found something that works well for you.
Hopefully now you are ready to hit the gym in style. Can’t wait to see you there. Especially if you’re wearing leggings and a cut-off.
This is great. Good advice interspersed with hilarious commentary on current work-out fashions. Or maybe the other way around…? Regardless, love it.
Thanks for your fedbeack Daphne. Let me know what page or item you are having trouble with and I will be sure it is fixed.
Hey Tara – it was great senieg you at the party! I didn’t realize you were coming from another event, you party animal you.I ended up trying out Ultimate Band, and surprisingly didn’t make a complete fool of myself. My kids were relieved.
Howdy, any particular outfit recommendation for indoor, or even gym training on a threadmill or incline trainer?
I’m thinking of getting a Freemotion Incline Trainer and wondering what outfits will be best suited for such.
Many thanks.
I like what you say and recognise what you mean with these comments. When it comes to shoes, many of the fitness workouts will need something more robust. Play the field for sure; make sure my product is among those considered!
Sindy
I think there is no specific sporting equipment that really fit for a particular activity.
I mean, I could do some exercise at the gym without wearing anything. In short, being comfortable on what you wear or not wearing anything is not the main concern for having a good exercise.
fitness and fashion are really getting to the point of outrageous, right?
there was a time when your focus was getting to feel good and strong. now its more and more becoming a place to sport the latest fashion fit wear.
Great work with the sorhts. I need to make a few and use my new coverstitch machine for the hem.
Useful material, many thanks for sharing these in this post.
I just wear a t shirt and be done with it, oh and shorts of course! Works for me but then again I don’t like to push myself too hard.
nice blog about t-shirts
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article, and i am hoping the same work from you in the future as well. Thanks for sharing us this article!
This one is spot on; from experience, I can tell that going to the gym with sub-par outfit is not a good idea. Three years ago I cancelled my subscription to a gym because I was ashamed of how I looked with my old t-shirts and shorts 🙁
This year though, I went to shopping before subscribing to another gym, bought the coolest t-shirts and shorts (the dryfit and all) and I’ve frequented for six months without a break. Knock on wood 🙂
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..
I just desired to comment your we blog and say that I really enjoyed reading through your blog site publish appropriate here. It was really informative and I also digg the way you publish!
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vibrant clear idea
Yay google is my queen helped me to find this great site! .
This article certainly gets you thinking and will engage you with humor along the way. I can identify with many of the scenarios mentioned. I would definitely recommend more of today’s fashions with moisture wicking and comfort fit properties especially when doing yoga, zumba and other gym related activities.